National Youth Games: Lagos, Bayelsa Dominate Weightlifting Event

Lagos and Bayelsa States set the pace in the medals table in opening day of weightlifting event at the 7th National Youth Games, NYG in Asaba, Delta State Capital.

Lagos State won three medals, two gold and a a bronze in the women’s 45kg while Bayelsa State picked all the three gold medals in the 49kg men’s category.

Ezenwa Chinaza was just two kilos away from winning gold medal in snatch but her 53kg lift could only fetch her a bronze.

However, she made amends in the clean and jerk lifting 70kg to get a total of 123kg which fetched her two gold medals

Ezenwa Esther from Abia State won gold in snatch and bronze in clean and Jerk lifting 55kg and 67kg respectively

Christiana Ollorma from Rivers State won all the three silver medals on offer with 54kg snatch, 68kg clean and jerk and 122 total.

Matthew Martin Precious from Cross River State won bronze medal in total with 114kg lift

In the men’s 49kg category, Stephen Godswill from Bayelsa State collected all the three gold medals at stake after lifting 56kg snatch, 67kg clean and jerk and 123kg total.

Rivers State’d Samson Deagon Teron came second after he also picked all the three silver medals on offer. He lifted 55kg in snatch, 66kg in clean and jerk and 121kg in total.

It was also a similar “one way traffic” in the bronze medals with all three going the way of Adebayo Saheed from Osun State.

He lifted 42kg in snatch, 50kg in clean and jerk and 92kg in total to ensure that the State of the Living Spring picked all the bronze medals.

The weightlifting event of the 7th National Youth Games, NYG continues on Sunday.

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”