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

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Federal Government has approved the recognition of Mixed Martial Arts (NMMAF), as one of the National Sports Federations under the control and supervision of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mohammed Manga, Director, Press & Public Relations of the ministry.

Manga reported the minister as saying that the approval was granted on Jan. 11 following series of interfaces between the federation’s board and the ministry.

He said the approval came, having satisfied the condition precedent, pursuant to NMMAF’s acceptance to abide by the Code of Governance of all National Sports.

“The recognition has also saddled the Federation with the responsibility to develop, regulate and ensure the safety of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a thriving Sports in Nigeria in line with global best practices,” the statement quoted Dare as saying.

He called on the federation to work towards discovering and developing talents from the grassroots for the game.

The minister also urged them to take the game to a world class status not only through the development and maintenance of strict rules but also adhering strictly to its standards.

The Mixed Martial Arts Game is reputed to be one of the world’s fastest growing sports with an estimated 449 million followers worldwide.

Nigeria’s Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya, Sodiq Yusuf and Kennedy Nzechukwu are among the top ranking Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the world. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Justina Auta

Dr Olaolu Modupe-Oni, Medical Director, HealthGate Medical Centre, has highlighted the need for regular physical exercises to improve brain health, manage weight and reduce the risk of diseases

Modupe-Oni gave the advice on Saturday at an inter-house  sports competition, organised by Holy Child Educational Home, with the theme, “The champion in Me”, in Abuja.

He said: “We need to get active and exercise our bodies.

“There are diseases that stem from children not being active. Also being active helps them in their educational endeavours.

“Children need these exercises because it is not only adults that are obese, we also have children obesity.

“Competitions help in the release of positive endorphins when you exercise and it is essential to us all,’’ he said.

He noted that children rarely exercise but focus more on the digital devices like the phones, laptops, computer games and television, which gives them little time for exercises, hence, they are prone to obesity and other diseases.

“We live in a digital era, kids are always in front of laptops, ipads, television and they hardly get any physical activity done.

“These kind of engagements also foster healthy competitions, cooperation amongst them and a sense of camaraderie, and provides academic guidance,’’ he said.

He also advised parents to disclose the medical history of their children to school authorities to enable them know the activities that the students can engage in that will not affect their health.

Mrs Ajibike Olufemi, the school Director, said the inter-house sports activity was to build the students confidence, discover talents and connect them with relevant stakeholders that would groom them for the future.

“There is a high level of potentials and talents in them that we want them to tap from, build on it and make the best use of it.

“We also want them to shun social and negative vices by instilling in them positive and healthy values in such a way that they can have self-confidence, determination and strive hard for success.

“We have some sports council officials that are here to actually identify talents who they can build up and train,’’ she said.

Miss Esther Joel, a student and one of the participants, said engaging in sporting activities is to prepare her pursue a career in basketball.

Similarly, Mr Okewu Anthony, another student, said: “sport makes me happy, makes my brain function well and I intend to pursue a career in the military, so this activity will help me to be strong, agile and ready for the task ahead.’’

One of the parents, Mrs Oluwakemi Annafi, said “the event was an opportunity for parents to network and also to encourage some of us and our children to be medically and physically fit.

“This sporting event enables the children to improve intellectually, gives them a sense of competition and confidence to participate in competition and win.’’

Similarly, another parent, Mrs Ngozi Uzokwu, urged the school to partner with others towards harnessing the sporting potentials of the students to enable them pursue careers and represent the country in sports. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

By Emmanuel Afonne

Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare on Sunday congratulated Anthony Joshua, Nigerian-born former world heavyweight boxing champion, for defeating his opponent, Jermaine Franklin in an international bout on Saturday.

Dare noted in his congratulatory message that Joshua fought like a lion to defeat his American challenger.

Joshua defeated Franklin by unanimous decision at the 02 Arena in London to get the crucial win in his first fight since his September 2022 loss to Oleksandr Uysk in Saudi Arabia.

“The former world champion demonstrated the heart of a lion in the encounter and his victory was well-deserved.’’ Dare stated in his congratulatory message.

The minister praised Joshua for keeping alive the “never-say-die’’ spirit for which Nigeria is known.

“You never gave up. With an undying spirit, you clutched victory when it mattered most.

“We will continue to cheer you on,’’ Dare wrote.

Joshua is expected to fight with Tyson Fury this summer after a dominant win over Franklin in his ring return.

The former world champion said after defeating Franklin that he and promoter Eddie Hearn were keen to organise a bout with Fury, with deal points already agreed from their failed December 2022 fight. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Alli Hakeem