The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Enoh canvasses  more  public-private-partnership for sports 

    Enoh canvasses  more  public-private-partnership for sports 

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, believes increased public and private  partnership  would bolster  the  standard  of  sports  in the country.

    Senator Enoh said as much when  he  recently  visited the Lagos  headquarters of  News Central Television in Lagos as part of his  commitment to fostering partnership and development in the sports sector with private stakeholders.

    Welcoming  the  Minister’s delegation in the presence of  other Senior Executive Members of News Central Television , the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief  Mr. Kayode Akintemi commended Senator Enoh for his continuous support and implementation of initiatives to raise  sports development.

     He also noted News Central’s commitment to partnership and collaboration with Nigerians in the diaspora for significant development and growth across various sectors in line with the station’s overarching goal of promoting developmental journalism.

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    Senator Enoh on his part, praised  News Central Team for their efforts in fostering journalism and positive engagement even as he praised President  Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ingenuity in creating the Ministry of Sports Development and expressed his gratitude for being the pioneering Minister of the nascent Ministry.

    Commenting on News Central’s activities and collaboration with Nigerians in the diaspora,  the minister commended the station, adding there is a necessity to  look  beyond remittances from citizens in the diaspora in order  to retain talent and promote patriotism.

    He  seized the opportunity to reinforce the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting sports and physical activity as integral components of national development and societal well-being.

    Furthermore, the visit provided a platform for Senator John Enoh to highlight the government’s comprehensive agenda for advancing sports infrastructure, nurturing talent, and driving partnerships with private sector actors.

    The visit culminated in a tour of News Central’s facilities by the Minister and his entourage  which included  Orok Effangha, the Special Adviser on Strategy,  Kenneth Egbas , Special Adviser and Consultant and Diana Mary Nsan, the Special Adviser on Media.

  • Kaduna set for Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo

    Kaduna set for Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo

    The  prestigious 2024 edition of Africa’s premium Fundraising polo platform, the Access Bank-UNICEF Charity will gallops-off May 27 at the foremost Fifth Chukker Lawns of Kangimi Resort in Kaduna  with defending champions, Fifth Chukker and other top teams from across the country vying for big prizes.

    Revered as one of the biggest charity polo platforms in the world, the UNICEF event will be decided in two stages, with teams battling for the UNICEF Cup and the events’ second most wanted prize, The Access Bank Cup in the first stage  between May 27 and June 2.

    Organizers of the prestigious charity event also disclosed that the second and the grand finale stage  billed to hold between June 4 and 8 promises to be one of the most exciting in years, pitching title holders, Fifth Chukker, Jos Malcomines and four determined regulars in a winner-takes-all chase for the Usman Dantata Cup and tournament top prize, the Charity Shield.

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    Organizers confirmed  that the title sponsors, and its partners that have raised over  500 million Naira so far which has  taken the commitment to UNICEF Charity polo fundraising platform to a new level as well as the commissioning of fully equipped sixty classroom blocks in Kaduna State.

    The project that birthed a new education system in Kaduna was a contribution by the bank alongside the partners, Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club, and well-meaning individuals to the sustenance of the charity platform that has for years benefited communities and powering rural women in Kaduna.

    “The partners are delighted that the Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield is archiving its main objective of reaching out to the less privileged children in the society, and we are not relenting on this laudable intervention, there are millions of vulnerable Nigerian children out of school and many of them are from the north,” the statement added.

    Last year, the Charity Shield polo tourney climaxed in a cliff-hanging triumph for Access Bank (1&2) teams, Abuja YBL and Kano Rumbu polo teams who emerged champions, carting home all the four titles on offer.

    The 2023 edition of the UNICEF Charity Shield polo tournament will be remembered for its thrilling matches, outstanding performances, and the charitable spirit that resonated throughout.

    The event served as a testament to the harmonious fusion of sports and philanthropy, reinforcing the belief that sports can be a catalyst for positive change in society.

    Recalled  that the Charity Shield began in 2003 as a platform to support local charity organizations in Kaduna, since 2006 this humanitarian effort has been geared exclusively towards UNICEF intervention projects for orphans and vulnerable children in Kaduna State.

    In 2008, the Charity Shield received a major boost when Access Bank agreed to a multi-year sponsorship deal, making the tournament one of the best-supported charity events in the history of Nigerian sport. Income generated from these cooperatives is used to meet the needs of the children in their care, including providing healthcare and education supplies.

    The Charity Shield platform that has raised over N500 million to UNICEF, acknowledges and appreciates the profound impact it has had on the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children.

    The tournament not only showcased the exhilarating sport of polo but also highlighted the power of sports in contributing to social causes. The participants, spectators, and organizers collectively made a difference by supporting the noble cause of UNICEF and uplifting the lives of children in need.

  • Rapper Stormzy opens #MerkyFC HQ  in London

    Rapper Stormzy opens #MerkyFC HQ  in London

    Stormzy has revealed that he’s teamed up with Adidas to create a new centre for football, music and gaming.

    #MerkyFC HQ has been built in Croydon, South London and will provide the local community with access to top facilities including football pitches, a recording studio, a sports gaming hub and multipurpose rooms.

    The centre, which opens  today has been built on the site known as Selhurst Sports Arena – which provides access to sports and employment support.

    The investment from Adidas will allow the venue to host a selection of activities throughout the year and access to development in local communities.

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    It comes after Stormzy and Adidas previously teamed up on the #MerkyFC Careers programme to address racial equality and access to jobs for UK Black Heritage Youth within football.

     “I’m gassed that we can finally open the doors to #Merky FC HQ. Working with Adidas, I’ve wanted to do this for a long, long time and now there’s a community space that everyone in the area will be able to use and benefit from,” Stormzy said of the new development. “When I was growing up there was nothing like this around for young people, so it means a lot that we now have a facility like this in Croydon. Proper homegrown!”

    Steve Marks, Senior Director of Brand Communications for Adidas shared a similar sentiment, adding: “We’re proud to launch #MerkyFC HQ the next chapter in Adidas’ ongoing partnership with Stormzy. Supporting the development of spaces for the local community to connect, play and collaborate is a vital part of our ongoing drive to cultivate opportunities for young people.”

     “The centre is a space for everyone including those who enjoy taking part in football, but also for the discovery of other creative passions such as music and esports,” he added.

  • Pupils  take centre stage at Zenith Inter-School Swimming

    Pupils  take centre stage at Zenith Inter-School Swimming

    The Primary School event of the 7th  edition of the Zenith Inter-School Swimming Competition holds tomorrow at the Ikoyi Club 1938.

    Chairman of the club’s swimming section, Ikedichi Kanu, said 15 schools will compete for honours in the youth event.

     “We are all set for it and registration has been in process in the past weeks. The kids will have fun and we will be glad to see how they will display their skills in the competition,” Kanu said.

    The Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, has advised all participants to take advantage of the event.

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    “A journey of one thousand miles starts with just a step. We expect these kids to launch their career with this competition and get better in the years ahead.

    “We are always passionate to stage youth sports events so that we can make impact in the career of young ones.”

    Grange School emerged champions in the Primary and Secondary school events of the competition last year.

  • Eunisell Hosts Abia Warriors in Lagos

    Eunisell Hosts Abia Warriors in Lagos

    The management, technical crew and players of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia have been hosted by the club’s shirt sponsor, Eunisell in Lagos.

    The occasion which took place last weekend, at the Eko Hotel and Suites saw the Pride of Umuahia treated to a sumptuous banquet at the hotel.

    Eunisell Ltd, a Chemical Solutions leader, delivers world-class technology and engineering improvements to oil and gas production.

    While speaking with the club’s media, Eunisell Group Managing Director,  Chika Ikenga disclosed the essence of the occasion.

    “Since we started this sponsorship this year we’ve not had the opportunity to meet with everybody so, tonight presents a big opportunity to do that. And to tell the boys  well done and to keep encouraging them.

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    Ikenga also highlighted the importance of football during the media parley.

    “There’s a big opportunity for football in Nigeria particularly to create employment for our young people and to see how Nigeria can earn more from football. Football builds a nation’s brand, and reputation and image. Football brings people together. People enjoy football. People love football. And like I said, it enhances the image of a nation.”

    He went further to encourage other corporate bodies to sponsor football clubs in Nigeria.

    “If you’re sponsoring it’s a two way thing. The sponsor benefits, then the person or the club benefits. It helps to build a corporate image so, you can’t lose by sponsoring.”

    On his part, Abia Warriors Sporting Director, Emeka Ifejiagwa, thanked Eunisell’s Group Managing Director for his hospitality and assured him of the club’s commitment in being good ambassadors of the brand.

    The high point of the event was the presentation of a signed replica jersey of the club to the company’s Group Managing Director of Eunisell.

  • President’s Federation Cup: Enyimba, 3SC lead  others to Round of 32

    President’s Federation Cup: Enyimba, 3SC lead  others to Round of 32

    Four-times Federation Cup winners , Enyimba survived a scare from non-league side Warinje Academy before qualifying for the Round of 32 of the competition on penalties.

    Zamfara United created an upset eliminating multiple Federation Cup runners up, Mighty Jets 1-0. Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United, FC One Rocket, Hammola FC Lobi Stars, EFCC, Edel FC, Shooting Stars, Plateau United, Abia Warriors, Sokoto United, Bendel Insurance, Akwa United and Sunshine Stars have all qualified for the Round 32.

    In the game played yesterday at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin, the People’s Elephant rested most of their regular players but deservedly got ahead in the fourth minute through Desmond Ojietefian. Enyimba’s inability to kill off the game made Warinje Academy to grow into the game before the got the equaliser in the 81st minute.

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    The game ended 1-1 and was settled by penalties which Enyimba eventually won 7-6 on penalties after goalkeeper, Ozoemena Ani caught Warinje’s ninth spot kick and stepped up to score the match winning kick.

    In Abuja, Kano Pillars atoned for their loss to Enugu Rangers in the 2018 Federation Cup final following their victory in the Round of 64 over the current Nigeria Premier Football League leaders on penalties.

    The game had ended in a 1-1 draw before Abdullahi Maikaba’s men prevailed over Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men 7-6 on penalties. It was a revenge for Maikaba who beat the team he last worked before returning back home to coach Kano Pillars.

    Niger Tornadoes zoomed past Niger Tornadoes Feeders 3-1. Bello Mohammed opened the scoring for the Feeders team in the 64th  minute but Tornadoes equalised in the 67th  minute through Victor Okoro. Ikechukwu Nwani got the second for the Ikon Allah Boys in the 77th  minute while Okoro bagged his brace from the spot in the 85th minute.

    Akwa United pipped Cynosure FC 1-0 with Damilare Johnson scoring the only goal in the 90th minute while Kwara United pummelled Rovers 4-1.

    Meze Chukwudi’s lone goal was enough for Bendel Insurance who pipped Abeokuta Stormers 1-0 while Ofirima FC bowed out 4-1 on penalties to Sokoto United after a 2-2 draw at the end of the regulation time in Lafia.

    FC One Rocket thrashed Fr. Eburuaja 5-0 in Aba to end the run of Fr. Emmanuel Eburuaja’s led side. Shooting Stars triumphed 3-2 on penalties over Solution FC despite ending the game with 10 men.

    Sunshine Stars and Plateau United walked over Jedo Academy and Ekiti United respectively. Beyond Limits were eliminated by Hammola FC 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 at regulation time.

    Lobi Stars whitewashed Delta Marines 6-1 while EFCC FC detained Osun United FC 4-2 on penalties after the regulation time ended 1-1. Edel FC thrashed Discovery FA 4-0 while Abia Warriors beat Ilaji FC 4-2 with Sunday Megwo scoring two goals.

  • Anambra to host Beach Soccer League

    Anambra to host Beach Soccer League

    The Anambra Beach Soccer Association is set to host the second leg of the national beach soccer league between May 15 and  19 in Nnewi.

    Charley Ejefonye, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC)  stated   in a Statement  in Awka yesterday.

    Ejefonye said the second round of the Nigeria Beach Soccer League would be held in the industrial town of Nnewi between May 15 and May 19.

    The chairman said six teams including, Kebbi, Kada, Jigawa, Kebbi United,  Nmanko Patigi and Anambra Beach Soccer Clubs, the  host team would compete for honurs.

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    He said the four top teams from the first and second rounds would advance to the next stage in Kaduna.

    Ejefonye said the Anambra Beach Soccer Association Board had worked tirelessly to promote beach soccer in the entire Southeast.

     “We have constructed a state-of-the-art Beach Soccer Arena at Nnewi High School, where the national league will be hosted,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first round of the national beach soccer competition was held in Kebbi State  from April 10  to 13.

  • Rangnick snubs Bayern to stay as Austria coach

    Rangnick snubs Bayern to stay as Austria coach

    Ralf Rangnick  has said he wished to continue as Austria head coach, with Euro 2024 the immediate goal, delivering a fresh blow to Bayern Munich in their search for a replacement for outgoing boss Thomas Tuchel.

    The 65-year-old former Manchester United interim manager had been tipped to replace Tuchel, who leaves at the end of the season after just two years in charge, having failed to secure Bayern a 12th successive Bundesliga crown.

    Austria have discovered a rich run of form since Rangnick took over in April 2022, winning 11 of their past 14 matches, losing just one.

    However, the Austrians have a tough group to negotiate their way through at Euro 2024.

    They kick off their campaign in Germany against France on June 17, followed by Poland four days later and round it off against the Netherlands on June 25.

     “I am the Austrian team boss with all my heart,” Rangnick said in a statement released by the Austrian FA (OeFB). “This task gives me incredible joy and I am determined to successfully continue on our chosen path.

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     “I would like to expressly emphasise that this is not a rejection of FC Bayern, but a decision for my team and our common goals. Our full concentration is on the European Championship.

     “We will do everything we can to get as far as possible.”

    Austrian FA sporting director Peter Schoettel said he was “extremely happy”.

     “We understood that he had two very attractive options and gave him the time to weigh everything up in peace,” he said.

     “We are proud that he has decided for Austria.”

    Rangnick is the latest high profile coach who has preferred to remain in his present job and not take the Bayern post.

    Xabi Alonso, who guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, ending Bayern’s 11-year stranglehold, and Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also reportedly declined their advances.

    In April, former midfielder Alonso disappointed not only Bayern but another of his former clubs Liverpool when he pledged himself to Leverkusen.

    Nagelsmann ended any hopes of him returning to Bayern for the moment as he extended his deal with the national team.

    Tuchel still has a chance of bowing out with a second Champions League crown, having won with Chelsea in 2021.

    Bayern travel to Real Madrid for next Wednesday’s second leg of their semi-final tied at 2-2.

  • Minister affirms commitment  to use sport  for national unity

    Minister affirms commitment  to use sport  for national unity

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stressed the administration’s commitment to harnessing the transformative power of sports to deepen unity and cohesion in the country.

    This is as the Minister of Sport John Enoh seeks collaboration on sport coverage.

    The duo spoke in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the management team of the ministry of Sport to Radio House.

    Idris was of the opinion that sports should be on the front burner of government’s priorities because of its significance role in nation building and development.

    Idris said “There is also something I think that we need to talk about and that is the issue of national integration and cohesion that all of us are aspiring to achieve.

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     “As you look forward to the ministry to partner with you to pursue sports development, we also look forward to the Ministry of Sports Development to forge further national unity and cohesion.

     “If you are in doubt of what sports can do for our country, just try to be on the streets when Nigeria is playing. Everybody forgets about North-South, South-West, North-East and North-whatever. Everybody comes together and nobody talks about the person who has scored whether he’s from my village or he’s from another village. Everybody talks about Nigeria; everyone wears the Nigerian flag on that day.”

    Idris also explained that the President Bola Tinubu understood the importance of sport as a unifying force.

    He said this explained why the president approved N1.2 billion in salary and allowances arrears owed to sportsmen and women as well as sports administrators in order to motivate them to commit themselves to the country.

    He commended the Minister of Sport, Senator Enoh, for the enthusiasm he has displayed so far in the development of sports in the country.

    particularly the dazzling performance of the Super Eagles at the 2023 AFCON, preparations for the 2024 Olympics and the qualification of the Super Falcons for the Paris 2024 , the relaunch of the Challenge Cup as the President’s Federation Cup and the elevation of Super Eagles in the FIFA ranking from 42nd  position to the 30th  position.

    In response to the request of the Minister of Sports for more media exposure to sporting events in the country, Idris gave the approval to set up a committee to identify areas of collaboration between the two ministries.

    In his remarks, Senator sought to partner with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and its media organs to promote sports in the country.

    He suggested the development of calendar for sporting events as a guide for the public media organs to amplify them through media visibility.

    He mentioned the National Sports Festival coming up this year in Ogun State, the National Youth Games in Asaba and the Para Games as some of the major events coming up this year.

    Senator Enoh lauded President Tinubu creating a specific Ministry for sports, saying the vision is in line with the significance of sports in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Assar, Aruna head African contingent to Saudi Smash

    Assar, Aruna head African contingent to Saudi Smash

    Africa’s best ranked player Omar Assar of Egypt and Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna will lead Africa’s contingent to the $2 million  prize money Saudi Smash in Saudi Arabia.

    In a statement by the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), the duo will lead 12 others in the tournament from Thursday at the Sports Hall King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

    Assar and Aruna are expected to begin their campaign from the main draw tomorrow  in the men’s singles.

    Egypt’s duo of Dina Meshref and Hana Goda will also commence their battle for honours from the main draw of the women’s singles.

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     “With the champions taking home a whopping 2,000 ranking points, the events at King Abdullah Sports City is poised to dramatically shake up the standings when the tournament ends on May 11.

     “Saudi Smash emerges as a marquee event in the WTT Series, blending top-tier table tennis action with dynamic entertainment.

     “It transcends traditional event boundaries, creating a captivating spectacle that draws in fans and players from across the globe.

     “It is set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural landscape and modern aspirations. It  elevates the experience of table tennis, making it a landmark occasion,’’ the statement said.

    Egypt’s quartet of Mohamed El-Beiali, Youssef Abdel-Aziz, Khaled Assar and Ahmed Saleh as well as Senegal’s Ibrahima Diaw and Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa will slug it out in the men’s draw.

    Meanwhile, Marian Alhodaby, Yousra Helmy, Marwa Alhodaby and Hend Fathym, all from Egypt as well as Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou and Algeria’s Lynda Loghraibi are in the women’s event.