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Terror Attack In Anambra: Lagos SWAN Mourns Slain Member, Police Officer, Commends Joint Security Forces

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The Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) regrets to announce the passing of one of its members and an agent of the joint security forces who lost their lives on duty when terrorists attacked them on their way to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to cover the match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Mediterranean of Libya in the ongoing AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

The Joint Security Forces (JSF) has rescued six of the 11 sports journalists who were kidnapped by gunmen in Anambra state in the early hours of 10th October 2024.

The media crew were going to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from Lagos to cover the Super Eagles match scheduled for Friday when the abduction occurred in Iseke, Ihiala Local Government Area, a region that has been under the control of secessionist groups IPOB for some time.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the rescue on Thursday and stated that efforts to locate the remaining journalists are ongoing.

“We are, however, relieved to inform our members and the general public that some of the kidnapped journalists have been released,” a statement signed by Momotunde Bello, Secretary of Lagos SWAN Thursday evening said.

Bello disclosed that the Lagos SWAN Chairman, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, has been in constant communication with the relevant authorities since the abduction and has confirmed the release of the journalists.

“We are grateful for the swift action the Joint Security Forces (JSF) took, which led to their release. Our Chairman also extends her condolence to the family of the late journalist who lost his life during this ordeal. We pray that God grants them the strength to bear this loss.

“Additionally, we commiserate with the Nigerian Police Force on the loss of their officer who also died in the line of duty,” the statement said.

“We appreciate the efforts of the Joint Security Forces (JSF) and will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our members. Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time,” Bello said.

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Nigerian Paralympians Honoured At A Gala Night In Lagos

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Friday 25 October 2024 was a day to be remembered in the lives of Nigerian athletes who represented the country at the 2024 Paralympic Games held in Paris, France as the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) organised a gala night to appreciate them as worthy ambassadors.

The gala night held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Ikeja, Lagos, also witnessed the award of Patronage to sports-loving Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi, and other notable Nigerians who have identified with the course of the Paralympic Movement in the country.

In his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, described the athletes as gifted Nigerians who used their talents to make the entire nation proud in Paris.

“These athletes have shown us that there is an ability in disability. This night is a historical event to celebrate the outstanding of our paralympic athletes and the PCN Board for doing a great job.

“I appreciate the performance of our athletes at the Paris Paralympics to bring glory to our nation.

They have demonstrated that no challenges are surmountable.

“For more than two decades our para-athletes have demonstrated excellence with their gift to do the nation proud,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Speaking on the PCN’s award of patronage to him, the governor noted that “I am happy to be decorated as a Patron. There is no doubt that para-sports have elevated Nigeria’s global profile.

“I pledge as a Patron to always advocate for greater investment in sports. I want to commend the Board of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria for its unwavering dedication to taking the game to the next level,” the governor said.

To the President of PCN, Mr Sunday Odebode, “This gala night is organized to celebrate all Nigeria’s 2024 Paris Paralympics medalists. They have done us proud.”

The PCN boss the board is leaving nothing to chance to ensure that the athletes perform better in the future, adding that “to tackle current challenges, our executive board is excited to unveil the next phase of our vision; the N2.7 billion Paralympic Village Multipurpose Hall, a state of the art facility to support our athletes training and development,” Odebode said.

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Nike Girls Academy Product, Janet Semenya Makes Nigeria’s Senior National Team Call-up For Algeria Friendly

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Super Falcons interim coach, Justin Madugu has listed six foreign-based professionals and Nigeria womens pre-season league highest goal scorer Janet Semenya who currently plays for Nasarawa Amazon for Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies against Algeria.

Janet who netted eight goals in four games for Nasarawa Amazon to become the leading and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of Betty obaseki Pre-season Women’s League and win the tourney will feature for Nigeria in the international friendly games slated for Lagos.

Semenya In 2020 had represented Hallelujah Queens of Ikeja, Lagos, a youth football club, she later moved to Asisat Oshoala Academy girls on loan where she scored 28 goals in 12 games. She was also the leading goal scorer for the Nike sponsored academy during the Federation Cup until she moved to Nasarawa Amazon.

The overseas stars called up by Madugu are goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC), captain Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid), Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburg), Monday Gift (UD Tenerife) and Esther Onyenazide (Hapoel Katamon).

The players will prosecute the friendlies alongside their home-based counterparts.

The friendlies are slated for October 26 and October 29.

The two matches will be played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Nigeria and Algeria will use the friendlies to prepare for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

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Former Asisat Oshoala Academy striker, Semenya Dazzles At Nigeria Women’s 2024/25 Pre-season League

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Super Falconets striker, Janet Semenya, has been adjudge as the leading goal scorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the just concluded Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) in Benin City, Edo State, South-south Nigeria.

The lanky striker proudly called S9 scored eight goals in four games to become the leading goal scorer in the tournament.

Football fans and broadcasters, who watched the entire tournament, have called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the handlers of the senior women’s team to include the World Cup player, who represented Nigeria at just concluded FIFA Under 20 World Cup in future Super Falcons squad.

Nasarawa Amazons were crowned champions of the 2024/25 Betsy Obaseki Womens Football Championship after a win over Bayelsa Queens in a penalty shootout in the final.

Semenya has featured for Hallelujah Ladies of Lagos, the defunct Asisat Oshoala Girls Academy, also in Lagos, but she recently joined Nasarawa Amazon for the 2024/25 league season.

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