By Grace Alegba

Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Prince Adeyinka Adewole says 200 schools have registered for the forthcoming National Schools’ Team Chess Championship.

Adewole disclosed this in a statement by Austen Osokpor, Head, Corporate Affairs Department of the Ecobank Nigeria Plc, on Tuesday in Lagos.

The competition is organised by the bank in collaboration with NCF.

He appealed for mass attendance to the National Schools’ Team Chess Championship billed to begin on May 24 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria, Lagos.

Adewole said the event was open to students from primary to tertiary education level with prizes of over N15 million to be won.

The vice president said that he was impressed with the excitement and enthusiasm the competition generated among the target population.

“We are impressed with the level of interest schools are showing towards the competition judging by the registration so far.

“As we speak, over 200 schools which cut across primary, secondary, and tertiary schools from all over the country have registered for the competition.

“It’s going to be an exciting time. All arrangements are in place to make the competition exciting and fulfilling for the competitors and indeed all stakeholders.

“We encourage Nigerians from all walks of life, especially sports enthusiasts to attend the event and support teams of their choice as a way of encouraging young people to aim for the best,” he said.

According to him, Chess is more than just a game but an educational tool that enhances critical thinking, concentration, and problem solving skills.

Adewole also paid tribute to popular chess master, Tunde Onakoya, who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York’s Times Square, United States.

He added that Onakoya’s global feat was a further proof that Chess was “not a pastime sport but a tool for social inclusion and development”.

He advised interested institutions that had not registered to do so by sending an email to: nationalschoolsteamchess@gmail.com.

“Registration is absolutely free. Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the prestigious event.

“It will provide an enriching experience for participating students, apart from the prizes to be won, there is also an opportunity to represent Nigeria at the world chess competition,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

By Femi Ogunshola

No fewer than 180 golfers, both professional and amateur, would on June 15, compete for N35 million in cash prizes and other additional rewards at the Rowland Adewumi Classic Tournament.

The tournament is in celebration of his 50th birthday.

Mr Akabom Enebong, Chairman, organising committee, said this while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

He said the competition, billed for IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, would be the battleground for an impressive array of golfing talent.

Enebong, said he would spare no effort in ensuring the event befitted  the legacy of the man it honoured,  adding that the tournament would be more than a mere competition.

According to him, it is a homage to Adewumi, a figure whose influence on the sport in Nigeria had been profound.

He said that Adewumi is known for his dedication to nurturing talent and promoting the game, stating that his contributions had left an indelible mark on the golfing community.

Enebong highlighted the meticulous preparations underway to guarantee a flawless event.

“This tournament is a tribute to Rowland Adewumi, whose influence has been pivotal in the development of golf in Nigeria.

“We have ensured that all arrangements are in place to guarantee a smooth and competitive event, “he said.

According to him, the competition will feature approximately 80 professional golfers and 100 amateur golfers, all competing in a stroke play format over the club’s renowned 18-hole course.

He stated that the tournament promised to be action-packed, with participants eager to showcase their skills and vie for top honours.

“The Adewumi classic tournament offers not just substantial cash prizes but also significant prestige. With over N35 million up for grabs, the stakes are high, and the competition is expected to be fierce.

“In addition to the cash rewards, there are numerous consolation prizes, ensuring that many participants will leave with recognition for their efforts.

“Interest in the event has been substantial, with top golfers from across the nation preparing to participate”, he said.

He said the level of engagement underscored the tournament’s importance within the Nigerian golfing calendar and highlighted the respect and admiration held for Adewumi within the golfing community.

Enebong emphasised the broader significance of the tournament, noting that it served as a platform for golfers to demonstrate their prowess and advance their careers.

“Participants will leverage this tournament to showcase their worth.

“It’s an opportunity for both emerging and established golfers to gain recognition and further their careers”, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

By Sarafina Christopher and Mark Longyen

U.S. sports envoys, B-Girl and Lyons, have called on the Nigerian youth to embrace Breakdancing, to enhance their dancing skills and enable them participate in future Olympic breakdancing sport events.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that breakdancing is an officially recognised Olympic sport, set to debut at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

The duo stated this during their grand performance hosted by the U.S. embassy’s public diplomacy section, in collaboration with FAME Foundation, on Wednesday night, in Abuja.

B-Girl, whose real name is Ms. Macca Malik, stressed that through breakdancing, Nigerian youngsters could demonstrate their creativity and skills and represent their nation on a global scale.

Being a leading female competitor in the breakdancing community, B-Girl noted that Nigeria had a rich cultural heritage, and advocated for the active involvement of young women in the dance sport.

According to her, Nigerian youth participation in breakdancing will align with global standards in Olympic sports events.

“As an officially recognised Olympic sport set to debut at the upcoming Olympic Games, Breakdancing’s dynamic movements and creativity present a significant opportunity for Nigerian youth,” she stressed.

Also speaking, Lyons, whose real name is Jacob “Kujo,” and who is a representative of the deaf and hard of hearing community in breakdancing, urged the Federal Government to invest in breakdancing, as a sport.

“We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to consider investing in breakdancing infrastructure and training programmes.

“The substantial positive impacts of such endeavours will be felt in youth empowerment, skill enhancement, and international representation are undeniable,” he said.

He said that fostering a robust breakdancing community in Nigeria could enhance the country’s global sports presence and strengthen national pride and unity.

Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, Executive Director, FAME Foundation, expressed gratitude to the U.S. sports envoys for providing Nigerian Breakdancers with valuable guidance to pursue success.

“We believe that through this training, Nigeria can progress towards meeting international standards in Breakdancing and prepare its youth for Olympic participation.

“The encouragement from the U.S. sports envoys reminds us of the transformative impact of investing in diverse artistic expressions and athletic pursuits.

“While the Nigerian Breakdancers may not partake in this year’s Olympic competition, this training equips them to compete effectively in future events,” she said.

Ogunleye-Bello also called on the Federal Government and stakeholders to furnish facilities that would help dancers realize their ambition.

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, John Enoh, represented by Orok Effanga, pledged the ministry’s unwavering dedication to promote and facilitate the growth of Breakdancing in Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen/Ifeyinwa Omowole

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Finidi George,  Head coach of the Super Eagles, says his immediate task and priority is to qualify the nation for the 2026 World Cup slated for Canada, Mexico and U.S.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Board of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on April 19, appointed George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

George stated this at his unveiling as the new head coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), at the Moshood Abiola National stadium on Monday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the former Ajax Amsterdam winger, who was assistant to former Super Eagles gaffer Jose Peseiro was jointly unveiled by the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and Sports Minister, Sen. John Owan Enoh.

“For me, my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the AFCON qualifiers will also be coming up soon.

“But the major target for me is the two games we have, we will do everything to win against South Africa and Benin Republic.

“Once we do that we will have set the tone and we will take it from there,” George said.

The coach warned that going forward; players will be invited to the Super Eagles based on regular playing time in their clubs and commitment to the national team.

He dismisses insinuations about having rift with some players in the Super Eagles, stressing that the relationship with the players was ‘perfect’ and professional.

“My relationship with the players is very perfect. I will try to improve on my relationship as this will be different. You will not hear any controversy on my relationship,” he said.

Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the coach will be given all the support he needs to succeed in the task ahead.

“We have given our coach the opportunity to choose his assistants. We won’t impose anybody on him.

“We are going to engage the assistants on game basis but will pay the head coach monthly salary. We want to avoid salary issues,” he said .

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh stressed the importance of having and supporting indigenous coaches to succeed.

“We have an opportunity to have a local coach to lead the Super Eagles. Back then in my University days, I would go to UJ Eseune stadium to watch Calabar Rovers and see Finidi George play.

“I am honoured to be here to witness his unveiling, if you love Nigerian football, you must love and support Finidi George. His success will bring joy to Nigerians.

“Any country I find an indigenous coach sitting on the bench, I always feel very proud and I am glad that we have an opportunity that have a Nigerian coach, Finidi George, as football men national team coach, ” he said.

NAN reports that  details of the contract was not revealed.

The  coach has picked  ex-international, Daniel Amokachi as assistant coach,  Olatunji Baruwa (goalkeeper trainer), Benjamin James, Mehmet Ozturk (match analyst) and Chima Onyeike (fitness trainer)

The immediate task of the coach is to get the Super Eagles back on track in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers where Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, with two points from two matches.

Nigeria drew with Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the first two matches in the qualifying series in November.

The Super Eagles will face South Africa and Benin Republic in June, in what has been described as a make or mar clash.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Monday in Abuja unveil Finidi George as substantive Head Coach of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles.

NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the occasion would be witnessed by Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Tinuke Watti, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau and the NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, among others.

George, who passed up an opportunity to coach a second-tier team in Spain to return to Nigeria and lead two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba FC, won the Nigeria elite division title with the People’s Elephant in his second season.

The club is also in the running to retain the title this season, with six matches to go.

George formally bowed out of the Aba giants few days ago, with Enyimba FC in third place on the NPFL log, with 53 points from 32 matches, four adrift of table-toppers Enugu Rangers and three off second-placed Remo Stars.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 52-year-old spent 20 months as assistant to Portuguese José Peseiro from the summer of 2022.

The Super Eagles qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON ) and came within 28 minutes of a fourth African title in Cote d’Ivoire in February.

George, as a player, won 62 caps for Nigeria at senior level, during which he won the AFCON gold, silver and bronze, while also playing at two FIFA World Cup finals.

The coach has the immediate task of picking maximum points from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa (home) and Benin Republic (away). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Kazeem Akande

The Nigeria Amputee Football Federation has unveiled the team’s kits ahead of the Amputee African Cup of Nations (AAFCON) slated for Cairo, Egypt, from May 18 to May 30.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ex-Nigerian International, Segun Odegbami, unveiled the new ‘Special Eagles’ jerseys at the occasion in Surulere, Lagos , on Thursday.

Odegbami lauded the players for their resilience and commitment toward achieving the best in Africa as a team.

”We have Green, Flying Eagles, Super Eagles and Falconet, all those are normal footballers; but these special Eagles are the one that are challenged and when they succeed in their course, its like going beyond ordinary.

”I feel very honoured to be among the challenged of the eagles and I pray that Heaven will open doors of opportunities for them and they are going to win in that AAFCON tourney.

”They are some of the heroes you can find in Nigeria as they have surmounted what ordinarily we will take for granted.

”So, I wish them best of luck and I am looking forward to receiving them when they come back with the trophy,” he said.

According to him, the quality of the jerseys with the real colour of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised.

”I am just recommending that we start embracing our home products as they reflect the true colours of the country.”

The former Super Eagles’ player said that the kits, produced by PROSTAR, an indigenous designer, were beautiful.

”I am exceedingly happy because it is home-made and that’s what our government is propagating, saying we should embrace our products and patronise them to advance our economy.

”These jerseys reflect national emblem and I bless the brand called Special Eagles and we need people to support them and patronise them also,” he said.

Also, Paul Maduakor, the President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, said he felt elated when Odegbami honoured the Special Eagles invitation to unveil their kits.

Maduakor said that PROSTAR sport kits were initiated to support athletes with disability in the country.

”Raise an Eagle Project” is our watchword, where we diversify to give support to the challenged sportsmen and women.

”Once you buy our PROSTAR jersey products, you have given support to the Special Eagles and other physically challenged athletes out there.

”We diversify to give them better standard of living and at the same time encourage them to perform better during competitions,” he said.

He added that the Special Eagles are ever ready to make positive impact at the coming AAFCON in Egypt.

According to him, since the team has been there and performed well in Africa, it will do everything possible to perform better at the tournament.

”We have done everything possible about preparations and we can assure that they are going to make Nigeria proud.

”That’s the reason our jersey products are dedicated to support and encourage the challenged and that’s why we began ‘Raise the Eagles Project’ to support them,” he said.

NAN reports that Special Eagles are competing in the 2024 AAFCON with team’s from no fewer than 16 nations.

The tournament, initially planned to hold from April 19 to April 28, was, however, rescheduled to hold from May 18 to May 30.

Nigeria is in Group A with the host country, Egypt; Cameroon and Burundi.

Group B has Morocco, Liberia, Uganda and Senegal while Group C has Ghana, Kenya, Gambia and Algeria.

Group D comprises Angola, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Rwanda. (NAN)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

By Chinenye Offor

Dr Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner in Nigeria says his country’s Rwanda Policy is intended to serve as discouragement to illegal migrants seeking asylum in the European country.

Montgomery said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He explained that the UK Parliament had agreed in a bill passed into law to partner with Rwanda in handling illegal migrants to the UK and deporting them to Rwanda.

According to him, the Rwanda Policy is a way of sending signal to illegal migrants that even if they are able to find their way to the UK through the wrong channel, they would still not succeed in remaining in the UK.

He said that the migrants would be housed, looked after, and if they have genuine asylum concerns, their cases would be assessed and processed.

He however said that the agreement with Rwanda still had to be legally ratified, and to go through its own processes. But I believe that it will be ratified as an international treaty.

“It is really important to stress that this is about illegal migration to the UK. It is about people who are often exploited by criminal gangs to take what is an awfully terribly perilous journey.

“That is crossing the English channel in tiny boats run by criminal gangs, with the promise of getting them into the UK. This is really tragic because many people die while crossing”.

The envoy also said it was premature to say whether or not Nigerians were part of the policy at the current stage of the implementation plan.

He noted that it would not be appropriate to talk about individual cases or to talk about operational planning.

He gave an assurance that some safeguards have been put in place to check the entire process.

“We have been working directly with relevant authorities to ensure that there is a decent standard of housing for the people that will be deported.

“They will have access to whatever level of education they need from primary to tertiary and vocational education.

“They will have the right to work in Rwanda. They are economic migrants, but there will be some people who may have legitimate asylum claims.

“We have been working with the Rwandan judiciary and their bar association to ensure that the migrants have “caseworkers” and legal representation to go through due process,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Emmanuel Yashim

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs Tinuke Watti has charged  administrative and executive officers in the ministry on the need for professionalism and enhanced productivity.

Watti made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, at a sensitization workshop for administrative and executive officers in the ministry on professionalism on human resource management in the Federal Civil Service.

She underscored the need for ministry officials to do more in obtaining the necessary professional certifications from approved professional bodies in order to enhance efficient service delivery.

“Henceforth Administrative officers are required to obtain professional certifications from relevant and approved professional bodies for progression in the Service.

“Specifically, possession of such certifications shall be one of the conditions for promotion from GL 13-GL 14., in addition to other criteria prescribed in the Public Service Rules and Guidelines on Appointment, Promotion and Discipline,” she said.

Watti, who stressed the importance of training and capacity building, said the workshop was part of the reforms by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan aimed at efficient service delivery.

She expressed optimism that the workshop would go a long way in equipping and enhancing the capacity of officials in line with international best practices.

Earlier, Mrs Modupe Bankole, Managing Consultant, Diadems Global Support Services, the lead Resource person at the workshop stressed the importance of professionalism and certification to enhance productivity.

“Given the different reforms from the Head of Service, it is important that competent officials manage human management.

“The staff needs to know what competences they need to acquire, what skills and how they can give their best in the civil service,” she said.

Bankole said that given the strategic importance of the sports sector,  all hands must be on deck to ensure that the mandate of the ministry was realised.

She said that accredited professional bodies were also part of the workshop to ensure continuous capacity building, while Diadems will continue to work with the ministry to track deliveries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that professional bodies at the workshop included the Chartered Institute of Human Resources, and Strategic Management (CIHRM).

Others are the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) and the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (chartered). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Chimezie Anaso

Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), has said that 756 primary and secondary schools would participate in the state’s 2024 School Sports Festival.

Onyedum said this at the Pre-Competition Press Conference ahead of the festival scheduled to hold in Awka.

He said the festival which would hold between May 2 and June 7, would surpassed the 2023 edition where 600 schools participated.

He said the festival would feature 12 sporting events including Athletics, Basketball, Chess, Football, Scrabble, Swimming, Table tennis, Tennis,  Taekwondo, Volleybal, Cricket and Ncho in U-12, U-14 and U-18 categories.

The Chairman said the first school sports festival was hugely successful with discovery of young and raw talented children across Anambra.

“I welcome you all to the 2024 edition of Anambra State School Sports Festival, a flagship Programme under the Anambra State Sports Solution Initiative of the Sports Development Commission.

“At about this time last year, we were all gathered here for the ceremonial kick off of the first edition, the children from that festival went to National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State and shook the country at that level of sports development.

“Children of Anambra became once again, princes and princesses of the tracks, karate and taekwondo prodigies as well as beach volleyball champions and national sensation.

“As I speak to you, some of those athletes are on academic scholarships in some of the best schools in Abuja and Anambra,” he said.

Onyedum congratulated Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the Commissioner for Education for giving students and pupils the opportunity to develop themselves academically and sports wise.

He said the Sports Commission would continue to support them especially in the area of sports infrastructure.

“Maybe I should suggest that going forward,  it should be considered an offense not to allow your students to participate in a festival like this.

“That child you are denying the opportunity to participate in sports may be the world champion in-waiting in the next five or 10 years.

“Preparations for this year’s National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State has started and talents that will be discovered from this festival will constitute up to 85 per cent of Anambra team to that Games.

“I want to thank the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh for believing in this project and providing the raw materials with which we are doing this work,” he said.

In his speech, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo said his administration would continue to support sports for greater empowerment impact.

Soludo who was represented by Ernest Ezeajughi, his Chief of Staff, called on the Sports Development Commission to expand its scope of activities to get more people engaged in sporting activities.

According to him, we acknowledge the abundance of sports talents in Anambra and this administration is resolute in bringing out the best in children in order to channel their minds to positive ventures so that they can contribute to development.

“We want to call on relevant stakeholders to key into the sports sector in the state to achieve better results,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne