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

By Victor Okoye

Some football enthusiasts on Tuesday expressed mixed feelings over the Super Falcons loss to England at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup match in Australia and New Zealand.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Falcons bowed out of the tournament after losing 2-4 in a penalty shootout to England in the Round of 16 following a 0-0 draw at Brisbane Stadium.

Football enthusiasts told NAN that although the overall performance of the team was quite commendable, they missed a rare opportunity for the quarter-finals qualification.

Musa Amadu, former Secretary General, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said qualifying from a tough group was quite commendable, but losing to the Three Lionesses in the manner they did could have been easily avoided.

“The Super Falcons have been pleasantly surprising in this FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand.

“I must say that when they were paired in that ‘group of death’ nobody gave them a chance and everybody felt they would exit the first round.

“It is quite commendable that they were able to beat the host country, Australia and the reigning Olympic champions, Canada and held Republic of Ireland to a draw,” he said.

He, however, expressed regrets over the team’s missed chances against England, adding that they could have actually won the match and easily qualify for the quarter-finals.

“We should have won the game in extra time and the reason why I say so is, because from the penalty shootout, it was quite obvious that they did not practice penalties.

“They did not envisage the fact that the game could go all the way to penalties and we unfortunately exited the Round of 16 when we could have made the quarter-finals,” he said.

He also commended Coach Randy Waldrum for his achievements with the team, saying that he indeed proved all his critics wrong.

“I want to say that the NFF and Nigerians must be proud of the performance of the Super Falcons and Coach Waldrum has been able to do.

“The Texan has proved all critics wrong by getting to the Round of 16. I must say that the team is looking good and we should build us this to qualify for the Paris Olympics next year,” he said.

The former NFF Scribe also commended FIFA for the mouth-watering prize money that was showered on the players, adding that it will go along a way in helping the girls and their families.

“The girls have done themselves very good also by amassing 60,000 dollars each for their hard work. That amounts to about N 46 million for each of the players.

“Coming from their background they should be able to do something very well for themselves, their families and relations.

“I must also commend FIFA for what they have done with regards to the prize money for the girls. It is quite commendable.

“So, overall when the Super Falcons come back to Nigeria by Wednesday or Thursday, they must be given a very warm and cheerful reception,” he said.

Mansur Abdullahi, Assistant General Secretary, Nigeria Football Coaches Association, on his part expressed mixed feelings about the outcome of the match between the Super Falcons and their English counterparts.

He said that even though the team gave a good account of themselves, it was quite unfortunate that they couldn’t take advantage of a depleted England squad.

“The truth of the matter is that the Super Falcons have played to their own level.

“But it is quite sad that we couldn’t take advantage of the game when England were a player down due to the reckless red card shown to James who was one of their key players.

“Personally, I expected the Super Falcons technical crew to attack more because they had nothing to lose.

“Their opponents were a player down so it is only natural to take the fight to them and attack more instead of playing safe,” he said.

Abdullahi who was also a former assistant coach of the Super Falcons, said that it was also unfortunate that goalkeeper Nnadozie also failed to save any penalty following her antecedents in the tournament.

“When you get to the lottery penalty shootout, it is always a game of luck as anybody can take the day.

“However, it was unfortunate today that our goalkeeper Nnadozie who has indeed been wonderful in stopping penalties in the tournament couldn’t save any today.

“However we must not forget that England are the European champions and looking at the calibre of players in their squad we must give kudos to our girls for pushing them so far,” he said.

Harrison Jalla, the Chairman, Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force, said the performance of the Super Falcons was huge and showed the progress of female football in Nigeria.

“For me, it was indeed a fantastic performance by the Super Falcons. They have shown that we can even do more in Women’s football.

“Their overperformance in the tournament is indeed a shock to the world. They deserve all the commendations having played so well that even the loss to England was a very gallant one.

“The English team as well will go home to thank their God that they narrowly escaped defeat from the hands of Nigeria.

“It was a good game overall and a fantastic outing for the girls right from the group stage to the knock out stage,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Joseph Edeh

By Victor Okoye

Some football stakeholders have hailed the Super Falcons for their heroics at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Falcons on Monday bowed out of the Women’s flagship tournament, after losing 2-4 in a penalty shootout to England in the Round of 16, following a 0-0 draw at Brisbane Stadium.

A cross section of football stakeholders who spoke to NAN on Monday said the team gave a good account of themselves and surpassed expectations of Nigerians, the continent and the whole football world.

Mouktar Mohammed, the FCT Football Association (FA) Chairman, said the deserving team (Super Falcons) lost the game, adding that they had a better game plan, put England under pressure and created more chances.

“The Super Falcons and the technical crew did very well and exhibited an excellent showcase of the Nigerian spirit and quality.

“This shows our female football has grown by leaps and bounds.

“They landed in Australia and showed the world they were ready to face any team at the world Cup and go away with something.

“They gave England a very good match….penalty is always a gamble so they must keep their heads up,” he said.

Mohammed, who was recently re-elected FCT FA Chairman for a second term, said the team must take lessons away from the tournament and improve on all mistakes observed.

“If we had won this match we would have rewritten history, but nevertheless we are full of praise and very proud of the girls.

“Now they must be celebrated, honoured and paid all their dues.

“This fine run would act as inspiration and motivation for younger generations of girls aspiring to play professional and for Nigeria,” he said.

Akin Akinbobola, Former Chairman, Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, said the Super Falcons had made Africa proud and also brought Nigeria to the fore in female football across the globe.

“They have done extraordinarily well and if you had the privilege of watching all their matches in this ongoing world cup, you will realise that there is no match that they got humiliated.

“For each of the matches, both the one they won and the ones they drew, they really signed their presence on the pitch.

“The show of character, talent display and of course the determination to excel was quite obvious in their games,” he said.

Akinbobola also singled out the coaching crew for praise, saying that they technical and tactical decisions were spot on.

“I am also delighted about the technical performance of the coaching crew.

“All their substitutions and tactical approach to the game was to me a delight, maybe because of my background as a football coach myself.

“I was able to not just watch the matches but also analyse and decipher their technical approach to each match.

“I realised that the coaching crew did excellently well and this is the first time that the Super Falcons will go to the world cup and not be humiliated,” he said.

He said the girls must be celebrated having made the country and continent proud, especially after playing against very formidable teams in the world and coming out tops.

He advised the NFF to preserve the bulk of the players in the squad, while gradually phasing out the older ones and replacing them with fresh legs ahead of the next World cup.

“They must be celebrated, appreciated and encouraged to stay together as a team.

“At least 70 per cent of the girls must be kept together, while fresh players can be added to the squad to replace the ageing ones.

“The experienced players must not be completely done away with but should gradually be phased out, while injecting fresh legs into the team that will learn and gather experience over one or two years.

“By this strategy, we will be able to maintain our standard and pace as far as African female football is concerned.

“Afterwards, we will get back to the world cup again and aim for the quarter-finals by the grace of God,” he said.

Patrick Ngwaogu, Former FCT FA Vice Chairman, noted that many Nigerians, including himself never expected much from the team, especially because of the distractions that came towards the commencement of the tournament.

“The girls, in a typical Nigerian way rose to the occasion and gave a good account of themselves.

“They performed, especially in the match against England. The English team were only lucky to have survived.

“Well, that is the game of football, we would come back home and restrategise for the next edition.

“Good enough, we have a very young team that would be matured enough during the next World cup,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Salif Atojoko