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Southwest Zonal Elimination Ball Games: Lagos Picks 10 Slots, Ready For NYG In Asaba

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Southwest Zonal Elimination Ball Games: Lagos Picks 10 Slots,

As the 2024 National Youths Games Zonal Elimination Ball Games comes to an end in Osogbo at the weekend, the Lagos’s team has secured 10 slots going into the Games proper in Asaba, Delta State.

The qualifying series witnessed a spectacular display of athleticism and sportsmanship as Lagos State’s contingent stole the show. With determination etched on their faces, the athletes took to the courts and fields, demonstrating the good spirits of excellence and the level of preparation put in place prior to the Games.

It was a celebration galore for the Lagos’s girls football team winning all their three matches, earning nine points on the log. The team’s cohesive play and tactical brilliance earned them a well-deserved win. They trounced Oyo 3-1 and in the second leg they were able to replicate the same score line before rounding off the campaign with a 2-0 win over host’s Osun.

The basketball female team also put up a stellar performance in a round-robin game, having overpowered Osun 14-13 in a close margin encounter. Their matches against Ondo 11-3 and Ekiti 18-6 were very spectacular, and proved unbeatable, sinking three-pointers with ease and executing flawless defensive plays.

In the hockey event, Lagos’ girls were very impressive as they did not bow to any pressure on the field of play. They outpaced Oyo 2-0 before a tie with Ekiti which ended in another 2-0, signifying the level of area covered and the number of goals scored in two matches.

Team Lagos Handball boys were also another fashion of indomitable team Lagos paraded with the level of their perseverance against Oyo state in the final. It was an intense encounter as the match ended 20-20 after regulation time. But Lagos boys triumphed 8-7 in the penalty shoot-out. They outclassed Ogun 26-20 in their first match.

Volleyball (female), Abula(female) Cricket(female), Hockey(female), Handball(male), Rugby(male/female), Football(female), and Basketball(male/female) have all qualified to represent the state at the Games proper in Asaba, Delta State, from 9th to 19th September 2024.

In his reaction to the success recorded, the Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission Lekan Fatodu, reiterated that their outstanding performances were a testament to the state’s investment in grassroots sports development and the athletes’ unwavering dedication.

While assuring athletes of the full support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration on sports development and their welfare, Fatodu emphasized that the state will continuously prioritise athletes’ needs and safety at all times.

He admonished the athletes to always aim high and set goals as there are times to win and lose in any competition, adding that some of the factors that keep them progressing in life, particularly in sporting activities are determination, perseverance and focus.

The Lagos athletes’ triumph in Osogbo was met with jubilation back home, as fans and officials alike celebrated their success. The team’s display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship had made Lagos proud, and their journey to the top, just beginning.

Author

Ambrose Ijeh

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South West League Round 4 Fixtures Rescheduled

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

South West League Round 4 Fixtures Rescheduled

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) National League has officially announced the rescheduling of the Round 4 fixtures initially set for September 14.

This change is due to the National Youth Games Rugby 7s tournament happening this weekend in Asaba, Delta State, which has led to the unavailability of key match officials on national duty. The South West League will resume on Saturday, August 12, with kick-off at 10 AM.

The day will open with the first-ever AJ City derby in the Women’s division, featuring Eco RFC II against Gosar RFC. At 11 AM, the Men’s 15s match will see Ogun Kings RFC take on Cowrie RFC, who currently sit second on the league table. In a highly anticipated match, league leaders Racing RFC will face defending champions Nigeria Police RFC. The day will conclude with another AJ City derby, as Eco II RFC Men’s team clashes with Gosar RFC Men’s team in what promises to be a thrilling finale.

All matches will be held at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

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Ambrose Ijeh

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Honda, Alpine Breach F1 Cost-Cap rules – FIA

Published

3 days ago

September 11, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

Honda, Alpine Breach F1 Cost-Cap rules - FIA

Engine manufacturers Honda and Alpine have both committed a “procedural breach” of the Formula 1 cost-cap regulations, says governing body the FIA.

Honda is the partner of world champions Red Bull while Alpine is the supplier for the Renault-owned team of the same name.

A statement from the FIA did not detail the specifics of the breaches, which took place in the 2023 season, but said neither had exceeded the spending limit.

A procedural breach typically would revolve around discrepancies in the filing of financial information.

An Alpine spokesperson said: “The breach in question is directly in relation to Alpine Racing SAS (Viry-Chatillon) and relates to an administrative issue, and is in no way associated to financial overspending.

“We acknowledge and accept the findings of the review process and remain in regular dialogue with the FIA to ensure future compliance.”

Honda has been contacted for comment.

The statement added that all 10 teams had been found in compliance with the cost cap on their chassis-manufacturing side.

Last year was the first season in which the cost cap applied to engine manufacturers as well as teams.

The FIA said in a statement that both Honda and Alpine had “acted at all times in good faith” and were “co-operating” with the FIA’s cost-cap administration team “to finalise the matter”.

The FIA said it was proposing that both enter into a so-called ‘accepted breach agreement’, meaning the competitor agrees they have broken the rules and accepts some form of sanction.

In 2022, the FIA found that Red Bull had overspent by more than £1.8m in the first year of the cost cap the previous season. The team were fined $7m (£5.35m) and given a 10% reduction in their permitted aerodynamic research time.

In the same year, Aston Martin were found to have committed a procedural breach and were fined $450,000 (£344,000).

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Ambrose Ijeh

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Asaba 2024 NYG: Team Lagos Will Spring Surprises To Surpass Year 2023 Record – Fatodu

Published

4 days ago

September 10, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, LSSC, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, has some tough words for other states participating in this year’s National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

According to him, Team Lagos is in the tournament for real winning business to surpass the number of medals won at the last edition of the competition in 2023.

The Lagos youngsters in the colours of Lagos State stormed Asaba, the venue of the National Youth Games on Monday in readiness for the competition ahead of the commencement of hostilities on Thursday.

From a sterling performance at the Ball Games Zonal Elimination in Osogbo, Osun State, Team Lagos is already sounding note of warning that the team is coming for the championship with this winning mentality.

“Our target at the Games is to increase on the numbers of medals won from the last edition and to move up from the position we had last year. We are determined and really trained and prepared,” the Director General said on Sunday during an interview at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos.

Team Lagos placed second on the medal table in the 2023 edition of the NYG after they won 21 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze medals.

“This year, our target is to win more gold. I am glad to say that our youngsters are so determined going into the Games with this mindset to increase the medal haul.

“Lagos is going for a festival of gold, a festival of medals, festival of excellence and superiority of Lagos State at the 8th National Youth Games,” Fatodu said.