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  FCT SWAN GETS ELECTORAL  COMMITTEE In a quest to have a unified election in the Federal Capital Territory, the National leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has appointed a six member electoral committee for the chapter. Patrick Ngwaogu of the ExclusiveNews Newspaper was appointed as the Chairman of the Committee, with Aniete Patrick serving as the Secretary. Other members are Edwin Akwue of Voice of Nigeria, Modupe Oyewale of Hotfm, Akin Bolarinwa of Apex Media and Mike Ndidi. The Committee is task of managing the electoral processes and conducting credible elections that will usher in a new state executive committee on or before the end of April 2024, relying on the relevant articles in SWAN statues. The Committee is also to ensure the registration of members before the date of the elections and make a comprehensive list of the members before the elections. In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Committee, Patrick Ngwaogu said the task befo...

 Green Lock FC Consults Veteran Developmental Coach, Siji Lagunju to Strengthen Team   It is said that, "An elderly person at home is like living golden treasure.” Fast rising Abuja based youth football team, Green Lock  FC in the quest for further development of its players has summoned the experience of former Nigerian International and veteran coach, a former Assistant Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Mr. Siji Lagunju to provide an expert insight on improving the training strategy for the grooming of the players. Koji as he is fondly referred to is credited with the honors of playing crucial background roles in the successes recorded by the youth teams of the national teams at the various continental and International competitions, particularly in the selection of players and formulation  of training programmes ahead of tournaments.  Green Lock FC desires to tap into this illustrious capacity ahead of the next phase of its growth an...

  SCRABBLE JAMZ: •  Kaduna Central Scrabble Club picks first ticket to the finals of the NSF Inter Club Championship  ...Brushes aside South Side Scrabble Club to pick the northwest ticket By Maxwell Kumoye           The identity of teams that will compete in the finals of the 2024 Nigeria Scrabble Federation, (NSF), Inter Club Championship scheduled to hold in the ancient Rock City of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, is getting clearer. The first team to punch it's ticket to the finals scheduled for April is Kaduna Central Scrabble Club, from the North West zone under the leadership of Othman Abdulaziz. They secured their passage into the much awaited finals with the help of Sadiq Abubakar, Baba Adamu, Suraj Aminu, Orkuma Gideon, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir and Attahiru Abdullahi at the expense of South Side Scrabble Club also of Kaduna at the weekend after a titanic battle at the Jollywood Gardens, Sabon Tasha. Despite the efforts of...

  AWARDS AND RECOGNITION: •  Former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare & Team to spice up National Sportsville Awards ...Awards nomination thrills Mrs Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye             The strong cast of dignitaries set to grace this year's edition of the prestigious National Sportsville Special Recognition Award is growing bigger and bigger by the day. The latest to append his name to the list is the immediate past Sports Minister, Honourable Sunday Dare. Chief Dare, who was honoured on Saturday in Abuja by Frontier Television with Service Award, confirmed his attendance when he spoke with Adekunle Salami, the Chairman of the Organising Committee. "Count me in to grace the occasion. I will not only attend, but  I will be coming with a powerful delegation," promises the man whose imprints as Sports Minister has continued to resonate in the sports circle. Dare's conformation has increased the number o...

  Sunday Dare Scoops Another Important Award  In less than a decade, Chief Sunday Dare, Commander of the order of the Niger, CON, FNIS, would be having many more medals and accolades on his well-stocked award shelves. The Agba-Akin of Ogbomosho land was the cynosure of all eyes at the New Frontiers Television, 10 year anniversary Merit award ceremony. Honourable Sunday Dare has added another accolade to his trophy-laden career. The global communications and multimedia expert with a journalistic experience spanning over 29 years and covering three continents is being conferred on him the distinguished service award by the New Frontiers Television, Abuja.  It is apparently in recognition of his general contributions to national growth and youth development. The new feat has, therefore, been described by many of his associates, mentees, friends, and well-wishers as “another feather befitting of a well-decorated cap.” The award took place at the church auditorium of the prest...

#AfricanGames2024: Sports Minister Visits Team Nigeria’s Training Camps to Motivate Athletes _Charges athletes to deliver best ever appearance_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has issued a rallying call to Team Nigeria athletes, urging them to strive for excellence and make the 2024 African Games the nation's best appearance at the Games. Senator Enoh's call comes as Nigeria gears up to compete in the prestigious sporting event to be hosted in Accra, Ghana. In an impassioned address to the athletes during an interactive session on Wednesday, Senator Enoh emphasized the importance of giving their all and aiming for nothing short of gold in all sports and events. He encouraged the athletes to tap into their potential, showcasing the spirit of resilience, determination, and sportsmanship that defines Nigerian athletes. "I encourage you all to make this edition our best African Games appearance. I urge you all to draw inspiration from Nige...

  NNPC End its Sports Fiesta With Fun And Glamour. Akinkunle Bolarinwa  It was a landmark show put up by the foremost oil industry in the nation as the Apex oil manufacturer known as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) rounded up its Sports Fiesta with fun and pageantry. Staffers of the corporation participated and competed in 13 events in a competition that started on Friday, February 24, 2024. Team Integrity emerged as the overall winner of the 13th edition of the NNPC Limited Sports Fiesta tagged “Abuja 2024”. The team won 21 gold, 15 silver and 18 bronze medals to emerge the best team, while Team Sustainability secured 17 gold, 21 silver and 21 bronze medals to finish as runner up. Team Excellence garnered 17 gold, 18 silver and 22 bronze to place third. The games events are football, basketball, volleyball, chess, squash, scrabble, 8-ball pool, golf, tennis, table tennis, badminton, swimming and athletics. The NNPC Limited Head of Human Capital Management (...

  Landed property, cash reward for Ojo Olorunleke, two others for AFCON success Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on Monday hosted Super Eagles' goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke in Lokoja on Monday for making the state proud at the just concluded African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in Ivory Coast. Olorunleke was one of the goalkeepers that represented Nigeria at the tournament where they settled for Silver medal haven lost 2-1 in the final to host nation, Ivory Coast. Olorunleke who hails from Bunu in Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi State was received by Governor Ododo along with two other Kogites in the Super Eagles; Mr. Achor Enebi who's the Team Manager and Mr. Adejoh Francis Musa who is the Chief Security Officer of the team.  The Kogi Governor congratulated the trio of making history with the team and hoisted the flag of the state higher at the tournament.  He pronounced the donation of a plot of land in the state capital just as he made undisclosed cash dona...

SPORTS BAR: •  The AFN President and Board have our unflinching and complete backing - Boss of JSAA, Mohammed Adamu  ...Our focus is on giving our athletes adequate preparation for the African Games in Ghana - AFN President, Okowa  By Maxwell Kumoye      The chairman of Jigawa State Athletics Association (JSAA), who is also the chairman of chairmen in charge of athletics in the north of Nigeria, Mohammed Adamu, says they are fully backing the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa and the AFN Board. Mohammed Adamu came out with this stand on Wednesday shortly after the chairman of Gombe State Athletics Association, Shuaib Ahmed Gara Gombe claimed the AFN Congress may move against it's President, Chief Tonobok Okowa. Adamu stated that his Gombe State counterpart Alhaji Shuaib Ahmed Gara Gombe, is very economical with the truth and his comment does not represent the northern region or any state of the Federation as well as...

  NFF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT   NFF General Secretary, Sanusi, becomes Legend’s Ryde Ambassador   Rave-making e-hailing ride company, Legend’s Ryde has appointed the General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, MON as its Ambassador.   At a modest but colourful ceremony inside the NFF Secretariat, Abuja on Monday, vice chairman of Legend’s Ryde, Hajia Raolah Usman said the company opted for Dr. Sanusi based on the NFF scribe’s high level of integrity, adorable character, charisma and excellent personality.   “We are convinced about the great mileage that Dr. Sanusi will bring to our organization and products as our ambassador. He is not only an eminent personality; he is a man of unblemished character with a great record of performance in office,” Hajia Usman said.   The company’s managing director, Mohammed Mustapha explained the company’s operations: “Legend’s Ryde has 99.9% Google location accuracy. We have partnership with 10...

# AfricaGames2024: Sports Minister Charges Officials, Vendors, to Ensure Quality Nutrition and Welfare for Team Nigeria Athletes, As Camp Opens _"All hands to be on deck towards achieving success in Accra"_ As Nigeria consolidates efforts towards Africa Games 2024, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has charged Team Nigeria officials and vendors serving the team to ensure quality in athletes' nutrition and welfare, as training camps open from tomorrow across five locations in the country. Senator Enoh appealed to vendors not to undermine national efforts by attempting to put pecuniary gains ahead of national interests. he warned that the Ministry will spare no time in cutting ties with vendors who do not adhere to quality in its service to the athletes, as they prepare for the Games, that will hold in Accra, Ghana, from March 8 - 23, 2024. "I am appealing to you all not to sabotage the preparedness of our athletes because of profit-...

Sports Minister Congratulates Nigeria's Senior Men's National team on Giant Movement in Latest  FIFA Ranking  _Encourages all National team cadres to embody spirit of patriotism and excellence_ The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has extended his congratulations to Nigeria's Senior Men's National team, the Super Eagles for their remarkable ascent in the latest FIFA rankings. The team has surged an impressive 14 positions, climbing from 42nd to 28th position in the world, marking their highest placement in 16 years since 2008. Senator Enoh stated that this achievement reflects the dedication, resilience, and exceptional performance demonstrated by Nigeria's beloved Super Eagles. He commended the players, coaching staff, and all involved in their relentless commitment to excellence. "This is huge and commendable. I am truly elated that Super Eagles days of reckoning are back," said Senator John Owan Enoh.  "We can do better in the...

  Sports Ministry to partner with the Military to produce laurel-winning athletes. The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has pledged to work with military and para-military institutions to develop world-class athletes who can win international accolades for the country. Senator Enoh made this commitment while delivering a speech at the first edition of the Military and Para-Military Judo Championship in Abuja on the 14th of February. He expressed his regret that the fertile grounds which military and para-military institutions once provided for producing sports talents have been eroded over the years. Therefore, he called for the resuscitation of this practice. The minister commended the Nigeria Judo Federation for initiating the Military and Para Military Judo Championship. He also encouraged other sports federations to follow in their footsteps and initiate partnerships with the military and para-military institutions to improve the chances of the country fo...

Sports Minister Expresses Gratitude to President Tinubu for Bestowing National Honour on Nigeria's Senior Men's National Team _Says triumph is a beacon of hope for future generations of Nigerian athletes_  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has extended profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bestowing the esteemed Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national honour upon members of Nigeria's Senior Men's National Team in recognition of their remarkable performance at the recently concluded AFCON 2023 tournament held in Cote d'Ivoire. Senator Enoh also appreciated Mr. President and the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike for gifting the players and officials apartments and a plot of land each in the FCT. Enoh stated that, "President Tinubu's gesture underscores the nation's deep appreciation for the tireless efforts and achievement of our Super Eagles. The team's courageous display in the la...

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION: •  Olopade eulogies Sportsville Awards nomination of Hon Ochei ...Says Ochei merited such a highly esteemed award By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye           Sportsville Special Recognitions Awards under the stewardship of Frank Ilaboya has received scores of messages praising the organizers for nominating Rt Hon Victor Ochei Onyekachi among those to be honoured during this year's edition of the prominent award ceremony. The lastest to join in applauds of the Sportsville Awards for it's cognizance is one time President of Wheelchair Basketball Federation of Nigeria, High Chief Bukuola Olopade.  The High Chief made his thoughts as regards the Awards Ceremony known on Monday, commending Frank Ilaboya, CEO Sportsville Communications Services Ltd for recognizing the former House of Assembly member. "I just got to know of the nomination of my very good friend and brother, Rt. Honourable Victor Ochei Onyekachi among those...

ON THE TRACK: •  Israel Okon claims 100m title in style  ...African Games favourite Ekanem disqualified ...Olayinka Olajide to hot to handle in women's category By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    Current world leader in the 100m and African Games AFN trials favourite, Consider Ekanem failed to live up to the expectations of athletics fans who came to watch him run at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) African Games National Trials in Asaba, Delta State, South South, Nigeria. Consider Ekanem was ejected from men's 100m because of false start, leaving him chrest falling before the fans who thronged the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba to watch Nigeria's finest on the track. In Consider Ekanem absence, speedster and new kid on block has now become the kid on the throne as 17 year old Israel Okon Sunday won the race in 10.20 seconds breezed past Fakorede Adekalu with 10.26 seconds and Enoch Adegoke, with a 10.30 seconds finish in third place. In the women's race,...

  Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Honorable Wemi Jones has again re emphasized the desire of Kogi State Government to develop a school child in all ramifications in including engaging them in sporting activities. Hon. Jones stated this on Friday when he received Ojo Olorunleke MON one of the members of Nigeria's Super Eagles team who finished second at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in Cote d'Ivoire. The amiable Commissioner who expressed delight to receive the goalkeeper along with his family and friends noted Olorunleke's feat with the Super Eagles was a reassurance for the government to do more in school sports. He disclosed that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will continue to encourage a child to grow with quality in all positive areas of life endeavors.  While appreciating Olorunleke for his humility and dedication, Hon. Jones promised that the ministry will be ready to collaborate with ...

Agoye Bids Farewell to Sunshine Stars The immediate past coach of the Akure based team, Sunshine Stars, Edith Olumide Agoye has sent his farewell message to the team following his departure from the team. The former Shooting Stars coach who has not said a word sequel to the rumors of his sack from the club appreciate the state government, the management of Sunshine Stars and the entire people of Ondo State for the opportunity given to him to pilot the affairs of the team. The young and vibrant tactician made this known while speaking with pressmen in Ibdadan Tuesday morning. "Yes, i am no longer with Sunshine Stars, I am now a free agent and I can now join any team that is interested in my services. He declared "I wish to extend my profound gratitude to the State government for their immense support during my reign as the head coach of the state darling team.  "Also, my hearty appreciation goes to the former commissioner for Youth and Sports development, honourable Bamid...

Edo Government Bails Bendel Insurance FC Out With A Rickety Bus. Bendel Insurance players and officials may soon be trekking to Training and  match venues if the issue of transportation is not sorted out before the start of next league stanza. The team's bus has been abandoned due to serious engine problems, however the state government just gave them another rickety bus from the government house and they are on their way to the match training and home games.  With danger locking around every road within the country, it is saddening seeing the rickety buses that some football teams acquired to ferry their players and officials to and fro match venues. Bendel Insurance is in dire need of a new team bus and the state government must act urgently. You will recall that the team has been suffering from the "smoke and move" bus that has recently packed up due to engine failure. The issue of good means of transportation has greatly affected the team's performances in the NPF...

Sportdotcom Limited Unveils the Successful "Let’s Do It Again" Campaign, Celebrating Super Eagles Spirit and Community  Unity Sportdotcom Limited, in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation, is proud to announce the triumphant culmination of the "Let’s Do It Again" campaign, an initiative designed to reignite the passion and support of Super Eagles fans and football enthusiasts across Nigeria. Toyosi Oyetunji, Senior Partner of Sportdotcom Limited, emphasized, "The 'Let's Do It Again' campaign is a call to make Nigerians believe in the Super Eagles once more. Our objective is to revive the nostalgic enthusiasm for Nigerian football, engaging both the young and the old, with a particular focus on the Gen Z demographic."Embracing a vision of inclusivity, the campaign seeks to evoke nostalgia and reignite the enthusiasm of both old and young fans, with a particular focus on engaging GenZ audiences. To amplify this message, Sportdotcom e...