Nigeria Premier League

Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos To Host Nigeria National Chess Tourney In October

The Nigeria National Chess Championship (NCC), which is the biggest and most important chess event in Nigeria has been scheduled to be held from 2-9 October.

It is the determinant of the Nigeria National Chess Champion and the Nigeria National Women’s Chess Champion with hundreds of players and thousands of visitors participating in this annual chess event which runs for eight days.

Orchid-Lekki Chess Club (OLCC) hosts the Nigeria National Chess Championship on behalf of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF).

In the last three years, the quality and influence of the Nigeria National Chess Championship has improved and grown significantly, leading to faster development of the sport in Nigeria.

The championship has unveiled young talents and provided hints on the future possibilities of chess in Nigeria.

The 2023 edition of the Nigeria National Chess Championship will be held at Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. The championship will feature an Elite Invitational Section where 24 of the best chess players in Nigeria will compete for the Nigeria National Chess Champion and Nigeria National Women’s Chess Champion titles.

The winners of these titles will represent Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship (AICC). The 24 players in this section went through a rigorous selection and qualification process which includes a Nigeria National Chess Championship Qualifiers Tournament, to be able to compete in this final stage.

Nigeria National Chess Championship 2023 will also have an Open Section which will accommodate players at every category including beginners and masters. Rank and file players and any member of the public can register to participate in the Open Section where they can test their mettle against other players of their playing strength.

The Open Section will also have a vibrant Junior Category that will cater for Under-20, Under-14 and Under-10 players. Hundreds of schoolchildren are expected to participate in this category. Below are the schedules for the sections/categories and the championship as a whole:

Opening Ceremony: October 2 (11 a.m.).
Blitz Tournament: October 2 (From 4pm).
Elite Invitational Section: October 3 – October 9 (from 9am daily).
Junior Category: October 3 – October 4 (From 9am daily)
Open Section: October 5 – October 9 (From 9am daily).
Closing Ceremony – October 9 (4pm).

Nigeria’s new Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr John Enoh, will be the special Guest of Honour at the championship’s opening ceremony

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede inducted into Nigeria Institute of Sports Hall of Fame

Remo Stars technical adviser, Daniel Ogunmodede, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Nigeria Institute of Sports, joining six other distinguished Nigerians.

Ogunmodede, who has been committed to the development of sports in the country, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “I’m pleased to share that a few days ago, I was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Institute of Sports, Nigeria,” he wrote on X.

The young tactician described the honor as a reaffirmation of his dedication to coaching education across Africa and the world. “This milestone reinforces my commitment to staying true to the mission and vision of our coaching roots, championing the cause of proper coaching education,” Ogunmodede said.

He also extended thanks to Professor Olawale A. Moronkola, the Director General of the National Institute of Sports, and the entire management team for the recognition.

Other inductees included former Plateau State Governor Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Founder of Remo Stars FC Hon. Kunle Soname, Air Peace CEO Mr Allen Onyema, President General Worldwide of Nigeria Football Supporters Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, Paralympic Gold medalist Ms. Lucy Ejike, and former Ace Broadcast journalist and Director General of NBC Dr. Danladi Bako.

Nigeria Premier League

Sunday Megwo credits teamwork for Abia Warriors’ win over Akwa United

Abia Warriors forward Sunday Megwo has praised his team’s collective effort following their 2-0 victory over Akwa United at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Reflecting on the game, Megwo noted the significant improvement from their previous match in Ikenne.

“Yes, it was a good, solid team performance, and we deserved the maximum points because of how we played,” Megwo stated.

Acknowledging the challenge posed by Akwa United, he added, “We knew that we had to be up to speed against a side like Akwa United, who are currently in the drop zone. Akwa United made it difficult for us earlier on in the game, but I’m glad that we were able to find a way to win the game because, in this second round of the season, the maximum points are all that matters.”

Megwo emphasized the importance of teamwork in securing the win: “It was a good team effort, which also highlighted the collective spirit and determination that led to the victory.”

Nigeria Premier League

Lobi Stars’ Attacking Resilience Sets Stage for Future Successes Despite Home Defeat

Lobi Stars showcased their dominance in possession and created multiple scoring opportunities, ultimately falling 0-1 to Enyimba International FC on Matchday 22 of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.

Their relentless pursuit of a goal was evident in the numerous free kicks and corners they secured.

Raphael Ayagwa’s impressive volley in the 30th minute left fans on the edge of their seats, anticipating a breakthrough.

However, Enyimba capitalized on a rare chance in the 40th minute, with Ifeanyi Ihemekwele scoring from a through pass to give the visitors the lead.

In the second half, Technical Adviser Daniel Amokachi introduced fresh talent, including Nazir Mohamad, Alex Oche, Ossy Martins, Chikeluba Ofoedu, and Segun Oloruntoba, to bolster the attack. Although they couldn’t break through Enyimba’s defense, the team’s determination remained unwavering.

Following the match, Amokachi expressed his optimism, stating:

“We had an exceptional game in Uyo, and with our new signings, we’re confident in our ability to make a comeback. Although they took their chance, we’ll learn from this experience and move forward.”

Amokachi also acknowledged Bauchi’s rich football history and the state’s contributions to Nigerian football, including notable figures such as Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro, Maigari, and Patrick Pascal.

“Bauchi has become a second home to Lobi Stars, and we’ll continue to fight. We’ll take this as a learning experience and come back stronger,” he assured.

The team’s next challenge is a crucial away fixture against Rivers United in Port Harcourt this weekend.