Connect with us

News

SWAN, Heritage Times To Produce Special Compendium For Nigerian Legends

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has entered talks with the Heritage Times HT, a notable global media platform to advance the course of grassroots sports development in the country.

This was as the leadership of both organisations met in Abuja to discuss other areas of partnerships including finding ways of ensuring that the memory of active and late Nigerian sports icons are preserved through a well-harmonised compendium.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, who led a courtesy visit to the Heritage Times HT headquarters in Abuja, commmded its Publisher, Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia, for his determination and enviable contributions in the media which have yielded gainful engagements for teeming Journalists including sporting media professionals.

“You have continued to manifest as a shining light in both the media industry and other sectors within Nigeria and beyond. We are also aware of so many initiatives he has embarked upon to tap the potentials of young Nigerians. Indeed, such efforts reduce the pressure on the government to engage the young population. We can only urge you not to relent.

“It’s our desire to partner your organisation to do what you ordinarily have passion for in the area of discovery and empowerment of talented Nigerians. And there’s no other better means of engaging the youth meaningful other than using Sports as a tool.

“So, we are ready to go all the way with you and make more impacts across the country,” the President told Mr. Siasia who is also the Chairman of Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF) and owner of AfriHeritage Magazine.

Responding, Mr. Siasia pledged his readiness to partner SWAN in using sports as a leading employer of labour across the globe to unify Nigerians through timely and regular use of media channels.

He said his organisations were ready to offer the needed support in strengthening the unity of the country through sporting tournaments in the grassroot, especially in identified regions as a way of advocating peace. 

He said, “We should be thinking about how we can partner in grassroot football, basketball competitions, sensitisation programmes and other areas of sports. 

“This should be open to the vulnerable, people who are exceptionally talented but lack the means. This should be a means to support them to achieve their dreams and aspirations. 

“Also, in Niger Delta, North East, South East and other parts of the country, we can use sporting activities to foster unity among the people in these regions prone to crisis. It is tool that brings everyone together in the table of peace so we must not neglect that.

On the proper documentation of the memory of late and living sports legends, Mr. Siasia stated that energy should be deployed in preserving the memories of legends of the 70s, 80s and 90s, adding, “You can do this so that our people can read and study. It is a way preserving their history for the selfless services they offered to our country, the likes of Samson Siasia, Finidi George, Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Rashidi Yekini and those before them. 

“We are ready to support all efforts to keep their memory alive and this is the best we can do to appreciate them.”

While urging the sports journalists to use their pen to drive awareness and sell the Nigerian brand, especially the national premiership so that it can form a talking point in public discourse, Mr. Siasia tasked the sports journalist to work tirelessly to leave legacy for which they will be remembered for at all times.

On his part, SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, also thanked Mr. Siasia for his burning passion in driving youth development even beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Morocco 2024: Flamingos to begin camping for South Africa’s Bantwana on Sunday

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos

 

 

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, will on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, kickstart their preparations for their two-leg FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash with the U17 girls of South Africa, known as Bantwana.

 

The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists were drawn bye to the second round of the African qualifiers, while Bantwana fired from all cylinders to steamroll their counterparts from Gabon 21-2 on aggregate, winning 12-1 in Gabon and 9-1 in South Africa.

 

“It is important that the Flamingos start their camping early for this second-round fixture, not just because South Africa won their first-round matches 21-2 on aggregate, but because that is the right thing to do. We are aware that matches between Nigeria and South Africa are always full of heat, huge emotion on the part of players, officials and the fans, and determination to conquer on the part of the players.

 

“The Flamingos remain the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world, and they will be adequately prepared for the challenges ahead,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said.

 

On his part, Head Coach of the Bantwana, Ntombifuthi Khumalo has sounded a warning to the South Africa Football Association that his team needs longer preparation-period and reinforcements to be able to withstand the challenge of Nigeria in the games scheduled for the period 7-16 March.

 

“Yes, tactically they (Nigeria) are good, like us, but if you can measure when we play pound-for-pound, our players are not ready for that – but we need to reinforce on that. If we can get support to get (reinforcements) because, as a country, I still believe we have more quality players who deserve to be part of the team.

 

“Also, we need more preparation for the next leg, with a longer camp and friendly games, that will help us to ensure we are ready for the next round.”

 

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup (the competition becomes an annual event from this year) will be hosted by Morocco, 17 October – 8 November, with Africa to present 5 teams (including host nation Morocco) at the finals, which has also been expanded to a 24-nation championship.

 

Coach Bankole Olowookere, who led the team to third-place finish in India in 2022 and to the quarter-finals last year, has called up a total of 30 players to begin the camping on Sunday.

 

The list includes goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood (four-goal heroine at last year’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic) and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.

 

FLAMINGOS FOR CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO FOR SOUTH AFRICA:

 

Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Maureen Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies); Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens)

 

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Jennifer Ozoani (Greenfoot FC); Marylyn Edem (Nasarawa Amazons); Amblessed Ogbonnaya (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Ogoegbe (Greenfoot FC); Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens); Shavih Istifanus (Jos)

 

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Charles Nwabueze (Abia Angels); Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Fatima Solaty (Dannaz Ladies); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shakirat Bashiru (New Generation SC)

 

Forwards: Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Seun Fakunle (Ekiti Queens); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Grace Saliu (Naija Ratels); Afensimi Omon (Adamawa Queens); Anuoluwapo Awotidoye (Naija Ratels)

Continue Reading

News

Azpilicueta Names Drogba Among His Toughest Opponents

Azpilicueta

Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has revealed his three toughest-ever opponents, naming Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard, and Diego Costa.

Speaking to ESPN, the 35-year-old defender highlighted his experiences facing these formidable players during his illustrious career. Interestingly, Azpilicueta was teammates with all three during his time at Chelsea but also faced them as opponents in different competitions.

“Well, the one that comes out quickly is Eden Hazard because he was my teammate for a long time,” Azpilicueta said. “Also, when I was in Marseille, we played against Lille, and I remember Hazard giving us a tough time.”

He recalled facing Didier Drogba while the Ivorian striker was at Galatasaray:
“You know Didier Drogba, he was a tough striker when I faced him while at Chelsea.”

Azpilicueta also mentioned Diego Costa, reflecting on their encounter during Costa’s time at Atletico Madrid:
“Diego Costa was fierce. I would say he rounds up my top three toughest opponents.”

Azpilicueta’s career spans numerous encounters with top-tier players, solidifying his reputation as one of the most reliable defenders of his generation.

Continue Reading

News

Tella Nominated for Leverkusen’s January Goal of the Month Award

Tella

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has been shortlisted for Bayer Leverkusen’s Goal of the Month for January.

Tella’s nomination comes after his impressive strike during Leverkusen’s 3-2 victory against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on January 10. The goal marked his first of the season for Die Werkself.

Also competing for the award are Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, and Patrick Schick.

Tella, 25, has made 16 Bundesliga appearances for Xabi Alonso’s side this season, showcasing his growing influence within the team.

Fans are expected to vote for the winner, with Tella hoping to clinch the accolade.

Continue Reading

Trending