News Agency of Nigeria
Gateway Games sparks adire fabric boom— NSC DG
Sports

Gateway Games sparks adire fabric boom— NSC DG

By Yetunde Fatungase

The  Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade says the financial gains of the 22nd National Sports Festival cannot be overemphasised

He revealed that thousands  pieces of adire fabrics have been sold since the beginning of the festival, adding that vendors had ran out of stocks.

He said that the festival was steadily improving the financial prosperity of vendors and residents of the state.

Olopade added that over 300 vendors were operating in each of the venues.

“How do I begin to aggregate in dollars, the value of that opening ceremony that was seen in more than 50 countries.

“Let’s talk about the naira and kobo, over 300 small scale businesses are operating inside the stadium.

“We have sold thousands pieces of  adire; we have more demands than supply. Hotels are making business

“These are the benefits of hosting a sports festival; it opens more doors for business opportunities,” he said.

Olopade commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun for raising the bar in terms of infrastructure development and athletes’ welfare.

He said no fewer than 9,040 athletes were accredited, whose feeding and welfare are being handled effectively.

“We need to be scored very high. In the last 20 years, this is the festival that athletes will get to their hostels and get their foods and other things they need.

“With joy and pride, everything is  going on at Babcock, where the athletes are housed, I can categorically say that the standard is very high,” Olopade said.

He urged journalists and people of the state to visit some of the venues to watch the games.

The festival which began on May 16 will end on May 30.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

NSF: 9,040 athletes, officials accredited for Gateway Games —- Olopade
Sports

NSF: 9,040 athletes, officials accredited for Gateway Games —- Olopade

By Peter Amine

The Director-General (DG), National Sports Commission ( NSC), Bukola Olopade, says that a total of 9,040 athletes and officials have been accredited for the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun.

Olopade made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abeokuta while addressing  newsmen on the commission’s efforts to ensure a successful festival.

The DG said that the accredited athletes and officials were accommodated at Babcock University.

He described the participation of the states in the games as impressive.

Olopade said that the quality of games had improved compared to  previous editions.

“In the last 20 years, this is the festival that athletes will get to their hostel and get their food.

“With joy and pride, things are going on well with the hostel and feeding.

“I just returned from Sagamu and Babcock; the standard of play is very high. Kaduna vs Niger basketball was top-notch.

“Visit the centres to enjoy this festival; Niger vs Kano in handball was superb too.

“I saw three London-based boxers representing Kaduna, and this has demonstrated impressive improvement from other editions,” he said.

Olopade, who is the Chairman of Local Organising Committee( LOC),  commended the Ogun Government for its efforts towards hosting the best biennial sports  festival.

According to him, the opening ceremony was applauded globally. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

NSF: Edo bags 18 medals as weightlifters, kung fu fighters shine
Sports

NSF: Edo bags 18 medals as weightlifters, kung fu fighters shine

By Usman Aliyu

Team Edo has kicked off its campaign at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun with an impressive medal haul, already securing 18 medals in the first three days of the competition.

The state’s athletes delivered a remarkable performance across key sports, particularly in weightlifting and Kung Fu, underlining Edo’s continued dominance in national sports.

Leading the charge was weightlifter John Aladetun, who bagged 2 gold and 1 silver medal in the fiercely contested men’s 67 kg category.

His performance set the tone for the rest of the contingent, who were eventually inspired to success.

Other weightlifters contributed to winning additional five silver and one bronze medals, bringing the total so far to 2 gold, 6 silver, and 1 bronze.

In the Kung Fu category, the team also made significant gains with Kelly Alonge claiming 1 gold medal in the Tahulo category.

The rest of the team secured 1 silver and 7 bronze medals, to make a mark in the martial art.

The development brings Edo’s total medal count so far to 18, comprising 3 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze.

Reacting to the development, Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo Sports Commission, commended the athletes for their impressive start, describing their performance as a testament to hard work, discipline and determination.

“We are extremely proud of Team Edo athletes. The athletes have shown exceptional resilience and skill, which reflects the level of preparation they underwent before coming to this festival,” he said.

Enabulele noted that the early results were encouraging and pledged the state’s continued support to ensure athletes remained focused and motivated throughout the competition.

“Edo State is committed to sports excellence. Our goal is not just participation, but to dominate and win. We will continue to encourage and reward our athletes as they strive for podium finishes,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Stakeholders urge use of sports to promote national peace, youth development
Sports

Stakeholders urge use of sports to promote national peace, youth development

By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders in the sports sector have called for the use of sports to promote national peace and youth development.

The stakeholders made the call at the 2nd Edition of the National Peace Olympics (NPO) 2025 with the theme: “Propelling Sportsmanship and Talents for a Better Society” in Abuja.

The stakeholders include: Barrister CEO Group, Ufuk Dialogue Foundation, Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), The Elite Lawyers Association, Bergview Villa Construction and Void Media Group.

A House of Representatives Member, Usman Zannah, representing Maigumeri, Gubio, Kaga Federal Constituency, Borno, stressed the power of sports in promoting peace and engaging youths.

Zannah said sports had the power to unite, inspire and drive people towards excellence.

“As we celebrate the achievement of our athletes, we also recognise the importance of supporting our sports to progress.

“I pledge the sum of one million naira to support sports development in our community.

“This contribution will help to promote athletic talents, enhance sports infrastructure and encourage future generation athletes. Let us work together to build a brighter future for sports in our communities,’’ he said.

According to the Founder and President of Elite Lawyers Association, Solomon Enang, the National Peace Olympics is a charity tournament aimed at bringing youths together, promoting peace, unity and harmony across the country.

Enang, who is also the Managing Director of the Barrister CEO Group, said stakeholders were brought together to emphasise the importance of peace and to give youths a sense of belonging.

“This is the second edition of the National Peace Olympics, it is a periodic event organised to bring youths and citizenry of Nigeria together to promote a sense of youthful interactions, youthful agreements and peace and harmony.

“Sport is an integral part of every society, there is hardly a society that thrives without sports because it brings joy and brings a lot of people together.

“Sports to some extent can even solve a lot of wars and arguments among the citizenry.”

Enang urged the government to promote sports, not just the common ones, so as to empower more youths and get them engaged and also give them a sense of livelihood.

Dr Gift Namoko-Orairu, CEO of Bergview Villas Construction Limited, said the firm supported the sports event, preached peace and also drew the attention of Nigerians to investment opportunities.

“We are here to mingle and encourage people to invest in properties. Peace is something we cannot overemphasise; without peace no community stands or strives into prosperity.

“It is high time we began to look inward into creating opportunities for ourselves too as our environment is becoming more peaceful every day,” she said

Mr Abdulsalam Mohammed, the vice president of Ufuk Dialogue Foundation, said the foundation believed that while using sports to preach peace, it would bring people together.

Mohammed said this was imperative, especially for a country like Nigeria with its unique diversity, multi-ethnic groups and different religious backgrounds.

“This event brought people together to preach the message of oneness; we believe that we are all from the same descendant, from the same father in spite of religious differences, so we have to give each other respect.”

Isah Halilu, Media Representative, Void Media Group, said the spirit of sportsmanship brings unity and so it should be encouraged.

Halilu said, “Government should pump money into sports, organise it well and make it really good to harness and build the talents of youths because Nigeria has a lot of potential and talents.

Mr Fahad Sambo, the Captain of Deposit Football Club, said he was happy to participate in the tournament, adding that it was an avenue to call for peace.

Sambo said; “I am glad to be part of this, I am also glad my team won. However, this is also an opportunity to call for an end to the insecurity across the country.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Golf: Dilli emerges overall winner of Umelo’s kitty
Sports

Golf: Dilli emerges overall winner of Umelo’s kitty

By Victor Okoye

Dennis Dilli has emerged as the overall winner of Maj. Gen. Godwin Umelo (Rtd.) 60th birthday golf kitty in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament in honour of Umelo’s 60th birthday teed-off on Wednesday and ended on Saturday night at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja.

Dilli who played off handicap 24, returned a gross score of 88 and 64 net over 18 holes to emerge the overall winner of the tourney.

He expressed delight at his victory, saying that “it felt special because as it is the first ever win in a tournament.

Dilli said that consistency and integrity were key to his victory.

“I have been playing in alot of tournaments here at the club for a long while, but have never won anything.

“Many of my friends even discouraged me not to bother playing in any tournament again, but I refused to give up until I finally achieved my goal.

“So, my message to everyone here today is to keep on playing and playing fairly. It is all about being nice to yourself as well as the people you play with.

“You must also have that sense of integrity and sincerity in all you do,” he said.

He thanked the celebrant as well as the organisers of the tournament, adding that Umelo’s goodwill had endeared so many people; both the high and mighty as well as the less privileged to him, hence the massive turnout at the event.

John Odoh, who played off handicap 5, with 72 gross and 67 net finished as best net in the men’s division 1 (handicap 0 – 14) category.

Melody Adekunle playing off handicap 12 with 81 gross and 69 net, finished as runner-up net, while Joel Bizinta settled for the second runner-up position in the category.

The best gross prize in the category went to Saturday Otubo who returned an impressive 74 gross.

In the ladies division 1 (handicap 0 – 18) category, Lizzy Samuel playing off handicap 16 returned a gross score of 90 and 74 net to emerge as best net.

Grace Luka, playing off handicap 16, with 92 gross and 76 net took home the runner-up prize in the category.

Dibu Ojerinde finished as best net in the Super Veteran category after he played off 27 and returned 107 gross and 81 net.

The best net prize in the Veteran category went to A. Mandara after playing off handicap 18, with 89 gross and 71 net, while Martins Adaboh won the best gross prize after he returned 84 gross.

Moses Idoko emerged winner of the professional category with a mouth-watering N 3 million purse.

This was after Idoko played 66 gross to pocket N580,000, while Oche Odoh finished as runner-up with 68 gross to smile home with N510,000, and Musa Usman settled for the second runner-up prize of N380,000 after he returned 69 gross.

In the Auxiliary award category, Prince David won the award for the longest drive in the men’s category, while Mariam Abdulsalam won the longest drive women’s prize.

The nearest to the pin award in the men’s category went to Gabriel Godwin, while Veronica Muda won the nearest to the pin prize in the women’s category.(NAN) (www.nawww.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

ITTF: Mixed fortunes for African Table Tennis stars
Sports

ITTF: Mixed fortunes for African Table Tennis stars

By Vivian Ahanmisi

Nigeria’s trio — Olajide Omotayo, Matthew Kuti, and Muiz Adegoke — were eliminated in the first round after losing their respective matches at the ITTF World Championships in Doha.

Kuti, on Sunday, lost 0-4 (1-11, 11-13, 5-11, 5-11) to Poland’s Samuel Kulczycki, while Omotayo was beaten 1-4 (10-12, 7-11, 8-11, 12-10, 5-11) by Brazil’s Leonardo Iizuka.

Adegoke started well against Belgium’s Adrien Rassenfosse, winning the second set after losing the first, but eventually lost 1-4 due to inexperience and unforced errors.

Egypt’s Omar Assar advanced to the Men’s Singles second round after a dominant 4-1 victory over Croatia’s Frane Kojic.

Assar, a 2023 quarter-finalist in Durban, controlled the match early with aggressive play that unsettled his Croatian opponent.

He took the first set 11-7, dropped the second 9-11, but then won the next three (11-9, 11-5, 11-4) to seal the win.

Assar joins Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna in the second round of the Men’s Singles event.

In another gripping match, Egypt’s Youssef Abdelaziz came close to an upset against China’s Lin Gaoyuan but lost 2-4 (6-11, 11-2, 11-8, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6).

Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa struggled against Japan’s Kenji Matsudaira, losing 0-4 (8-11, 7-11, 3-11, 10-12).

Africa’s remaining hopefuls will continue their Men’s Singles campaigns, with Assar facing Portugal’s Marcos Freitas and Aruna meeting Norway’s Borgar Haug.

In the Women’s Singles, Madagascar’s Hanitra Raharimanana will face Germany’s Sabine Winter in her next match.

Egypt’s Hana Goda is set to play Brazil’s Giulia Takahashi in the second round of the tournament.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Egypt’s Yousra Helmy will face Turkey’s Sibel Altinkaya in the second round. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Abiodun inaugurates Abeokuta Polo Club
Sports

Abiodun inaugurates Abeokuta Polo Club

By Joy Akinsanya
Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, on Saturday inaugurated the Abeokuta Polo Club and polo.
Abiodun, while speaking at the Polo Estate in Kobape, Abeokuta, said that the introduction of polo game was timely and welcomed.
He said that polo couldn’t have come at a better time than when the state was set to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games”.
Abiodun, who was represented by his Deputy Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the president of the club, Dr Sheriff Abdulrahman Adams, for the bold initiative.
He added that polo would position Abeokuta alongside Lagos and Ibadan as a key hub for the sport of kings.
Abiodun said that the Polo Club was more than a sporting venue, saying it is a project with significant socio-economic potential, capable of attracting polo enthusiasts.
He said it would attract players from around the world, which would boost tourism, hospitality and investment in Ogun.
The governor said that the initiative aligns with his administration’s agenda to make Ogun a preferred destination to live, work and play.
He called on other investors to key into the vision of president of the club, both in supporting the successful delivery of the club.
Abiodun urged investors to explore any complementary opportunities in hospitality, infrastructure and leisure that will further elevate sporting experience in the state.
He said that as a government, he remains committed to providing the enabling environment for such ventures to flourish.
He invited those present to the Gateway Games holding in various centres  across the state, promising them an exhilarating time.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, described the game as interesting and classic.
He urged interested citizens to join the Polo Club as well as support the development drive of the club.
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, commended the initiator of the club, saying it would help in promoting sports in the state as well as provide job opportunities for the youths.
He pledged the support of the Egba Council of Obas towards the success of the project.
Earlier, Abdulrahman said the occasion signified the beginning of an exciting journey to create a world-class polo club that will not only elevate the sport in Ogun and Abeokuta in particular, but the country as a whole.
He said that the creation of the club would also contribute meaningfully to the socio- economic development of Abeokuta and Ogun at large.
The president said that it is aimed at attracting tourists and visitors to Abeokuta, thereby increasing revenue for local businesses and stimulating economic growth.
He said it would also create employment opportunities for locals, both directly and indirectly, with a view to promoting Abeokuta’s culture and heritage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
23 states arrive Ogun for national sports festival
Sports

23 states arrive Ogun for national sports festival

By Abiodun Lawal

No fewer than 23 states have arrived in Ogun State for the National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged ‘Gateway Games’ 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the biennial festival is to officially commence on Sunday.

The Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, made the disclosure in an interview with NAN on Saturday in Abeokuta.

Olopade told NAN that there were visible signs that the state would host the best festival in the history of the country.

“Twenty-three states are already in the camp; their feeding and welfare are top-notch and seamless.

“I just spoke with leaders of four states who are already praising the state.

“Globally, if you have an event of this nature, the first thing is accommodation and feeding,” he said.

NAN observed that finishing touches were ongoing at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, venue of the opening ceremony.

NAN also observed that different cultural troops were at the main bowl of the stadium rehearsing performances for the ceremony.

Some sports fans and analysts who spoke to NAN expressed confidence that the festival would surpass the successes recorded in the last edition in Delta State.

Mr Abiodun Alabi, Abeokuta-based sports journalist, told NAN that he believed that the sports festival would be better than the previous editions.

Alabi expressed hope that new talents would be discovered from the festival.

“The event will throw more talents that will go on to represent Nigeria at national and international events. It will also create expected economic opportunities for the people of the state.

“The game already left a legacy in terms of infrastructure; the MKO Abiola Stadium, with its new look and capacity, can now host major international events,” he said.

“Already we have three events coming after this festival, and that’s clearly one of the things that come with a national sports festival.

Mr Micheal Adesanya, a sports fan, expressed confidence that the festival would come out as a good event in terms of the quality of athletes and talent discovery.

Adesanya noted that the festival was to promote unity among Nigerians.

He appealed to the organisers not to politicise the games, calling on authorities to ensure that proper talents were discovered to replace ageing ones. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Aruna shines as ITTF World Championships begin in Doha
Sports

Aruna shines as ITTF World Championships begin in Doha

By Vivian Ahanmisi

Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna stole the spotlight on opening day of 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships in Doha with a dominant 4-0 win over Brazil’s Victor Ishiy in Men’s Singles.

Aruna, the 2024 African Cup champion, on Saturday delivered a confident performance, winning 11-9, 11-7, 11-7, 11-9 to underline his top-contender status.

Also impressing for Nigeria, Olajide Omotayo and Kabirat Ayoola edged Egypt’s Mahmoud Helmy and Hend Fathy 3-2 in a gripping Mixed Doubles battle.

In spite of losing the first game, the Nigerian pair rallied brilliantly to clinch victory in five thrilling sets and reach the second round.

Elsewhere, Egypt’s Yousra Helmy advanced in Women’s Singles with a commanding 4-1 win over Australia’s Jocelyn Lam.

However, several African players bowed out early, including Nigeria’s Hope Udoaka and Ethiopia’s Darara Dufera, who lost in straight sets.

The 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships, featuring over 300 athletes from 70 countries, runs for nine days in Doha, Qatar.

Matches are being held at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall and Qatar University Sports Complex, with strong global interest and fierce competition.

A major upset came in Mixed Doubles as unseeded Italians Bobocica and Stoyanov stunned 12th seeds Ionescu and Szőcs 3-0.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that fans can expect more thrilling encounters when action resumes on Sunday, with several key fixtures on the schedule. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NSF: FCT FA boss urges football team to go for gold
Sports

NSF: FCT FA boss urges football team to go for gold

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman of the FCT Football Association (FCT FA), Mouktar Mohammed has charged the FCT Football team to go all out and win the football gold at the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun.

Mohammed, who was represented by Patrick Bassey, head of the technical committee and a board member of the FA, said this while speaking to the team ahead of their departure for the Games.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 22nd NSF tagged “Gateway Games” is scheduled for May 16 to May 30.

‘The Chairman is excited that you qualified for the football category and has assured of his continued support for team FCT who have always done well at the festival over the years.

‘We thank you for all the work you put in,we see your commitment and it will never go unnoticed.

“As you travel, be good ambassadors of FCT and make us proud by winning gold as your hard work during the preparation will not go unrewarded, ” he said.

The chairman also uses the occasion to donate jerseys, balls, hose and officials wear for the team to encourage them.

The captain of the team, Aliyu Abubakar assured the FA that they will give it their all in Ogun when they compete.

‘We thank the FCT FA chairman who has always supported and encouraged us, we will do our best like always and bring back gold for the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Team FCT won the silver medal at the last festival hosted by Delta state in 2022.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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