The National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) said on Wednesday that it has cleared 19 more sports betting and gaming operators in the country.
Mr Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director-General of the commission, in a statement, listed the operators to include ZEBET, BETIKA, GOBET, MSPORT, AFRIBET and BANGBET.
Others are BETWAZOBIA, KORETBET, PARIPESA, LIVESCOREBET, BLACKBET/BETTY BINGO, CLOUDBET, HALLABET, N1BET, KONFAMBET, SCRATCH2WIN, NAIJABET, LOTTOMANIA and MILLIONAIRE POWERPLAY.
Gbajabiamila stated that the operators were duly licenced to conduct lottery and sports betting business in Nigeria in spite of the publication by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) which claimed that they were unlicenced.
The lottery Commission boss said that the clearance given to the listed operators was for the public to know their status as it concerned sports betting and Gaming in the country.
“It is therefore necessary for NLRC as the Agency, created by law to regulate Lottery and Gaming in Nigeria, to make clarification.
“So, the following gaming operators listed as “unlicenced and illegal” in the publication of LSLGA are duly licenced to conduct lottery and sports betting business in Nigeria,” he said.
According to Gbajabiamila, the comprehensive list of national gaming operators in the country is available on the NLRC website, https://nlrc-gov.ng/list-of-approved-gaming-operators.
“NLRC deeply regrets any misconceptions the unfortunate publication may have caused the national gaming licencees operating within the ambit of the law in Nigeria,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) said it will hold a Stakeholders dialogue, on the implementation of sections of the Fiscal Responsibility Act that relates to lending by banks to governments and public institutions.
Mr Bede Anyanwu, FRC’s Head of Strategic Communications who stated this is in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the event would hold in Lagos on Saturday.
Anyanwu said that the event is expected to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders including banking institutions, government representatives, economists, academics and experts in fiscal governance.
He said that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 (FRA), was Nigeria’s foremost legal framework for the promotion, monitoring and enforcement of fiscal discipline in the federation.
He said that the FRA stipulates that lending by banks to governments or their agencies in contravention of certain provisions of the Act shall be unlawful.
“Hence, the commission aims at using the Stakeholder Dialogue to refresh the attention of stakeholders to this provision of the Act.
“It also seeks to engender stakeholder agreement on ways to enhance compliance, and thereby improve the nation’s debt management practices,” Anyanwu said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Excited at their first Nigeria Premier League (NPL) win over visiting Gombe United FC on Monday, Sporting Lagos FC, are optimistic of winning the league at first attempt.
The Chairman of the club, Godwin Enakhena, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the club’s promising start in the 2023/2024 NPL with a 2-0 win over Gombe United.
NAN reports that league Sporting Lagos on Monday in the Match Day 1 fixtures of the 2023/2024 NPL, dispatched the visiting Jewels of Savannah 2-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Enakhena, referring to the victory, said that the club had more in its sleeves.
He said that winning the league was the club’s main target.
“The target for us is to win the league, we want to win it, and we have been drumming that for people to hear.
“Who says it is not possible? Ocean Boys of Port Harcourt have done it, some other clubs abroad also did it.
“Winning the league is achievable, we want to play on the continental level come next season, and I think we can do that.
“We have put together some quality players that can make the difference at the end of the day,” he said.
Nigeria Premier League (NPL)
On the team’s performance at the league opener, Enakhena, a former Lagos-based MFM FC Chairman, said it was cheering to start the league on a brighter note.
“This is what we have planned for, we want to start the league on a good note. We all know that in football, the first game matters a lot.
“The first win will tell how far you are going.’’
He expressed confidence that the club would win its next match – against Akwa United.
“We needed to win so as to send the right message that we are ready for the Nigerian Premier League,” he said.
Enakhena told NAN that his experience at MFM FC was an advantage in administering Sporting Lagos FC.
“The first thing I will be bringing to Sporting Lagos FC is experience which cannot be bought.
“When I started Sporting Lagos FC at Ilaji in Ibadan, I said we would not spend more than a season in the lower league.
“It is not about me, it is the confidence that whatever I do, God is behind it. I will put in my best and everything that I got, and leave the rest for God.
“MFM FC’s job is a different kettle of fish because the vision is about youth empowerment, while Sporting Lagos FC is purely business- driven,’’ the chairman said.
He said that the management of Sporting Lagos was determined to build an appealing brand.
“People must see the product and want to buy it,” he said. (NAN)
Mr Amaju Pinnick, FIFA Executive Council Member and former Chairman, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has emphasised the need to strengthen football in secondary schools to give more opportunities to budding talents.
According to him, more attention to secondary school football will boost the sports in rural areas and shore up infrastructural growth that will, in turn, enhance the quality of education nationwide.
Pinnick spoke in Lagos on Monday when he received the Technical Board of Kalidon Ventures Limited.
Kalidon Ventures has just signed a 10 years lease agreement with the University of Lagos to build a modern Astro turf facility.
Astro turf is a type of artificial fiber that is used instead of grass on some sports fields.
The Lagos University facility is expected to come with a state-of-the-art Lounge, Game Arcades and a multi dimensional viewing system.
Pinnick said that the ongoing football construction works at Hussey College in Warri would serve as a model on how developed football programmes in secondary schools could produce soccer stars for local and international leagues.
The Warri project is being undertaken by the former NFF boss.
“When football facilities are developed, they could bring the much-needed extra revenue to fund the schools.
“They could also impact infrastructure and engender very credible technical partnerships between the schools and well regarded international stakeholders,” he added.
Pinnick, generally regarded as an influential international football administrator, commended the Kalidon Venture Technical Team’s decision to build world class Astro turfs that would serve the football community.
The football administrator accepted to work for the firm in an advisory capacity.
Earlier, Mr Omotayo Oyewome, Managing Director, Kalidon Ventures, had told Pinnick that the Lagos facility would be the pilot one as plans had already reached advanced stages to expand very rapidly into the six geographical centres of the country.
He listed the benefiting states to include Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Abuja and Kaduna.
Already, front line investment banking franchise – Hamilton and George – have been appointed as Financial Advisers of the project, he stated.
Other Kalidon Ventures directors on the visit were Oyewole Olaoluwa Ajayi, Oluwaseyi Atinaro and Joseph Edgar. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) said it would withdraw the licence of any football club involved in match fixing in the country.
The NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau gave stated this at the opening of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Jos on Friday.
Gusau was represented by Margaret Icheen, a member of the NFF Executive Board.
He said that anyone who dents the image of the game would be decisively dealt with according to the laws guiding the game.
The president said that he would do everything possible, to project activities of NNL and indeed football in Nigeria.
He said that NNL being the bedrock of football in the country, its standards must not be compromised for anything.
“And once the foundation is laid very well, we’ll have a quality premier league in Nigeria.
“It is not going to be business as usual where clubs buy matches for their clubs to be promoted.
“The referees have been trained on what to do, the coaches have been trained, the match commissioners also have been trained, anyone who does anything wrong will lose his licence.
“If you have enough resources to buy matches, you better make your players comfortable so that they can produce a better result for your club.
“NFF is ready to do that which will bring back the good name of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the NNL for the good of the country,’’ he added.
Gusau wished the delegates a wonderful deliberation that would yield positive results that would impact positively on the nation’s football.
The NNL Chairman, George Aluo said that the present board of the league was constituted to make the league more viable, more competitive, more attractive to sponsors and professionally driven.
Aluo said that the onerous task requires the cooperation of all football stakeholders particularly the management of NNL clubs.
The chairman stated that the board was committed to ensuring that clubs get value for their investment, adding that for such to come to fruition, a symbiotic relationship was required.
“The present leadership of the NNL under my leadership hereby states our resolve to work with all stakeholders to move the game of football forward.
“We are open to constructive criticisms and advice that will come for the fountain of your indispensable knowledge of football administration.
“No football league world-wide can strive without huge financial investment. Collectively we shall work to secure reputable sponsors/partners for the NNL,’’ he added.
He said that the date and format of the league would be made public at the end of the AGM. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, says he is committed to ensuring Nigerian athletes are accorded due respect and not discriminated against.
The minister said this on Thursday in Abuja against the backdrop of a video on Napoli’s official TikTok which appeared to mock Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen over a penalty miss.
Osimhen had missed a penalty kick during Napoli’s 0-0 draw with Bologna in a recent Serie A match.
Osimhen subsequently threatened to sue Napoli FC for the post, but the post has now been deleted.
The minister said he was saddened by the incident and exploring ways to ensure Nigerian athletes are treated with dignity always.
He said he was committed to rallying support for Osimhen, Tobi Amusan and other Nigerian athletes who might need encouragement.
“Over the past weekend, the developments that came out of Napoli as it pertains Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, saddened me greatly.
“The travails of Tobi Amusan have been no less so. This necessitated why, last week, I made efforts to reach her directly.
“Moreso, my office is making efforts to reach Victor Osimhen directly as well, so as to understand first hand what the issues are.
“We are committed to establishing the facts of the matter,” he said.
Enoh said his office was working closely with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nigerian Ambassador to Italy and other stakeholders to find a diplomatic resolution to the issue.
“I am also in touch with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as well as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Italy, Ambassador Mfawa Abam.
“Together, we are employing diplomatic avenues with Italy for a more decorous approach in looking into the matter as it is,” he said.
The minister said the Tinubu-led administration would continue to ensure that Nigerian sports men and women were accorded the respect they deserved and not exposed to injustice and discrimination.
“Upon assumption of office, I made it abundantly clear, in words and deeds that the welfare of our athletes, be they home-based or foreign-based, would be our topmost priority, as we create the environment that enables and ensures their continued success,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Organisers and sponsors of the first Bolatito Adeyemo Squash Classics on Wednesday applauded the skills displayed on opening day of the tournament by the top rated players in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament served-off at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, with eight male and eight female top seeded players.
The players played the best of three games in a round robin format.
The top eight seeded in the men’s category are: Onaopemipo Adegoke, Gabriel Olufunmilayo, Kehinde Samuel, Abel Shedrack, Faruq Sulaimon, Samson Ashade, Dominion Utukpe and Temiloluwa Adegoke.
In the women’s category, the top seeded eight players are: Rophiat AbdulAzeez, Busayo Olatunji, Blessing Isaac, Favour Utukpe, Mistura Durosinlorun, Udeme James, Titilayo Akinleye and Jadesola Olatunji.
However, Olatunji, Utukpe and James were unavoidably absent, and were replaced with Dupe Faniyi, Bisi Adeleke and Idowu Ogunyemi, who are next on the national ranking list.
Femi Adeyemo, son of late Bolatito, described the quality of play as impressive, and hoped that the tournament would continue next year.
” I’m really impressed, one is never sure what to expect. A few upset here and there, which is good for the development of squash. I’m sure by tomorrow we’d even see more impressive games.
” The truth is Seun Jayeola put this tournament together in honour of my late mother because she was like a grandmother to him.
” This is Seun’s way of cherishing her even in death. So only Seun can tell if it’s going to be continuous or a one off,” he said.
NAN reports that Adegoke, the number one ranked male player who recently won his first Professional Squash Association (PSA) tournament, defeated Utukpe 2-1, gathering nine points at the end of the robin.
Shedrack gathered six points, while Ashade and Utukpe had two points each in group A. In group B, Olorunfunmi had seven points, Samuel had six points, while Temiloluwa and Faruq had four and one points respectively.
Seun Jayeola, the sponsor of the tournament who was rated number three in his playing days, said he was happy watching the players.
” This has brought back good memories of when I was a player. This beautiful game has improved tremendously. I’m amazed by the crop of players we have now. They have the potential to rule the world.
” God willing I intend to keep this going. This is a legacy in honour of mama. She often referred to me as her last born.
” I’m looking forward to tomorrow, I know it will be thrilling as well. The semi finals and final promises to be fun for the spectators. Viewers will be treated to the best of squash,” he said.
In the women’s category, AbdulAzeez gathered nine points, Durosinlorun pulled five points, while Adeleke and Faniyi had two points each in Group A.
In Group B Isaac had seven points, while Olatunji had six points. Akinleye had five points, while Ogunyemi had no point.
Idowu Enimakure, the Tournament Director, said the essence of selecting only top seeded players was to give squash enthusiasts premium squash experience.
” I’m not disappointed with what I’ve seen here today, we wanted the best eight players male and female and they have given us a classic performance.
” A good match is an unpredictable match, and that was what the players gave their fans. Tomorrow’s match will be even better,” he said.
Adegoke will play against Samuel in the semi-finals while Olufunmilayo will settle a score with Shedrack.
For the ladies, AbudulAzeez will play against Olatunji while Durosinlorun will take on Isaac in the ladies semi-finals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Morocco hosts for the 2025 AFCON, while a joint bid from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania got the nod for the 2027 AFCON.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Morocco won the hosting right by garnering 22 votes, after Algeria, Zambia and a joint bid by Nigeria/Benin Republic withdrew before the voting.
At their voting at the Cairo Marriott Hotel in Egypt on Wednesday, the Executive Committee of CAF announced the North Africans and East Africans as hosts for the 2025, 2027 editions respectively
A joint bid by Nigeria and Benin Republic to host the 2025 or 2027 AFCON did not make the cut.
Nigeria hosted the competition in 1980 and co-hosted with Ghana in 2000.
CAF unveiled the joint bid from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, as the winning bid for 2027 fiesta, after second round of voting.
They beat Botswana, Egypt and Senegal in a vote of the CAF executive committee.
Morocco will be hosting the AFCON for the second time, after it hosted in 1988 while Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will be hosting for the first time.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
1xBET Sports Betting Company has entered into a partnership with Match International Company to develop football at the grassroots in Lagos State.
Its Chairman, Oluwafemi Babalola, who made this known at a news conference in Lagos, said that 40 football teams had been invited to compete for a trophy.
Babalola explained that the 40 teams, drawn from the 37 Local Government Areas of the state would be divided into five conferences.
He disclosed that Daniel Amokachi and Austin Eguavoen, former Super Eagles players had been appointed ambassadors to motivate the young talents that will be discovered at the tournament.
” These young players will be given a platform to showcase their talents and have the opportunity to be under the tutelage of outstanding ex-internationals.
” We are glad to be throwing our weight behind this laudable project, I’d like to thank Akanni for this brilliant initiative,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, which will last for six weeks, is scheduled to kick-off on Oct. 3 across the Local Government Areas.
Earlier, Wahidi Akanni, the Chairman of Match International, said grassroots development remained the only sustainable way to discover and groom future champions.
” We started this partnership four months ago, and we’re glad to be here today. We believe in the talents, hidden gems in our country. But how do we nurture them if we don’t discover them?
” The only way we can identify these talents is by organising tournaments like this with ex-internationals as our ambassadors to train and motivate these talents.
” That’s why you see the chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL) here, we want a synergy whereby these players move to the next level from grassroot to the senior team,” he said.
Also, one of 1xBET’s ambassador, Eguavoen Austin, urged participants to make the best of the opportunity.
” We didn’t have these many opportunities during our time; this platform is a great platform to start growing from.
” 1xBET and Wahidi Akanni have sown a seed that will manifest in the near future. No doubt, there are talents in this country, but we need to put in structures to groom the talents discovered.
” Football remains a unifying tool in Nigeria; we should utilise it to save our country,” he said.
NAN reports that the winning team will go home with N1 million, while the first runners up gets N500,000 and second runners up N300, 000.
Amokachi fondly called ‘the bull’ said developing football at the grassroot remained the only sustainable way to guarantee continuous development of the game.
” It is an honour to be a part of this, watching football in its rawest form will be truly entertaining, and being able to discover new talents will be something to look forward to.
” Football unites us. Growing up as a child football was an escape root for us. I applaud Wahidi and 1xBET,” he said.
NAN reports that 40 ex-internationals in various Local Government Areas will train and mentor the five conference teams.
Fanny Amun, former Super Eagles, said he would like to see winners of 1xBET tournament in Super Eagles.
” The icing on the cake will be to see stars that will emerge from this tournament in the future Super Eagles where they can make reference to the fact that they were discovered here.
” I appreciate the fact that 1xBET has taken its Corporate Social Responsibility seriously and they will be remembered for it,” he said.
George Aluo, Chairman of NNL, who applauded the company, appealed to the betting company to partner with the NNL as sponsors.
” This is commendable, supporting the grassroots because the young shall grow tomorrow. How we preserve tomorrow is by working in partnership with the NNL and the Nigeria Premier Football League.
” Our domestic football development is crucial and with the calibre of people at the helms of affairs the future of Nigerian football is, indeed, very bright,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The 2023 IBB Independence Golf and Tennis tournament gets underway in Abuja, with the overall winner expected to cruise home with a brand new car from PAN Nigeria Ltd.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 500 players from Nigeria, and four other countries will jostling for honours at the prestigious event at the IBB International Golf and Country Club.
The event which began with the tennis tournament on Sept. 15 is expected to end with the golf event’s final on Oct. 1.
Banjo Obaleye, the IBB Golf Club Captain, told newsmen at a news conference on Tuesday that the tournament would be a remarkable event.
He said the Club, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and partner of government, had set out to organise the 2023 Independence Golf and Tennis Tournament.
“Our noble objectives, amongst others is to commemorate the 63rd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.
“We intend to boost the international image of Nigeria and use sports as a rallying platform for the unity, security and peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians.
“We also want to use the event to boost the economy of Nigeria, and highlight the business opportunities that abound in the country,” he said.
IBB Golf Captain, the Lady Captain flanked by the Chairman and members of the Organising Committee. after a news conference on 2023 IBB Independence Golf and Tennis Tournament at the Golf club in Abuja on 27342/26/9/2023/Anthony Alabi/NAN
Obaleye said that the IBB Independence Golf Tournament had long been a highlight on Nigeria’s golfing calendar, attracting top talents and participants from near and far.
He said that this year’s event was featuring a record number of over 500 golfers, with players coming from Rwanda, Cameroon, Uganda and Ghana.
“Our tournament showcases the beauty of golf in Nigeria and serves as a platform to nurture young talents.
“We take pride in our commitment to sustainability, with eco-friendly initiatives on the course.
“The breathtaking views of our golf course and the serene atmosphere set our tournament apart.
“We are also giving out a brand new car as the grand overall prize. Courtesy of PAN Nigeria Ltd, the donor of this star prize,” he said.
Ibrahim Babayo, the Chairman, Organising Committee and the Club’s Vice Captain assured the golfers, the media and the public of a “show stopper event.”
“I am particularly thrilled by the calibre and enthusiasm of our 2023 sponsors including PAN Nigeria Ltd. and Access Bank.
“Others are Sterling Bank, Unified Payments, Hope PSBank, TAJ Bank, Landmark Africa, Waltersmith, Stanbic IBTC and Golden Construction.
“We are committed to creating an unforgettable atmosphere and enhancing the experience of sponsors and spectators alike,” he said.
Shola Adebayo, the Competition Secretary said that the amateurs category was divided into four from category four comprising of handicap 30 to 54, to category one comprising of handicap 0 to 10.
“Category two comprises of handicap 11 to 18, while category three will feature handicap 19 to 29.
“Unlike the amateurs, the professionals will be playing over two days and their first round ended just a while ago.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday) in the morning as from 7 a.m. they (the pros) will come back for the final round which is going to be in two segments, i.e. the men’s and ladies professionals.
“The winning stake for the men is $4,000 dollars and $1,000 dollars for the ladies,” he said.
The IBB Golf Captain, the Lady Captain flanked by the Chairman and members of the Organising Committee. after a news conference on 2023 IBB Independence Golf and Tennis Tournament at the Golf club in Abuja on 27342/26/9/2023/Anthony Alabi/NAN
He said the star prize which was the vehicle donated by PAN Nigeria Ltd. would be won by the best nett playing between handicap 0 to 18.
He added that the others in the various categories will smile hope with other mouth-watering prizes and trophies.
The secretary said the format of play for the tournament was stroke play, adding that the event also had what is referred to as ‘inter country match play’.
“For those four countries that are coming, Nigeria will be playing against them and that’s going to be in the format of double and singles match play.
“The doubles match play will be on Friday, while the singles match play will be on Saturday.
“The ceremonial tee-off will take place on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. with some dignitaries, including the Sen. John Owan-Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development expected to represent the President.
“The Chief of Army of Staff will hopefully be here too and we have Captains of Industries as well as members of the Diplomatic community participating in the tournament,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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(Edited by Joseph Edeh)
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