By Aderonke Ojediran

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has urged the new Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh to work assiduously to elevate Nigeria’s sports industry.

Tony Nezianya, NOC Public Relations Officer said this in a statement while congratulating Enoh on his assumption of duty as sports minister.

He said the President of NOC, Habu Gumel described the appointment as remarkable, while noting that President Bola Tinubu is also the Grand Patron of the Olympic Movement in Nigeria.

“This is truly a remarkable achievement and a testament to Sen. Enoh’s dedication and passion.

“This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of his tireless work and unwavering commitment to come and develop the sports sector.

“We are confident that Sen. Enoh’s expertise, leadership, and vision will contribute significantly to the growth and elevation of Nigeria’s sports industry, “ he said.

Gumel expressed optimism that Enoh will bring his wealth of experience to bear in transforming the sports sector.

“With his wealth of experience and passion for promoting wellness and excellence through sports, we can expect great strides and remarkable achievements in the coming years.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sen. John Owan Enoh and wish him continued success in his new role as a member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

“May his tenure be marked with exemplary service, groundbreaking initiatives, and transformative developments for sports in Nigeria,’’ Gumel said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja inaugurated his 45-member cabinet, with a charge on the ministers to transform their various ministries.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Joseph Edeh

By Aderonke Ojediran

No fewer than 120 junior players converged on Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Saturday, for the finals of the fourth edition of Ex-Pro Diaspora Squash U-11,U-13 and U- 16 boys and girls championships.

The Ex-Pro Diaspora is a group retired players who organise tournaments as a way of giving back to squash and to develop the sport at the grassroots.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it was the first time the U-11 category featured in the tournament since its Inception in 2019.

Khadija Durosinlorun, in the U-11 girls category in a best of five game defeated Shetemi Adekunle 11/6, 21/19 and 11/6, 3-0, with the audience treated to an energetic match as the players picked the ball from various angles.

The two players represented Kwara in the tournament; call it the clash of the Afonjas and you won’t be wrong.

“We’ve met a couple of times and she won some and so did I, but this time around I was determined to win and I’m glad I did.

“My focus now is to compete at the U-16 category at the Obasanjo Championships coming up in Abeokuta and win like my big sister Mistura,” she said.

In the U-11 boys category, it was a close call between Lanre Yusuf of Lagos State and David Awe of Akwa-Ibom. Yusuf won 15/11, 11/9 and 11/8, an aggregate of 3-0.

Gift Ulisis of Akwa-Ibom defeated Loveth Balogun of Kwara by 11/4, 5/11,2/11,11/9 and 14/12, 3-2, in the U13 category, it was a tough match that made the fans scream with excitement as the tension built up in anticipation of the winner of the contest.

Balogun, who couldn’t hold her tears told NAN that she could have worked harder in order to maintain her superiority over her opponent.

“I have defeated her in some tournaments, it’s painful I lost. I don’t know why I can’t stop crying, losing hurts and I don’t want to feel this way again.

“I’d focus on training hard to ensure that I don’t feel this way ever again,” she said.

The audience was yet to recover from the thrilling performance of the girls when Ayomide Omotayo of Ogun defeated Kennedy Ola of Akwa-Ibom, 13/11,3/11,4/11,13/11 and 11/7, an aggregate of 3-2.

Omotayo who has a small stature compared to his opponent was a delight to the spectators as he wowed them with his skills.

“The crowed cheered for him more, and for my age, I didn’t know how to handle that. It was distracting; I hope to learn from this and ensure that I don’t get distracted by what’s happening in the gallery,” he said.

In the U-16 girls category Khadija Abdulraheem of Kwara defeated Awawu Balogun of Ogun 11/5,11/4,11/8 in all 3-0.

Kwara maintained dominance again as Shuaib Giwa of Kwara defeated Matthew Yusuf of Lagos State, 11/7,13/11 and 12/10 an aggregate of 3-0.

NAN reports that the tournament served-off from Aug. 12 and ended Aug. 19.

Yusuf Durosinlorun, the Technical Director of the tournament said he was impressed by the quality of play on display by the players. He said, indeed, the development of squash at the grassroots was certain.

“It is safe to say the future squash is secured in the country because the quality of play seen here is commendable; the energy of these children is unmatched.

“I want to appreciate all ex-players in the diaspora that have thought it right to give back to squash. The children will be better for it,” he said.

Friday Odey, the president of Ex-Pro Diaspora told NAN that the tournament had come to stay and that it would only get better for grassroots development.

“I don’t want to brag but next year’s tournament will be bigger and better, seeing these youngsters play has given us the strength we need to keep pushing.

“I started playing like this and squash gave me a solid foundation, the focus is to ensure that these children learn to combine squash with their education. When squash stops their certificate can continue,” he said.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Aderonke Ojediran

Some stakeholders on Sunday commended the organisers of the just concluded fourth edition of the Ex-Pro Diaspora tournament for developing squash at the grassroots.

The stakeholders gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The Ex-Pro Diaspora is a group of retired players based abroad who organise tournaments as a way of giving back to squash and to develop the sport at the grassroots.

Jiya Desai, a U.S.-based squash player and her father, Sam Desai, who both supported the tournament by donating some rackets and other gears, urged the organisers not to relent.

Jiya said, “The organisers have done well by organising this tournament for them, in few years time they’d be more skilful.

“The organisers have a focus and it will translate to having a tight competition at the senior level.

“Coming here and watching these players is such a beautiful sight to behold, their energy is amazing, they pick their balls no matter the distance.”

Sam shared the same view, urging the children to remain dedicated towards developing their skills by participating in tournaments regularly.

“This is our first time in Africa and seeing this bundle of talent is amazing, with regular tournament they’d be super stars.

“Nigerians are so warm, there’s a friendly face at every turn which is refreshing. It’s different from the perception we have,” Sam said.

Olayiwola Niniola, an APC chieftain, told NAN that he’d like to support the course of the organisers in order to give the children more options in life.

“I love children, so anything to support them is what I’m out for. I’m happy to see what these ex-players have done for them, it is commendable.

“I want to adopt two players representing Ogun. I’d be responsible for the their upkeep, feeding and education; a child that wants to play an energetic sport like squash must be well fed,” he said.

Hanniel Hadison, Commandant, Custom Training School Ikeja, Lagos, also applauded the organisers for their consistency for the past four years.

“I’m proud to see these, watching them gave me goosebumps. This was how we started and there can’t be any other way to give back than to create opportunities for these children.

“I’d keep supporting them personally to the best of my ability, this is a worthy course,” he said.

Boye Oyerinde, the president, Nigeria Squash Federation, also applauded the organisers for their commitment towards the development of squash at the grassroots.

“I was thrilled with the way these youngsters displayed their skills, the energy on the court is contagious, irrespective of age.

“I commend the organisers, this will further develop squash at the grassroots and senior levels because they have started out well,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Aderonke Ojediran

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Thursday announced a partnership with LaLiga, the Spanish league, to train Nigerian players.

Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) made the announcement at a press conference in Lagos.

Consequently, the NPFL inaugurated a Technical Committee to identify 11 All Star best league players at the end of the 2023/2024 league to train and play with the best of LaLiga teams.

Elegbeleye said the partnership was born out of the need to make the Nigerian league more viable and reward hard work.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian league league is scheduled to kick-off Sept. 9 across the country.

The technical committee for the All Stars is headed by Harrison Jala as chairman, with Austin Eguaveon, Daniel Amokachi, Godwin Nwa, Deji Omotoyinbo, Segun Agbede and Mitchel Obi as members.

The All-Star squad will travel to Spain for two weeks to play friendly games with top LaLiga teams, while the coach with the highest point will travel with the 11 All Star team.

“We undertook a thorough process of selecting members of this panel to cut across players, coaches and the media. We picked the committee members across board.

“We picked persons with the right pedigree and there is no doubt that they will give us the right squad each month. So, those selected understand that this is a call to service

“There’s an agreement we have secured with top LaLiga Clubs to host our NPFL All Stars squad to play against some other top teams in Spain. This will further enrich the experience of our players, as they will have the opportunity to play with the best,” he said.

Jala, the chairman of the committee, said the committee was ready for the task ahead.

He assured that the 2023/2024 league season would be more innovative in order to build on the success of the previous season.

“This is call to service; we intend to make fairness our watchword and give our league a facelift, and make it better than the 2022/2023 league season.

“If you check the calibre of people on the committee you’d see that they’re seasoned professionals in their irrespective fields. We are open to suggestions and ideas but fairness remains our watchword,” he said

Basil Kabbani, the Chairman of Propel Sports Africa, applauded the Group Managing Director of GTI Group and the NPFL.

He announced that additional three AI cameras were delivered ahead of the 2023/2024 season.

“Pixellos, the world-leading provider of AI-automated sports video and data solutions, and ITV Africa are proud to be in partnership with NPFL, GTI and Propel Sports Africa, revolutionising sports coverage in the country with a broad coverage of the league’s matches,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Peter Amine

Jos, Aug. 11, 2023 (NAN) The Plateau Government has prioritised sports and youth development, to engage youths in order to curtail social vices and curb crime and criminality in the state.

Mr Lawandi Datti, Plateau Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Jos.

Datti said that Gov. Caleb Mutfwang`s administration was committed   to youth development and wellbeing.

The commissioner said that his visit to the Zaria Road Stadium on Thursday was to assess the state of facilities with a view to giving it a facelift.

“We need to give the stadium a facelift to enable our teams; Plateau United and Mighty Jets play their professional and national leagues at the stadium.

“We noticed that the facility was vandalised last season and we need to fix it for Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to approve for our teams to play.

“It is not news that apart from engaging the youths, sports is one of the fastest growing businesses in the world.

“If we invest in sports, it could be a huge source of revenue for the state,’’ he said.

Datti said that the state government was working on skills acquisition programmes to train youths on how to set up their small scale businesses and be self-sufficient.

According to Datti, an idle man is a devil’s workshop, adding that government would do everything possible to take idle youths off the streets. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Prof. Benjamin Kumai-Gugong

By Stella Kabruk

Prof. Benjamin Kumai-Gugong, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports Development, says his target is to place the state on the global map in sports development.

Kumai-Gugong said this in a statement in Kaduna on Tuesday.

”Our team will work tirelessly to create an environment where talented sports men and women from diverse backgrounds are nurtured and provided with the infrastructure, coaching and encouragement they deserve to excel.

‘’Our team is determine to collaborate closely with various stakeholders, sports organizations, coaches, and the public to understand the dynamics, needs and aspirations in the sector, to create an innovative, progressive and mutually rewarding journey of sports development together.

“We shall rely on the foundation led by our predecessors to build a stronger sports community and foster a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience to create an avenue for continuity of visions and great dreams.

“Our team is looking forward to meeting with you soon in an open house forum to discuss our shared goals and strategies for the betterment of sports in our state at large,” he said.

He lauded Gov. Uba Sani for appointing him as sports commissioner.

“It is with delight that I appreciate God Almighty, His Excellency Sen. Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, senior government officials and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the people of Kaura Local Government Area  for the immense support and goodwill throughout the electioneering period that culminated to my appointment as commissioner for sports Development.

“I am personally humbled by the confidence reposed on me and the opportunity to serve in this government. It is with great enthusiasm and dedication that I accept this appointment with an open mind and commitment to give my utmost best to fulfill the responsibilities of this esteemed office,” he said.

He added that he was aware of the significance of sports development in fostering a healthier, more united, and prosperous society.

” With your support and the collective efforts of the sports community, I am eager to contribute to the growth and advancement of sports at all levels beginning with the grassroots, which is endowed with hidden untapped talents down to the professional level and ensure that our nation’s sports men and women receive the necessary resources and opportunities to excel on both national and international platforms,’’ he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa