By Babatunde Ogunrinde

Nigeria is set to host the 23rd African Fencing Championships, joining Senegal and Mali as the only sub-Saharan African nations to do so.

The event will run from June 25 to 29, drawing elite fencers from across the continent to Charterhouse in Lagos.

This follows Nigeria’s recent success hosting the 2018 and 2022 Junior Championships and the 2024 Fencing World Cup, solidifying its status in global fencing.

President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, confirmed the development on Tuesday.

Samuel described it as a historic milestone and clear evidence of the sport’s rapid growth in Nigeria—marking a breakthrough for African sports development.

He noted that Charterhouse Lagos, with British academic heritage spanning centuries, previously hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup, winning praise from international stakeholders.

“Now, it prepares once again, as Lagos promises world-class hospitality and a secure, spirited environment for the continental championship.

“Beyond medals, we aim to highlight Nigeria’s rich culture and pan-African unity. Visitors can expect vibrant cultural displays and local warmth,” he said.

Samuel emphasised that fencing in Nigeria represents more than sport. “It’s education, empowerment, and a journey of personal development,” he explained.

He added that the sport unites Nigeria’s diverse communities, instilling discipline, purpose, and national pride in young athletes.

“A dedicated Local Organising Committee is working with both international and domestic partners to ensure smooth logistics, security, and medical support.

“Our experience from the 2024 World Cup taught us valuable lessons. This time, we are leaving nothing to chance,” he noted.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Samuel said: “I competed in Morocco in 2008 and narrowly missed a medal — but now, I’m the host.”

He called it deeply personal, a symbol of how far fencing has come in Nigeria since those early days.

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria is targeting the podium. Though yet to medal at the Championships, Samuel believes 2025 may mark a turning point.

“With top Italian coaches and joint African training camps, our athletes are ready.

“The nation hopes to inspire a new generation as Team Nigeria competes on home ground — with pride and purpose,” Samuel said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Babatunde Ogunrinde

The Nigeria Catchball Federation (NCF) says Catchball, a new sport in Nigeria, offers competitive benefits and has strong potential to empower the girl child.

A delegation from the NCF stated this during a visit to the Lagos State Sports Commission headquarters at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, on Monday.

The team was received by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende.

The delegation was led by NCF President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Bola Babarinde.

Other members included Mr Ayotunde Ayodeji, Chief Operating Officer, and Dr Ijeoma Ladele, Director of Chapter Development.

Ladele described Catchball as a fast-growing sport for women of all ages, which is quickly gaining traction across Africa.

She highlighted its recreational and competitive value, as well as its ability to empower young girls.

According to her, Catchball reduces street involvement and promotes both mental and physical well-being.

“Lagos has the opportunity to pioneer this sport in Nigeria,” she said.

She added it would drive grassroots sports, empower girls, and boost youth engagement.

In his address, Babarinde noted Catchball’s registration and official recognition journey in Nigeria.

He commended Mr Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, for his support.

He also acknowledged Mr Anthony Adeyinka, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development.

“Their intervention helped secure federation registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission despite initial challenges,” he noted.

Babarinde, also General Secretary of Renewed Hope Global, said the agenda targets 20 million jobs before President Tinubu’s first term ends.

He said Catchball is one of the key employment-generating initiatives under this agenda.

“Lagos will have the honour of launching Catchball, with plans to expand it to secondary and tertiary institutions,” he said.

He added that local government education authorities would integrate it into primary schools as well.

“The long-term plan includes launching a National Catchball League,” he explained.

This would happen after successful adoption across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr Nunayon Travih, Director of Sports, Lagos State, expressed willingness to partner with the NCF.

He revealed plans to establish a dedicated department for Catchball in the state. “A joint working committee will ensure smooth implementation,” Travih said.

Dr Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, Director of School Sports, also praised Catchball’s potential to engage Lagos youths.

She said its similarity to volleyball allows players and coaches to transition easily. “It offers a fresh option within the busy school sports calendar,” she noted.

Ogunlende thanked the NCF for selecting Lagos as the launchpad for the sport.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusive sports, especially those empowering girls.

He also noted the urgency of the meeting, ahead of Babarinde’s trip to South Africa.

The NCF president will attend the Africa Catchball Championship from June 16 to 26.

Other Lagos dignitaries present included Damilare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports.

Also present were representatives of the Lagos State Sports Commission and other NCF members.

They included Blessing Oluwatimiro, Miss Naomi Nnaji, Haleemah Ojo, and Itohan Imoisili.

According to them, the meeting, held at the Commission’s boardroom, marks the start of a promising sports partnership in Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Nicholas Obisike

The Nwankwo Kanu’s second edition of the Under-19 Football Tournament kicked off on Friday in Aba, with three matches played on the opening day.

The tournament, organised by the Enyimba Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, for the discovery of talents for the clubs, started in 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six teams slugged it out for supremacy inside the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Friday.

The competition features two centres, Aba and Owerri, and the winners from each centre would meet in the grand finale at the Enyimba International Stadium.

The teams playing in Aba centre include Enyimba FC Under-17, Ngwa United FC, Aba Madrid FC, all from Aba.

The rest are Petson Academy and Okwu United from Umuahia.

The defending champions, Apex Crane FC from Enugu, brings the team to six and they defeated Enyimba’s Under-17 by a lone goal in the first match of the day.

In other results of the day, Aba Madrid FC drew 1-1 with Okwu United FC before Ngwa United played out goalless against Petson Academy in the last match of the day.

Coach Isaac Loute of Apex Crane FC, who once played for Enugu Rangers, hailed the players and believed the competition would serve its purpose of discovering talents.

“I love what I saw from the first match against our opponent, Enyimba Under-17, and it showed there are talents in the lower league.

“The tournament is a good one for the youths and I think at the end of the day, there will be more improvement as the tournament progresses,” Loute said.

NAN gathered from the Enyimba media that matches would continue on June 16 inside the Enyimba International Stadium by 9 am. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah