Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Tuesday beat holders, South Africa 2-1 to seal a place in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco.
Captain, Rasheedat Ajibade got Justine Madugu’s side off to a flying start with the opener in the 45th minute.
She converted a penalty into the bottom corner touching Banyana Banyana goalie, Andile Dlamini after a foul by South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane.
This came after incessant attacking pressure from the Super Falcons including saves from Dlamini.
The 2022 champions, however, came out strong in the second half hoping for an equalizer.
A foul by Osinachi Ohale inside the box led to another penalty which was converted by Linda Motlhalo in the hour mark to level things.
With the game heading towards extra time, a seeming cross by Michelle Alozie resulted into the winning goal in the additional minutes of the second half.
The win ensured that Nigeria will be playing in their 10th WAFCON final as they continue their quest to win their 10th title with mantra “Mission X”.
Ajibade was again named Woman of the Match as Nigeria will await the winner of the second semi final clash between hosts Morocco and Ghana. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
A non-profit initiative, Chess for Social Impact, has marked the International Chess Day with an Elite Chess Meetup in Abuja, blending competitive play with a fundraiser for Nigeria’s emerging chess prodigy, Tennyson Olisa.
The event, held at Café One, Sterling Bank Plaza, drew top players, enthusiasts, and philanthropists in support of using chess as a tool for unity, education, and youth empowerment.
This year’s theme, “Every Move Counts,” underscored the value of each decision, both on the chessboard and in the life of a young athlete.
Oto-obong Mendie, Founder of Chess for Social Impactand Executive Director of the Mendlife Global Foundation, said the gathering aimed to inspire change through the game.
“We are here not just to play chess, but to drive transformation. Our focus this year is on supporting Tennyson Olisa, a young Nigerian making waves internationally,” she said.
Olisa, 22, from Delta, recently qualified for the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss in Uzbekistan and the World Cup in India.
His journey, however, requires an estimated N54 million to cover visa processing in Egypt, travel, training, coaching, media, and accommodation.
“Tennyson’s path reveals the financial hurdles many gifted Nigerian players face. He has the skill, the discipline, and the heart, what he needs now is backing,” Mendie added.
Oto-obong Mendie, the Founder, Chess for Social Impact, a flagship initiative of Mendlife Global Foundation, alongside the Nigeria Chess Federation’s Vice President, Adeyinka Adewole.
His elder brother and manager, Mr Anthony Olisa, said the event aimed to increase Tennyson’s visibility and attract sponsors for his upcoming global engagements.
“Tennyson started playing at 13, and we’ve supported him ever since. He’s one of Africa’s best today and ready to represent Nigeria proudly on the world stage,” he said.
The Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Adeyinka Adewole, affirmed the federation’s full support and called on stakeholders, including Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, corporate sponsors, and the wider public, to rally behind Olisa’s cause.
“This will be his first major international outing. It’s a dream come true, and we’re proud to stand with him,” Adewole said.
The Abuja event featured a blitz tournament, exhibition match, and a mentorship session where Olisa played against seven elite players simultaneously.
Nigeria’s rising chess star, Tennyson Olisa.
A silent auction of chess-themed art also helped raise funds.
Visibly moved, Olisa expressed gratitude to attendees.
“Representing Nigeria has always been my dream. I am committed to giving it my all,” he said.
Over N5 million was raised during the event, nearly halfway to the N54 million target.
Dignitaries, diplomats, business leaders, and former champions attended, pledging support to ensure the young star’s participation on the global stage.
The foundation announced plans to continue the fundraising drive through online campaigns and strategic partnerships in the weeks ahead.
Mendie urged Nigerians at home and abroad to support Olisa and other young talents.
“Every move counts on the board and in life. Let’s invest in our youth and help them reach greatness,” she said.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to the top three winners of the tournament, alongside recognition awards to sponsors and patrons.
International Chess Day, celebrated annually on July 20, was established by FIDE to promote the educational and cultural value of the game.
In Nigeria, the day continues to gain momentum, with more grassroots and youth chess initiatives emerging nationwide. (NAN)
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, on Monday said the federation needed to organise more competitions to keep the athletes fit ahead of international championships.
Orbih told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the federation needed to produce more players like Olympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji, to produce good records at international championships.
NAN reports that Bolaji won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France.
She also won gold at the Egypt Para Badminton international in January.
Bolaji again won gold medal in March at the 2025 Spanish Para Badminton international in Vitoria.
The president said that the just-concluded 5th edition of the para-badminton open championship, which held last week in Umuahia, Abia, showcased many skilled athletes.
According to Orbih, the tournament brought attention not only to the growth of para-sports in Nigeria, but also to Abia’s rising profile as a hub for sports development.
“A total of 14 states participated in the championship, and they all did well in their competitions.
“During the competition, the federation was able to identify a good number of athletes that will be nurtured for future international competitions to make the country proud,” he said.
The president lauded Gov. Alex Otti of Abia for his support for young athletes in showcasing their talents.
“We are saying a big thank you to Otti for his financial support to host the event on behalf of the federation.
“We thank him for his words of encouragement to the athletes; we thank him for his physical and mental support,” he said.
NAN reports that the championship was held from July 14 to 17 in Umuahia, Abia.
NAN reports that Abia emerged the overall winner of the championship with a total of 17 medals comprising 5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze.
Plateau came second with eight medals, 4 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze.
Ogun was placed third with a total of five medals, 3 gold and 2 bronze, while Kwara emerged fourth with 3 gold medals.
Imo completed the top five with a total of nine medals overall: 1 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze.
Others were Rivers in sixth position, winning a total of three medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze), followed by Kebbi State in seventh with 1 gold and 1 silver.
Delta won one gold to place 8th position, Akwa Ibom finished ninth with 2 silver medals, while Bayelsa went home with a total of five medals of 1 silver and 4 bronze to finish 10th.
NAN reports that the first Abia Para Badminton International Championship is scheduled to take place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5.
The All Africa Para Badminton Championship will begin on Oct. 6 to 12 in Abia. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Wahid Oshodi, President of the Africa Table Tennis Federation, says over 126 players will compete in the 2025 WTT Contender Championship from July 22 to 26.
Oshodi confirmed this during a media briefing held on Monday in Lagos.
He said the event aims to promote excellence, offering top players a chance to compete and showcase their talents.
The tournament will take place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
“It will attract global talent, fostering the sport’s growth and development worldwide,” Oshodi said.
He added that the competition provides players with experience and exposure to high-level contests.
“It also offers ranking points to help players boost their global standings,” he noted.
The WTT Contender series aims to bring innovation and excitement to table tennis, raising the sport’s global profile.
Oshodi stated it would give Nigerian players a chance to display their skills and inspire new talents.
Participation in the event will help Nigerian players improve through matches against elite international opponents.
He said the tournament could draw greater investment and support for table tennis in Nigeria.
“This could lead to better infrastructure, improved training programmes, and more resources for athletes,” he said.
According to him, the WTT Contender will boost table tennis popularity and create fresh opportunities locally.
The Nigerian table tennis community remains optimistic about the sport’s growth prospects in the country.
Kweku Tandoh, the Tournament Director, also reaffirmed their commitment to a successful championship.
He said top-ranked players’ involvement would enhance the event’s reputation and competitiveness.
“This WTT Contender Lagos is vital for Olympic preparation, helping players sharpen their skills,” Tandoh stated.
This year’s tournament features a prize pool of $100,000, up from $75,000 in the previous edition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this increase adds further excitement and stakes to the championship.
The event highlights table tennis excellence and provides a global platform for players to shine.
NAN reports that top players like Taiwo Mati and Mathew Kuti will be participating in the tournament.
The WTT Contender Lagos begins on Tuesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
No fewer than 1,000 athletes have arrived in Abuja for the 2025 African Karate Championship scheduled to hold between July 21 and July 28.
Silas Agara, President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), told newsmen in Abuja on Sunday that 31 countries, alongside host Nigeria, would slug it out in four categories of the sport.
Agara listed the categories to include the cadet, which would accommodate athletes between 14 and 15 years as well as the junior category which has athletes between the age of 16 and 17.
Other categories are senior and para karate which would have athletes above 18 years respectively.
“Today, we are happy to announce that we have most of the countries that have indicated to participate in the upcoming African Championship; they are on ground.
“We have officials from other countries that are here to provide technical assistance to the championship here on ground.
“Our part as a federation, we have been on ground for the past one week trying to ensure that all the logistics are in place and accommodation has been sorted for countries that are coming.
“As at Wednesday night, which was the closing date for the registration, we have 31 countries that have indicated interest to come, with over 1,000 athletes from all these countries that will be coming along, including officials.
“Logistics for these athletes and officials have not been too easy in terms of sorting out their accommodation, their transport from the hotel, immigration processes, that is sorting their visa on arrival, so these are some of the logistics.
“But I am happy that we are on course,” Agara said.
The KFN president also said that the General Assembly of the African championship would also take place in Abuja, within this period.
Dave Jegede, Technical Director of the Federation, said that Nigeria would be presenting 60 athletes for the championships and that the athletes are in high spirits ahead of the competition.
“Anticipatory, we have been preparing. We know that we are hosting and as such have lined up several championships before now to keep our athletes in tune.
“We have about four national and two regional championships which we have done. So, these athletes have been attending competitions regularly. They’ve been in camp before now, and they’re in high spirits.
“We have about 60 athletes that will participate in this championship and many of them are African champions. We have gold medalists, silver medalists, and bronze medalists in our team. We also have Commonwealth medalists in our team.
“So, all these put together, and with the preparation we have had, we’re sure we’ll make Nigeria proud,” Jegede said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) on Sunday in Abuja announced that the 2025 National Division One League will be held from Aug.1 to 18, in Umuahia, Abia.
The National Division One League is the promotional league into the top-tier handball league.
The Secretary-General of HFN, Monica Otumala, said the technical meeting involving all officials of teams and contingents will be held on Aug. 7, while matches will commence on Aug. 8.
She advised participating teams to commence registration immediately, as all registrations would end on the day of the technical meeting.
“All participating teams should note that documentary registration of players shall be completed on or before July 31.
“All definitive registration must be submitted to the HFN at least before or during the Technical Meeting on Aug. 7,” she said.
The National Division One League is the second-tier league in the stable of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, involving teams aiming to get promoted into the Ardova Handball Premier League.
Four teams, two teams each in the men’s and women’s categories, will get promoted into the top-tier handball premier league.
NAN reports that COAS Shooters and Soof Omo Ogiefo are the defending champions of the National Division One League and are presently in the Ardova Handball Premier League. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ifedayo Akindoju, has commended the outstanding performance of players at the just-concluded DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship in Abuja.
Akindoju gave the commendation in Abuja while addressing journalists at the closing of the tournament which was held at the Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
He singled out the winners of the Men’s and Women’s Singles, Daniel Adeleye and Success Ogunjobi, for their impressive displays, while describing their performances as a testament to the growth of tennis in Nigeria.
“Adeleye’s back-to-back victories reflect his dedication and immense potential, while Ogunjobi’s dominance in the women’s singles underscores the rapid progress of female players in Nigerian tennis,” Akindoju said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adeleye won the men’s singles title after defeating Canice Abua in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2.
In the women’s singles final, Ogunjobi overwhelmed Bright-Essien Emmanuel 6-1, 6-1, to claim the title.
“Ogunjobi’s commanding performance highlights her growing stature in the sport. She is currently on her way to Zimbabwe to participate in three weeks of International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior events,” he added.
Akindoju expressed gratitude to DavNotch Nigeria Limited for its continued sponsorship and support of tennis development in the country.
“Our partnership with DavNotch has been crucial. We are grateful and plan to honour the company with a gold award in recognition of their contributions.”
The NTF president said the federation would also seek an extension of the sponsorship deal for another five years, citing the federation’s achievements and future plans.
Akindoju said that the introduction of junior categories in the DavNotch National Open Tennis Championship was a significant step in grassroots development.
“The junior event had a draw of 32 in the boys’ category and 16 in the girls, which is very encouraging. We hope to expand this to 64 or even 128 participants in the future,” he said.
According to him, the long-term goal is to provide young players with more opportunities to gain competitive experience and elevate the standard of the sport.
He said the NTF was working to build a supportive ecosystem for tennis in the country, through improved sponsorship, training facilities, qualified coaches, and officials.
The NTF president said that the player selection process considered both national and international rankings.
Matthew Abamu and Micheal Emmanuel won the men’s doubles by beating Musa Mohammed and Ajang Sylvanus 6-7 (5), 6-4, 10-8 in the final on Friday.
Ogunjobi and Omolayo Bamidele won the women’s doubles by beating the pair of Blessing Omotayo and Nenrot Suwa 6-1, 6-1 in the final, also on Friday.
NAN reports that the tournament, which began on July 13, ended on Saturday, and delivering top-level tennis and showcasing Nigeria’s emerging talent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Hamad Kalkaba, has commended Nigeria for strengthening its lead in sprinting with a new pool of promising young sprinters.
Kalkaba made the commendation during a news conference at the closing ceremony of the 3rd CAA U-18/U-20 African Athletics Championships on Sunday in Abeokuta.
He said that this year’s competition showcased a high level of technical proficiency with notable performances in sprinting, middle-distance events, throwing and jumping.
According to him, South Africa led the competition with the highest number of medals while other countries showcased their talents in all the events.
He said 940 athletes attended the competition with 362 athletes in the U-18 event and 578 athletes in the U-20 events.
Listing the individual highlights of the championships, Kalkaba revealed that Botswana’s Justice Oratile achieved a time of 45:38s in the U-20 400 meters, while three others also finished under 46s in the 400m.
“South Africa’s Temoso Masikane finished with a leap of 16.03 meters in the U-20 Triple Jump event while Nigeria’s Honour Clement cleared 2.10 meters in the High Jump event.
“Also, Nigeria’s Favour Ongah ran 52s in the women’s 400 meters just as Prestina Ochonogor jumped 6.7 meters in the Long Jump event,” he said.
According to Kalkaba, Africa is nurturing a strong new generation of athletes.
“We have seen Algeria and Egypt reaffirm their dominance in the throwing events.
“Kenya remains consistent in middle-distance running and South Africa excelled in hurdle events.
“Our host, Nigeria has also solidified their lead in sprinting,” the CAA president said.
He thanked the Nigerian government for “bailing us out after Algeria failed to meet requirements” adding that Algeria would be hosting the 2027 edition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
South Africa’s Oluchi Ndubueze says she is thrilled to have secured a gold medal in the ongoing Confederation of African Athletes (CAA) U18/U20 Championships in Abeokuta.
Ndubueze secured a gold medal in the U-18 women’s long jump event with a leap of 5.79metres followed closely by Morocco’s Merzarq Kawtar’s 5.62metres and Bouda Sandrine of Burundi winning bronze with 5.25metres.
The athlete, who is partly Nigerian, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she felt honoured to win a gold medal in her father’s homeland.
“It is amazing that I was able to take the gold, and I really thank God for giving me the opportunity.
“I am so honoured to be able to compete in my first international meeting in my father’s homeland. As someone who is half Nigerian and half South African, I feel very blessed,” she said.
The young athlete said that with her performance at the championship, she is looking forward to participating in the 2028 Olympics.
She scored herself high, hoping to do better in future competitions.
“I think I did really well in this championship, but there’s always room for improvement in my performance.
“I’ll go back to training, evaluate my strength and weaknesses, and see what I can improve on,” she said.
Ndubueze added, “I definitely hope to see myself in the Olympics in 2028.
“The thing that motivates me is the reason why I do athletics; to glorify the Lord’s name and to inspire young black girls that it is possible with God,” she said.
She also gave credit to her parents, for their unwavering support, saying, “I’m so blessed to have parents who have always motivated me. Athletics is more of a calling and passion for me, instead of something I do for fun”.
She dedicated the medal to her parents, saying, she was blessed and happy to have her parents watch her compete in the stadium, adding “I sacrificed, and I give this medal to them”.
The athlete urged young talented kids interested in athletics not to give up, no matter the challenges.
“Young kids who are interested in athletics should never give up. I had a race earlier and came fourth, I would have loved to place higher and win a medal, but I never gave up.
“Never give up, no matter how hard it gets. Don’t stop, especially as females, don’t stop,” she said.
Ndubueze came fourth in 12:29s behind Nigeria’s Miriam Jegede in 12:20s who won bronze in the U-18 100 metres women final. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
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