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Tag: Teslim Balogun Stadium

  • IDPs urged to be good to host community

    IDPs urged to be good to host community

    The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to be good to their host communities and be law-abiding in their struggle to earn a living and return to normal life.

    “We commend your efforts at fending for yourselves and your families but we want to urge you to continue to be good to your host community and assist the government in the maintenance of peace and security in the area.” The Founder of Rant HQ, a Facebook Group, Ms Suzan Ade Coker, said on Saturday while engaging the IDPs living in Apo Mechanic Village area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the group’s humanitarian outreach.

    With the coordination mechanism of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the group, which boasts of over 100,000 members, donated to the IDPs food items such as Noodles, tomato puree and rice as well as non-food items such as detergents, clothing and toiletries.

    Ms Ade Coker expressed Rant HQ’s genuine concern about the livelihood of the IDPs, hence the relief items. However, she noted that the relief items would not resolve the challenges of displacement but ‘the materials are our widow’s mite to demonstrate that we share in your plight and we truly care. We know this is not much but every little help is all that matters.”

    Reacting to the number of school-age children at the place, The Founder enjoined parents to enrol their children in schools. “Please allow your children to attend schools in the neighbourhood. Every opportunity to get them educated should be seized.” She added.

    In his response, the men’s leader of the IDPs, Mr Lawal Chakule, thanked RantHQ Founder and her team for their kind gestures and love that transcends tribe, religion and geographical location. He acknowledged the support of the host community and assured that the IDPs would remember RantHQ in their prayers.

    The visit to the IDPs in Abuja was the round-up of a two-week humanitarian outreach which started on 23 December 2017, at Ajegunle; and on 26 December moved to Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere Lagos, and in collaboration with Black Diamond Support Foundation, Fed 5,000 kids; provided 5000 printed notebooks, 1000 water bottles and 100 mosquito nets.

    On 30 December 2017, Rant HQ yet again extended its helping hands to the less privileged children of Ogodoh, a suburb of Mende Maryland Lagos.

  • 1st Ex-Squash Pros Diaspora tourney holds Nov 16

    1st Ex-Squash Pros Diaspora tourney holds Nov 16

     

    THE first edition of the Ex-Squash Pros Diaspora Under-13 and Under-16 National Squash Tournament will hold from 16th to 18th November, 2017 at the Squash Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere,  Lagos.

    Chairman of Ex-Squash Pro Diaspora, Femi Solomon Shittu, disclosed to The Nation in Lagos that the aim of the competition is to give the young players the platform to showcase their talents and abilities.

    “Those days when we used to play, we move from one state to the other, but since then, we’ve noticed squash has taken the back seat, that is why the Ex-Squash Pros Diaspora is taking the bull by the horn by bringing back those glory days and engaging our kids with this kind of competition.”

    President of the Nigeria Squash Federation, Boye Oyerinde, said the development of Squash from the grassroot is topmost on the agenda of the new board.

    “The Technical Committee of the federation is working on grassroot development programmes. We are also trying to get the database of squash facilities in the country. All these are ways to reposition the sport in the country,” Oyerinde said.

    Tournament Director, Demola Ganiyu, said the competition is open to every kid in the country adding that free accommodation and feeding will be provided for all the participating players.

    “We have invited international referees to come and officiate and we will be very strict with the certificates presented by the players. So if you are coming to this tournament, you must come with original certificate. We want to start presenting U15 players at world championships, that is our objective,” said Ganiyu who also doubles as Osun State Director of Sports.

    Former Nigerian top Squash player, Kunle Adebiyi now based in the United Kingdom said organizing such competition is also a way of giving back to the sport.

    “It’s just the joy of giving back and people have different ways of giving.  I have committed a certain percentage of my salary in doing this. This is not the first time, I started since 1995. So when you talk about how we can sustain it, we have a forum and we all meet now and then to see what we can do”, he submitted

  • Why Lagos Unveiled ‘Football Forever’ Statue At Teslim Balogun Stadium

    Why Lagos Unveiled ‘Football Forever’ Statue At Teslim Balogun Stadium

    The Lagos State Government has unveiled a statue tagged :‘Football Forever Statue’ at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.   According to the State Governor who was represented,  by the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, the Statue was placed there because football remains the most popular sports  that keep the nation united.

    “The Monument seeks to educate the Nigerian youth and all visitors to Lagos State that our passion for sport is not only captured by iconic infrastructure facilities and competitions but include giving opportunity to expose artistic representation of its value creative minds.

    “The monument reveals Lagosians dexterity in the game of football and projects our fitness and readiness for glory as it conveys vital sport education knowledge and the promotion of sports tourism in Lagos State.”

    The statue is a 22ft tall sculpture of four players, two aside, standing on an eight feet concrete pedestal announcing and showcasing the prowess, commitment and passion of Nigerians for the beautiful game.

  • Hensen School happy to emerge 2017 Shell Cup champs

    Hensen School happy to emerge 2017 Shell Cup champs

     

    Henson Demonstration School, Edo State defeated Holy Ghost College, Imo State 2-0 in the final to win the 2017 NNPC/Shell Cup at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday.

    Arase Iyobor’s brace from the penalty mark were all the Benin City based school needed to lift the coveted diadem of the 19th edition of the annual football championship among secondary schools in Nigeria.

    Head coach of Hensen Demonstration School, Chinedu Ubah said he knew his side would emerge champions after they upset the toughest side of the championship, Asegun High School from Oyo, in the final of the zonal preliminary in Ijebu Ode.

    “Before God and man my heart is filled with joy. Out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) we came top as number one, it’s awesome and I personally feel elated and happy over our victory in the final of 2017 NNPC/Shell Cup championship.

    “Of course, we saw our eventual victory coming right from the zonal preliminaries, especially after we defeated Oyo in the zonal final, the strongest team in the championship.

    “Our opponents are good but we capitalised on their mistakes among their back men, we watched their semifinal clash against Sambo Secondary School and even though they won we discovered that their defence was not good and I simply asked my attackers to work on them and it paid off greatly.

    “We are excited to win our first NNPC/Shell Cup title and I promise we will be available to successfully defend the trophy next year with an even a better squad,” Ubah said.

    In the third place match played earlier at the same venue, Government Day Secondary School, Lamisula, Borno State defeated Sambo Secondary School, Gusau, Zamfara by 5-3 on a penalties after the match ended 2-2 at normal regulation period.

    Hensen were rewarded with the prize money of N3.5 million while Holy Ghost received N2.3million. Government Day Secondary School got N1.3 million, just as Sambo School went home with N1.1million for coming fourth.

    Two-goal hero, Iyobor and teammate Ahunwan Mavis emerged the two Most Valuable Players (MVPs) of the championship to embark on a trip to the Netherlands for a coaching opportunity with the youth academy of the current Dutch football league champions, Feyennoord Rotterdam FC.

    Chinaemerem Iheanacho of Holy Ghost College in Owerri was voted the best midfielder while the Benin side’s goalkeeper, Chibuzor Emefuwa, was named the best goalkeeper of the championship.

    The 2017 preliminaries started in May with some 54,000 students from 2,750 secondary schools across Nigeria.

  • NNPC/Shell Cup: Semi-finalists emerge

    NNPC/Shell Cup: Semi-finalists emerge

     

    Hensen Demonstration School, Edo State defeated Asegun High School, Oyo State 4-3 on penalties in the final of the Zonal Preliminaries, Ijebu-Ode Zone on Saturday to qualify for the semi final of the ongoing 19th NNPC/Shell Cup.

    Ahmed Olowolagba’s long range strike gave the Oyo State side the lead just before the break but Emmanuel Micheal well taken free-kick late in the second half ensured the game ended 1-1 in normal regulation period at the Ijebu Muslim College,  Ijebu-Ode.

    However, Oyo were only able to convert three of their penalty kicks, while Edo converted four of theirs to secure a ticket to the semi finals of the competition.

    Coach of Hensen Demonstration School, Chinedu Uba praised his boys for their determination and never-say-die spirit to stage a comeback into the game after conceding a goal in the first half.

    “It was a close game against Oyo State team that has been regarded as favorites from the zone. I must commend the players for keeping their heads while they were a goal down. Penalty is anybody’s game and I thank God that we came out victorious.

    “Our next destination is Lagos for the semi finals and we will take it game by game to get to the final, which we will win by the grace of God ,” Uba said.

    At the Uyo center, Imo defeated Cross River 4-1 to book their semi final slot,  while in Katsina, Zamfara defeated FCT 2-0.

    At the Bauchi center, Borno defeated Niger 5-4 on penalties after playing goalless at normal regulation period.

    The semifinals will come up at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Sunday, 2nd July, while the final will hold on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at the same venue.

  • Jollof rice war continues at CBL, as Eko Kings face Warriors

    Jollof rice war continues at CBL, as Eko Kings face Warriors

    The impression was that Nigeria’s Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo had settled the jollof rice war after the country’s Information Minister Lai Mohammed had stoked the fire by making an unpopular declaration concerning the ‘fight.’

    But the debate for the country with the best jollof rice is continuing with the Continental Basketball League as Senegalese-American, Ndiaye Rawane has said the best jollof rice is prepared and served in Senegal.

    The 6-10 centre who stars for Lagos City Warriors in the CBL May Madness tournament told the media he was not just in Nigeria for the basketball tournament but would also like to use his time in Lagos to correct the “wrong” impression that Nigeria offers the best jollof rice.

    Please permit me to quickly correct something I heard on my arrival here. It’s not Nigeria that has the best jollof rice; we (Senegal) make the best jollof rice and that’s the undisputed fact.

    When challenged on the spot, the centre from North Carolina, USA maintained his stand. He was, however, quick to add his love for Nigeria despite the jollof rice differences.

    “I have a couple of very good Nigerian friends in North Carolina but it makes a whole lot of difference visiting their place of origin. It’s my first time in Nigeria but I know I will surely have a good time here.”

    Apart from those from other continents, there are players from about 11 African countries in the competition. Thomas Doug of the Lagos City Warriors is an American power forward also in Lagos for the pro basketball jams. He also got a taste of the jollof rice war even before he could get a spoon of the cuisine.

    “The jollof rice matter has touched me because of the way it’s been discussed and so I am now really interested. There was so much debate in the bus that conveyed us from the airport to the hotel on arrival. The jollof rice argument got me laughing.”

    Today the players will put aside the cuisine arguments as Eko Kings take on Lagos Warriors from 7pm in the only match of the day at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The Kings have won their two games, while the Warriors will be looking to get their first win this Pan African tournament set across Lagos, Yaounde and Libreville.

    In the last games played on Sunday, Yaoundé Giants and Eko Kings won their second games to stay one hundred percent. Giants captained by Christian Bayang defeated Lagos City Stars 92-64 in the first of the two matches played on Sunday. The experienced guard shot 11 points as the Cameroonian team won their second straight games. The crowd favourite and Giants point guard Jones Esters led scoring on both sides hitting 27 points. The American shot 87.5 from the free throw line. Prinsloo who shot 24 points led City Stars.

  • Nigeria’s footballers good but lack structures – U.K. Scout

    A Director in Diamond Sports Academy (DSM),U.K. Cem Sagar, says that Nigeria has abundant football talents but lack structures and organisation to expose them to the right clubs.

    Sagar, a world football governing body, FIFA agent, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the DSM football trials in Lagos.

    NAN reports that DSM, U.K. in partnerships with Ezeani Football Academy, Nneni, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra recently conducted football trials at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    The one week football trials hosted players from across Nigeria and had no fewer than 200 players jostle for a chance to eke playing time in one of the clubs affiliated to DSM in England.

    The trials aimed at scouting for budding talents from Nigeria, was however declared successful by the Europeans football scouts.

    Sagar said that Nigeria was blessed with talented footballer but lack organisation to fit them into the requirements and standards in Europe.

    “It’s not in doubt that Nigeria is blessed with abundant talents but what is lacking is organisation. I think there should be better organisation from what I have seen.

    “I really think the organisation is poor because the talent is there, so they really need to improve on the organisation of the game.

    “We are looking at all the attributes of the players and the abilities as well. How far a player can go will depend on the player and his ambition.

    “Every player is different and what every team is looking for is also different. The stakes are not the same,’’ he said.

    Sagar, said that with his assessment, Nigeria has more players in the defence and central midfield, adding that he was much impressed with the quality of players in those department.

    “On my assessment, we have been watching eight teams playing among themselves and we are looking for players with strength that is what we are looking for.

    “We want to take them to Europe as a project. These players are young and they will have to come in as projects. They will have their careers planned.

    “We will give targets, work on what they need to work on. I am in particular impressed with the central midfield players. We have found some good central midfield too.

    “I am disappointed with the strikers in this tournament, I was expecting more, but we’ve got left footed players but playing in the midfield,’’ he said.

  • NTU workshop: Participants vow to lift triathlon

    NTU workshop: Participants vow to lift triathlon

     

    Twenty Six Games’ Masters took part in the Nigeria Triathlon Union’s (Union) one-day workshop for trainers, which took place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    The training was part of activities for the first Exxon Mobil Triathlon School holiday competition slated for April 11 to 13 at the same venue. The participants were drawn from various schools in Lagos and are expected to prepare their students for the holiday clinic.

    Some of the participants who bared their minds on the workshop described it as an eye opener, assuring that they would pass the experience gained to their students. Oladesokan Toluwase said that she was hearing about the sports for the first time. She, however, described the workshop as interesting and insightful.

    “The workshop was very interesting. This is the first time I am coming in contact with triathlon and I am sure the NTU organised the event so that they can engender awareness about the sport, especially among students. I was surprised that they had a competition last year, but I am happy to be part of the workshop,” she added.

    Owolabi Habbeb of St Francis Junior Grammar School, Iwaya commended the NTU for holding the workshop and stated that the students would benefit from it. “After this training, I will go back to my school and transfer the knowledge to the students. I know that we can get some students who will show interest.”

    Some of the speakers at the workshop included the President of NTU, Dr Lanre Glover, who spoke on the Evolution of Triathlon and the Nigeria Triathlon Union, Babatunde Fatayi Williams, the second Vice President of Nigeria Olympic Committee and the President of Aquatics Federation, who delivered a paper on ‘An Overview of Triathlon as a Sport.’

    Other speakers were Dr Sikuade Jagun, the Chairman of Lagos Triathlon Association and Yinka Badare, the Technical Director of NTU.

  • NTF boss lauds Korean Embassy’s partnership

    NTF boss lauds Korean Embassy’s partnership

    The President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF),George Ashiru,on Tuesday, said that the just concluded Korean Ambassador’s Taekwondo Cup, had helped the body to identify budding talents for future competitions.

    The Korean Embassy sponsored the event held from Dec. 8 to Dec. 10 at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

    No fewer than 309 athletes participated in the NTF approved competition, which was hosted by the Lagos State Taekwondo Association, in which the athletes featured in fights and demonstrations event.

    Ashiru said the athletes performed brilliantly in their various weight categories and fought in accordance with the current rules.

    He added that the latest electronic devices were used for scoring, while well-informed referees, officiated at the competition.

    “This is another big competition for us, its standard usually prepare athletes to pick slots in their weights, which also creates good platform to identify competent athletes for national trials.

    “The performance by outstanding athletes in this competition has provided records that can be used to invite athletes to defend the titles during national trials.

    “Next year, we have world championships and other continental competitions, so winners in the male and female categories stand chances to pick slots.

    “It was indeed a successful performance, the use of standard electronic devices made the officiating free and fair and both the athletes, fans and officials were satisfied,” he said.

    In the same vein, Koffi Anani, a World Taekwondo Federation graded referee, commended the LSTA for a well-organised and hitch-free event.

    Anani said that he was also impressed by the manner in which the athletes and coaches conducted themselves during the three-day competition.

    “A big kudos to the LSTA, they have really proved the excellence in the Lagos State logo; the hall was very conducive, there was maximum security and there was no case of fight or theft.

    “The technical officials had a refreshers course to herald this competition, and it actually reflected in the performances of athletes under the supervision of the officials.

    “Everything about this competition is commendable, even the federation went an extra mile by accommodating 150 of the athletes free-of-charge,” he said.

    Josephine Esuku, a-46kg medalist in individual poomsae (demonstration) event at the competition, applauded the Korean Embassy for its sponsorship and sustenance of the event.

    Esuku said the competition had contributed immensely to the development of her career since she started competing in 2009.

    “The Korean Embassy has remained dedicated to the growth of Taekwondo in this country, its sponsorship has been consistent and many of us have benefited from it.

    “I am happy to be identified with this competition, and every edition has added value to my Taekwondo career, which has helped me to compete at international championships.’’

    Samsideen Oseni, an Ogun State Coach, won the overall best coach.

    Nelson Oluigbo came out as the overall best referee of the tournament alongside winners of gold, silver and bronze medals at various events.

  • 48th Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup: Adeyinka, Odusanya begin title defence in Lagos

    48th Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup: Adeyinka, Odusanya begin title defence in Lagos

    Defending champions, Ahmed Adeyinka and Bose Odusanya, will today begin their title defence as the 48th annual Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup serves off at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
    Adeyinka and Odusanya who failed to make any impact at the just concluded NTTF National Championship, will be relying on their experience against some young players who will be competing at the five-day championship.
    18 titles will be at stake at the championship which has continued to become a breeding ground for most national players.
    For this year, the women singles title has been renamed Lady Olivet Okoya-Thomas Women’s trophy after the late wife of the initiator of the competition.
    Speaking recently at the briefing to unveil package for this year’s tournament, Ayodeji Okoya-Thomas said: “This of course will be the second, after 46 years, that is not being addressed by the initiator and sole sponsor of the tournament, Sir Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas. One of his greatest wish while alive was that the family should continue the sponsorship of the tournament after his demise; we would therefore like to give God all the glory for giving the grace to continue this noble legacy for the second year running, since he was called to glory.
    He added: “From this year the women’s singles trophy is now renamed ‘Lady Olivet Okoya-Thomas’ women’s trophy in honour of our late mother, lady Chief (Mrs) Olivet Abosede Okoya-Thomas who was a pillar of support to our late father, the visioner and sole sponsor of the championship,” he said.
    The tournament grand finale holds on Friday November 25.
    Since 1968, the tournament had been staged for 48 years uninterrupted and it remains the longest running competition which has also produced some of the great stars for the continent. The likes of Atanda Musa, late Yomi Bankole, Bose Kaffo and current African women singles champion, Olufunke Oshonaike were former champions of the tournament which started in 1968.