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

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.

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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.

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

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.