News Agency of Nigeria
Tinubu congratulates Remo Stars on league victory
Sports

Tinubu congratulates Remo Stars on league victory

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu on Monday congratulated Remo Stars Football Club on winning the 2024–2025 Nigerian Premier Football League title.

His spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the president described the club’s victory as a milestone achievement that shined a spotlight on Ikenne and Ogun.

Tinubu said the historic triumph, coming just four years after Remo Stars’ promotion to the elite league, was a testament to the hard work, discipline, and indomitable spirit of the players, coaching crew, and management.

The president commended the team’s resilience and perseverance, particularly after three previous near-misses in their quest for the league title.

He expressed hope that their determination would inspire other Nigerian football clubs to pursue their ambitions with tenacity and optimism.

Tinubu also lauded the vision and commitment of the club’s owner and chairman, Kunle Soname, praising his investment in grassroots football, including the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium in Ikenne.

“As Nigeria’s champions, Remo Stars will now represent the country in the CAF Champions League. President Tinubu urges the team to carry the same undaunting spirit and focus onto the continental stage.”

He further called on football fans across Nigeria to rally behind Remo Stars as they carry the nation’s hopes into African competition. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Wike directs IBB Golf Club committee to commence work immediately
Sports

Wike directs IBB Golf Club committee to commence work immediately

By Philip YataiThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyeson Wike, has directed the newly appointed members of the Interim Management Committee of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Golf Club to commence work immediately.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Public Communications and Social Media, announced the directive in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

Olayinka explained that the committee would be chaired by Dr Peter Deshi and Yomi Oyelola as secretary.

He identified other members of the committee as Otunba Elegbeleye, Nanwor Mamven, Mrs Ekanem Ekwueme, Arabi Bello, Lawan Aboki, Okey Nnaedozie, Fred Otobo and Julius Fadairo.

He, however, said that the committee would function under the supervision of the club’s Board of Trustees, led by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal.

“The minister had emphasised the FCT Administration’s commitment to restoring order and efficiency to the prestigious club, which had recently experienced internal challenges.

“The minister also clarified the ownership status of the club, reiterating that it remained the property of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,” he said. (NAN)

Edite by Peter Amine

Akalaka initiative grooms future MMA champions
Sports

Akalaka initiative grooms future MMA champions

By Babatunde Ogunrinde

Dr Ebere Bernard, Chief Executive Officer of Akalaka, Spirit of the Warrior, on Sunday said he is committed to developing youths through organising Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) contests.

Bernard told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that Nigeria is blessed with abundant talent, but much more must be done to keep youths busy.

According to Bernard, Akalaka, Spirit of the Warrior, is an initiative aimed at keeping youths active and preparing them for national and international MMA Championships.

“I want to take as many youths as I can from the streets and develop them through MMA Championships where they can rise to international stars.

“It is capital intensive, but I am determined to invest my funds to give many MMA fighters a platform to improve their ratings and achieve global success,” Bernard said.

NAN reports that no fewer than 22 warriors clashed in several weight categories for the male division at the just-concluded event in Lagos.

Four female fighters also competed at the event, which was tagged ‘Battle of the Hood’ and held at the Lukmon Oluomo Sports Complex, Awodi-Ora, Ajegunle, Lagos.

The main card of the fight night was headlined by Kabiru ‘Hulk’ Adeniran clashing with Atiti Fidelis, with Adeniran overpowering Fidelis in a first-round technical knockout win.

In the female category, Immaculata Nelson, fighting in the flyweight division, dominated two fights and emerged the best fighter of the night.

She told NAN she had worked hard for the fights, engaged in serious preparations and was very thankful for the opportunity to showcase her talent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Archery tourney: Nigerian Army emerges overall winner with 14 gold medals
Sports

Archery tourney: Nigerian Army emerges overall winner with 14 gold medals

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Team have emerged the overall winners of the Armed Forces of Nigeria International Service Archery Competition, with 20 medals comprising 14 gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition which began on Wednesday and concluded on Saturday in Abuja, had the three services; Army, Navy and Air Force competed in both men and women categories.

While the Nigerian Navy came second with 14 medals comprising one Gold, six Silver and seven bronze, the Nigerian Air Force came third with six Silver and seven bronze medals.

Archery is a bow and arrow sport that uses a bow and arrow to shoot at a target. The target often consists of ten concentric circles, and points are awarded based on which circle the bow lands in.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the timing of the competition was not only apt but key to solving the various security challenges facing the country challenges non-kinetic means.

The CDS was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, AVM Sayo Olatunde.

Musa said it was mandatory that the men and women of the Nigerian military keep fit physically, mentally and emotionally to cope with the enormous demands and challenges of the nation.

According to him, even more important is the fact that an event of this nature is being organised to improve marksmanship, inculcate core values of integrity, precision, intensity, innovation and excellence.

“Over the past few days, we have not only witnessed the exceptional talent and precision of our outstanding competitors but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that reflect the core values upheld by our armed forces.

“Archery extends beyond a mere sport, it embodies a discipline that necessitates concentration, perseverance, and fortitude.

“With each archer’s coming at the firing line, they engage not only in targeting a mark but also in embodying the fundamental values esteemed in our military service, that is accuracy, resolve, and an unwavering quest for advancement.

“These principles resonate in both the realm of athletics and the everyday responsibilities we uphold as protectors of our nation,” he said.

The CDS commended the participant for showcasing extraordinary ability in either successfully hit the bulls eye or endeavour to surpass their previous records.

According to him, it is crucial to recognise that the true significance of this competition transcends the accolades garnered but lies in the collective experiences they embrace and the bonds of camaraderie cultivated throughout the journey.

“Let me once more congratulate officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria not forgetting every other individual for putting up this auspicious event.

“Your unwavering dedication, relentless effort, and commitment to excellence have been vital in bringing this competition to fruition.

“It is your collective endeavours that showcase the strength and unity of our Armed Forces and for this, we are deeply grateful,” he added.

The Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, AVM Nanjul Kumzhi, said the championship highlighted the exceptional skills and accuracy of the archers and the profound sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship that epitomises the armed forces.

He said the competition had abo 60 participants from the army, navy and air force.

He added that the purpose was to select the team that would feature in the forthcoming Archery Championship within and outside the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Flamingos play goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for World Cup
Sports

Flamingos play goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for World Cup

By Georgina Adegbie

Nigeria’s Under-17 female football team, Flamingos, played a goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The 2022 bronze medalist, who were determined to win their last match of the qualifying series, absorbed the pressure of the Algerian girls in the return leg played at Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flamingos battled for supremacy to be one of the countries to represent the continent in the World Cup in October.

In spite of the wintry conditions in Blida on the outskirts of the Algerian capital, Algiers, the Nigerian girls dug their feet into the ground and achieved a scoreless draw that qualified them for this year’s Women’s World Cup finals.

Holding on to a 4-0 first-leg advantage, the 2002 bronze medalists adopted a calm and collected pattern that easily soaked up the pressure from the hosts.

They then relied on fast breaks to try and pull the trigger on their opponents.

Although they created better chances, the Flamingos failed to take advantage of their dominance in possession.

They, however, collected the ticket to Morocco on a 4-0 aggregate win.

The difference over two legs of the final round was a remarkable display in the opening leg by the Flamingos.

The Flamingos will now be one of Africa’s five representatives (including hosts Morocco) at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals taking place from Oct.17 to Nov 5.

The final competition will feature 24 teams for the very first time.

Since the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, Nigeria failed to make the finals only once.

This was at the 2018 tournament hosted by Uruguay. (NAN)(www.nannews ng)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Ekiti United thrash Emalex FC 4-0 to continue winning streak
Sports

Ekiti United thrash Emalex FC 4-0 to continue winning streak

By Adedeji Egbebi

Ekiti United FC continue their impressive form in the ongoing Nationwide League One (NLO) with a 4-0 win over Emalex FC of Owo.

The match was played at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Ogun, on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victory follows their 3-0 triumph over Adamimogo FC in the first match of the season.

The match kicked off with a promising start in the first half for Ekiti United, with Ayodeji Ogunsakin opening the scoring in the 32nd minute with a clinical finish.

The team continued to dominate possession and create scoring chances but the first half ended with a solitary goal in their favour.

In the second half of the match, Ekiti United asserted their dominance, with Bello Adebanjo scoring two goals in the 50th and 90th minutes.

Adebanjo sealed his hat trick with a stunning strike in the 91st minute, taking his tally to four goals in two matches.

Reacting, the Head Coach of Ekiti United FC, Salawu Rotimi praised the team’s fighting spirit, and commended the management and technical crew for their support.

“I am so delighted with the performance of my team; they have shown commitment and determination to excel in the league. I am proud of them.

“We are not going to be carried away with this victory, we are taking each match one after the other and our boys are ready for the task ahead,” he said.

NAN reports that Ekiti United is currently on first position on the league table with six points in two matches. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

Wike appoints members of IBB golf club interim mgt. board
Sports

Wike appoints members of IBB golf club interim mgt. board

By Victor Okoye

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the appointment of members of the Interim Management Board of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

This is contained in  statement by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant, Public Communications, and Social Media to the Minister on Saturday in Abuja.

NAN reports that Wike had on April 4, inaugurated a newly constituted Board of Trustees for the club, following a lingering crisis affecting the operations of the club.

The board headed by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, was charged to take the club to greater heights.

The board was also charged to conduct a transparent and credible Executive Committee election, amend the club’s constitution, and ensure its proper registration.

Following its mandate, Executive Committee elections was  fixed  for  Saturday (today), but was abruptly cancelled following the appointment of an interim management board.

Olayinka said the appointed members of the interim management board were to assume  duties with immediate effect.

“The IBB Golf Club Interim Management Board is to be led by Dr Peter Deshi, while the secretary is Barr. Yomi Oyelola.

“Other members of the  Board are Otunba Gbengba Elegbeleye, Arc. Nanwor Mamven, Mrs. Ekanem Ekwueme, Arc. Arabi Bello, Lawan Aboki, Okey Nnaedozie, Fred Otobo, and Julius Fadairo.

“By this appointment, members of the  Management Board are to assume duty with immediate effect,” he said.

He said  that Wike  congratulated the appointees and urged them to work assiduously for the repositioning of the   Club. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

NAN Quarterly Walk/Jogging: MD stresses importance of exercise to good health
Sports

NAN Quarterly Walk/Jogging: MD stresses importance of exercise to good health

By Ijeoma Okigbo

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has emphasised the importance of exercise to healthy living and increased staff productivity.

He told members of staff of the agency at the second edition of the NAN Quarterly Walk/Jogging Exercise on Saturday in Abuja, that physical activities could greatly enhance and impact staff productivity.

The exercise took off from the agency’s headquarters to the Federal Secretariat and back to the agency in company of some partners like the China General Chamber of Commerce, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), CWAY Nigeria, Abuja Manufacturing Co. Ltd and Alfa Designs.

At the end of the walk, Ali said the exercise was an opportunity to improve bonding among staff, relieve stress, while contributing its quota to nation building.

“Physical activity is crucial to mental health and wellness because the entire body is meant for kinetics.

“Considering the high-pressure job we do in the newsroom, you need exercises like this for you to improve your mental health and reduce stress.

“In the agency, we have a healthy culture of wellness and fitness. We have an equipped gym where staff could visit twice a week to shake off stress and fatigue.

“There are many benefits when you exercise like this. The camaraderie, the team spirit, and I must commend the FRSC for the support and commitment.”

On his part, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, who also participated in the walk, said the partnership between both organisations was key in improving road traffic compliance.

He added that “this is a partnership that works, especially with a critical agency that is saddled with information dissemination.

“We are here in two folds, one is to energise ourselves, to have stamina and ability to enforce compliance to road traffic rules and regulations and also to influence road users on good road behaviour.

“We are also here because this agency is saddled with communication, therefore being here is to use their platform to inform and educate the public on road traffic compliance.”

Other partners that graced the occasion were officials from Alfa Designs and Africa Infrastructure, Climate Change and Investment Summit (AICIS), where they extended willingness to continue to collaborate with the agency. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Swimming Championship: Stakeholders laud standard of event
Sports

Swimming Championship: Stakeholders laud standard of event

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Some stakeholders at the maiden `Swim for Life’ national swimming championship have lauded the National Aquatics Federation (NAF) for the standard of the event while advocating for more competitions.

The stakeholders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the tournament, focused on grassroots, will revive the sport in the country.

Lekan Fatodu, the Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), who was at the event, commended the federation, adding that the talents gained would be enhanced.

“What I have seen here is great and simply spectacular. The standard is really high and you can see the enthusiasm of the children.

“We need to give credit to the federation for organising this competition and the age category they have chosen.

“This is because this is one of the ways we can reposition our athletes according to the appropriate age category, thereby eliminating the tendency of cheating.

“As a state, we are dedicated to supporting youth development and talent recognition, and that is why we are here with our athletes to improve the game of swimming.

“The team has been doing so well and making us proud in the tournament, and once we go back home, we will continue to enhance and improve their skills through training and competitions,’’ Fatodu said.

On her part, Zarah Jamberlang, the chairperson of FCT Swimming Association, also commended the federation, adding that it is an eye-opener for the talents that abound in the capital city.

“I am impressed with the talents we have seen so far. Before this time, FCT had no team, but now we have about 20 swimmers in this tournament.

“After this competition, we will ensure we work on our pool, so that we have an adequate facility for swimmers to train.

“We will also reach out to Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, to inform him of the talents abound in the sport, and also get support.

“We are looking to organise a school competition in June, where most of these kids will participate. We will focus on reviving the sport in FCT,’’ Jamberlang added.

Doris Anekwe, a parent, said the tournament has been long overdue.

“From what I have observed, the tournament is of good standard and I commend the federation especially as there was little or no sponsorship, they still made it worthwhile.

“You can see how excited these children are about the competition.

“We need these competitions to encourage the swimmers, so they can test their skills, especially after months and years of training,’’ she said.

A swimmer, 10-year-old Ezeugwu Anekwe, who emerged winner in breast stroke 50m boys and freestyle 100m boys’ event, said the competitions will help athletes work harder.

“The swimmers from Lagos are giving the others a good run for their money but it is good to have such healthy competition, where you can see your errors and know where to work on.

“I am happy to emerge champion in some of my events, but we need more competitions to be able to improve on our skills,’’ Anekwe added.

NAN reports that over 150 kids ages eight to 15, from various states, clubs and schools, are participating in the three-day tournament at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Junior Swimming championship pathway to 2026 Youth Olympics—official
Sports

Junior Swimming championship pathway to 2026 Youth Olympics—official

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Chinonye Aliyu, President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), said the ongoing `Swim for Life’ National Junior Swimming Championship is a pathway to the 2026 Youth Olympics Games in Senegal.

Aliyu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that over 150 swimmers, ages 8 to 15, from various states, schools and clubs are featuring in the three-day tournament in Abuja.

She said the tournament will help improve the swimming database of the federation, as they keep track of athletes ahead of the Olympics.

“ In March, we had a championship for only swimmers in the FCT that was well publicised, resulting in a commendation from the world aquatics governing body.

“ We also had commendation from the National Sports Commission, who instructed us to organise a national event after the success of the FCT championship.

“It was these commendations that gave birth to this tournament in Abuja, and so far, we have recorded lots of talents which will now form our database.

“With the event rounding up today, we are now going to keep upgrading this database, keep track of the athletes and invite them to camp periodically with the Youth Olympics in view,’’ Aliyu said.

Meanwhile, the NAF boss noted that the tournament in Abuja is more than just a sporting event but aimed at promoting water safety.

“This championship is aimed at promoting water safety while encouraging early participation in swimming.

“I believe that every child should learn to swim, not just for competition but as a life skill and watching these kids perform for a couple of days now, has been impressive,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

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