By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Chairman, House Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Martins Esin has charged the Super Eagles of Nigeria to go all out for victory against Cameroon on Saturday in Abidjan.

Esin said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of the epic Round of 16 clash between both countries, at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

He said he was impressed with the performance of the team, but harped on the need to convert their chances in front of goal.

“We remain undefeated in this tournament, so that makes me feel good and confident ahead of our game against Cameroon on Saturday.

“I am very optimistic that we can defeat Cameroon and go all the way, but we need to score goals, Nigerians want to see goals,” he said.

He said he was in Cote d’Ivoire, along other stakeholders to give the necessary support to the team, in the quest to win a fourth AFCON title.

The lawmaker who represents Oron Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom stressed the importance of using sports to promote peace and unity in Nigeria.

He said plans were underway to organise a grassroots football tournament in the first quarter of the year among the 50 wards and five LGAs in his constituency, to promote peace, unity and empowerment.

“You can never get it wrong with the youth and sports, it is the way to go, because football, and sports generally, is the only thing that unites us,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The on-going Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire has zoomed into the round of 16 stage, with tricky and mouth watering clashes set to begin on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as the boys have been separated from the men, 16 teams have advanced to the knockout stage out of the 24 teams that started the race.

Under dogs Equatorial Guinea and Cape Verde have been scintillating, shocking their more fancied power houses in African football to top their respective groups.

Four-time champions Ghana and 2019 champions Algeria were all bundled out by less fancied opponents, in a tournament that is building up to be for the underdogs.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria who finished as Group A runners-up, behind giant killing Equatorial Guinea, will play arch rivals Cameroon on Saturday in the knock out round.

Below is the round of 16 fixtures and venues.

Saturday: Nigeria vs Cameroon (Abidjan)

Angola vs Namibia (Bouake)

Sunday: Egypt vs DR Congo ( San Pedro)

Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea (Abidjan)

Monday: Cape Verde vs Mauritania (Abidjan)

Senegal vs Ivory Coast (Yamoussoukro)

Tuesday: Mali vs Burkina Faso (Korhogo)

Morocco vs South Africa (San Pedro).

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Retired Maj.-Gen. B.N. Salami has emerged the overall best net winner of the 2024 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Golf Tournament in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the golf tournament played at the I.E. IBAS Golf Club, Karshi was organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF).

Salami playing off handicap 23 with a gross score of 77, and 54 net won the overall best net prize in the retirees category for handicap 19 to 28.

Anebi E.O. playing off handicap 16 with 86 gross and 67 net emerged best gross in the category.

Ayanbode A.O. playing off handicap 17 with a gross score of 81 and 64 net finished tops in the Serving men category, while Ayomanor D.A. with 64 gross emerged as best gross in the category.

Deborah John won the over best net prize in the Guest Ladies’ category after she played off handicap 36 with a gross score of 99, and 63 net to beat Tessy Johnson on countback.

Rose Nyam playing off handicap 20 with a gross score of 85 and 65 net emerged as best gross in the Guest Ladies’ category.

Rebecca Danladi, playing off handicap 25 with a gross score of 87 and 62 net took home the top prize in the Serving Ladies category.

Hauwa A. playing off handicap 16 with a gross score of 83 and 67 net emerged as best gross in the category.

Salami told NAN on the sidelines of the award on Tuesday that he was elated and proud to have won the best net prize.

“I feel highly elated because the game of golf is life itself.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Service Chiefs for putting this together to honour our departed troops.

“I also use this opportunity to encourage the populace to continue to lend their support to the troops, so that they will be able to achieve their goal of securing the lives of citizens in the country,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, represented by AVM Nkem Aguiyi, said that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a special event to celebrate the country’s fallen heroes as well as the living veterans and serving personnel.

“The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual event to celebrate the nation’s fallen heroes who lost their lives in active service as well as honour veterans of the world wars and the civil war.

“It is also to celebrate the living veterans and serving personnel who work tirelessly to safeguard the sovereignty of the nation, while ensuring peace and security for social and economic activities to thrive.

“Globally, the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is celebrated on Nov. 11, known as the ‘Armistice Day’.

“However, with the surrender of Biafra on Jan. 15, 1970, which marked the end of the Nigerian Civil War, the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is now celebrated in Nigeria on Jan. 15 annually.”

According to him, the celebration features several activities including parades, wreath laying ceremony, corporate and social responsibility and civil-military related activities, including sporting events.

He explained that sporting activities had a special place in the history of the celebration.

“It helps in developing both physical and mental alertness, including the well-being of personnel.

“It is for this reason that a golf tournament is included as part of activities to mark the year 2024 Armed forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

“Golfing as a game also promotes social interactions, thereby building teamwork and ‘esprit de corps’.

“Little wonder that the game of golf has captured the interest of both serving and retired military personnel with so many veterans being active golfers.

“With this in mind, we are hosting the year 2024 Armed forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at the Vice Admiral I.E. Ibas Golf course.

“Vice Admiral I.E. Ibas Golf course was particularly chosen for this event to depict the dynamic nature of the Armed Forces.

“The TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club was used for this event last year,” Gen. Musa said.

on his part, Real Admiral Julius Nwagwu, the Captain of I.E. Ibas Golf Club, said it was a privilege to host the special event at the club.

“It is a good way for me to start my tenure as the new captain of the Club, having taken over the captainship from my predecessor a week ago.

“It is also an opportunity for the golfing community, the Armed Forces, and beyond to know that the I.E. Ibas Golf Club is alive and ready to contain every golfer.

“We are working assiduously to ensure that this course, in the next six months can compete with any Golf course in the FCT and beyond,” Nwagwu said.

Similarly, Dr Chioma Acholonu, the Lady Captain of I.E. Ibas Golf Club said it was a memorable event to remember the nation’s fallen heroes.

“To God be the glory; they are being remembered because they stood for this country.

“As a member of the club and particularly the wife of an Admiral, I know what it takes to hold the home front while they are there defending our great nation, Nigeria.

“So today, when it is heard that the fallen heroes are being remembered, family members and the entire world will always stand and remember them.

“These are great heroes who signed that their lives on earth will be to defend their fatherland and they did that to the glory of God.

“Today, they are no more, but we remember them greatly and they will continue to be remembered because of their selfless service.

“We are grateful that Ibas is holding fort and hosting the tournament,” Acholonu said.

NAN also reports that part of the activities to mark the event was a raffle draw, which saw several persons smile home with consolation prizes, including bags of rice and gallons of vegetable oil to mention a few.

The grand prize, a live cow, was won by chairman of the organising committee, AVM Dalhatu Ladan.

Other special guests at the event were the representative of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Nanjul Kumzhi and the President, Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Victor Okoye

Super Eagles Coach Jose Peseiro says the team must be more clinical if Nigeria is to go far in the knockout stages of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria booked their passage into the last 16 after defeating Guinea Bissau on Monday, thanks to a first-half own goal from Guinea-Bissau’s Opa Sangante.

The win was enough to earn them second place in Group A.

Nigeria dominated the game but poor finishing ensured it was a tense encounter to the end, with Osimhen missing several chances to secure the three points earlier in the contest.

Both teams also had late goals correctly ruled out for offside.

Peseiro told newsmen during a post-match on conference that the team could not afford to continue to miss clear chances in front of goal as it might be detrimental to Nigeria’s progress in the tournament.

“It is a new competition that is starting for us.

“The most important part of a competition is the knockout stage.

“We will have to be more clinical in front of goal because the slightest mistake will be fatal for us,” he said.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles are in the round of 16 of the AFCON for the 17th time.

They will next face the runners-up of Group C – either Guinea or Senegal – in the Round of 16 at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, on Saturday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria for qualifying for the round of 16 at the ongoing AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

The minister gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles on Monday in Abidjan piped Guinea Bissau 1-0 in their last group A game to finish second in the pool and advance to the round of 16.

“Congratulations to the Super Eagles on your qualification to the next round of 16, having secured a win of 1-0 against Guinea Bissau on Monday,” he said.

Enoh expressed optimism that the team has all it takes to go all the way in the tournament and bring back home the trophy at the end of the tournament.

“We believe in you to keep doing your very best play with gusto and bring home the trophy.

“Your victory would be a fulcrum of great possibilities for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“Congratulations and ‘Let’s do it again!,” he said

NAN reports that Nigeria finished the group with two wins and a draw, for seven points from three matches to finish as Group A runners-up, behind surprise group leaders Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria will now meet the Group C runners-up in the second round.

The final positions in Group C will be determined later on Tuesday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Emmanuel Afonne

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, has urged the Super Eagles to remain focused and determined as the team moves forward in its quest to win its fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles on Monday night qualified for the 2023 AFCON round of 16 following a lone goal defeat of Guinea Bissau in their last Group A encounter at the tournament.

The win placed the Eagles on the second spot, behind Equatorial Guinea who thrashed host Cote d’Ivoire 4-0 in their own last Group A match.

Gumel in a statement issued by Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer (PRO), NOC, therefore urged the team to persevere and focus on winning the trophy, as the team progress through the tournament.

“The road to the top is never easy, and the challenges will only become tougher from this point forward,” Gumel said.

He commended the Super Eagles for their outstanding performance in the tournament, while acknowledging the extraordinary support and passion of the dedicated fans at home.

“Qualifying for the last 16 is a remarkable achievement and we are immensely proud of the team’s determination and hard work.

“The support of the fans and their unwavering belief in the team has undoubtedly spurred them on to greater heights.

“We encourage you all to continue to rally behind the Super Eagles as they strive to bring glory to our nation.

“We have full confidence in the abilities of our players and coaching staff to excel. With unity and perseverance, we believe they can go all the way and secure their fourth AFCON title.

“Let us continue to show our unwavering support and belief in the players and management of the team as they strive to bring home the trophy and make Nigeria proud,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Victor Okoye

The National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Rev. Samuel Ikpea, says the club’s total support for the Super Eagles was instrumental to Nigeria’s victory against Cote d’Ivoire.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria landed a major blow in the race for AFCON knockout qualification by defeating hosts Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 in Thursday’s titanic Group A clash.

Ikpea told NAN on Saturday in Abidjan that the support the Super Eagles received from the NFSC during the crucial match was resounding and unprecedented.

“Though we were submerged from every side by the home crowd, our over 700 fans were relentless in their support as they sang and danced to inspiring Nigerian songs.

“In spite the relentless roars of support from the over 45,000 Ivorian fans, the Elephants could not find an equalizer as we continued to support the Super Eagles non-stop.

“Indeed, that was what gave the Super Eagles the strength they needed to hold on for the famous victory,” he said.

He appreciated all the sponsors including, Demillier industries, makers of classic peanut, Sifax, Goldberg, Life and ZAGG energy drink who assisted the NFSC to achieve its goals.

Ikpea called on other sponsors to support the NFSC as it is poised to give the Eagles support in their final group game against Guinea-Bissau.

“We are calling on other corporate bodies, private organisations and philanthropists to give us that financial backing that can help us continue with the good work we are doing here.

“We believe that beyond beating the hosts at their own backyard, we can go all the way to bring the trophy home with the much-needed support,” he said.

In same vein, Bright Osundu, the Vice chairman, Cote d’Ivoire NFSC chapter said the arrival of the NFSC president for the crucial match was a game changer.

He said that if the supporters were present last Sunday, the Super Eagles would have beaten Equatorial Guinea.

“Indeed, the energy and charisma the chairman brought into Abidjan was top notch,” he said.

Osundu who doubles as the mobilisation committee chairman, said that he mobilised a lot of local support from Cote d’Ivoire which made up the over 700 fans that cheered the team to victory.

“I dedicate the victory against the Elephants to the chairman, and all members of NFSC worldwide, they are amazing,

“We will be ready to support the team in their next game and throughout the tournament against all odds,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Muhyideen Jimoh

By Oluwaseun Nubi
The Lagos State University (LASU) and University of Lagos are gearing up to host the 11th African University Games, scheduled to hold from Sept. 20 to Sept. 29.

Chidiebere Ezeani, the Acting Secretary General of Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), made this known in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

He noted that the collaboration would showcase a commitment to foster sports excellence within the African university community.

“LASU and UNILAG have joined forces to co-host this prestigious event.

“The sporting extravaganza will feature an array of disciplines across two categories: Category one; Individual Sports: Athletics, Badminton, Chess, Judo, Table Tennis, Tennis, Karate, Taekwondo and Swimming.

“Category two will feature team sports: Basketball, Football, Volleyball, and Handball,” he said.

The Secretary said that Gov. Babajide Sanwo- Olú, during the commissioning of some projects at Lagos State University earlier this month, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the African university sports community.

He noted that the initiative aligned with his vision to promote sports development and provide world-class facilities for athletes.

The statement indicated that the historic aspect of the event was the co-hosting by female vice chancellors of the respective universities.

“Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, and her counterpart, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the 9th Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, will lead this groundbreaking collaboration,” it read in part.

In her reaction; Prof. Ogunsola is quoted as outlining plans in place to host the university sports with its facilities, including the recently commissioned 240-bed sports hostel.

“We will leverage on the excellent facilities developed during the NUGA Games in 2021,” she said.

Expressing gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State for his support, Prof. Olatunji-Bello highlighted the significance of the event for Lagos State and the broader Nigerian university community.

NUGA’s Acting President, Dr. Bawa Mohammed, commended the co-hosting institutions for their continuous contribution to the development of university sports in Nigeria.

He tasked them with showcasing the warmth of Nigerian hospitality and providing Africa with a memorable experience.

The 11th African University Games promises to be a celebration of athleticism, unity, and cultural exchange, further solidifying Nigeria’s commitment to the growth of sports on the continent.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Oluwole Sogunle