By Muhyideen Jimoh

By Victor Okoye

Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has dismissed rumours making the rounds that he has quit his role, following Tuesday’s barren draw against the Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rumours of Eguavoen’s resignation started making the rounds, following his post-match reaction in Kigali.

This was after Super Eagles 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match day two qualifying match against Rwanda, which ended 0-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

However, Eguavoen, who spoke to newsmen after the team touched down in Abuja, debunked the rumours as false and misleading, saying that he was misquoted.

He sais he was still in charge of the Super Eagles and would sit down with the federation’s hierarchy to evaluate the team’s performance, following the two matches played.

“It is quite unfortunate that people would just trigger something that is not correct, and at the situation that we are in now, we don’t need negative stories.

“I only talked about sitting down with the hierarchy of the federation after these two games to see how we go about prosecuting the next games.

“But, when I saw that story, I was kind of really worried and concerned. Whatever people are reading out there is not correct, and I am still very much in charge.

“I am the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, saddled with the responsibility of taking charge of the Super Eagles at this moment, and that’s where we are,” he said.

NAN reports that the Eagles will next confront the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, mid-October.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Victor Okoye

Olusegun Runsewe, President of Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), has commended Nigeria’s female teenage golfer, Iyene Essien, for her exploits at the St. Lawrence University Fall Invitational in Canton, New York, U.S.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Essien, a first-year Electrical Engineering student of Union College, Schenectady, New York, had a record-setting weekend to start her collegiate career at the SLU Fall Invitational.

This was after she carded rounds of 70 and 81 to earn medalist honours with a programme-record two-day score of 151.

She smashed the school record by five strokes with her two-under 70 in her collegiate debut on Saturday, carding three birdies, an eagle, and no holes higher than bogey.

Facing incredibly difficult conditions, Essien carved up the course with the first sub-par round in Union golf history, surpassing the previous record of 75 set by current senior Liz Bentsianov on Sept. 17, 2022 at the tournament.

The 18-year-old carded an eagle on the par-five 11th to go with three birdies and three bogies in her collegiate debut, carding dual nines of 35 on the way to her record-setting score.

She followed up with an 81 on Sunday to break the school two-day scoring record and post a four-stroke victory.

It was only the third individual medalist honour in programme history and the first at an event with more than three teams.

Her effort ensured that she led the Union College women’s golf team to a third-place finish at the season-opening tournament, held on Saturday and Sunday at Oliver D. Appleton Golf Course.

Her excellent performance also saw her earn the Union College Women’s Golf Performer of the Week award and three more earning spots on the weekly honour roll.

Runsewe, while commending Essien, a product of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, on Wednesday, described her accomplishments as an inspiration to the younger generation.

He added that she was an ambassador of Nigeria’s grassroots golf development.

He said her exploits, while in college, was a fulcrum of great possibilities and renewed hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.

The NGF President said the success story of Essien was the motivating factor behind his desire to ensure that more talents were discovered at the grassroots in the country.

“Under my leadership as the NGF President, I have always emphasised the need to concentrate on grassroots development of the sport.

“This is why we have been able to build the Golf and Health Signature, a hub for the growth and development of young talents in the country.

“This is the way other advanced countries grew the game,” he said.

He said other countries started well and early, “and that’s exactly what we are also trying to achieve here at the Golf and Health Signature.

“These young talents are the future of the sport, and in a few years to come, they will represent Nigeria in different circuits around the world.”

He also commended the efforts of Essien’s parents who committed their time, energy and resources to seeing her through the most crucial part of her golfing career, while also ensuring that she gets the best education.

He urged other parents to borrow a leaf from Essien’s story and encourage their children to start playing golf at an early age.

He also assured of the NGF’s continued support for young golfers to enable them reach their full potential.

The NGF boss also called for more sponsorship by corporate bodies, private institutions and philanthropists to support grassroots development of the sport in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Victor Okoye

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved the German tactician, Bruno Labbadia, to become the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles.

A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, indicates that NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said Labbadia’s appointment was with immediate effect.

“The NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

“The appointment is with immediate effect,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 58-year-old gaffer was born in Darmstadt, Germany on Feb. 8, 1966.

Labbadia won two caps for Die Mannschaft in his playing career that took him through clubs such as home-town team Darmstadt 98, Hamburger SV, and FC Kaiserslautern.

Others include; Bayern Munich, FC Cologne, Werder Bremen, Armenia Bielefeld and Karlsruher SC.

He triumphed in the German Bundesliga with Bayern Munich as a player in 1994.

He coached famous names Hertha Berlin and VfB Stuttgart this decade, and previously, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen, among others, and holds a UEFA Pro License.

He is the sixth German, after Karl-Heinz Marotzke (who had two stints between 1970 and 1974), Gottlieb Göller (1981), Manfred Höner (1988-1989), Berti Vogts (2007-2008) and Gernot Rohr (2016-2021) to lead the Super Eagles.

Höner led the Eagles to runner-up position at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, while Rohr qualified and led Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

Labbadi’s immediate challenge is to take charge of the three-time African champions for two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic (Sept. 7 in Uyo) and Rwanda (Sept. 10 in Kigali).

Four other matches would conclude the qualifying race following in the months of October and November.

List of fomer Super Eagles Coaches

John Finch (England) – 1949

Daniel Anyiam (Nigeria) – 1954-1956; 1964-1965

Les Courtier (England) – 1956-1960

Moshe Beit Halevi (Israel) – 1960-1961

George Vardar (Hungary) – 1961-1963

Joey Blackwell (England) – 1963 – 1964

József Ember (Hungary) – 1965-1968

Sabino Barinaga (Spain) – 1968-1969

Peter ‘Eto’ Amaechina (Nigeria) – 1969-1970

Karl-Heinz Marotzke (Germany) – 1970-1971; 1974

Jorge Penna (Brazil) – 1972-1973

Jelisavčić ‘Father Tiko’ Tihomir (Yugoslavia) – 1974-1978

Otto Glória (Brazil) – 1979-1982

Gottlieb Göller (Germany) – 1981

Adegboye Onigbinde (Nigeria) – 1983-1984; 2002

Chris Udemezue (Nigeria) – 1984-1986

Patrick Ekeji (Nigeria) – 1985

Paul Hamilton (Nigeria) – 1987; 1989

Manfred Höner (Germany) – 1988-1989

Clemens Westerhof (Netherlands) – 1989-1994

Amodu Shaibu (Nigeria) – 1994-1995;1996-1997; 2001-2002; 2008-2010

Johannes Bonfrere (Netherlands) – 1995-1996; 1999-2001

Philippe Troussier (France) – 1997

Monday Sinclair (Nigeria) – 1997-1998

Bora Milutinović (Yugoslavia) – 1998

Thijs Libregts (Netherlands) – 1999

Christian Chukwu (Nigeria) – 2002-2005

Augustine Eguavoen (Nigeria) – 2005-2007; 2010; 2022

Berti Vogts (Germany) – 2007-2008

Lars Lagerbäck (Sweden) – 2010

Samson Siasia (Nigeria) – 2010-2011; 2016

Stephen Keshi (Nigeria) – 2011-2014; 2015

Sunday Oliseh (Nigeria) – 2015-2016

Gernot Rohr (Germany) – 2016-2021

José Peseiro (Portugal) – 2022-2024

Finidi George (Nigeria) – 2024

Bruno Labbadia (Germany) – 2024-?.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne on Sunday at Rabat in Morocco crashed out of the 2024/2025 African Champions League in the competition’s first preliminary round.

The 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) runners-up crashed out after losing 2-3 aggregate to Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Remo Stars lost 0-2 on the night at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

The Nigerian side had won the first leg fixture on Aug. 18 in Ikenne 2-1, but they could not withstand the Moroccans’ offensive blitz in the second leg game.

Two second half goals did the job for the hosts, with Joel Beya who scored their lone goal in Ikenne opening scores in the 53rd minute.

With about 12 minutes left and Remo Stars holding out, a penalty kick was awarded to the home side and El Amine Zouhzouh made no mistake from the spot.

NAN reports that Remo Stars loss meant two of Nigeria’s representatives in club football on the continent have crashed out just one round into their respective competitions.

On Saturday, El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club of Maiduguri had been eliminated from the African Confederation Cup competition’s first preliminary round after a 2-3 aggregate loss.

Nigeria now has only one club each in the two continental competitions.

Enyimba International FC of Aba had drawn bye in the opening round into the second preliminary round of the African Confederation Cup competition.

Rangers International FC of Enugu had on Friday advanced into the second preliminary round of the African Champions League competition, after a 2-1 aggregate victory in the opening round.(NAN)

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

By Victor Okoye

David Inalegwu of Henry Seriake Dickson Golf and Country Club, Bayelsa on Sunday won the 16th IBB Junior Open Golf Championship in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day championship teed off on Friday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club (IBBIGCC), Abuja.

More than 146 junior players from across the country gathered at IBBIGCC for the tournament organised by the IBB Lady Golf Section led by Dame Julie Donli.

Inalegwu, who played a total of 223 gross, led over three days, shooting 74, 71, and 78, respectively, over 54 holes to clinch the championship title.

It was indeed a case of third time lucky for the 18-year-old who had finished fourth and as a runner-up in the 14th and 15th editions of the championship.

”It’s quite amazing that I won the tournament after finishing as the runner-up last year. It’s been quite a tough but exciting journey for me as I also finished fourth in 2022.

”So, it was a learning curve for me as I kept improving with each edition of the championship en route to this victory.

”It was not an easy task leading for three days, but I am happy that I emerged the overall winner,” Inalegwu said.

Also, David James grossed 231 to win the Boys 15-18 age category at the expense of Nandom Danjuma of Plateau Golf Academy and Robert Festus.

Destiny Oyero of lkeja Golf Club carded 242 to claim the boys 11-14 years age category, beating Unah Ogoh of Otukpo Golf Academy (245) and Matthew Ayi (242).

Deborah Dung of Plateau Golf Academy grossed 277 to win the girls 15-18 years old category, while Blessing Adah and Beatrice Onoja ensured that Otukpo Golf Academy swept the second and third prizes in the category.

In the girls 11 -14 years category, Josephine Benjamin of IBB International Golf and Country Club emerged winner after posting a total gross score of 225.

Omowonuola Olarenwaju (294) and Jennifer Akatu (313) finished as runner-up and second runner-up, respectively, in the category.

Wilson Izang (122), Abraham Dung (129), and Chinkinan Walshak (131) ensured that Plateau Golf Academy swept the stakes in the Boys 7-10 years category.

Similarly, Damaris Danladi (150), Funmilayo Oyero (160), and Ochanya Omakwu (162) emerged as winners, runners-up, and second runner-up, respectively, in the girl’s category.

The Lady Captain, Donli, said the event, with the theme of consolidating the future of golf in Nigeria, was a huge success in spite of all the challenges.

She also expressed gratitude to the families of the children who participated in the championship and everyone who contributed in one way or the other towards the success of the event.

”We understand perfectly how harsh the economy has been on us, and so we appreciate all of you and your families who sacrificed to ensure that you participated in the championship.

”The stress of registering for the tournament, getting you here and taking you back and other considerations that must have gone into the decision to have you play,” she said.

The Captain of IBBIGCC, Ibrahim Babayo, commended the IBB Ladies Golf Section (LGS), adding that it was a very successful championship.

NAN also reports that a minute of silence was observed for the two young golfers from Ekiti who lost their lives and others who sustained injuries on their way to Abuja for the tournament.

The contingent was involved in a ghastly motor accident around Kabba, Kogi on Wednesday. (NAN)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

By Victor Okoye

Some sports enthusiasts in Abuja have called for the consolidation of golf’s future in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the main thrust at the 16th edition of the IBB Junior Golf Open at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

No fewer than 146 children are participating in the 16th edition of the IBB Junior Golf Open, which is being organised by the IBB Ladies Golf Section.

The championship, which teed off on Thursday, will end on Sunday.

A cross-section of sports enthusiasts who spoke to NAN on the sidelines of the ceremonial tee-off on Friday, said there was a need to ensure that golf development at the grassroots was sustained.

Sunday Dare, the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, said that holding the 16th edition of the grassroots competition and sustaining it for such a long time was very commendable.

“It is such an important landmark. It is the 16th edition, which is very impressive. The key thing for me is ‘junior’ because I often say that the gold is in the child.”

He called on other sporting federations in the country to borrow a leaf from what was being done at the IBB Golf Club and organise more grassroots competitions.

“I think this is very important, and I am very supportive of this event. I hope several other sports in the country can organise junior, senior, amateur, and elite championships.”

Ibrahim Babayo, the Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, said the championship was very dear to the club, adding that the young ones represented the future of the sport.

“If we don’t develop these young talents, then there is no hope for the survival of the game in the country.”

Julie Donli, the Lady Captain of the Club, said the championship was one that involved children from all states of the federation, with no fewer than 146 kids participating.

“This year, we are lucky to have children from nine states and the FCT participate in this championship.”

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Victor Okoye

The President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, says the world class facility of the Golf and Health Signature (GHS) in Abuja would groom Nigerian professionals who would become “Tiger Woods” in future.

Runsewe stated this on the sidelines of a retreat organised by the IBB Ladies Golf Section (LGS) at the GHS in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the GHS boasts of one of the best golf training and health facilities in the world.

The NGF boss said the GHS was a unique golfing facility and the first of its kind in the country, adding that it was the only place one could learn how to play golf in less than two weeks.

He said that the facility was a unique one that will change that history line, adding that it boasts of a world class training environment, equipment and provisions required for proper golfing.

“Golf is no longer manual. It is an IT based sport and this is the major reason why most of us don’t play good golf in the country.

“This is because it is all about your body adapting to the tenants and techniques of the game, and once you get that right, it sticks forever.

“Most of us started playing golf between the ages 45 and 50 years when the body is already stiff.

“You can imagine that there is no single Nigerian playing golf in any circuit anywhere in the world

“So, what I want to achieve right here in this facility is to start grooming Nigerian professionals  that will go on to become the Tiger Woods of the future,” he said.

He said that the retreat by the 2024/2025 LGS Executive Committee members was a welcome development and an Initiative that should be sustained.

“I’d like to commend the IBB LGS for being unique, taking the initiative and bringing innovation into the golfing community.

“The retreat is unique and I commend them. That’s why I am giving them all the support for this to be successful.

“Only when Nigerians go abroad do they have this kind of opportunity to organise a retreat for playing golf, but today I am excited it’s happening right in Abuja.

“So for me, it’s a new beginning for us and I commend the organisers and I hope this won’t be the end as we continue to build from strength to strength,” he said.

Dame Julie Donli, the Lady Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja said the retreat was to equip the 2024/2025 LGS executive committee team for the job ahead.

“We are already four months into our one year tenure.This retreat is therefore to equip us and to get us ready for the job.

“We are having different presentations by various experts and resource persons on different topics.

“Some of the topics include, leadership, emotional intelligence, how to deal with and speak to your team members as well as members of the Golf club generally.

“These are skills that are very difficult to imbibe as human beings, but with constant continuous learning, we hope to improve in these areas.

“So, this is indeed a very important segment of our one year tenure and we are here to learn to be better versions of ourselves,” she said.

Donli expressed her gratitude to the NGF president for choosing to host the IBB LGS executive members at his facility.

She said that the facility was a unique one that was equipped with a lot of rich history and artefacts as well as world class training and health equipment.

“Our host today, Otunba Runsewe, has been so gracious and he has done so well by inviting us to his facility for free.

“Everything we are doing here is on a pro bono basis, he hasn’t charged us for anything and he’s got one of the best facilities I have ever come across.

“It’s not so huge but I tell you it has a lot. We’ve been to the indoor golf gallery, the museum, and we’ve seen what a lot of people cannot imagine that we have in this country.

”I didn’t even know that we had what I saw and urge people to come here to see for themselves, so as to understand what I am talking about,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Olawale Alabi