By Emmanuel Afonne

Fifteen players have been selected from the South-West zone for the final of the maiden Global Grassroots Football Tournament (GGFT) scheduled to take place in Abuja on May 17.

Joseph Ombugala, Chief Zonal Coordinator, Global Grassroots Football Tournament, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) over the telephone on Sunday that the 15 players were chosen on merit.

“We saw players in the South-West that think with their feet,” he said.

Ombugala said that 60 players from the six states of the South-West zone participated in the rigorous selection process which eventually produced 15 players.

“So far, we have concluded South-South and South-East with seven and eight best players selected respectively for the final in Abuja.

“From South-South, we arrived South-West, using Obasanjo’s farm in Ogun State as base.

“When we came, we saw 60 selected best of best players ready for the tournament at Obasanjo’s farm.

“From the 60 players, Uchendu Nwabara, Proprietor of Prestige Football Academy, Abuja, myself and the Chief Scout, Yahaya Adamu, worked together to pick 15.

“We worked without sentiment. We saw talents and we were amazed with what we saw in the South-West,” Ombugala said.

According to him, none of the players that emerged from the scouting process will be rejected going by the quality of talents on parade.

He said that players so far selected were presumed the best and would in no distant time play for the country’s various national teams.

“We believe that none of the players we selected in the various zones will be rejected by foreign scouts because we worked without bias.

“We can decide to leave a zone if we don’t see quality players because a lot of people are coming to watch the final in Abuja and we won’t want to feed them with underperforming players.

“This is one of the best scouting programme I have ever seen in Nigeria and we hope to sustain it on annual basis.

“We are here to select and give opportunity to the best players to showcase themselves. These players performance in the future will go a long way to show what we have done.

“We hope that players that emerge from our tournament will win Africa and World footballers award,” Ombugala said.

NAN reports that the tournament moves to North-East (Bauchi) zone beginning from May 8, after its successful outing in South-West. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare has commended the Nigerian athletes to the just concluded African Under-18/20 Athletics Championship in Zambia.

A statement issued by Toyin Ibitoye, Special Assistance to the Minister on Media, said the athletes won 17 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze medals to finish in second place on the medals table behind South Africa.

Nigeria competed at the Meet with 41 athletes, while South Africa presented over a hundred athletes for the competition.

The Minister while commending the athletes urged them to stay focused and disciplined and to continue to pay attention to their careers and wait for opportunities to come to represent the country in bigger competitions.

Nigeria’s second place finish in the just concluded event in Zambia is an improvement on her third place finish at the previous edition of the championship held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, four years ago. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Olayinka Owolewa

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded arrangements to install Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in regional stadiums in the country as plans are underway to train and retrain referees to achieve the purpose.

The President of the federation, Malam Ibrahim Gusau, stated this on Saturday in Ilorin at the National Elective Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Referees’ Association (NRA).

Gusau, represented by an NFF official, Malam Muhammed Ameenu, charged the incoming leadership of the association to come up with development plans, to forecast, organise and ensure the future of Nigeria Referees are properly nurtured and watered towards the growth of the game.

While reiterating the unflinching support of the NFF to NRA in their quest to change the face of football in the country, Gusau said installation of VAR is to the growth and development of football.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Malam Sani Zubair emerged winner after polling 53 votes from the 54 accredited delegates to beat Elder Daniel Olokor to replace Otunba Tade Azeez. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

============
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Victor Okoye

A number of international athletes on Friday expressed concerns over the weather condition in the city ahead of the maiden Abuja International Marathon on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the weather forecast for Abuja is estimated at 35 degrees Centigrade with an expected humidity of 49 percent and wind speed of 14 kilometres per hour.

Some of the elite athletes who spoke to NAN said they were concerned that the humid and hot weather might affect their performance.

Mercy Kumbai of Kenya, with a personal best of two hours 27 minutes, said she was worried she might not be able to run her best due to the heat.

“I am not promising to run my best in this maiden Abuja marathon.

“My target is to run two hours 38 minutes, which is fair because of the high temperature and humid conditions.

“But I will still try to push myself to the limit and see if I can do probably two hours 35 minutes. Definitely, nothing lower than this,” she said.

On the reception she has received since her arrival in Nigeria, Kumbai noted that Nigerians were good and welcoming people, adding that the hospitality and local delicacies have been top notch.

Also, Kenya’s Emmanuel Naibet, who has a personal best of two hours eight minutes, said his observation of the weather conditions since his arrival in Abuja shows it was quite humid.

He however said his goal was still to improve on his personal best regardless of the conditions.

“Since my arrival in Abuja, I have been observing the weather here and noticed that it is a bit hot and humid in the morning.

“Notwithstanding the conditions, I still hope to push through and improve on my personal best.

“The main goal for coming to any marathon is to finish in good time and also aim for a podium finish.

“So, I am looking forward to running under two hours and nine minutes and then if that is enough to win the title, I will be very happy,” he said.

On his impression about Nigeria, Naibet noted that it was his first time in the country, but he was looking forward to enjoying himself and watching some nice Nollywood movies.

“I have heard so much about Nigeria and I am happy to be finally here. I plan on finding time to relax and watch some Nollywood movies, which the country is very famous for,” he said.

Dida Negasa from Ethiopia, with a personal best of two hours 29 minutes, said it was her third time in Nigeria, having participated in the Lagos Marathon in its last two editions.

“I am kind of used to the weather in this part of the continent. I took part in the last two editions of the Lagos Marathon where I posted a record of two hours 55 minutes and two hours 42 minutes.

“So, I am very optimistic about the Abuja marathon. Even though it is quite hot and humid here, I think I can give a good account of myself. But I really don’t know what to expect,” she said.

Thomas Olukayode, the Race Director, said no fewer than 32 International athletes and 121 Nigerian athletes had registered and were presently in Abuja to take part in the event.

Some of the international elite athletes at the press conference to herald the race on Friday in Abuja include: Naibet and David Kipkorir of Kenya (2 hours 11 mins).

Others are: Kure Takele of Ethiopia (2 hours 15 mins), Kenya’s Daniel Muidi (2 hours 09 mins) and Dickson Ngei also of Kenya (2 hours 12 mins).

The female international elite athletes present were: Kumbai, Negasa, Kenya’s Monica Cheruto (2 hours 32 mins) and full marathon debutant Ruth Jebet of Bahrain (1 hours 09 mins for half marathon).

NAN also reports that the winner of the international elite full marathon is expected to return home with 50,000 dollars as prize money.

The first- and second runners-up will pocket 40,000 and 30,000 dollars respectively.

There are other prize monies for the fourth to 10th position winners, ranging from between 20,000 to 2,000 dollars for the category.

Also, the winner of the international marathon for male and female Nigerian nationals only will receive three million Naira.

The first- and second runners-up will receive two million Naira and one million Naira respectively.

Other prize monies for the fourth to 10th position winners range from N750,000 to N100,000 for the category.

The 10km road race and 5km student race also has mouth-watering prize monies ranging from one million Naira to N250,000 for the top five finishers in the category.

The full marathon race (42.195 km) which begins at the Abuja City gate from 6 a.m. is expected to terminate at the Eagle Square.

The 10km race will start from 6.45 a.m. at the Wuye bridge.

The 5 km will begin at 6.15 a.m. from the bridge on Sani Abacha Way before Abuja Continental Hotel (former Sheraton Hotel). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==============
Edited by Olawale Alabi

By Victor Okoye

Members and friends of Mike Ekoja, the outgoing Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, have showered encomiums on him as his tenure gradually winds down.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ekoja’s reign as the club’s captain will end in May after one year at the helms of affairs at the club.

A cross section of members who spoke with NAN on the sidelines of the 2023 Captain’s Cup in his honour on Sunday in Abuja, said Ekoja was an outstanding captain who left an indelible mark on the club.

Boboye Oyeyemi, the Chairman, Organising Committee of the 2023 Captain’s Cup said it was a great privilege to have played a part in the organisation and planning of the tournament in honour of the outgoing Captain.

Oyeyemi added that Ekoja was a team player, as well as an amiable and humble captain.

“Indeed, what you have witnessed throughout this week is as a result of the painstaking and dedicated efforts of the members of the committee to celebrate our very humble and amiable captain.

“This year’s Captain’s Cup has turned out to be a remarkable success as shown by the number of participants. We all ensured that it ran its course with a great sense of collective achievement.

“It proves once again that golf has remained one of the powerful games that unites people from diverse backgrounds and ages aside from its tremendous health benefits,” he said.

Oyeyemi who is the immediate past Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), thanked all the sponsors, participants, members and the media for their support in ensuring that the event was a huge success.

“On behalf of the organising committee, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the 2023 edition of the Captain’s Cup.

“It has, indeed, not only been a run away success but has also cemented the reputation of our great club.

“We thank all those who made the tournament possible through their generous donations to honour our Captain, Mike Ekoja.

“We thank members of our club, invited guests, staff, the media, other well-wishers and the international participants,” he said.

Lami Ahmed, a past lady Captain of the club (2016) said Ekoja was a dedicated and hardworking captain and a very good team player.

She added that the huge number of participants during the tournament was a good testament to Ekoja’s contribution to the growth and success of the club.

“Every year, the Captain’s Cup is the climax of all activities in this club and therefore the members come together to celebrate the captain who has devoted and dedicated a full year running the affairs of the club.

“It is noteworthy to mention that Ekoja is a special person. He is a man who gave his all and committed 356 days on a daily basis carrying out one activity or the other.

“He also supported the ladies’ section and brought glamour to the club by embarking on a lot of projects like the renovation of the club house, maintenance of the course, to mention a few, alongside his dedicated team members.

“He is a very good team manager as he was able to put members of his team together and they all worked to give us the best value we have ever witnessed in a long time.

“So, it is worthy that he is being celebrated by distinguished and respected individuals from various works of life.

“This was, indeed, the highest gathering we have ever witnessed in the history of the club,” she said.

Julie Acholonu, also a past lady Captain (2018), said Ekoja was a diligent and resourceful person who did very well in his capacity as the Captain of the club.

Acholonu noted that he also worked with a formidable team, which made it possible for him to achieve so much within a short period of time at the helm of affairs of the club.

She also expressed joy at being one of the podium finishers at the end of the tournament, promising to improve on her performance in the next edition.

“I am so elated as I finished as a runner up in the vetran ladies (handicap 19 to 54) category this year.

“Everybody wants to be appreciated for little efforts. You come here and spend about five hours playing under the sun and so you just hope to do something special.

“Sometimes, you are not going for the award, but when one is called up for recognition it kind of pleases the mind and makes you feel that you have done well in the time you have committed.

“It also encourages you to put more of your best. So, I am go back to practice and challenge myself to do better and win bigger things,” she said.

Ekoja in his response, appreciated members, staff and friends for the honour, adding that it was a testament to the fact that he performed well during his time at the club.

“The successful outing we all witnessed could only have been made possible through the painstaking planning of the Organising Committee headed by our own Boboye Oyeyemi and his hard working team.

“We enjoyed tremendous goodwill from our members which goes to show that if the goodwill of members is properly harnessed, there is so much we can achieve together for the overall interest of the club.

“We remain ever grateful to our members who supported the event in cash, material and in kind.

“Special thanks also go to all our sponsors, donors, helpers too numerous to mention, as well as the press and staff of our great club for your selfless contributions which made this day possible.

“Finally, I will like to appreciate my dear wife, Olufunke David-Ekoja, without whose support I couldn’t have achieved much in the service of the club,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Salif Atojoko

By Victor Okoye

Jacob Ihesie has emerged as the overall winner of the 2023 Mike Ekoja Captain’s Cup in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long 2023 Captain’s Cup which was its 24th edition began on Tuesday and ended on Sunday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Ihesie was crowned the overall champion after he played off handicap 17 and returned a gross score of 85 and 68 nett to claim the 2023 Captain’s Cup top prize.

The champion smiled home with a 5kVA Phocos Inverter, 5.3kWh WeCo Lithium Battery and 8460W Yingli Solar Panels worth N 5. 59 million.

The solar system is expected to be installed free by one of the event’s major sponsors, CDD Infrastructure.

“I feel so happy and fulfilled after training so hard for this tournament and winning the star prize at the end of the day.

“It shows that hardwork and commitment pays.

“I really feel honoured and grateful to the organisers, executives and board of trustees of this great club as well as the sponsors of this wonderful tournament for this valuable prize given to me.

“My goal now is to continue to train very hard and improve myself in the game, so as to defend my title again in the next edition of the Captain’s Cup,” an elated Ihesie said.

Amina Wilfred, playing off handicap 0, with a gross score of 76, won the prize for the best gross ladies.

In the ladies category for handicap 0 to 18, J. Ayu playing off handicap 18, with a gross score of 94 and 76 nett emerged as winner of the category.

D. Mamza (18) and Rachael Danjuma (0) finished as runner up and second runner up with a gross score of 95, 96 and 77, 79 nett respectively.

In the ladies category for handicap 19 to 28, A. Yaduma playing off handicap 24, with a gross score of 93 and 69 nett emerged as winner of the category.

E. Umana (26) and MaryRose Richard-Obioha (23) finished as runner up and second runner up with a gross score of 99, 97 and 73, 74 nett respectively.

The ladies’ veteran category (handicap 19 to 54) was won by F. Olateju playing off handicap 27 with a gross score of 101 and 74 nett ahead of former IBB Lady captain Julie Acholonu (38), who returned 113 gross and 75 nett.

U. Wada playing off handicap 24 with 93 gross and nett score of 69 won the Super Veteran Ladies category (handicap 19 to 28) ahead of F. Anyanwu (24), who returned a gross score of 114 and 91 nett.

In the Vetran Ladies category for handicap 0 to 18, M. Saleh with 90 gross and 68 nett emerged winner, while former IBB lady Captain, Lami Ahmed returned a gross score of 107 and 73 nett to finish as runner up.

In the Auxillary prizes category, M. Makosi won the prize for the longest drive ladies on day 1 with a distance of 218 metres, while Wilfred won the prize for the longest drive Ladies on day 3 with a distance of 230 metres.

Adedoyin Oyenusi and Godwin Okoko carted home the prizes for the longest drive men on day 2 and 3 respectively with a distance of 240 and 270 metres respectively.

O. Babasola won the prize for the nearest to the pin men on day 1 with an impressive 11.2 feet effort, while G. Bamidele and A. Tarfa won the same prize for their efforts of 3.8 and 2.3 feet on day 2 and 3 respectively.

Patience Katchy won the prize for the nearest to the pin Ladies on day 1 with a 20.3 feet effort, while Wilfred won the same prize for her 11.9 feet effort recorded on day 3.

NAN also reports that the well attended tournament, adjudged the best ever organised Captain’s Cup in the history of the tournament, had in attendance a delegation from Cameroon and some other African countries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Salif Atojoko