By Shedrack Frank

The President of the Ni­geria Wrestling Federa­tion (NWF), Daniel Igali, says he is positive of a good out­ing for Nigeria Wrestlers in the forthcoming World Wres­tling Championship.

Igali said this when he paid an unscheduled visit to the camp of the Wrestlers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship will take place in Belgrade, Serbia from Sept. 16 to 22.

Igali said he was elated with the level of training the Wrestlers had received so far and express­ed optimism that they would distinguish themselves at the world championship.

He explained that with the achievements recorded in wrestling in the last 10 years, he was targeting a medal sweep in Serbia, stating that no sports had done better than wres­tling in Nigeria.

According to him, the records of the wrestling federa­tion speak volumes, adding that the federation is leaving nothing to chance in order to produce a five-star performance in Belgrade.

He added that the delegation consisted of six wrestlers, two coaches, one medical personnel and two officials.

Igali also used the medium to congratulate the new Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh on his appointment.

He hoped for a good working relationship with the new minister, stressing his antecedents were quite encouraging as a grassroots man.

Igali, who doubles as the commissioner for youth and sports development in Bayelsa, commended the magnanimous role of Governor Douye and his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for supporting their camping in Yenagoa.

He noted that the state government had been generous to the Wrestling Federation through their financial support. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Salif Atojoko

By Emmanuel Afonne

The immediate past Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, has been commended for bequeathing the National Stadiums in Abuja and Lagos to the present administration in an improved state.

A statement issued on Sunday by Toyin Ibitoye, Dare’s Special Assistant on Media quoted prominent sports enthusiasts and former athletes as commending the minister for the legacies he left behind.

The pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, had been abandoned for close to a decade and was becoming a breeding ground for livestock.

Similarly, the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, had been rendered otiose for much longer with no efforts made to rehabilitate it.

Dare had initiated the “adopt a pitch” programme and attracted the private sector in his aggressive drive to restore both national edifices to their glory days.

Dare Esan, a respected journalist commended the minister for the renovation of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Esan said Dare left the stadiums in a much better state than when he met them when he was appointed Minister of Sports in August 2019.

“For the Lagos Stadium, three key components, the track, pitch and digital score board have been delivered thanks to the adopt a pitch initiative which facilitated the Private Public Partnership (PPP) with the Premier Lotto group and its owner Pa Kensington Adebutu.

The facility has been out of use for over two decades.

“The track, an eight lane tartan track, has been professionally laid and lined. It is a beauty to behold,” Esan added.

Former Nigerian international athlete and sprint queen Mary Onyali, praised the former Sports Minister for restoring her ‘former stomping ground and venue of her many national and international sprint triumphs’.

“I am one of the happiest persons on earth right now with the delivery of the tartan track at the Lagos National Stadium.

“That stadium holds a special place in my heart and I thank Sunday Dare for delivering on his promise to rehabilitate the track and two other components of the edifice”.

The pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, was also rehabilitated with water sprinklers installed, to ensure good maintenance.

Also in place were two new digital score boards.

The rehabilitation was bankrolled by the Dangote Group in 2021 under the former Minister’s PPP arrangement with the company.

All Nigerian national football teams have now used the pitch for their international matches after many years of its abandonment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=========
Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Muhyideen Jimoh

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will take the match against Sao Tome and Principe seriously, in spite already securing 2024 AFCON qualification.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will on Sunday lock horns with Sao Tome and Principe in a dead rubber 2024 AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Gusau gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), National President, Isaiah Benjamin led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office.

The NFF boss told newsmen after the visit that that the Federation will leave no stone unturned to ensure victory for the team.

“I want to assure you by the grace of God, in spite of the fact that we have already qualified for the AFCON, we still have the integrity to protect of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“I know the players also have that at the back of their minds and by the grace of God we are going to come out victorious on Sunday, Insha Allah,” he said.

Gusau said  the match will also serve as preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled to commence in November.

“As you are aware the coach has invited the best players for the match, which a lot of people were even looking at it that it doesn’t warrant that.

“But don’t forget we still have a very big task ahead of us, which is the World Cup qualifiers, which starts in November.

“After this match we don’t have any time to bring the Super Eagles players together again.

“So it’s imperative for the coach to have the best team at his disposal, so that he can make sure he has a team that can face the next challenge,” he said.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles will commence their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on Nov. 13.

Earlier, SWAN president, Isaiah Benjamin said the visit was meant to strengthen the synergy between the NFF and SWAN.

“Based on your track records in the football circle even before becoming NFF President, we have no doubt that you will deliver. It will be my joy that we work and achieve success together.

He reiterated SWAN’s commitment to professional and balanced reportage of NFF’s activities, while stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to take football to the next height in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Aderonke Ojediran

The Board of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday announced the postponement of the kickoff of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

It said the kickoff of the league scheduled for Sept. 9, was postponed to allow board members focus on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Andrew Ekejiuba, media officer of GTI /NFF, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The initial kick-off was scheduled for Sept. 9, and no new date had been set at the time of filing this report.

Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, League Management Company explained that the League body yielded to representations from various stakeholders in reaching the decision.

“We have everything set for the kickoff in Ibadan on Saturday but following representations from multiple stakeholders and more cogent is the complex logistics involved in having our Chairman and Clubs leadership travel from Ibadan to Uyo.

“Note, therefore, that there will be no flag-off game as originally planned,” he said.

He said a new kickoff date would be communicated in a few days, and that the postponement had been communicated to the clubs so they could stand down travel plans already made. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Obinna Unaeze/Salif Atojoko

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Basking in the euphoria of his feat as the first African and Nigerian ever to play at the quarter-finals of international badminton classics, Anuoluwapo Opeyori has set his eyes on becoming a legend of the game.

Currently the highest ranked player in Africa, Opeyori in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, disclosed that he wants to win as many medals as possible.

NAN reports that Opeyori at the just-concluded 6th Lagos International Badminton Classics, powered his way to the quater-finals of the Men’s Single category.

Opeyori was sent out of the competition by the category’s eventual winner, 22-year-old Brazilian Jonathan Matias.

The 26-year-old Opeyori, a three-time gold medalist at the National Sports Festival (NSF), 2018, 2020 and 2022, told NAN that he is proud of his achievements so far, and willing to step up his game.

“I feel elated with this feat and I am proud of myself being the first Nigerian in the quater-finals of the Lagos International Classics, it is a good one for me.

“At first, I was pessimistic about my form to go through the knockout stage; but because I need the results, it took me a bit of a fight to get through the first round.

“Also playing in front of the home fans is another thing for me.

“However, after the first match and round of qualifications, I got another level of confidence and able to get to the next stage.

“The future is there for me; it’s just for me to continue to play more competitive matches to get cumulative points required; maybe up to 12,” he said.

On the next challenge of qualifying for the Olympics, Opeyori, also a three-time African Champions, 2019, 2022 and 2023, said playing at the Paris 2024 would be a dream come true.

“The qualifiers for the Olympics started in May, and we are still acquiring more points till next year when the qualifications will end.

“For me, I will continue to play at my best and doing it right and getting the right results that will be a high point for me, and a dream to play at the Olympics.

“I want to keep dominating till I become a legend eventually. There is nothing wrong in having multiple titles; we have people like me achieving such, so it’s not out of place.

“I want winning matches to be a norm for me, whenever I am playing I should play at my best,” he said.

Opeyori added: “I would have loved to play at the next classics in Guatemala, but it won’t happen because of issues with transit visa.

“There are lots of problems with transit visa to that country because it’s not a direct flight and it’s difficult to get visa.

“As a green passport holder, it is sometimes difficult to get visas.

“However, I am looking forward to the next classics also in this September in Vietnam; that is if I am able to get their visa,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Thompson Yamput

Dr Allen Onyema, Air Peace Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Oba Dr Moshood Olalekan-Balogun, Olubadan of Ibadan and others have been nominated for the prestigious Afro Awards 2023 for their humanitarian services.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Annual Afro Awards is a. non-profit event that honors outstanding individuals and organizations for their significant contributions across various fields, with the aim of establishing a unique Afro-centric excellence award.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by Mr Taiwo Oduala, Founder and Executive Producer of `The Afro Awards’.

He said that Onyema and Olalekan-Balogun are among numerous Africans and Americans to be honoured at the Afro Award 2023 billed for Sept. 16 in Los Angeles, California.

Oduala, who is a Film Director, based in U.S., said, “the awardees are among Africans and Americans, who have not only distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavours, but have touched lives and transformed economies of nations.”

“People like Ifechukwu-Onyema of Air Peace Airline, have made impact in the lives of many with his free evacuation philosophy just as the Olubadan of Ibadan, who have distinguished himself as Royal Father.

“Nigeria, as a nation, has produced men and women of high degree of patriotism and impact, both in and outside the country.

“Also, there is Monica Swaida, known as Monicazation, a Nigerian/American singer, actress, movie producer and CEO of an insurance company,’’ he said.

According to him, Air Peace Airline has painstakingly evacuated Nigerians from South Africa during the Xenophobia, Sudan and China besides Indians and Chinese evacuated from Nigeria back to their countries.

He explained that the main focus of the award was to demonstrate Afro Awards’ recognition and support to people, who have shown exceptional humanitarian excellence in various fields and endeavours.

The film director said that since inception, the Afro Awards has hosted and honored more than 5,000 individuals at the core front of humanitarianism and philanthropy in American and African communities.

He further disclosed that some of 2023 Awardees to include Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, and an American hip hop iconic/legend, Calvin Cordozar-Broadus Jr, also known as Snoop Dogg.

Also to be honoured are Africa Magic TV Network (Multichoice Nigeria Limited), Chief Diran Alabi
(Agic Energy North America/ TAG The Agic Group Holdings),Ose Oyamendan (Founder/CEO Nollywood in Hollywood) and Innocent Ekakitie (Nigerian/American kid star actor).

Others are Yung Muusik (Recording artiste /Singer/ Song writer /Model/Actor, Danielle Crawley (Casting Director), ISO Kenny (Artiste/ Song writer/ Perfomer), 19 Keys (Community Activist/ Global Though Leader and Tarek Stevenson, Entertainment Executive/ Influencer Oscar Brunch among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Afro Awards 2023 is the 2nd edition with the 1st successfully held last September with Gov Ademola Adeleke, Davido and the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Mrs Fatima Maada among others were awarded.

The event, which will be held at Prestigious Directors Guild of America (DGA), 7920 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046, U. S. will kick-start with a twi-day Pre-event.

While Afro Awards Conference Experience would on Sept. 14, Afro Awards Fashion Show and Gala Night would be on Sept. 15.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended the contract of Jose Peseiro, as Super Eagles Head coach.

NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the NFF and the Portuguese coach reached an agreement for him to continue as the gaffer of the Super Eagles ahead of the 34th AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

“As stipulated in the original contract, drawn in May 2022, the Portuguese has been handed the mandate to lead the Super Eagles to, in the minimum, the semi finals of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Cote d’Ivoire in a few months,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Peseiro had steered the Super Eagles through the qualifiers and to an AFCON ticket with a match to spare.

Olajire explained that Peseiro had agreed a pay cut on his earlier terms, with the new agreement also putting him in charge of the Super Eagles B (home-based), who contest in the biennial African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ coach has invited 23 players for the clash against Sao Tome and Principe in the final match of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers slated for Uyo on Sept. 10.

The list include on-field captain William Ekong, defender Tyronne Ebuehi and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka.

The forwards are Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, among others.

Peseiro called three goalkeepers (including home-based Olorunleke Ojo), eight defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards for the game.

Nigeria, on 12 points from their previous five matches, are already guaranteed a place in the finals, but must earn at least a point to be sure of topping the group ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau.

Guinea Bissau are on 10 points and play at home to Sierra Leone in Bissau.

Peseiro has called for the first time, Belgium-based centre-back Jordan Torunarigha and forwards Victor Boniface and Gift Orban.

There are also recalls for Portugal-based left back Bruno Onyemaechi and defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
Full list of invited players.

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel).

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); William Ekong (PAOK FC, Greece); Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England).

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

========
Edited Joseph Edeh

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Nigerian rugby national team, the Black Stallions, have been placed in a dicey pool as the team bids to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games scheduled to hold in Paris, France.

The Olympics will  hold from July 26 to Aug. 11, 2024 with most of the events taking place at the 80,698 capacity Stade de France, the national stadium of France.

A statement issued on Sunday by Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), stated that Nigeria were drawn to face world number 21, Namibia and world number 33, Kenya.

Nigeria’s Black Stallions who are world number 69 will also face Zambia who are 68 in the World Rugby rankings following the draw for the fixtures released by the Rugby Afrique for the tournament.

The Africa qualifiers will be held from Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 in Zimbabwe and it would be Nigeria’s first Olympics in rugby if the team qualified.

The Black Stallions are expected to take on Shujas of Kenya, one of the strongest powerhouses in African Rugby, on Sept. 16 before taking on Zambia, and the Welwitschias of Namibia.

It would be recalled that the Black Stallions finished second at the pre Olympic qualifiers in Mauritius earlier in the year where they lost to Algeria in the final.

The team lost in the final to Algeria 24-5 having defeated Ghana 24-7 in the opening match before beating Burundi 43 -14 and in the last pool match blew away Congo 43-0.

The Coach Steve Lewis tutored side thrashed Botswana 33-5 to qualify for the semi-finals where they met a highly determined Cote D’Ivoire side who also lost to them 20-12.

The Kenya rugby Sevens team, fondly called Shujaa, a Swahili word meaning courage, confidence, bravery, or heroism, will be aiming for their third consecutive appearance at the Olympics.

Namibia who finished fifth at the last qualifiers are hoping to do better this time around, while Zambia are hoping to rise from their slumber to upturn the table.

For Nigeria, the Black Stallions are hoping to make it to the Olympics after shocking the world in 2014 by qualifying for the Commonwealth games in Glasgow, Scotland with Steve Lewis in charge. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian  Ihechu