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  A RALLY FOR VICTOR OSIMHEN AND ALL NIGERIAN ATHLETES Over the past weekend, the developments that came out Napoli as it pertains Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen saddened me greatly. The travails of Tobi Amusan have been no less so. This necessitated why last week, I made efforts to reach her directly. Moreso, my office is making efforts to reach Victor Osimhen directly as well, so as to understand first hand what the issues are. We are committed to establishing the facts of the matter. I am also in touch with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as well as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Italy, Ambassador Mfawa Abam. Together, we are employing diplomatic avenues with Italy for a more decorous approach in looking into the matter as it is. Under the present administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are committed to ensuring our sports men and women are accorded the respect they deserve and are not exposed to inj

 MINISTRY WILL PRIORITIZE FUNDING FOR ALL SPORTS, MINISTER ASSURES _Says proper budgeting key to curbing recurring financial issues_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has reiterated that his administration prioritizes the funding of sports in the country, as the Ministry will work with all sports federations to determine focus areas, through budgetary submissions. The Minister made this known during a briefing with pressmen in Asaba, host city of the 7th National Youth Games. He stated that his experience in this area, while serving as the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation (Federal House of Representatives) led him to proactively direct on the necessary steps to take for the proper funding of sports in the country. "The only way to provide for the proper funding of sports is to look at the number of federations, an itemization of their peculiar activities, and to provide as needed," Senator Enoh said. "For example, if in

  Sports Minister Excited About Young Talents Emerging From National Youth Games The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has expressed his delight over the number of emerging talents being discovered at the ongoing National Youth Games, taking place in Asaba, Delta State. Senator Enoh stated that the Games is staying true to its purpose of providing a platform for young talents to be unearthed.  He noted that talents are not in short supply in the country, what is needed is the platform for visibility. He stressed that the ministry is not oblivious of this need, and his administration is determined to make available these platforms across the federation. "This edition of the National Youth Games has given visibility to very talented kids that represent the future of our sports as a nation. Availability of talents has never been a problem for our sports, but instead the provision of platforms for these talents to be seen has remained our achilles heel,

  SCRABBLE JAMZ: • Frontpage Couture fulfill it's pledge to the Pan African Scrabble Association President's Cup winners and others ...Promises to support the governing body of the game of words in Africa in the years to come ...As players and officials heap praise on CEO of the frontline apparel designers, Charles Uzamere By Maxwell Kumoye      The inaugural edition of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) President's Cup (PPC) and the African Youth Scrabble Championship (AYSC) that took place at the luxurious and serine Orchid Hotel and Chrisland School in Lekki -Lagos, South West, Nigeria may have come and gone but the positive vibes, sweet memories and long lasting friendship coupled with a host of enduring partnership struck during and after both events is still echoing across the continent and beyond. Report reaching your authoritative news channel has its that the players, officials as well as delegates and the corporate bodies that were part of the five day

  FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FULLY BACKS NIGERIA’S BID TO HOST AFCON 2027 Sports Minister, NFF jet out for meeting with CAF EXCO in Egypt  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh will be attending the Confederation of African Football Executive Committee meeting in Cairo, Egypt, as the nation solidifies its bid to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament for the first time since 1980. Nigeria and the Republic of Benin presented a joint bid to host the tournament. The Minister and the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) will be attending the meeting as representatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria. During the meeting, Nigeria will make its presentation to the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African football, (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt. Senator Owan Enoh is attending the meeting alongside top members of Nigeria Football Federation. All countries who submitted bids to host the AFCON tournament in 2025 and 2027 respectively are e

  NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES PANORAMA : • Games Project Manager speaks on how they are able to meet the accommodation needs and how Governor Oborevwori backed them ...Some States came with more delegates than they entered for - Dr. Ademola Are ...As athIetes, officials rate stay in the hostel very high and homely By Maxwell Kumoye and Fred Edoreh   The project officer for hostel accommodation at the ongoing 7th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, South South, Nigeria, Dr. Ademola Are, has shed more light on how they were able to meet the accommodation of athIetes and officials at the games. Dr Are, gave the plans and action of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) in the area of accommodation on Monday at the Saint Patrick College venue of the rugby event of the games. He said shift in date of the competition by the Sports Ministry affected the accommodation arrangement already finalized by the Committee. "During preparations we were able to earmark Osadebe University, I

  NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES : • 70 players from 17 States search for honours in the scrabble event of the 7th National Youth Games in Asaba ...Six gold medals up for grab as scrabble jamming session begins Monday ...The NSF will continue to open up the space for the game of scrabble to blossom - Engineer Toke Aka  By Maxwell Kumoye      70 players from 17 States of the Federation have confirmed their participation in the scrabble event at the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, the Delta State capital, South South, Nigeria. The players will be competing for honours in six categories. Boys and girls doubles, mixed doubles, boys and girls singles and the team event for boys and girls. A look at the numbers of players in Asaba, Nigeria's Sporting capital shows that 37 of the scrabble contingent are boys and 33 are girls and all the Sporting Zones of the country are represented. South South Zone is heavily represented by Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Rivers while Kwara, Nasara

  “There's No Greater Honour In Sports Than Representing Your Country - Aristide Goualin Nigeria Rugby Player The African Sevens Olympic qualifier in Harare, Zimbabwe might have come and gone but the camaraderie amongst players and coaches, euphoria around the competition, the close shave misses, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and tears of victory from the faces of individuals whose countries  qualified for the Olympics or picked an Olympic  play offs tickets; cannot be forgotten, for  a player Aristide Goualin who has expressed his views on the Black Stallions not too fruitful journey Ten years ago was the last time he  played for the  Nigerian senior men national team, the Black Stallions and for him to be invited and eventually made the team to the qualifiers in Zimbabwe, was no mean feat. Sharing his feelings on the qualifiers  on his Instagram handle @ar1stide after the tournament, Aristide Goualin described his return as an immeasurable honour adding that Nigeria r

 "WE WANT TO CREATE VIABLE CAREER PATHWAYS FOR YOUNG NIGERIAN TALENTS" - SPORTS MINISTER SAYS"  _Calls for allied action in the fight against age-cheating and doping violation_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that beyond laurels and glory at competitions, his administration is focused on ensuring teeming youths with talents in the country forge viable career pathways as athletes. The Minister made the statement during a briefing in Asaba, as he reiterated the unwavering commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to continually pay utmost attention to every facet of sports development in the country. "I can assure you that the present leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shall pay undivided attention to the development of the abundant talents we have all around the nation," John Enoh said. "We do this not just with an eye on podium performances, but to also create career

  BASKETBALL SHOTS : • Air Warriors, Rocks and Nigeria Customs start final Savannah Conference play-offs of NBBF Zenith Women's Basketball League with a big smile ...Kada Angels of Kaduna fails to turn up in Lafia By Maxwell Kumoye        Air Warriors of Abuja, Plateau Rocks of Jos and Nigeria Customs of Abuja started the final phase of the Savannah Conference play-offs in Lafia the capital of Nasarawa State, North Central, Nigeria on a winning noted. Air warriors of Abuja recorded a 22 points margin victory over Nigerian Army Basketball Club. 61 - 39 was the final result of the game. Home ladies, Nassarawa Amazon came close in winning their Match Day 1 encounter against Plateau Rocks but fell short by two points. 61 - 59 it ended in favour of Plateau Rocks. Nigerian Custom that are yet to drop a game since the play offs started did not drop a sweat as their opponent Kada Angles of Kaduna failed to turn up. Customs therefore got a 20 points walkover. The top four teams at the en

 SPORTS MINISTER SUES FOR PEACE AND GREATER UNITY, AS 7TH NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES FLAGS OFF IN ASABA The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has sued for peace and greater unity amongst athletes and states participating in the 7th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. The Minister made the statement as he performed a kolanut breaking exercise, a traditional symbolism for peace, friendship and positive ideals.  He thanked the Government of Delta State for accepting to host the Games, reiterating that benefits abounds for both the State and the nation, at large. “Present here in Asaba, are boys and girls from far away states in the North, South, East and West. Let this game catalyze us to work together, compete together, stay together and be able to understand each other. Our hope is that this National Youth Games will assist Government and the people of Nigeria to foster peace and unity with one another.” “I thank the Delta State Governmen

  PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU DECLARES 7TH NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES OPEN IN ASABA, DELTA STATE The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared open the 7th edition of the National Youth Games, taking place in Asaba, Delta State. The President who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh said that the Games should promote the spirit of friendship amongst all states.   He urged all state officials and athletes to compete with the spirit of fairness and togetherness, while putting the interests of the nation first. The Games will take place between September 23rd - 30th, 2023 across multiple venues in the Delta state capital. More than 5,742 athletes from the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory will compete for medals in 35 different sports. SIGNED: The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development. September 23, 2023.

 FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT, ABUJA  Breaking News SPORTS MINISTER JOINS GOV OBOREVWORI TO DECLARE 7TH NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES OPEN The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh is to join the Executive Governor, Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori to flag off the 7th edition of the National Youth Games scheduled to officially commence today, Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the Delta State Capital. The duo is expected to be joined by members of the National Assembly and other top government officials from Delta State The opening ceremony has commenced at the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. The event is expected to feature not less than 5,742 athletes from across the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who will jostle for honours in 35 sports. Signed Mohammed Manga, FCAI Director, Press and Public Relations  September 23, 2023

  Sports Minister Holds Meeting with Spanish Regional Sports Secretary to Forge Collaborative Relationship The Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh held a fruitful meeting with the General Secretary for Sports, Spanish Andalusian region, José Maria Arrabal Sedano, on the sidelines of the World Football Summit in Seville. The central component of the deliberations on Thursday, were hinged on how to build a collaborative relationship that will emphasize resource and knowledge sharing to advance sports development for national interests.  Senator Enoh said that Nigeria has lessons to learn from the region that has been instrumental in the success of seven-time champions of Europe, Sevilla Football Club. The Minister stated that Sevilla FC reflects the results that can be achieved from high-level organization in an ecosystem where sports operates at a professional level. He added that Nigerian sports will hope to borrow a leaf from their successful model, as hi

  La Liga Giants FC Barcelona, Sri Lankan Government Advances Partnership with Nigeria on Football and Cricket With Nigeria continually benefitting from its participation at the World Football Summit in Seville, Spain, an offer from the Government of Sri Lanka to partner Nigeria in the development of Cricket and Hockey represents the latest silver lining for the nation. This development represents a double swoop for the country, as Barca Innovation Hub also registered its readiness to partner Nigeria in the areas of football education and training. Nigeria's delegation at the World Football Summit, led by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh had fruitful engagements with Sri Lankan Government officials, who revelead their desire to offer technical support for the growth of sports, especially cricket and hockey in Nigeria. Sri Lanka has steadily ranked amongst top nations in cricket globally, since 1965, when it joined the International Cricket Counc

 BASKETBALL SHOTS: • Air Warriors, Rocks and Nigeria Customs start final Savannah Conference play-offs of NBBF Zenith Women's Basketball League with a big smile ...Kada Angels of Kaduna fails to turn up in Lafia By Maxwell Kumoye        Air Warriors of Abuja, Plateau Rocks of Jos and Nigeria Customs of Abuja started the final phase of the Savannah Conference play-offs in Lafia the capital of Nasarawa State, North Central, Nigeria on a winning noted. Air warriors of Abuja recorded a 22 points margin victory over Nigerian Army Basketball Club. 61 - 39 was the final result of the game. Home ladies, Nassarawa Amazon came close in winning their Match Day 1 encounter against Plateau Rocks but fell short by two points. 61 - 59 it ended in favour of Plateau Rocks. Nigerian Custom that are yet to drop a game since the play offs started did not drop a sweat as their opponent Kada Angles of Kaduna failed to turn up. Customs therefore got a 20 points walkover. The top four teams at the end

 Sports Minister Advances Nigeria’s Interests in Tapping into Sports Economic Valuechain at World Football Summit   The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh is participating in the World Football Summit, where he is advancing Nigeria’s interest to tap into the economic valuechain of sports, especially football, as top echelons of the sport conglomerate in Seville, Spain. On the first day of the showpiece event, Senator Enoh held discussions with FIFA’s Secretary General, Fatma Samoura on ways to drive sports development in the most populous black nation in the world. The Minister also met with accomplished Bangladeshi sports investor and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as the duo advanced discussions on sports investment. Nigeria’s delegation at the foremost global football event includes former special adviser on Sports to the President and board member of the Nigerian Premier Football League, Daniel Amokachi, 2nd Vice President, Nigerian

 #ITTFAChamps2023: Sports Minister Showers Encomiums on Team Nigeria _Salutes Quadri, Oshonaike, and Bello for clinching gold medals_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh congratulates Team Nigeria athletes for making the country proud at the 2023 Africa Senior Table Tennis Championships, held in Tunis, Tunisia, between September 11 - 17, 2023. Africa's top-ranked player, Aruna Quadri won gold for Nigeria in the men's singles after defeating familiar foe, Ahmed Saleh of Egypt by 4-0 (11-2, 12-10, 11-6, 11-6) in the final match played in Tunis. The victory ensured Quadri retained his African title at the same venue where he lost the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games ticket, due to an injury. In the Women's Doubles event, Nigeria's duo of Funke Oshonaike and Fatimo Bello combined their experience and youthful energy to overpower Cameroon's Sarah Hanffou and Egypt's Marwa Alhodaby 3-2 (11-8, 8-11, 11-4, 7-11, 12-10), as the Nigerians clinche

  2023: Naija Ratels, Delta Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Other NWFL Clubs For Sheroes Cup, Action Kicks Off Oct 7 Organisers of the Sheroes Cup have revealed that the 2023 Sheroes Cup is scheduled to kick-off October 7, 2023 in Abuja. Already, 12 clubs have confirmed their participation and are expected to take part when the Premiership level of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) gets underway, which also serves as pre-season tournament The participating clubs include Adamawa Queens FC, Bayelsa Queens FC, Confluence Queens FC, Dannaz Ladies FC, Delta Queens FC, Edo Queens FC, Ekiti Queens FC, Naija Ratels FC, Nasarawa Amazons FC, Rivers Angels FC, Royal Queens FC and Sunshine Queens FC. President, Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barr. Paul Edeh, while disclosing this in a press statement on Tuesday, said this year's football event would be remarkably dedicated to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Nigeria women who are making the country pro

  Press Release! OsunFA Partners Blackdrum 360 On Streaming Services  In its bid to drive successful grassroot programs with latest technologies, Osun State Football Associations have partnered with broadcast technology company Blackdrum 360 Ltd., to help power the streaming service that will be available for fans and scouts for the upcoming grassroots competitions. With its head office in Lagos and operating beyond the shores of Africa, Blackdrum 360 is a full service production company, designing, producing, and broadcasting live content for global brand leaders will help promote and broadcast Osun FA grassroot matches and its proposed league to fans and stakeholders. Technically, Osun FA has been adamant that in the upcoming season, watching games for fans will be easier than ever. Blackdrum 360 a company that specializes in producing and distributing content to audiences, has experience in this realm having worked on various projects that are visible online. According to Osun FA su

  Sports Minister Congratulates Ese Brume for Podium Finish at the Diamond League _Urges star to be proud of her achievements and remain focus on the goal_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has congratulated Nigerian long jumper, Ese Brume for her silver medal achievement in the long jump event at the Diamond league, in Eugene, Oregon. Brume came close to winning her first Diamond League title after leaping 6.85m, just as Ivana Vuketa, who won gold. The Minister lauded the Nigerian for finishing strong, despite missing out of first place by very small margins. "Ese Brume has continued to make us proud time and again. From the Olympics, to the Commonwealth Games, to Diamond Leagues, Ese has consistently ranked amongst the top athletes in her sports, globally." "While it is disappointing that she narrowly missed out on the Diamond League title, I want to state that the country remains proud of her achievements. I am sure that she will bo

Sports Minister to Join Industry Experts at World Football Summit in Spain Nigeria's Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh will on Monday, September 18th, depart the shores of the country for Spain, where he will join industry experts at the World Football Summit, holding between September 20-21, 2023. The gathering of global football aficionados will take place in Seville, in the Andalusian region of Spain. John Enoh will be participating in the event to further open up Nigeria to better footballing and sporting opportunities, as well as collaborate with other countries in a bid to reposition the sport in the nation. In the past week, the Minister received Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ignacio Sell, as both nations discussed bilateral collaboration avenues. Spain stands as one of the biggest footballing nations in the world, with the country winning the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and its elite league ranked amongst the top five in europe. "Nigeri

  TICKING THE RIGHT BOXES - BARRISTER DAMOLA FOLARERA AWOSIKA • Am ready and willing to give basketball a lift ...Youth development and empowerment is very dear to me, CEO, Hoop Dreams Nigeria - Awosika By Maxwell Kumoye    The success story of the game of basketball in Nigeria is not complete without mentioning Hoop Dreams Nigeria (HDN), based in the ancient and historic city of Ibadan in Oyo State, South West, Nigeria which is a little over eight years old now. Hoop Dreams Nigeria (HDN), that is open to male and female kids between 5 and 18 years old age is a platform that enables them grow in the slamming and dunking game and also secure quality education either at home or abroad. The Academy is one of the fastest breeding ground for the various tiers of the the domestic leagues and the national youth teams. Over 3,000 children have passed through the Hoop Dreams Nigeria (HDN), in the last eight years with top quality coaching and mentoring without charge and all the bills of Acade

  SCRABBLE JAMZ: • NSF boss Engineer Toke Aka says Nigeria is ready to host the second edition of West Africa Scrabble Championship ...Abuja likely host city of the Championship in November By Maxwell Kumoye and Mishael Emmanuel        The President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) Engineer, Chief Toke Aka, says they are ready to host a befitting second edition of the West Africa Scrabble Championship (WASC) later this year. Aka told your authoritative Scrabble News Channel that (NSF) is working hand in hand with the Scrabble Associations of Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone for a hitch free event. Seventy five wordsmith from five countries are expected to compete for honours at the championship which was last won by Eta Karo in the individual category and Team Nigeria in the team event. We understand that Abuja is likely to host the competition scheduled to hold in the month of November and the Nigeria Scrabble Federation has set in motion plans for a memorable Champion

  SPORTS DEVELOPMENT - SCRABBLE JAMZ: • Funding a major constraint to the growth of the game of scrabble in The Gambia  ...Gambia Scrabble Association to take sport to schools - GSA President, Dr Abba Hydara ...PANASA President's Cup and AYSC a phenomenal that added gloss to the game of scrabble in Africa By Maxwell Kumoye      Lack of funding has been identified as one of the major reasons why the game of Scrabble in The Gambia is taking the back seat on the continent despite having a good number of talented, experienced and creative wordsmith in their midst.   This is the candid submission of the national number four player in the almost landlocked country of The Gambia, Dr. Abba Hydara in an exclusive interview at the Orchid Hotel, Ikota-Lekki, Lagos after the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of the President's Cup (PPC) and the African Youth Scrabble Championship (AYSC). “As you know, The Gambia is one of the smallest almost landlocked country in West Africa with a l

Sports Minister Sets up Urgent Meeting with Club Owners, Referees Before Commencement of NPFL As matters continue to arise from the snub of Nigerian match officials for AFCON 2023 duties, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh has called for an urgent engagement with the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) club owners and referees. The minister requested to personally meet with these group of stakeholders before the commencement of the new elite league season, so as to communicate officially with them. Senator Enoh said that “we must strive to get it right this time, because we cannot afford to keep going in circles. I am glad that there is a 30% increment on the indemnities of referees. Other things must be put in place to create an enabling environment for officiating to be at a level we want.” “Referees are an important part of football and their performance can have an impact on results, general ranking of our league and the kind of image we have, so w

  Inyama, Former NNL Chairman Hails NLO On Super Cup Former NNL Chairman and NFF Executive Committee Member, High Chief Emeka Inyama, has poured praises on the board of the Nationwide League One over the organization of the inagural NLO/ Ikukuoma Super Cup in Ihitte/Uboma. The tournament hit its climax on Saturday with Tudun Wada and Ave FC set to spark fireworks at the final billed for the Uboma Secondary School Stadium complex.  Inyama while urging the NLO to remain consistent in its drive to rebrand Nigeria's football foundation said. "I'm impressed with what I've seen, watched good football, seen talented young players and off course a wonderful facility. The matches have been fantastic for the level of football. This is how it should be, as football in Nigeria has to be foundational. "I want to give credit to the Nationwide League One (NLO) for a top notch organization of the the U19 Youth League Super Cup. It's also interesting that all the matches playe