Geezers Sports Ltd., a leading football academy, has announced plans to launch a football league for secondary schools in 2025.
Adeniyi Adedayo, Director, Project and Programme Development, Geezers Sports, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.
He said that the initiative was part of the organisation’s drive to ensure education and grassroots football development in the country.
Adedayo explained that the league will kick-off with a pilot project in Abuja, in the first quarter of 2025.
“As we look forward to 2025, we are thrilled to unveil several key programmes that aim to expand our reach and deepen our impact.
“Our goal is to create a structured platform for secondary school students to showcase their talents, develop key life skills, and build a foundation for future success in football.
“The league will commence with a pilot project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) hopefully in the first quarter of 2025,” he said.
Adedayo said plans were underway to also launch the African Role Model Awards, an annual event designed to celebrate African sports icons who inspire youths and promote positive social change.
He consequently announced Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles forward who was recently crowned men’s African footballer of the year as the first-ever recipient of the award.
Earlier, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Director Media and Publicity, Geezers Sports, stressed the need to give the right platform for sports and education to thrive at the grassroots.
“Our goal is not just about opening a business or making profits.
“We want to provide genuine opportunities for young talents, especially those in primary and secondary schools, who have the potential but lack the resources or exposure to succeed,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is expected to create a structured platform for identifying and nurturing young talents across the country.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The 2024 edition of the NLNG Golf Classic ended in Bonny, Rivers on Sunday with Oluwaseun Adedipe and Lady Kafayat Bamimore clinching the top prizes in the men and ladies categories.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NLNG Golf Classic Invitational began on Friday with the tee-off ceremony at the prestigious Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC)
The competition, which was sponsored by the Nigeria LNG, was the fifth in the series.
The annual golf competition, staged at the serene, and lush green course of the BIGC, saw no fewer than 100 golfers competing for honours in the different categories.
At the end of hostilities, Adedipe and Bamimore clinched the tournament’s top prizes as they emerged winners in the Men’s Division 1 (for handicap 0 to 18) and Ladies Division 1 Categories (for handicap 0 to 28) respectively.
Adedipe played a total gross score of 77, playing off handicap 10 and returned a net score of 67 to claim the men’s top prize.
His closest challenger, Smart Tobin, who played a total of 82 gross with handicap 12, returned a net score of 70, beat BIGC Captain Abubakar Hussaini on count back to finish as first runner up.
Hussaini played a total gross of 77, with handicap 7, and returned a net score of 70 to settle for the second runner-up position in the category.
Oluwaseun Adedipe, overall winner of the 2024 NLNG Golf Classic Invitational at the BIGC in Bonny Island, Rivers State
An elated Adedipe told NAN that even though he has won several trophies in BIGC, winning the NLNG trophy for the first time was such a sweet feeling.
“I have been in this game for more than 10 years. Golf is a game I love so much because it gives me joy.
“I am just delighted every time I am on the golf course because playing helps me relieve stress and so many other things.
“I have won several other trophies in BIGC, but this is the first time I am winning this particular trophy, having come close on several occasions.
“I won the men’s best gross prize in 2023 and also winning the men’s longest drive this year, is an icing on the cake and makes the victory even more sweeter,” he said.
In the Ladies Division 1 category, Bamimore, playing off handicap 28, posted a gross score of 100 and returned a net score of 72 to claim the ladies’ top prize.
BIGC Lady Captain Darlene Cobham with a total gross of 101, playing off handicap 28 and returning a net score of 73 finished as first runner in the category.
While Nkechi Nwafor, playing off handicap 25, posted a total gross score of 100 and 75 net to settle for the second runner-up prize.
The BIGC best gross prize went to the BIGC Captain after he posted an impressive 77 gross.
Former BIGC Lady Captain, Nnena Ahube, who just returned from Morocco, where she represented Nigeria in the All African Challenge Trophy, won the ladies’ best gross prize.
It was a very close contest in the BIGC/NLNG Men’s Division 2 category, as Oludare Oyegbami played a total gross score of 92.
This was after playing off handicap 19 and returning a net score of 73 to beat BIGC Vice Captain, Michael Ukaegbu on count back.
Ukaegbu played a total gross score of 90, with handicap 17, and also returned a net score of 73 to beat Michael Igoni to the first runner-up spot.
Roland Guobadia, NLNG’s Corporate Transformation (CT) Lead, said that the event was a special occasion for the NLNG.
He said its goal was to bring all NLNG stakeholders and partners from all over the country in an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.
Goubadia said the competition would also strengthen the bond and industry through the game of golf.
“Golf is a very unique sport as there are many benefits too numerous to mention that we get out of it.
“I believe golf has a special position within the context of the Nigeria LNG and our mission to help build a better Nigeria,” he said.
The BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini, expressed his gratitude to all the participants for honouring their invitation in spite of their busy schedule.
Hussaini noted that this year’s edition was a special one as it marked NLNG’s 25 years in operations and 35 years of incorporation.
“I want to thank all the various organisations and golf clubs represented here, starting with our regulators, NCDMB and NMDPRA, as well as our shareholders, NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni
“Thank you for honouring our invitation as it takes some investment of time to come to Bonny to play our lovely and unique course.
“I hope over the last two days you have had the opportunity of playing and enjoying our beautiful surroundings,” he said.
Present at the opening of the competition were the MD, Nigeria LNG, Philip Mshelbila, and Emmanuel Nnabuife, Production Trains Asset Manager, who represented the GM Production Nnamdi Anowi.
Others are Lawrence Chukwu, Terminal Manger, Sam Ekong, as well as BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini and Lady Captain, Darlene Cobham.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Nigeria has won the bid to host the next edition of the prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AACT is a biennial continental ladies golf championship in Africa that had its inaugural edition in May 1992 in Zimbabwe.
Nigeria hosted the AACT in 1996 at the Ikoyi Club 1938, while in 2010, the AACT was played at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
This would be the third time Nigeria will be hosting the championship.
Interestingly, the West and Central Africa Challenge Trophy (a regional version of the championship) was also held for the first time in Nigeria at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Estates and Resort, Lagos, in 2023.
Evelyn Oyome, the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) who was the leader of the Nigerian delegation to the championship’s 16th edition in Morocco told NAN that
Nigeria emerged winner amongst the 20 countries that took part in the bidding process.
“Nigeria had earlier hosted the West, Central Africa Challenge Trophy in October last year at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate and Resort in Lagos, showcasing its outstanding golfing facilities, with no fewer than 10 countries participating.
“So, hosting that championship successfully last year kind of gave us the edge amongst so many other countries who also bidded and winning was a huge victory for Nigeria,” she said.
Oyome revealed that the Federal Capital Territory would be the host city for the AACT 2026 edition, with no fewer than 30 countries expected to participate in the championship.
“The FCT met all the criteria for a host city, and it will be a great opportunity to welcome the whole of Africa into the nation’s capital.
“The AACT is a great opportunity to promote Nigeria. It is indeed equivalent to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in football,” she said.
NAN also reports that the AACT 16th edition hosts, Morocco, hosted the championship for the first time on the Golf de Tazegzout in Agadir from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30.
The Moroccan national women’s team won brilliantly, marking a new stage in the growth of Moroccan golf.
With the participation of 20 nations, including South Africa, holders of 14 of the 15 previous editions, the emblematic competition of African women’s golf saw Morocco shine.
Thanks to an excellent collective performance, the Moroccan national team, composed of Sofia Cherif Essakali, Rim Imni, Nadia Sanz Ouezzani and their captain Raja Hasnaoui, won with a total score of -7, ahead of South Africa by two shots (-5). Kenya finished 3rd in the competition (+7).
The Nigerian team, which comprised of the LGAN President, Evelyn Oyome, Nnenna Ahube, and Pearl Omaruaye, tried their best but settled for the 12th position though coming 1st amongst West African countries.
Nnenna Ahube, however, told NAN that it was a great and exciting experience for her being the first time she was playing in the AACT.
“For me personally, it was my first time playing the AACT competition, and it was a great experience, though not without some challenges.
“Countries like South Africa went well ahead to train to master the course under the sponsorship of their government, while we went two days before the competition and had only one day to practice.
Nnenna Ahube said that with the identification of talented golfers, sponsorship as well as early training and preparation, the country would perform much better in the next edition.
She expressed her gratitude to LGAN President, madam Evelyn Oyome, for the opportunity as well as Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC), RA Club, and her community members for the huge support.
“In all, it was a very beautiful experience. A lot of lessons learnt and a lot to fix,” she said(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has charged Presidents of the various National Sports Federations on the need to transform sports development in the country.
Dikko stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a strategic meeting with Presidents and Secretaries of all the Sports Federations in the country.
He said the new vision of the NSC was to transform Nigerian sports industry into a sustainable sports economy in line with international best practices.
Dikko stressed the need for a strong synergy between the NSC and the Sports federations in taking sports to the next level.
“We believe we are all partners with the various Sports Federations, working together for the same goal — to reposition Nigerian sports.
“We came here with a clear mandate from Mr. President to get sports working again by building a sustainable sports economy.
“We can’t just measure our sports by participation in tournaments, but by its contributions to the entire economy, and that is the new mandate and direction,” Dikko said.
The NSC boss subsequently outlined a three-pillar strategy for Nigerian sports development: Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch.
“Our thinking is that competitions are basically consumption, while development is production.
“At the end of the day, we want the success of all of us to be measured by the development we put on the ground to get the sports growing and create value. Then we can move to the next level of competitions,” he said.
Dikko said plans were underway to establish a National Sports Development Fund and a National Sports Infrastructure Board through legislative Acts.
According to him, these structures are expected to provide a solid financial and infrastructural foundation to support sports development across the country.
Earlier, the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, stressed the need for strategic reforms, emphasising the Commission’s commitment to athlete development and governance restructuring.
“One thing we have also worked on is getting a consultant to come work with the Commission. Mr Bambo Akani, Founder/CEO of Making of Champions will be our Consultant.
“He will work closely with the commission to develop a relationship with the elite athletes across all the Sports through the Elite Development and Podium Board,” Olopade said.
He also announced plans to establish a training fund for exceptional athletes, which would commence in February 2025.
He explained that the fund would ensure athletes received financial support for training well ahead of major competitions.
“Once we do that, we will start paying their training funds long before a major event. The days of athletes getting training grants at competition venues are gone,” he said.
Olapade said as part of plans to improve governance, all sports federations will now have a Chief Operating Officer who would act as marketing heads to raise funds for them.
Responding on behalf of the sports federations, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida, commended the NSC’s fresh approach to sports development.
He said the sports federations would work more closely with the NSC to reposition sports in the country.
“Having listened to the remarks of both the NSC Chairman and the D-G, there is a breath of fresh air.
“As Federation Presidents, we are already seeing solutions coming for the country’s sports,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has pledged to continue to support sports development in Cross River.
The minister stated this on Saturday at the grand finale of the second edition of the Renewed Hope and People First National Tennis Open in Calabar.
The tournament sponsored by Enoh, the immediate past Minister of Sports Development drew top players from across Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highly entertaining final took place at the hard court of the Calabar Sports Club 1898.
John Nubari and Rebecca Ekpenyong stole the show at the hotly contested finals in the men’s and women’s category respectively.
Nubari pipped Maxwell Timiprie, while Ekpenyong defeated Aliyah Precious to smile home with cash prizes, gifts and trophies.
The highly enthusiastic crowd had a lot to cheer as the hard hitting dueling players displayed their mastery of the game with powerful drives and wonderful backhand strokes executed with utmost precision.
The pulsating games tested the technical depth and calculations of the players who spoke with their rackets in a bid to outwit their stubborn opponents.
NAN reports that the tournament is staged annually to promote the growth and development of tennis in Cross River and Nigeria as a whole .
The focus is for players in the state to have the needed exposure to excell in the sports of tennis while fostering the spirit of unity and sportsmanship amongst Nigerians and sports lovers.
Enoh said that the tournament not only celebrates excellence, but reinforces the importance of industry, tourism, and sports as catalysts for socioeconomic development.
He said although he was no longer Minister of Sports, he will continue to support the growth and development of Tennis and sports in Cross River his home state.
‘I will continue to give young Cross Riverians who show excellence and hard work, the platform to excel right to the Zenith of tennis and football,” Enoh said.
The minister restated his commitment to increasing the prize money in subsequent editions of the tournament.
He also used the opportunity to announce plans for a football talent hunt across Cross River in early 2025, in order to ‘catch them young’.
” This is a clarion call to Cross Riverians ,that there is an opportunity and early support for those who show seriousness to excell in tennis and football.
“I am ready and willing to give the needed support”, he added.
Enoh appreciated the efforts of Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River for his passion towards sports development in the state and incorporating the tennis tournament into the grand annual Calabar Festival.
Earlier, Gov. Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Agnes Atsu lauded the initiative and committed to working with the talents from the tournament to elevate the state in tennis.
NAN reports that the second edition of the tennis tournament saw an array of ranked tennis players in Nigeria, including, female Nigeria no.7 Rebecca Ekpenyong, no. 11, Timiprie Maxwell and Amarachi Odoh ,Nigeria no. 24.
The high point of the tournament was the presentation of cash prizes, gifts and trophies to players and coaches.
The overall male and female winners smiled home with N350,000 each, while first runner up male and female got N250, 000 each
Semi finalists in the male and female categories got N150,000 each, while quarter finalists earned N100,000 each, with first round participants getting N50,000 each.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO) men’s volleyball team on Friday defeated the Ministry of Petroleum Resources at the ongoing Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highly mobile Information team won resoundingly in two straight sets (15-4, 15-6), to open their campaign on a bright note in the competition.
The team is made up of nine members of staff from the ministry and it’s agencies namely: Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON).
The players include; Chris Odhomi (FMINO), Godwin Samuel (FMINO), Solomon Mundung (FMINO), Thomas Bello (FRCN), Sylvester Bikut (FRCN), Ishaku Musa (FRCN), Victor Okoye (NAN), Muhyideen Jimoh (NAN) and Isah Tsamiye (VON).
Team Information dominated the first two sets, coming out hot right out of the gate and not allowing Team Petroleum Resources to find its footing.
The highlight of the first two sets came from the dexterity of the team Captain Godwin Sam, who smacked four kills over the span of five rallies in the first set.
The struggling Petroleum Resources team did not pick their first point of the match until, when a service error from Information made it 10-1.
This gave the petroleum team some gas as they managed to ganer three more points on the board for a 10-4 scoreline.
However, that rally did not last long as Team Information came back roaring with five straight points on the bounce to rap up the first set 15-4.
The second set mirrored the first, as Team Information continued to display offensive skills on the court and went on a 9-0 run.
But a few mishits and one service error once again kept their opponents afloat, albeit for a short while.
Team Information quickly bounced back to wrap up the set at 15-6 as their offensive efficiency proved too much for their opponents who succumbed to a straight set demolition.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO) men’s volleyball team in action at the ongoing Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) (Photo Credit:(NAN)
“We did a really good job trying to stay steady,” player coach Odhomi said.
“One of the things we wanted to do was keep the same mindset no matter who we are playing.”
Team Information are back in action Saturday when they take on Ministry of Finance, ICPC, and NAPTIP with first match time set for 9 a.m. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Olusegun Runsewe has introduced a new dimension in golf development with the unveiling of an online-based golf training programme in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the online-based golf training programme is the first of its kind in Africa.
An elated Runsewe told NAN that he was happy that the concept which was once a dream had become a reality.
He noted that he had also organised other digital golf training for Nigerian golf professionals at the Golf and Health Signature, Abuja to ensure that Nigerian golf hit the world stage in no distant time.
He said that a total of five pros; Elisha Markus, Aminu Baba, Musa Ayuba, Sharon Wesley and Daniel Pam have been chosen to pilot the training programme, adding that they would be exposed to international best practices.
“This is a dream come true. Some few years ago, I realised that golfing here in the country was too local and there was a need to expose our people.
“In the process, I travelled to South Africa and met some pros. During our conversation, I realised that our pros here in the country are a bit far off with regards to IT based training of golf.
“Instantly, that year, I went to the Botswana Embassy and got visas for two Nigerian pros to travel to Botswana for some relevant golf training course. They went, came back and were very helpful to us.
“Afterwards, I realised that there was still a need to expose our pros more to the game. However, it was a bit difficult due to the high cost of having to bring some pros from abroad or taking our pros out of the country.
“I had to call on the resident pro in Botswana, Kelosiwaag Mpoh who agreed to come over to the country at a reduced cost. He came and gave about 15 Nigerian pros some exposure on the modern training techniques,” he said.
The NGF boss however, noted that he recently discovered that a golfer must not have to go on the course every time to take lessons.
He said he found out that sometimes, one can choose to do it online, especially in this modern world of internet technology and communication.
He explained that was what birthed the idea behind the training.
“I felt that this innovation should start from Nigeria and as of today, we have succeeded to bring in one of the biggest production companies in this regard.
“They will take five of our pros in four strategic basic areas of training in golf, i.e. hitting long drive, bunker shot, chips and putting.
“We have two pros on long drive training, and one each on bunker shot, chipping and putting.
“Bunker shot training became very necessary because most Nigerian golfers see the bunker as a very difficult part of the game, whereas if one practices it, you will find out that it is as easy as every other shot in the game.
“These five pros will kick start our pilot online training programme on golf. This is the very first time we are going into this and we are very proud and happy that we are starting from somewhere,” he said.
Runsewe said that a lot of people were already excited about the training and have started asking for the videos, even with the short notice.
He said he was very proud about the new concept, adding that the beauty of the training was its unique similarity with what obtains around the world, noting adding that most pros abroad run similar online trainings.
“One basic advantage of this is that, when the video goes viral, people can even call a specific pro to take them on specific trainings based on personal terms and agreement.
“So, it’s like opening a new window for online lessons and golf development in Nigeria.
“This can also go a long way, in terms of grassroots development of the game as a lot of our schools can take advantage of the opportunity by playing these videos to help teach the young ones,” he said.
He stressed that the reason why Nigeria does not do well in golf is because of late start, adding that it was extremely important to start early in line with international best practices.
Runsewe said the training would also go a long way in helping some business executives that rarely have time to go to the range to train with their pros.
“With this new innovation, they can take a 30 minutes break and go online to watch these training videos and practice while in the office.
“So, these are some of the reasons why we have to embark on these online training programme, to give Nigerians good lessons in golf and to also expose them to the best international practice.
“This is indeed a starting point and a lot of more videos on golf training will be coming up shortly. We have a lot of pros in Nigeria and they are very good, but lack exposure.
“So, with this, we will also have more of the pros coming online to gain more exposure,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Slyvester Okpe, captain of Nigeria’s Senior Cricket team, said the team is optimistic of securing a qualification spot but will want to play the best of cricket.
Okpe stated this at a news conference ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier in Abuja on Friday.
He noted that the team has had adequate preparations ahead the tournament.
“ We have worked hard and prepared well enough for this tournament.
“Our participation at the African Games in Ghana in March and the tour in Kenya have put us in good shape and form.
“We are positive and optimistic of a qualification spot but above all, we just want to play the best of cricket,’’ Okpe said.
Okpe urged fans to come support the team and they look to secure one of the two available slot to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier next year.
“We are the highest ranked by ICC in the tournament as 36th but we are not to underrate any side.
“We will play to our utmost skill and ability and hope that fans will come support us,” Okpe said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Eswatini, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Saint Helena, Sierra Leone and Nigeria will slug it out at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium from Saturday to Thursday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has pledged to resuscitate sports facilities in the agency to improve physical and mental wellbeing of staff.
Ali stated this on Wednesday in Abuja when the victorious NAN contingent to the 2024 China/ NUJ annual Table Tennis tournament presented medals/trophies won at the tourney to him.
NAN reports that the team won four trophies in different categories; mixed doubles (Gold and Bronze), men’s doubles (Silver), men’s singles (Silver)
An elated Ali, said that the victory underscores the dedication of the NAN staff and management’s unwavering support for sports.
“We are sports-friendly, and this management is committed to supporting the sports club.
“Sports binds us as a family and brings out the best in all of us. A team that exercises together wins together.
“The enormity of this success cannot be understated. You’ve done the agency proud and spurred the management into action,” Ali said.
The NAN boss consequently promised to fast track the rehabilitation of the agency’s sports facilities, such as the Volleyball and Basketball courts, and the procurement of a standard Table Tennis board.
“This management is committed to reviving the volleyball court. I wish we also have a functional basketball court, and I think we need to work on that.
“By the beginning of next year, we will ensure these facilities are upgraded, and collaborate with stakeholders to support our teams for greater achievement,” he said.
Ali assured the NAN Sports Club (NSC) of management’s continued support, while emphasising the importance of teamwork and bonding through sports.
Earlier, Tokunbo Adesanya, Sports Manager of the Club thanked the management for their unwavering support and efforts to revitalise sports in the agency.
He, however, stressed the need to expand and rehabilitate the agency’s sporting facilities, so as to maintain its competitive edge in sporting competitions.
He specifically appealed to management for the agency’s sports team to register and participate in competitions such as the annual Federation of Public Service Games ((FEPSGA).
High point of the event was the presentation of medals and trophies won at the Table Tennis tourney to the managing director. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Uyi Akpata, president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), said the upcoming 2025 T20 World Cup Sub-Regional African Qualifier C in Abuja, will test Nigeria’s facilities as well as cricket prowess.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, Akpata said that preparations are in top gear to welcome five other countries for the tournament from Nov. 23 to Nov. 28.
“There is no doubt that we are making some advancement in talent development. We are at a point where we need to build competences across different facets of the game.
“Nigeria cricket has been making a bit of buzz globally and attention will be on us, during the event.
“ I think it is a good thing and I believe it is an opportunity to show the world our brand of Cricket and some bits of what makes us Nigeria”, Akpata noted.
Meanwhile, three players from Nigerian Men’s Senior team, Isaac Okpe, Chiemelie Udekwe, and Isaac Danladi who featured in the just concluded Zimbabwean National Cricket League are back to boost the squad.
“We believe we stand a good chance of qualifying to the next stage but our focus is also on delivering beautiful memories to our visitors as well as cricket fans at home and abroad watching the event,” Akpata added.
NAN reports that Nigeria will be joined by Botswana, Côte D’Ivoire, Eswatini, St. Helena, and Sierra Leone for a week-long cricket action that will produce two finalists to the next stage of the World Cup Qualifier. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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