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Wildcards Confirm for 2024 WTT Contender Lagos

Just a few days to the commencement of the 2024 WTT Contender Lagos, the host Wildcards and WTT Nominations have been confirmed for the first WTT Series in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Heading the list of wildcards is Manika Batra of India who got the host wildcard entry.

Batra made history as the first Indian player to reach the quarterfinals of a WTT Grand Smash event at last month’s Saudi Smash 2024 and is expected to feature prominently in the Women’s Singles title race at her first WTT Contender Lagos.

Batra’s fellow Indian compatriots Ayhika Mukherjee and Diya Parag Chitale also join the Women’s Singles line-up as Host Wildcard entries, while Jieni Shao of Portugal also qualifies directly for the main draw as the WTT Nomination.

In the Men’s Singles draw, the Indian duo of Manush Utpalbhai Shah and Akash Pal have been named as Host Wildcards for the event. Shah will be on a mission to pick up some points to make a move up the global ladder. It has been two years since the World No.179 has been inside the Top 100 and a wildcard ticket could be just the thing to accelerate his rise back up the ranks.

For Pal, it is a golden opportunity in Lagos, with it being the 22-year-old’s first WTT Series showing outside of India.

The host country’s attention will be fixed on youth sensations Muizz Adegoke and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai as the local up-and-comers take up positions in the main draw as Host Wildcard and WTT Nomination entries respectively.

Both players made their WTT Series debut in the qualifying rounds at last year’s WTT Contender Lagos 2023, and now get their first taste of main draw action on the Series.

Host wildcards have also been granted in Men’s Singles Qualifying, with Yaroslav Zhmudenko of Ukraine and Mehdi Bouloussa of Algeria prepped and ready.

It’s a second chance for the duo to make an impact in Lagos, after falling in the round of 32 in the 2023 edition of the event.

WTT Contender Lagos 2024 brings the WTT Series to Nigerian shores from June 19 to 23 June.

Joining the WTT Series event calendar in 2023, this is the second-ever WTT Contender event to be staged in Nigeria, hosting table tennis talent from the world over for a week of high-octane action at Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall.

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Nigeria Rugby Football Secures Kit Partnership With Umbro

Nigeria Rugby Football Secures Kit Partnership With Umbro

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), in collaboration with its global marketing partner Flovale, has entered a landmark partnership with renowned sportswear brand Umbro. This agreement establishes Umbro as the official kit provider for Nigeria’s national rugby teams, marking a new chapter for the sport in the country.

As part of the deal, Umbro will supply high-performance kits that reflect the essence of Nigerian culture and unity. Speaking on the partnership, Flovale highlighted the deeper significance of the jerseys beyond the game.

“This jersey is more than just sportswear; it’s a profound cultural statement and a powerful symbol of patriotism for Nigerians, both at home and abroad. We encourage Africans and people of diverse ethnicities worldwide to embrace its elegance and artistry, celebrating the heritage and spirit it represents,” Flovale stated.

For the players, the new kits symbolize pride, while for the fans, they represent a shared identity and unity. The partnership also underscores the growing global recognition of Nigerian rugby and its potential to inspire a new generation of players and supporters.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced the postponement of its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), initially scheduled to take place from December 3rd to 5th, 2024. The new dates for the meeting are January 24th to 26th, 2025.

The postponement follows a request from the sponsor, who, due to unforeseen circumstances, has opted to defer the hosting of the AGM until January 2025.

While this decision was not anticipated, the NRFF Board convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to deliberate on the matter. After thorough discussions, the board agreed to reschedule the AGM in the best interest of all stakeholders.

“We regret to announce the postponement of the meeting initially set for December 3rd to 5th, 2024, to the newly scheduled dates of January 24th to 26th, 2025. This decision was necessary to ensure the successful hosting of the AGM,” the NRFF stated.

The federation appreciates the understanding and patience of all stakeholders as it works towards a productive and impactful AGM in the new year.

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Ist Engr. Gumel National Weightlifting Championship: Bayelsa Leads Medal Table

After day 2 of the maiden Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel National Weightlifting Championship holding is Abuja, Bayelsa State has shot to the top of the medal table with 6 gold and 6 silver medals ahead of 17 other teams vying for honours in the championship.

After day 2 of the maiden Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel National Weightlifting Championship holding is Abuja, Bayelsa State has shot to the top of the medal table with 6 gold and 6 silver medals ahead of 17 other teams vying for honours in the championship.

Competing in the men’s 61 kg weight category, Agboro Favour who lifted 101kg in Snatch , 140 kg in Clean/Jerk to record a total of 241 kg and Ayodele Ruth who had 90 kg in Snatch, 120kg in Clean/Jerk and score a total of 210 kg accounted for Bayelsa state gold medal haul so far.

Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo, Ogun and Oyo State are having 3 gold medals each but Ogun is occupying the second position for clinching an additional silver medal while Oyo boasts of an additional 3 bronze medals to move to the 3rd position.

Bauchi State that really started well as far as the race for medals is concerned, are still struggling to grab a gold medal. The state currently boasts of 8 silver and 3 bronze medals.

However, the medal table is expected to change today with the Championship drawing to an end.

However, the first Vice President of the Weightlifting. Federation of Africa (WFA) and former President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Sir Chimdi Ejiogu, who flagged off the Championship, gave Kudos to the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Abdul Ibrahim and other stakeholders for thinking it wise to stage the championship.

He described Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in whose honour the Championship is being held as a living Legend and a great ambassador to Nigeria who is worthy of honour having contributed immensely to the Development of Sports in the country.

According to Sir Ejiogu, someone like Engr. Habu Gumel can best be honored as a living Legend now that he is with us than when he passes on.

President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation who just arrived from America where he went for a befitting programme, said the championship is aimed at discovering new talents that will take over from the retiring ones.

According to him, many good ones are quitting the sports due to old age while others are moving into coaching.

And as a serious, Federation, there is an urgent need to replace them in order not to creat a vacuum. All we need now is a pool of young, vibrant and energetic lifters that will stand the taste of time.
Hence the reason for keeping his hands into his pockets to ensure that this competition is held before the year 2024 runs out.

Besides, there lots of international Championships stirring us in the face next (2025) and we need a real formidable team to face those challenges.

“You can see lifters performance in this event coupled to the first class organization we are witnessing these three days. That is how things are supposed to be done.

So for weightlifting under my leadership and care, the sky is just the beginning. All I keep craving for is for all the stakeholders ( referees and coaches) to play their roles effectively so that together , we will get to where we are going.

There are going to be more domestic championships next year, including the 2nd edition of Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel National open among others.

Meanwhile, the maiden Engr. Gumel National Championship can be described as huge success as turned out to be the gathering of all the who is who in
Nigeria Weightlifting.Scene.

These include, Alhaji Sir Chidi Ejiogu, 1st Vice President Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA) and Former President Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Chibudem Nwuche, Former President NWF Mohammed Abdullahi, Deputy Secretary General Nigeria Olympic Committee, Hon . Daniel Igali, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Muhammad Salis Gamawa, Air Commodore Rahinatu Garba, Dr. Hassan Sadidiq, Dr. Joy Madaki of NIS and Barr, Amos Dushu among others.

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Over ₦9m Up for Grabs at All Stars Mega Badminton Championship

Badminton

The stage is set for what promises to be a groundbreaking event in Nigerian badminton history, as the All Stars Mega Badminton Championship kicks off on December 11, 2024, in Abuja.

With over ₦9 million in cash prizes, this tournament is poised to redefine the game, offering the largest payday ever seen in Nigerian badminton.

The men’s singles champion will walk away with a star prize of ₦1 million, while the women’s singles winner will pocket ₦700,000. Winners in the men’s and women’s doubles categories will each receive ₦500,000, with numerous consolation cash prizes and gifts for other categories, including All Stars doubles, 50+ men veterans, U-49 men’s doubles, and mixed veterans.

Salaudeen Abdulfatai, C E O LMK Sport Kits Limited and Co-chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for All Stars Mega Badminton Championship, expressed his excitement ahead of the championship. “We are working closely with badminton stakeholders in Nigeria and the diaspora to elevate the sport. This championship isn’t just a competition; it’s a statement about the potential of badminton in Nigeria,” he said.

Fatai emphasized the collaborative effort behind the event, noting contributions from notable former players and enthusiasts such as Mr Peter Duku,Mr Orobosa Okuonghae,Mrs Olabisi Fajinmi (Nee Tiamiyu),Mr Abimbola Odejoke and Mr Olaoluwa Ebenezer Fagbemi. “It’s not easy to entrust funds and resources, but these individuals have placed their faith in us. We are determined not to disappoint, which is why every effort is being made to ensure this is the best-organized and most rewarding tournament in our history.”

The response from athletes has been overwhelming. “We’ve already registered over 100 players for the men’s singles alone, a record-breaking figure. The women’s singles, doubles, and veterans’ categories have also seen unprecedented participation,besides the last 16 and quarter finalists would also go home with cash prizes.This will undoubtedly be the most highly attended badminton tournament ever held in Nigeria,” Fatai added.

As excitement builds, the All Stars Mega Badminton Championship is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of dedication, collaboration, and the future of badminton in Nigeria.

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