By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

Chess players and lovers have been promised thrilling moments as Nigeria hosts the Zone 4.2 West Africa Chess Championships from March 31 to April 9.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Saturday, Mr Babatunde Ogunsiku, the championships’ Media Director, Local Organising Committee (LOC), said plans were in top gear for a memorable competition.

Ogunsiku said the championships would be the 3rd edition for West Africa, being Zone 4.2 area.

“The LOC is working around the clock to ensure that everything works out perfectly to leave a lasting image in the minds of both participants and leaders of the various federations that will be in Nigeria.

“Before, West Africa used to be Zone 4.4 with more countries. However , in 2023, the system changed, and instead of having four zones in Africa, we now have five.

“Zone 4.1 is Northern Africa, Zone 4.2 is Western Africa, Zone 4.3 is Central Africa, Zone 4.4 is Eastern Africa, and Zone 4.5 is Southern Africa.

He added that letters had been sent to the 11 West African countries making up the zone.

“They have till March 15 to send in their registration. After which, late registration will only be accepted on the LOC’s prerogative,” he said.

Ogunsiku added that this would, however, be the first time Nigeria would be hosting Zone 4.2.

“We’ve hosted the whole of Africa twice – once in Abuja in 2003 and in Lagos in 2022.

“Hosting this event provides Nigerian chess players with the opportunity to spend less in participating in a chess event, considering that it is held in different countries yearly.

“It is a huge opportunity that presents itself once a year and one that thousands of people will most likely be following all around Africa and beyond,” he said.

“The competition will be a 9-round Classical Chess Tournament with a time control of 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move for the first 40 moves and 30 minutes + 30 seconds to finish each game (per player).

“Right now, there is a standard prize pool of 3,000 dollars. However, the team is working on reeling in sponsors to ensure an increment in the prizes.

“There are hopes that this will happen before the end of registration,” he said.

NAN reports the championships will be held at CitiHeights Hotel, Lagos, from March 31 to April 9. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke

By Georgina Adegbie

The Nigeria Aquatics Federation says it is taking steps to discover new swimming talents that will represent the country at various international competitions.

Chinoye Aliyu, President, Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), said this while reeling out the programme of activities for the forthcoming “Swim to Future” kiddies championship aimed at discovering and nurturing swimming talents within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Aliyu said the initiative was designed to identify, train and develop primary and secondary school children between ages six and 14.

She said that the event scheduled to hold on Friday and Saturday would provide the children with a platform to showcase their skills which would eventually see them representing the country at international competitions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship is the first edition of the “Swim to Future” championship for primary and secondary school children.

According to Aliyu, the event is the beginning of an exciting new era in Nigerian swimming.

“We recognise the boundless potential of our young swimmers, and with the right training, mentorship and opportunities, they can rise to compete at the highest levels and also represent Nigeria with pride on the international stages.”

She said that the event was part of the federation’s broader strategy to develop swimming in Nigeria, with plans to expand the initiative to other zones across the country.

“The aim is to create a robust swimming ecosystem, providing every region with access to professional training and competitive opportunities in the sport.

“By investing in the next generation of swimming champions, the Nigeria Aquatics Federation is committed to shaping the future of aquatics in Nigeria.

“We want to instil a passion for swimming in them, and this is the right time to start. Swim with passion, train with determination, and embrace this opportunity with both hands,” she said.

On his part, Yisa Lawal from Ojez Entertainment Limited, the sponsors of the event, said it was their first time of sponsoring an aquatic event in Abuja.

“We have supported and sponsored swimming events in Lagos, and we have been partnering with the federation for some time now.

“We decided to partner with the Aquatic Federation to catch them young, nurture and build them for future international events.

“We will help them train in their various aquatic events so that they can build their careers as future professionals,” he said.

Lawal noted that some of the athletes they have assisted in the past were now in foreign countries as professional swimmers.

Jiddah Dakwal, board member representing North Central, Nigeria Aquatics Federation, said that 78 kids have so far registered for the event.

“We are targeting more than 100 athletes to participate in the maiden edition of the championship.

“For the security of these children, we have well-trained coaches and lifeguards who are certified. They will be around to protect these kids in case of any casualty.

“It will be a good programme for kids in the FCT, as children tend to do things well at a tender age with perfection,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Aderonke Ojo

Family Worship Champions (FWC) Football Club edged EFCC FC 4-3 on Saturday in a penalty shootout to claim the 2025 FCT President Cup title in Abuja.

The thrilling final was played at the Area 3 football pitch in Abuja.

The match began dramatically, with FWC FC being awarded a penalty just three minutes into the game.

However, Leonard Chung’s attempt was unsuccessful and FWC FC had to withstand mounting pressure from EFCC FC throughout the first half.

In spite of creating several scoring opportunities, EFCC FC could not capitalise on their chances.

In the second half, EFCC FC continued to push forward, but FWC FC’s defence remained resolute, preventing their opponents from scoring.

The game ended 0-0 after regular time, leading to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, FWC FC triumphed 4-3 to claim the title, marking a significant achievement for the team, who had previously fallen short in penalty shootouts.

After the match, FWC FC Coach Bunmi Haruna expressed pride in the team’s performance.

“We have worked tirelessly to improve our penalty shooting, and it paid off today.

“I am grateful to the players, backroom staff, and supporters for their dedication and hard work.

“We have secured our place in the upcoming National President Cup,” he said.

Haruna, a journalist, also acknowledged the vital role of media and community support in their success.

“This trophy is dedicated to everyone who has backed us throughout this journey.”

On the other hand, EFCC FC Coach Kabiru Sani lauded his team’s performance in spite of the loss.

“We are impressed with our timing and delivery throughout the FCT President Cup.

“Although we fell short in the final, we have secured our place in the upcoming National President Cup.”

In the women’s category, Naija Ratel FC defeated N-Youth Ladies Football Academy 6-0 in the final, with both teams securing a ticket for the National President Cup.

The 2025 FCT President Federation Cup, which began on February 3, concluded on February 22 at the Area 3 football pitch in Abuja. (NAN)(www.nannews. ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on Saturday won the state’s edition of the 2025 President Federation Cup competition after defeating Ijele FC 3-0.

In the final match played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, striker Daniel Onyia scored in the 27th minute to give the Flying Antelopes the lead.

Brilliant display by Ijele FC thereafter in the efforts to equalise failed to yield any fruit as the Rangers defence line stood firm.

In the second half, both teams piled pressure on each other and in the 75th minute veteran striker Michael Uchebo made it 2-0 for Rangers.

The match was put to bed when Onyia blasted in a shot from outside the penalty area to seal another Cup victory for Rangers.

Speaking with newsmen after presenting the trophy to the Rangers team, the Enugu Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu, expressed joy over the successful completion of the competition.

“I am highly excited and I appreciate everyone who contributed to the success of this competition.

“I commend the state Football Association (FA), the media, the teams and their management,” he said.

Speaking also, the state FA chairman, Tony Ugwu, said the association would do everything possible to ensure the success of both teams in the national 2025 President Federation Cup competition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both Rangers and Ijele FC have now qualified to represent Enugu State in this year’s edition of the national competition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawale Alabi