By Emmanuel Afonne

Seven players have been selected from the South-South zone for final of the Global Grassroots Football Tournament (GGFT) scheduled to take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, next month.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament is organised by an Abuja-based football academy, Prestige Football Academy (PFA).

Uchendu Nwabara, President and National Coordinator, GGFT, told NAN over the telephone on Saturday that the seven players would proceed to Abuja for the final selection scheduled to hold from May 23 to May 26.

Nwabara said the tournament which started in the six geo-political zones of the country on April 17 with South-South taking the first shot, would end in North-East on May 5 before the final in Abuja.

He said the tournament organised for players between 16 and 19 years would be used for scouting of players for the national teams and various foreign clubs.

“We are done with the South-South zone with a base in Port Harcourt; we are heading to the South-West zone with Lagos as the base.

“We have been in Port Harcourt since Monday but ended our programme there on Thursday and arrived Lagos on Friday.

“This tournament is the maiden edition and we have our target, which is to help revive football in Nigeria through scouting of super quality players.

“So many of them have been doing well irrespective of our different layers of scouting; every player has to be physically fit and must know everything that concerns football on the pitch.

“Also, the player’s medical history is part of the criteria and not just that, we also make sure that the player’s cognitive development and attention span is accessed as well as his character and discipline.

“Some of the players we have seen are very good and ready for the tournament,” Nwabara said.

Obafemi Olugbemi, Coordinator, South-South zone, Global Grassroots Football Tournament, also told NAN over the phone that exceptional players were selected out of the over 200 that participated.

Olugbemi said that the tournament would henceforth serve as nurturing ground for football talents for the country’s national teams.

Edwin Yobo, the Co-coordinator of South-South, urged those who were not selected to up their game and prepare for the second edition next year.

Edwin, who is the elder brother of former Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo, said the screening would now become part of the youth population in the area especially the footballers among them.

Ernest Osuagbenironiso, one of the lucky players selected for the grand finale in Abuja, said the training was awesome but intense.

“We have a large turnout but I thank God I am part of the players selected.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Victor Okoye

Organisers of the 2023 Mike Ekoja Captain’s Cup have set aside a N2 million prize money for the professional golfers category of this year’s golf tournament in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, which is in its 24th edition, is in honour of Ekoja, the outgoing captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Julius Fadero, the Competition Secretary, IBB Golf and Country Club, on Tuesday said that the tournament would be different and more exciting with a lot of mouth-watering as well as consolation prizes.

“As you are aware, no two Captain’s Cup are the same and the goal is always to go a step further.

“So, this year, for the golf professionals, there is a N2 million prize money set aside for the winners of that category.

“While there is a N500,000 prize money for those in training.

“For the amateurs, we have different categories, but the overall which is the star prize as it were is a N5.5 million worth of solar system to be installed for the overall winner, which makes this year’s event unique.

“We have other consolation prizes such as free business class tickets, courtesy of our sponsors, Ibom Air and Qatar Airways.

“We also have some refrigerators, air conditioners and television sets donated by some of our sponsors, to mention a few,” he said.

He said that the format of play would be stroke play with the tournament expected to get under way on Wednesday and end with the prize presentation and dinner on Saturday.

“The Captain’s Cup kitty, tennis and the pros will slug it out in a one-day 18 hole winner-takes-it-all event on Wednesday, while the Ladies handicap 19 to 28 and 29 to 54, Vetran Ladies handicap 19 to 54 as well as the Super Vetran Ladies play on Thursday.

“Also, the Men handicap 19 to 28, 29 to 54, Vetran men handicap 19 to 28, 29 to 54, Super Vetran Men as well as Tennis will wrap of activities for Thursday.

“On Friday, it will be the Men handicap 13 to 18, Vetran men handicap 13 to 18, Super Vetran Men handicap 13 to 18 and tennis action.

“The curtain falls on the tournament on Saturday with the ceremonial tee-off at 9 a.m. followed by the ladies handicap 0 to 18, men handicap 0 to 5, 6 to 12, as well as the Sponsors and Captain’s Guest categories,” he said.

Boboye Oyeyemi, the Chairman, Organising Committee of the tournament, said that this year’s tournament promises to be unique and the biggest ever in honour of a great club captain who worked very hard

“Mike Ekoja set out on a journey to steer the ship of this great club on April 30, 2022, as the Captain for the usual one year term.

“As is our tradition, towards the end of every tenure, we celebrate the stewardship of the captain by organising a golf and tennis tournament for our caddies, staff and members of the club.

“It is also an opportunity to let people know about the game of golf. Golf is health, good living, age friendly and builds camaraderie and friendship.

“When you are a golfer, you build a lot of network and improve your mental faculty,” he said.

Boboye, who is the immediate past Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), noted that over 500 golfers were expected to participate in the tournament.

“We have a lot of sponsors from Defence Headquarters, Central Bank of Nigeria, Defence Intelligence Agency, Federal Ministry of Transport, Transmission Company of Nigeria and Federal Mortgage Bank.

“We also have individual sponsors as well companies such as Pepsi, PD Homes, West Africa Ceramics, NIMASA, to mention a few who have all contributed to this 24th Captain’s Cup which is unique and the biggest ever in the history of the tournament,” he said.

He added that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was expected to be a special guest of honour at the ceremonial tee-off on Saturday.

Francis Adigwe, the Captain, IBB Tennis Section, said this year’s event was unique as over 60 tennis players would be taking part in the tournament, including the females.

“The tennis section of the club is quite young but we have been making waves with no fewer than 100 active members currently.

“We have decided to organise a huge tennis tournament as part of this year’s Captain’s Cup. We are playing in three categories namely; the Open’s singles, Vetrans’ singles as well as doubles for open and vetrans.

“Also, for the first time in the history of the tournament, we will be having the Ladies Open.

“The tournament promises to be very competitive and is expected to wrap up with the finals on Friday,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Olanrewaju Akojede

The Tournament Director of West African Little League, Kehinde Laniyan, says  the hosting of the tournament by Nigeria is historic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria is hosting the maiden edition of the  League in Lagos.

NAN also reports that the participants comprised two African countries and some other local clubs.

The ongoing tournament at the Igbobi College, Lagos, which  kicked off on Tuesday, is  expected to end  on Saturday.

Laniyan told NAN that the tournament would revive the grassroots development of Baseball and Softball in Nigeria.

“This maiden West African Little League being supported by Little League International, is unique even anywhere in the world.

“This is the first time West African Little League International will be supported  in Africa and of course, West Africa and by extension, Nigeria.

“Little League is the children arm of the softball and baseball game.

“What we are set to achieve is to develop the sport for the children between the ages of eight and 16.”

Laniyan said  that the  League would encourage more aspiring sportsmen to the sport that is still growing its base in Nigeria.

“We are improving the game in Nigeria and that is the reason we are saying that the maiden edition  is important to us.

“From this tournament, two teams will emerge to  represent Africa at the Europe-Africa Little League Championships  in Poland in July.

“Also if we are fortunate enough we will have representatives at the World Series of the  League in the U.S. in August,” he said.

Laniyan said the hosting of the league saved Nigeria  from the challenge of  processing travel documents to travel out of the country for competition.

“We will see that the Little League becomes a yearly event in our calendar and for this,” he said.

He  appreciated the sponsors, Transcorp group, First Bank and Little League International among  others.

“Sports should get more supports from the private sector because they are the ones that can drive it, government only need to provide the infrastructure.

“Baseball and Softball are money spinning sports in other advanced countries and we expect that such will be replicated in Nigeria in no distant time.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant talents that can play the sport professionally in other countries,”he said.

He said there was  a need to develop talents through age group programmes and grassroots developments. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Emmanuel Afonne

An Abuja-based football academy, Prestige Football Academy (PFA), has commenced a nationwide talent hunt aimed at discovering young talented footballers for the country’s various national teams and foreign clubs.

President of the Academy, Uchendu Nwabara, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday that the talent hunt would be executed through Global Grassroots Football Tournament (GGFT).

Nwabara said that the zonal event would commence in Port Harcourt (South-South zone) from April 17 and end in Bauchi (North-East zone), on May 5, while the grand finale would hold in Abuja from May 23 to May 26.

“GGFT is a project that creates opportunities for young talented players to participate in football scouting tournaments and competitions at regional and state levels,” Nwabara said.

He explained that the best players who meet the specification of certain foreign football clubs would be sponsored and signed up immediately to play for those clubs, from where they can advance their career.

“We have capable regional coordinators that will handle the assignment in every region.

“Edwin Yobo, the elder brother to former Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo, is the Zonal Coordinator of GGFT South-South and he will partner with Obafemi Omobowale, President, H2U Football Academy.

“The Zonal Coordinator of the North-East is Elisha Bako Dauda, NFF Intermediary, while Joshua Dabo (Joe K), President, Heroes Football Academy, Jos, will coordinate the North-Central.

“The South-East will be coordinated by Obinna Winners, while Babatunde Ibrahim, Liaison Officer, H2U Football Academy Global Limited, Lagos, and her Secretary-General, Bola Olugbemi, will together coordinate South-West,” he said.

Nwabara noted that the preliminary screening would be conducted at local governments and state level, while the semifinals would hold at the state representing each of the geopolitical zones.

According to him, the grand finale will hold at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where foreign football clubs presidents and representatives, football scouts from Africa and beyond as well as National League representatives will be in attendance.

The Regional Chief Coordinator of the event, Elkanah Ombugala, an ex-International, emphasised that the tournament is aimed at showcasing talented Nigerian football players.

Ombugala said the tournament would promote efficient and effective football scouting without bias or favour.

He said football scouting had taken a new turn with the involvement of GGFT in football scouting.

“In the past, so many talented but less-privileged footballers have been left behind due to the lack of opportunities to showcase their talents and get sponsorship.

“This event will provide opportunities for the less-privileged young talented football players at the grassroots level to sign up with International football clubs.

“GGFT is one of its kinds as it cuts across all the geo-political zones in the country giving footballers equal opportunities without marginalisation,” Ombugala said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Cecilia Ijuo

The Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN) has trained 100 children in karting (sport of racing or riding on karts).

The President of the club, Mr Iskaku Bamaiyi, said this at the end of a four-day intensive training and competition titled “Karting in Schools” on Tuesday in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile(FIA) through its Sports Grant Programme in collaboration with ATCN.

He said there is a need to develop talents in motorsport to enable Nigeria participate in international competitions.

The event was also organised in partnership with Abuja Enterprise Agency and Abuja Investment Company Limited for about 100 school children within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

”It is time for Nigeria to become visible in motorsport internationally in view of its benefits.

”Nigeria is gaining international recognition, this sport will contribute to economic growth,” he said.

He said there is need for schools and parents to invest time and money to develop talents that would represent the country globally.

Bamaiyi said as part of effort to develop talents, “FIA is creating university scholarships and a lot more for school children that are outstanding in the sport.

“The just concluded event is Karting in Schools Phase II and about 100 pupils from different schools within the FCT were in attendance.

“In 2022, we had the privilege of organising phase one, which saw over 120 pupils from different schools in the FCT participating.

“The enthusiasm shown by the participants was very encouraging, ” he said.

The president said it was high time Nigerians took the sport seriously.

He further said there was a need for sponsorship to develop the sport for national and international competitions.

“This particular programme is free and we provided everything under the FIA banner.

“We urge Nigerians to get involved in the sport to take it to the next level,” he said.

The president said the club was working towards developing talents in circuit racing, rallying and other activities under motorsport.

Mr Steve Harding, from Motorsport Development Academy, South Africa, said he was on ground to help with the training of participants.

He said he was impressed with the speed with which the children adapted to the sport within the few days of training.

Harding said “with much practice they will improve further.

“The sport is just taking off in Nigeria but I believe with commitment from relevant stakeholders, it will gain prominence.

“The benefits of the sport are enormous, ranging from pleasure to economic benefit.

Also, Mr Denen Ikya, member of the Ethics Committee of FIA, said the level with which children were developing interest in the sport was encouraging.

He said “it is important for schools to catch them young to grow the sport.

“Sometime in the year we will be having the festival of motor sport and that is where we will have more karting activities.

“We are hoping that they will form part of the team that will develop the sport in Nigeria.

“Schools should create motorsport clubs the same way we have football clubs and swimming clubs.”

Ikya said winners from the just concluded event would be given automatic tickets to compete at national level.

He further said that the winners at the national level will represent Nigeria in the various stages and age groups in Spain in 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that participants at the event competed in car racing and digital sport.

Winners from the competition got medals and trophies, while all participants received certificate of attendance.

In the car racing category for boys, 17-year-old Bassey Akilahyel emerged winner with Usman Suleiman and Muhammad Suleiman as first runner up and second runner up.

In the car racing category for girls, 11-year-old Ummusalma Abdullateef emerged overall winner.

Meanwhile, in digital sport, 12-year-old Abdullateef Junaid emerged overall winner, while Mubarak Muhammad and David Shaibu came second and third.

The winners while thanking the organisers for the opportunity, said they looked forward to international closed course racing competitions like Formula One. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Emmanuel Afonne

An Abuja-based football academy, Prestige Football Academy (PFA), has commenced a nationwide talent hunt aimed at discovering young talented footballers for the country’s various national teams and foreign clubs.

President of the Academy, Uchendu Nwabara, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday that the talent hunt would be executed through Global Grassroots Football Tournament (GGFT) and that it would be for players between 16 and 19 years.

Nwabara said that the zonal event would commence in Port Harcourt (South-South zone) from April 17 and end in Bauchi (North-East zone), on May 5, while the grand finale would hold in Abuja from May 23 to May 26.

“GGFT is a project that creates opportunities for young talented players to participate in football scouting tournaments and competitions at regional and state levels,” Nwabara said.

He explained that the best players who meet the specification of certain foreign football clubs would be sponsored and signed up immediately to play for those clubs, from where they can advance their career.

“We have capable regional coordinators that will handle the assignment in every region.

“Edwin Yobo, the elder brother to former Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo, is the Zonal Coordinator of GGFT South-South and he will partner with Obafemi Omobowale, President, H2U Football Academy.

“The Zonal Coordinator of the North-East is Elisha Bako Dauda, NFF Intermediary, while Joshua Dabo (Joe K), President, Heroes Football Academy, Jos, will coordinate the North-Central.

“The South-East will be coordinated by Obinna Winners, while Babatunde Ibrahim, Liaison Officer, H2U Football Academy Global Limited, Lagos, and her Secretary-General, Bola Olugbemi, will together coordinate South-West.”

Nwabara noted that the preliminary screening would be conducted at local governments and state level, while the semifinals would hold at the state representing each of the geopolitical zones.

According to him, the grand finale will hold at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where foreign football clubs presidents and representatives, football scouts from Africa and beyond as well as National League representatives will be in attendance.

The Regional Chief Coordinator of the event, Elkanah Ombugala, an ex-International, emphasised that the tournament is aimed at showcasing talented Nigerian football players.

Ombugala said the tournament would promote efficient and effective football scouting without bias or favour.

He said football scouting had taken a new turn with the involvement of GGFT in football scouting.

“In the past, so many talented but less-privileged footballers have been left behind due to the lack of opportunities to showcase their talents and get sponsorship.

“This event will provide opportunities for the less-privileged young talented football players at the grassroots level to sign up with International football clubs.

“GGFT is one of its kinds as it cuts across all the geo-political zones in the country giving footballers equal opportunities without marginalisation,” Ombugala said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Commonwealth Games Nigeria (CGN) said on Saturday it would organise a Community Grassroots Sports programme for secondary schools in the Amuwo Odofin Area of Lagos on May 3.

Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), said in a statement that the event has been scheduled to hold at the NOC Grounds, “Olympafrica Centre”, and the Olympic Village, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Nezianya said that the President of the NOC, Habu Gumel, supported by the Secretary-General, Babatunde Popoola, would declare the event open.

He said the objective of the programme would be to provide an opportunity for the students in the Amuwo Odofin area to know the importance of Sports and Education to youth development.

“It will also promote social interaction among the students, which will avail them the opportunity to meet other students and engage in healthy competition.

“They will also know more about the activities carried out by Commonwealth Games’ Nigeria.”

According to Nezianya, CGN will award prizes to the three best students in Volleyball and Netball, saying that Cultural Dance will be featured at the event.

He said that all participating students would receive certificates of participation as the schools are expected to dress in their cultural dance attires.

“The event promises to be vibrant as well as an entertaining experience, offering a unique opportunity to discover the variety and values of our rich multi-cultural heritage.

No fewer than 12 Schools in the Amuwo Odofin area are expected to participate in the programme with six students and a Games’ Master coming from each participating school. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

By Emmanuel Afonne

Imo Strikers FC on Friday defeated Dannaz Ladies 1-0 to win the 2023 edition of the Sheroes Cup tournament which was played at the Area 3 football pitch in Abuja.

The only goal was registered in the 57th minute, courtesy of an own goal after a well-taken corner kick by Oparanmegwa Pattra.

The victory ensured that the Owerri-based female team won the pre-season tournament, organised by Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) for Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship and nationwide clubs.

Eight clubs from different parts of the country participated in the week-long competition.

Coach of Imo Strikers, Nelly Orisakwe, attributed their success to hard work and prayer.

“We sacrificed a lot and we worked so hard. For the first time we are participating in this tournament and we won.

“We have seen our weaknesses collectively and individually, I will go back and prepare them for the task ahead.”

Also speaking, Coach of Dannaz Ladies, Bashiru Fatai, said the competition had helped them to discover the loopholes in the team ahead of the commencement of the league.

President of RSDF, Paul Edeh, during the prize presentation, promised to sustain the sponsorship of the competition since it served as pre-season tournament for most clubs.

“This pre-season tournament for Championship and Nationwide teams is in its 5th edition and it was conceptualised to help prepare the clubs ahead of the commencement of the NWFL, Championship and Nationwide leagues.

“Amazingly, the competition has also thrown up lots of talents as well as revealed that the FCT Football Association (FA) is supportive of women football development in Nigeria.

“We will continue to partner with the FCT FA which indeed is one of the best football associations in Nigeria,” Edeh said.

The RSDF boss later presented N2 million as the price money for the teams.

Overall winners of the competition pocketed N500,000 being the prize money in addition to the trophy while the first and second runners up smiled home with N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

A total of N400,000 was shared among the other six participating teams.

The Foundation also gave N50,000 to each of the eight participating teams for feeding at the commencement of the tournament.

Nicholas Elechi, a member of the Board of Trustees of RSDF, donated N200,000 to the winners while urging them to keep winning.

The Foundation also gave a set of jerseys and five balls each to all participating clubs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

By Emmanuel Afonne

Nigerian weightlifter, Adenike Olarinoye has been appointed as member of the Athlete’s Commission of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

A statement from Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on Thursday said the appointment was approved at an ANOCA forum held in Algiers, Algeria.

Nezianya also quoted NOC Secretary-General, Tunde Poopola, in a congratulatory message that Olarinoye’s exploit in weightlifting earned her the international appointment.

“There’s no doubt that your appointment is a pride to you but the NOC as well and improve your personal growth generally in sports.

“Once again and on behalf of members of the Olympic Family, we praise this outstanding achievement,” the statement quoted Poopola as saying.

Olarinoye who is of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, represented Nigeria at the 2019 African Games which is her maiden African Games appearance.

She claimed three medals including two gold medals and silver medal in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting event.

The athlete also created a new African record in weightlifting in the clean and jerk category by lifting 116 kg during the 2019 African Games.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK she won the gold medal with two new Commonwealth Games Records, 92kg in snatch and 203 kg overall. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh