Sport

Tinubu, Abiodun Mourn 21 Kano Athletes Killed in Road Crash

By Web News 111

By Abimbola Bamgbose / Adebukola Aluko

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of members of the Kano State contingent returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as a “devastating blow to the nation” and extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as the families of the deceased.

The statement read, “This tragedy casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence.

“It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages.”

The President paid tribute to the victims, noting that their dedication and aspirations reflected the resilient Nigerian spirit.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving transportation safety to prevent such occurrences in the future.

“The greatest honour we can accord them is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies and enhance safety standards across the nation’s transport systems,” Tinubu said.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God Almighty to comfort and strengthen the bereaved families during this difficult time.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning home after participating in the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival ,NSF, held in Ogun State.

A bus conveying the athletes was said to have been involved in a crash about 50 kilometres from Kano after passing through Kaduna State, claiming the lives of 21 athletes.

Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday, said the incident had left him completely traumatized, especially given that the athletes were vibrant young people who were looking forward to a warm reception from their fans and families after proudly donning the colours of Kano State at the just-concluded Gateway Games 2024.

Expressing condolences to the government and people of Kano State over the incident, Abiodun prayed for the repose of the souls of the athletes, saying that they were heroes whose patriotism and commitment to the cause of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole will never be forgotten.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants them eternal rest.

“I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his cabinet, the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, and the people of Kano State over this most tragic and unfortunate incident. May we never witness this kind of incident again.”

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Sport

Medals Table: Ogun Finishes in Second Position

By Web News 221

By Olusegun Folarin

Ogun State has finished in second position on the medals table behind the defending champion, Delta State.

The host state amassed a total of two hundred and thirty-eight medals, which comprises 93 Gold, 65 Silver and 80 bronze medals.

According to the official medals table released online, Delta State retained its number spot with 126 gold, 100 silver and 111 Bronze medals while Bayelsa finished in third position with 92 gold, 65 Silver and 71 bronze medals.

In the fourth place is Rivers State with a total of 199 medals, which consist of 76 Gold, 58 Silver and 65 bronze medals. Edo State finished in the 5th position on the log with 73 Gold, 101 silver and 109 bronze medals.

Oyo, Lagos, FCT, Osun, and Akwa Ibom States made up the ten on the medals table.

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Sport

NSF 2024: Golden Eaglets Beat Team Kaduna to Claim Football Bronze

By Web News 145

By Olusegun Folarin 

The Nigeria Under-17 side, the Golden Eaglets, has defeated Team Kaduna 2-nil in the third-place match of the male football event at the ongoing National Sports Festival, NSF.

The Golden Eaglets who are also referred to as the Invited Junior Athletes, IJA, who lost to Team Ogun State in the semi-finals of the competition, went home with the bronze medal.

In the female category, goals from Damilola Adeyanju and Itunuoluwa Odediya in the first half of the match played at Remo Stars Stadium gave Team Ogun the victory over Team Osun to win the bronze medal.

The final matches in the football event of the festival will be played at the newly renovated MKO Abiola Sports Arena, beginning from 4 PM.

Ogun State team will battle Kwara State in the male category, while the Flamingos will take on Delta State in the female category.

In Handball, Edo State defeated Kogi State by 32 goals to 20 to win the bronze in the female category.

In Abula, Oyo State defeated Bayelsa State to win gold in the women’s category, Team Oyo also recorded a gold medal in the male hockey event after defeating Kaduna State in the final.

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Sport

Team Ogun Wins Gold in Mixed Relay

By Web News 77

By Olusegun Folarin

The quartet of Gafar Badmus, Tosin Adeloye, Samson Nathaniel and Toheebat Jimoh have won a gold for Ogun State in the 4×400 mixed relay at the ongoing National Sports Festival tagged “Gateway Games 2024”.

They cross the finish line in a time of 3:20.65, Team Edo finished 2nd in the race with a time of 3:23.41, while Team Lagos got on the podium in the event, finishing with the Bronze medal in a time of 3:24.36

Speaking with Journalists after the race at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, the Coach of the team , Saheed Akinpelu, applauded the athletes for the feat achieved.

Coach Akinpelu attributed the victory to dedication and hard work, adding that the camping exercise by the state government also assist the athletes.

He expressed optimism that more gold medals would still be won by the state , saying that the athletes had worked and prayed.

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Sport

Kolade Sets New Record @ NSF

By Web News 111

By Olusegun Folarin 

Otunla Kolade of Ogun State has set a new National record in the 100 meter backstroke swimming event at the ongoing National Sports Festival, NSF, tagged Gateway Games.

Kolade secured first position with a time of 1:02.41s.

He shattered the previous record set in 2018.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Kolade attributed the feat to hard work, dedication and resilient spirit as well as the support from the coaching crew.

The new national record holder who represented Nigeria at a youth game in Ghana, where he won two gold medals and one silver, expressed his desire to become a world champion in the 100 meter backstroke event. 

Also, one of the Kolade’s coaches, Terriate Gbagi commended the athlete for demonstrating the spirit of excellence, describing the record set as heroic.

Meanwhile, Ogun State female Handball team has qualified for the next round of the competition following their victory over Plateau State.

The team had earlier defeated Kogi State in their first game.

Olusegun Folarin reports that Team Sokoto beat their counterparts from Edo State by 22 goals to 20, Lagos thrashed Bauchi by 33 goals to 13.

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Sport

Ogun Sports Council Makes Case for Athletes Welfare Ahead of NSF

By Web News 510

By Olusegun Folarin

The General Manager, Ogun State Sports Council, Mrs. Iyabode Rotimi has appealed to the state government to provide modern equipment and ensure payment of competitive maintenance allowances to athletes to reduce the cases of poaching athletes by other states

Mrs Rotimi made the appeal while receiving the newly appointed Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, who paid a familiarization visit to the management and members of staff of the sports council at Ijeja, Abeokuta.

Describing the issue of poaching Ogun state athletes as worrisome, the Ogun State Sports Council general manager expressed the readiness of the entire management and staff of the council to work harmoniously with the commissioner to achieve the set goals.

Responding, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Qudus Yusuff, said the preparation for the refurbishments of the sporting facilities as well as procurement of equipment was in top gear.

Mr Isiaka restated the readiness of the state government to give necessary support towards the success of the forthcoming National Sports Festival.

The commissioner used the opportunity of the visit to tour the sporting arena and was able to have an on-the-spot assessment of all the facilities and equipment being used at the stadium.

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Sport

Abiodun Inaugurates Committee for 2024 National Sports Festival

By Web News 490

By Bolanle Adesida

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has inaugurated the Organising Committee for the 2024 National Sports Festival with a promise to surpass the achievements recorded during the previous editions of the game.

Governor Abiodun, who gave the assurance during the inauguration of the committee at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the state was ready to put in place world class sporting infrastructure across the length and breadth of the state.

He reaffirmed his determination to use the competition to showcase the talent, culture, potential and the unique sense of hospitality of the people of the state.

Governor Abiodun who noted that the National Sports Festival would bring together the energy, creativity of youths in the country said the biennial event also serve as a platform for them to showcase their diverse talents and potentials.

He described the festival as a testament to the commitment of his administration to empower the next generation by offering them the opportunity for growth and self development, the Governor implored members of the committee to embrace the responsibility given to them with a deep sense of purpose.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the State, Mr Bukola Olopade had  commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for bidding and winning the right to host a successful National Sports Festival.

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Sport

Delta 2022: Shun anti-social behaviours – President Buhari

By Web News 582

President Muhamadu Buhari has called on all athletes to compete fairly and shun all forms of anti-social behaviour.

He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 21st National Sports Festival, NSF, Delta 2022 held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Represented by the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, President Buhari admonished the sportsmen to stay away from the use of performance-enhancing substances.

Meanwhile, the host, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa welcomed dignitaries, state contingents and visitors to Asaba for the festival.

Tagged the “African Olympics”, the 21st Sports Festival announced itself with much celebration and excitement.

The National Sports Festival, NSF is a sporting event where Nigerian athletes from all the states of the federation get to showcase their talents.

Lara Ayoade

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Sport

Ogun Wrestling Association Holds Trials Ahead of NSF 2022

By Web News 863

The Ogun State Wrestling Association has concluded its trials as part of efforts to find the best athletes that will represent the state at the forthcoming National Sports Festival, NSF, in Delta State.

The trials which took place at the indoor hall of the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja Abeokuta, attracted retired coaches, administrators, patrons of the association as well as lovers of the sport.

Speaking with journalists, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Mr Amos Ojo said the future was bright for wrestling in Ogun State based on the performance of the wrestlers during the trials.

Mr Ojo, who is a former wrestling Head coach in the state, lauded the efforts of the chairman and members of the association in developing the game and said there was the need for government to also support the association with the necessary equipment for the athletes.

Also, the head coach, Mr Adebayo Badmus explained that the trials were necessary to pick the best wrestlers that would compete with other states at the National Sports Festival, NSF in Delta State.

Mr Badmus promised to correct the mistakes noticed during the trials before the commencement of the biennial event.

The captain of the wrestling team, Agwaza Solomon who expressed worry over the poor state of facilities available for training which he said, had caused injuries to the athletes, appealed to the present administration to support the athletes with the necessary equipment.

Mr Solomon reaffirmed the determination of the wrestlers to return to the state with gold medals after the festival in Delta State.

Olusegun Folarin

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Sport

NSF 2022: Delta Govt. to Unveil Logo & Mascot in April

By Web News 824

The Delta State Government has announced the 17th of April for the unveiling of the logo and mascot for the 21st National Sports Festival, NSF, scheduled to commence in November this year.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Patrick Ukah, who doubles as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, stated this in Asaba at the end of a meeting with top delegates of the LOC.

Mr Ukah pointed out that efforts to upgrade sporting arenas ahead of the event had begun, noting the facilities would be ready by the end of the second quarter of this year.

The SSG said the committee had designated a Games Village and other locations close to the venue of the festival to accommodate four thousand athletes and three thousand officials expected at the games.

The LOC Chairman added that an entertainment centre would be arranged for a viewing of the multi-sports festival, which would also be aired live.

Oghenero Eghweree

Sport

NSF: Delta Govt., Sports Ministry Sign MOU

By Web News 824

Delta State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, pertaining the hosting of 21th edition of the National Sports festival, scheduled to hold in December 2022.

The Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the Minister for Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, partook in the signing ceremony in Asaba, which also coincided with the Extra-Ordinary Council of Sports Meeting in the state capital.

Governor Okowa while stressing the readiness of the state to host the sports festival, said the event was an avenue to promote national cohesion and a means for the discovery of future sporting talents.

The Governor also presented members of Delta 2022 Sports Festival Committee to the council, which is co-Chaired by the Secretary to the State Government Mr. Patrick Ukah and the Chairman Delta State Sports Commission Mr. Tonobuk Okowa.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare stated that a review of the National Sports Industry Policy was in its final stages which was intended to reshape the different sports federations for optimal permanence.

The Minister also commended the Delta State Government for efforts to host the Sports Festival and described the state as the bedrock of the nation’s sporting talents.

The Extra-Ordinary National Council on Sports had converged on Asaba to finalize agreements on the hosting of the Sports festival among other deliberations.

Oghenero Eghweree

Sport

Torch of Unity Touches down in Oyo State

By Web News 1251 Post a comment

Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Seun Fakorede says the state will surpass previous achievements at the forthcoming National Sports Festival beginning in Edo state next Sunday. 

Mr Fakorede said this in Ibadan while receiving the Torch of Unity of the National Sports Festival, NSF, from the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr Olufemi Ajao.

He explained that adequate incentive packages have been put in place for Oyo state athletes to motivate them at the sports Festival.

The Commissioner noted that camps have been opened for athletes in designated centres across the state. 

Mr Fakorede added that two hundred and thirty-two athletes from Oyo state would be participating in twenty-nine sports at the National sports festival.

20th edition of the National Sports Festival tagged “Edo 2020” will be held between 22nd of this month to 1st of next month.

Olaolu Fawole

Sport

NSF 2022 Bid Committee Visits Ogun, Inspects Facilities

By Web News 1196

Ogun State Government says it is ready to host the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival, NSF.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde stated this during an inspection visit by the Evaluation Bid Committee team of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, who were in the State to assess sporting facilities available for hosting of the festival.

Conducting the committee round sporting facilities in Abeokuta, Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode, Dr Kehinde emphasized the state’s readiness to host the biennial sports competition in 2022, pointing out the present administration was passionate about sport development.

Speaking after the inspection, the chairman and leader of the committee, Mr Katmwan Dungse who described facilities available in Ogun State as a top-notch, said they had a better chance of hosting the festival in 2022.

Facilities inspected included MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta Sports Club, Alake Sports Center, Ijeja, June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta Grammar School, Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sagamu, and Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

The winning bid to host the 21st National Sports Festival in 2022 would be announced at the closing ceremony of the 20th edition of the Festival, scheduled for Edo State in March 2020.

Olusegun Folarin