There is the need for government and corporate organizations to support efforts geared towards promoting golf at the grassroots levels.
The First Vice President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Mrs Evelyn Oyome made the call in Abeokuta at the 2023 Ladies Sign Out and In Golf Kitty.
Mrs Oyome who expressed concern that other African countries had been making waves in the game on the continent said there was the need for more sponsorships and support from government for the country to sustain her giant of Africa status in the area of sports
Mr Evelyn who expressed satisfaction with the impressive participation of female golfers in the golf kitty said efforts should be intensified to ensure that females discovered at any competition were nurtured towards bringing Laurel for the country.
Also, the new lady Captain Abeokuta Golf Club, Mrs Alaba Adetunji said there was the need to encourage more women to participate in the game of golf.
Mrs Adetunji listed some of the programmes to encourage female participation in the game of golf to include absorption of more girls into the ladies section of the club.
In a remark, the captain of Abeokuta golf club, Mr Ladi who noted that the growth of golf as a country is slow said the club had embarked on various drive to encourage more participation in the game.
The Ladies Golf Kitty which attracted over two hundred golf players from different states of the federation was put together to usher in new lady captain of Abeokuta golf club.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, alongside top government functionaries will attend the send forth dinner of the Super Falcons ahead of the team’s departure for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FIFA Women World Cup is scheduled to take place over a period of one month, starting from July 20 to August 20.
In a statement by Ademola Olajire, Head of Communications of the NFF on Thursday, noted that the dinner, organised by the country’s football body will hold on Saturday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
“We are expecting the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Ismaila Abubakar as well as other top sports officials.
“A good number of the team as well as technical and administrative officials are expected alongside the rank and file of the NFF led by thePresident, Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi.
“The event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel will also attract corporate chieftains, members of the diplomatic corps and a range of football stakeholders.
“On Sunday, the nine-time African champions will depart the shores of Nigeria for a 15-day camping programme in Australia, before they enter into camp for the tournament beginning from July 20 to Aug. 20,” Olajire noted.
Nigeria’s first match of the finals is against Canada, at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium, on July 21 before clashes Australia and Republic of Ireland on July 27 and July 31 respectively, at the Lang Park in Brisbane.
NAN reports that Australia and New Zealand 2023 will be the biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in history, as it welcomes 32 teams – same number as featured in the men’s finals in Qatar last year.
It is also the first to be hosted by two countries, and the first-ever FIFA senior competition to be hosted by two countries in two different confederations: Australia in the Asian confederation while New Zealand in Oceania.
Nigeria’s captain Onome Ebi will be one of the oldest players at the tournament, at 40, alongside Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair.
The three women will be featuring in their sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.
According to the NFF, 24 hours before the Send-Forth at the Transcorp Hilton, the Australian High Commission, will host the Falcons to a dinner, courtesy of the Acting High Commissioner, Her Excellency Leanne Johnston.
NAN reports that the Super Falcons are in the Group ‘B’ alongside Australia, Canada and Republic of Ireland.
Nigeria has previously played the Canadian and Australian women’s national teams at the FIFA World Cup.
The Canadians have been unable to defeat Nigeria at the World Cup, drawing 3-3 in 1995 and losing 1-0 in 2011.
Nigeria’s meeting with Australia at the FIFA World Cup in 2015 ended in a 2-0 victory in favour of the Australians.
Lionel Messi has continued to enjoy his last days of vacation as he ventures into the world of acting.
Messi made his debut as an actor in a series called ‘Los Protectores’, which is broadcast in Argentina via the Star+ streaming service and in which the 36-year-old striker plays himself.
The second season of ‘Los Protectores’ premiered on Sunday, June 25th, a day after Messi’s 36th birthday and features movie stars Adrian Suar, Andres Parra, and Gustavo Bermudez The scene in which Messi appears lasts approximately five minutes and in it the Rosario player is featured along with three representatives played by Argentine actors Adrián Suar, Gustavo Bermúdez and the Colombian Andres Parra.
He is visited in the French capital by the three agents, played by actors Andres Parra, Adrian Suar and Gustavo Bermudez.
Under the pretence of discussing a project to support young players who compete in several European clubs, the agents annoy Messi when they start to request photographs, autographs and videos with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
One of the trio, Renzo “Mago” Magoya then pitches a ridiculous proposal which would see Messi play one game for every club in Argentina. Messi is not impressed with the idea and is not afraid of telling them, making for an awkward situation. The air is eventually cleared, with everyone raising a glass of champagne for a toast.
Nigeria has moved up a place in the latest FIFA men’s rankings for June.
The Super Eagles, who were ranked 40th in the world in the ranking released in May, gained six points and moved to 39th.
The Eagles’ rise in the rankings was largely due to their impressive performance in the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone in the month under review.
Jose Peseiro’s men defeated the Leone Stars 3-1 in the game played in Liberia.
The win also saw them book a spot at next year’s AFCON billed to hold in Ivory Coast.
FIFA last announced the ranking for men in April with the Eagles ranked 40th.
On the African continent, three-time African champions remain in the top six, which is a big boost for them as it means they will be among the top seeds when the AFCON draw is conducted later in 2023.
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored in the 95th minute to earn Super Eagles of Nigeria a 3-2 victory over the Leone stars of Sierra Leone in their African cup of Nations qualifiers yesterday.
The match played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex saw Nigeria race to a two goal lead courtesy of a Victor Osimhen brace in the 19th and 32nd minutes.
However, Mustapha Bundu pulled one back for Sierra Leone in the 41st minute as the first half ended 2-1.
The Leone stars thought they had snatched a point when Augustus Kargbo made it 2-2 in the 84th minute.
But, it was Leicester city forward, Kelechi Iheanacho who would have the final say as he found the back of the net in the 95th minute to send Nigeria back to the top of Group A with 12 points.
The Ogun State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has congratulated the management and technical staff of Remo Stars Football Club, Ikenne-Remo for the club’s historic qualification for the prestigious CAF Champions League, just a year after playing in the CAF Confederation cup
A statement jointly signed by SWAN Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde and Secretary, Mr Michael Azeez-Ogunsiji attributes the return of the Ikenne based club to rapid investment, hard work, dedication of the owner and the entire staff of Remo Stars Football Club.
It maintains that picking up second position in the just concluded Super Six playoff with 9 points same as the league champions Enyimba was a reward of financial investment driven by passion to redefine football management in Nigeria and put Ogun state on the world map once again.
The association expressed optimism that Remo Stars would make Nigerians and Ogun state proud when the competition kicks off next season.
SWAN congratulated Mr Kunle Soname for providing platform for the youths to showcase their talents and disabuse their minds against social vices through the establishment of his noble initiative, Remo Stars Football Club.
Nigeria’s national under-20 women’s football team, the Falconets has been drawn to face Burundi in the second round of the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The draw was officially conducted by the Confederation of African Football, CAF in Cairo, Egypt.
The draw produced some interesting ties as the pathway to the global showpiece is officially open.
The first six nations with the lowest rankings will take center stage in a round-robin format between September 1 and September 10.
Equatorial Guinea will face Libya, Togo will take on Guinea Bissau, and Mauritius will face off against Chad.
The winners from this round will then move on to the second round of the qualifiers.
In this round, Ethiopia will take on the winners of the Equatorial Guinea and Libya pairing, while Senegal will face off with Mali.
Barcelona won a second Women’s Champions League title after coming from behind in stunning fashion to beat German giants Wolfsburg.
The Spanish champions trailed 2-0 at half-time before Patri Guijarro’s two-minute brace pulled them level.
Spurred on by their instant response in the second half, Barcelona piled on the pressure and were eventually rewarded.
Fridolina Rolfo got the winner, thumping it into the roof of the net from close range with 20 minutes left.
After losing their crown to Lyon in last year’s final, Barcelona travelled to Eindhoven as favourites against a very strong Wolfsburg side, who were seeking a third European trophy in 10 years.
Wolfsburg got off to the perfect start when competition top scorer Ewa Pajor robbed the ball off England defender Lucy Bronze, returning after knee surgery in April, to drive in the opener.
Germany international Alexandra Popp was then set-up by Pajor with a teasing cross – the striker making no mistake as she headed in Wolfsburg’s second.
Barcelona had lacked fluency and patience in the first half but it was no surprise they bounced back, displaying the quality of football that helped them reach a fourth final in five seasons.
Among Barcelona’s winners was England midfielder Keira Walsh, who picked up her first European title, while Bronze became the first English woman to win the trophy with two different clubs after winning it on three consecutive occasions with former club Lyon between 2018 and 2020.
Bronze creates history as Walsh tastes success
Bronze became a serial winner of this competition while at Lyon, picking up the last of her titles going into this final when they beat Wolfsburg in 2020.
She knew she could create history by winning a fourth crown with a second club but it was a disaster start when she lost possession to Pajor and was punished by her ruthlessness.
It continued to be a tough first half for Bronze. She had her hands full with Pajor and was not able to get forward as much as she liked.
As the game wore on, Barcelona’s quality pulled through with superstars Caroline Graham Hansen and Aitana Bonmati showing individual skill on the right to set-up Guijarro twice in as many minutes.
Walsh was marked out for most of the game and had little impact before she was substituted late on after Maria Caldentey poked it into Rolfo’s path for Barcelona’s third.
But it was an unforgettable evening for the former Manchester City player, winning her first European title in her debut season for Barcelona after leaving childhood club last summer for a world-record transfer fee.
It caps off a stunning year for English duo Bronze and Walsh, who played a key role in the Lionesses’ success at Euro 2022 and add this trophy to the Spanish league title they secured a few weeks ago.
Popp equals record but can’t secure win
It was a pitch packed full of world-class talent, one of those being Germany striker Popp. She did not fail to deliver.
The 32-year-old was chasing a fourth title to add the trophy she won with Duisburg in 2009 and the two she had already won with Wolfsburg.
She scored the opening goal the last time Wolfsburg won the Champions League in 2014 and she was deadly in the box this time around when she headed in Pajor’s teasing cross to make it 2-0.
That goal meant she equalled former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg’s competition record of scoring in four separate finals.
Against different opposition, that goal may have given Wolfsburg a comfortable cushion at half-time, but Wolfsburg were blown away by Barcelona’s quality after the break.
Such was the strength of their opponent’s depth, they were able to bring on exciting Brazilian forward Geyse and Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, still returning to full fitness following recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
But despite ending up on the losing side, Popp’s form in her 11th season with Wolfsburg has been excellent and she will hope that continues at the World Cup which kicks off in Australia and New Zealand on 20 July.
Manchester City remain on course for the Treble after Ilkay Gundogan scored twice to give them victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Having already won the Premier League title, City now go into next Saturday’s Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul with the opportunity to emulate United’s feat of 1999.
And City captain Gundogan was the big game match-winner again, assuring his place in history with the quickest goal in FA Cup final history, a stunning volley after only 12 seconds eclipsing Louis Saha’s strike for Everton after 25 seconds against Chelsea in 2009.
Manchester United equalised after 33 minutes when the video assistant referee ruled that Jack Grealish had handled, Bruno Fernandes coolly sending Stefan Ortega the wrong way from the spot.
It was Gundogan, as he does so often, who made the decisive contribution when he volleyed Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick past United keeper David de Gea six minutes after the break to give City the FA Cup for the seventh time.
Flying Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday stunned Host Nation Argentina to qualify for the quarter finals of the ongoing FIFA Under 20 World cup.
Ibrahim Mohammed scored in the 61st minute to put Nigeria in front before substitute Rilwanu Sarki scored in stoppage time to hand the Flying Eagles a 2 nil victory to send the Host Nation packing out of the tournament.
In other matches played yesterday, Italy defeated England 2-1, Brazil beat Tunisia 4-1, while Columbia thrashed Slovakia 5-1.
Today (Thursday), Gambia will play Uruguay at half past six in the evening, while Ecuador and South Korea battle each other in the final round of 16 fixture at ten o’clock tonight.
The Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, has urged the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun to invest in the sports sector to drive the economy of the state.
SWAN in a congratulatory message jointly signed by the Chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde, and Secretary, Mr Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji expressed the hope that the second term of the governor would witness a massive sports infrastructural development, especially when the state is hosting the 22nd National Sports Festival, NSF in 2024.
The association equally called on the governor to give the needed attention to the state football club, Gateway United in their bid to restore its lost glory.
The sports writers maintained that the ISEYA mantra of the governor should include the turnaround of the sports sector.
The association however felicitated the SWAN Grand Patron, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his second term swearing-in as the 7th Executive Governor of the Gateway State.
Benjamin Gbadebo of Brightsville College Ibadan has won the maiden edition of Radio Nigeria Premier FM Ibadan 5 kilometers Kiddies Marathon for the male category.
Benjamin finished the race in 11 minutes, 16 seconds to emerge winner ahead of Femi Adeduntan also of Brightsville College Ibadan, who got to the finish line in 11 minutes, 26 seconds.
Pelumi Akintayo of Loyola College Ibadan came third, finishing in 11 minutes, 27 seconds.
In the female category, Rodiat Abdulkareem of Brightsville College Ibadan emerged winner, finishing in 11 minutes 57 seconds, Christiana Ayanbunmi of Brightsville College Ibadan came second, while Peace Ogundeji of Brightsville College Ibadan emerged third.
Speaking after the race, the General Manager, Premier FM Ibadan, Mr Adedamola Tinubu said the aim of organizing the race was to discover young talents and also to meaningfully engage the children.
Mr Tinubu said the marathon, which was part of activities to mark this year’s children’s day, would not be a one-off event but would be held periodically.
In an interview, the Chairman on the occasion, who is a Sports Philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer of Kayrom Lee Group Of Companies, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde commended Radio Nigeria Premier FM Ibadan for deeming it fit to organize the marathon.
Ambassador Ayinde added that organizing events such as the marathon would go a long way to reducing social vices among youths in the country.
Our correspondent reports that 33 students, comprising 25 males and 8 females participated in the race, which was supervised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Oyo State Council, personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force.
Also, medical personnel from the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan, and Red Cross were on the ground for the event.
Meanwhile, a get together was organized at the Iyaganku GRA premises of Premier FM where the children were engaged in various recreational aactivities.
Flying Eagles of Nigeria made the two wins out of two when they defeated Italy 2-0 yesterday in their second Group D match.
Samson Lawal and Jude Sunday were on the score sheet to give Nigeria a deserved victory and take them to the summit of Group D.
In other matches played yesterday, Brazil thrashed Dominican Republic 6 nil, Columbia defeated Japan 2-1 while Senegal played out a 1-1 draw with Israel.
Today, Uruguay and England will battle each other, France tackles Gambia, Iraq lock horns with Tunisia, while South Korea play Honduras.
As part of activities to commemorate this year’s Children’s Day, Radio Nigeria Premier FM Ibadan is organizing a 5 kilometers marathon on Saturday.
According to a statement by the General Manager, Premier FM Ibadan, Mr Adedamola Tinubu, the marathon tagged “kiddies marathon 2023”, will be the first of its kind.
The statement notes that participants have been drawn from selected schools in Ibadan, adding that the exercise will commence at seven o’clock in the morning.
The statement further indicates that the race will commence at Akinyemi roundabout, Ring Road and terminate at Premier FM Ibadan office, Iyaganku Ibadan.
It adds that security and medical personnel will be on the ground to ensure safety throughout the exercise.
Manchester City celebrated a third successive Premier League title triumph with a victory over Chelsea in a relaxed party atmosphere at Etihad Stadium.
City were confirmed as champions without even playing after Nottingham Forest’s win against Arsenal on Saturday, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to make nine changes from the side that thrashed Real Madrid to reach the Champions League final.
Erling Haaland was rested but Julian Alvarez provided the cutting edge in his absence with a clinical finish to put City ahead after 12 minutes, as their jubilant fans basked in warm sunshine waiting for the trophy presentations and celebrations.
Chelsea had some of the better chances as the game went on, with City’s deputy keeper Stefan Ortega saving from Raheem Sterling when clean through and Conor Gallagher heading against the post.
Kalvin Phillips headed against the woodwork for City as they closed out another win in the relentless run that has brought them the title and the chance of a Treble, with the FA Cup final at Wembley and Champions League final in Istanbul to come.
The hosts played with the pressure off after the title was secured and manager Guardiola was able to give members of his shadow squad game time on an occasion where most fans were simply waiting for the final whistle to hail their heroes.
Guardiola’s selection gave an illustration of the vast resources of talent he has at his disposal with simply a glance at City’s substitutes’ bench.
Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and goalkeeper Ederson were not included from the start.
Has there ever been a more talented bench than that one?
They are all likely to be restored when those two big finals come around but it was a demonstration, if indeed it were needed, of what other teams must overcome if they are to loosen the stranglehold City have domestically and which now gives them the chance of their first Champions League.
Goalscorer Alvarez may have worked in Haaland’s shadow for much of the season but what an acquisition he has been and what a season he has had, with the chance to add the Treble to his World Cup win with Argentina.
The Premier League is Manchester City’s once more – now it is on to Wembley and Istanbul.
Flying Eagles of Nigeria began their FIFA Under-20 World Cup campaign with a 2 – 1 victory over Dominican Republic.
The Flying Eagles went behind in the 23rd minute after Edison Azcona converted a penalty to put the Dominican Republic in front.
However, Nigeria got back into the game when defender De Pena Rosario put the ball in his own net to make the game 1 – 1.
In the 70th minute, Forward Samson Lawal took advantage of a loose ball to make the score 2 – 1 and give the Flying Eagles a win in their opening Group D match.
In other matches played yesterday, Italy defeated Brazil 3-2, Senegal lost 1-0 to Japan, and Columbia beat Israel 2-1.
Today, France and South Korea will battle each other, England tackles Tunisia, Gambia locks horns with Honduras, while Uruguay play Iraq.
A South Korean footballer has been detained by Chinese police in relation to a bribery case.
According to Korean media, Son Jun-Ho, 31, who plays in the national side and in the Chinese Super League, was detained at a Shanghai airport on Friday, but, neither South Korean or Chinese officials have commented on the case.
Though, Yonhap News Agency citing sources, has said Seoul’s diplomats are seeking contact with Mr Son and further details on his case, as South Korean diplomats will meet with Mr Son “to figure out exactly what kind of charges” he is being investigated for.
He is under police custody in Liaoning province in the northeast, reported Reuters, citing an unnamed diplomatic source.
When asked for details on Mr Son’s case at a regular press conference on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said he was not aware of the case.
But reports of Mr Son’s detention come amid a concerted push by Chinese authorities to crackdown on corruption and match-fixing in Chinese football.
China has arrested at least four football officials in the past three months for alleged wrongdoing.
Mr Son moved to China’s Shandong province in 2021 where he played as midfielder for Shandong Taishan. The club won the Chinese Football League – the highest tier of professional football in China – that year.
He also plays for South Korea’s national team and has played 20 international matches for his home country, including in the Fifa World Cup last year.
Chinese football has long been engulfed in allegations of bribery and match-fixing. Recent detentions of major football figures have dealt another setback to the country’s football ambitions.
In February, just as stadiums started to reopen from Covid lockdowns, the president of the Chinese Football Association Chen Xuyuan was detained for suspected “serious violations of discipline and the law”.
Mr Chen’s arrest was the fourth known example of a senior football official to be investigated in less than three months.
Match fixing has also sparked controversy in South Korean football recently. Last month, the entire executive board of Korea’s Football Association resigned after attempting to pardon some 100 people who were banned from the sport due to match-fixing and other offences.
The draw for the second edition of SWAN Media football competition has been held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.
The draw conducted at the SWAN Secretariat, MKO International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta had representatives of various media houses in attendance.
Super FM from Ijebu Ode will slug it out against the male football team from the Nigerian Television, Authority, NTA, Rock City FM will battle Oodua FM, FIBAN will battle SMASH FM while Family FM will tackle Paramount FM.
In other fixtures, the football team of Ogun State Television, OGTV, will battle their sister agency, Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation, OGBC, for a quarter final ticket, Splash FM will take on Correspondents Chapel, Eagle FM Radio will test Federated for a size while the winner of the first edition of the competition, Consolidated chapel will confront State Information chapel.
The Chairman, Ogun State Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Hakeem Akintunde explained that the 5-aside football competition was to sustain the existing relationship among Journalists in Ogun state.
According to the SWAN Secretary, Mr Micheal Azeez-Ogunsiji, the competition will be held between 1st and June 8th and will take place at the Fun Turf, MKO International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Golden Eaglets of Nigeria yesterday came from behind twice to secure a 3-2 victory over South Africa in their final Group B match at the ongoing Under 17 African cup of Nations, AFCON tournament in Algeria.
Nigeria went behind in the sixth minute courtesy of a Vicky Mkhawana’s strike.
Though, Charles Agada scored for Nigeria in 34th minute to level the game, South Africa went ahead for the second time in the game when Siyabonga Mabena scored at the stroke of halftime.
However, less than a minute into the second half, Light Eke scored for Nigeria to make it 2-2, before Abubakar Abdullahi scored in the 64th minute to earn Nigeria a 3-2 win and the advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.
In the other game played yesterday, Zambia defeated Morocco by 2 goals to 1.
Meanwhile, the only match for today will see Burkina Faso tackle Cameroon by 8PM.
A Memorandum of Understanding on hosting a world – class National Sports Festival, NSF in 2024 has been signed in Abeokuta by the federal government and Ogun State.
Speaking after signing the MoU, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare said the choice of Ogun State as the next host was hinged on the commitment to sports development, availability of sporting infrastructure and potential to host a befitting festival.
The Minister who charged the State government to commence the necessary preparations in earnest expressed the confidence that corporate bodies were ready to sponsor the competition.
In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who pointed out that the National Sports Festival was developed to promote unity and cohesion among the youths, said his administration had taken necessary steps to gainfully engage youths through sports and other relevant activities.
The Governor appreciated the Minister and other stakeholders in the Ministry for supporting the state at the bidding stage and assured them that no stone would be left unturned in the efforts to ensure a successful sports festival next year.
