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Eight Nigerian boxers advance to finals in Ghana

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Eight Nigerian boxers advance to finals in Ghana

Eight Nigerian boxers have secured spots in the finals of the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, following their impressive performances in the semi-finals, According Sports Extra reports.

Zainab Adeshina led the charge when she defeated Grace Fanhbulleh from Liberia by a resounding 5-0 victory to secure her place in the final of the women’s 50kg category.

Joining Adeshina in the finals is Joy Ojo, who delivered a stellar performance against Khouloud Hlimi of Tunisia, to advance to the final of the women’s 57kg event.

In the women’s 75kg, UK-based Patricia Mbata, who recently lost in the final of the World Olympics Qualifiers in Italy, defeated Gramane Adosinda of Mozambique by points to also qualify for the final.

Meanwhile, in the men’s division, Dolapo Omole, who already qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics last year, defeated Ngulube Albert of Zambia with a commanding 5-0 victory to secure his place in the final of the men’s 57kg event.

Adding to Nigeria’s success, another UK-based boxer Adams Olaore, who has also qualified for the Olympics, delivered a dominant performance by following up his KO win in the quarter-finals with a 5-0 points win in the semis.

Olaore beat Egypt’s Ali Ibrahim to book his place in the final stage of the men’s 92kg category.

Cynthia Ogunsemilore followed this up by defeating Algerian Hadjila Khelif by points 4-1 to advance to the final stage of women’s 60kg event.

In the first KO win of the semi-final, Blessing Oraekwe stopped Tunisia’s Iben Zina Eya in round two via a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) in the women’s 70kg to book her spot in the final.

Kareem Shukura then continued the train by stopping Kenyan Faki Amina Martha in round one via Referee Stops Contest (RSC) in the women’s 54kg contest, to also book her final place.

Eagles eye Ghana revenge after W’Cup ouster

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Eagles eye Ghana revenge after W’Cup ouster

What has been tagged the ‘Jollof Derby’ on social media seems to have been spiced up with a revenge mission as Nigeria and Ghana once again faceoff in a potentially explosive friendly game at the Stade de Marrakech, Morocco on Friday (today), The Punch reports.

Both nations have seen a few changes since their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns, with Jose Peseiro no longer in charge of the Super Eagles after his contract expired in February, while Otto Addo has returned to the Black Stars dugout.

The Eagles head into today’s game with a score to settle as it is their first meeting against Ghana since the Black Stars denied them a World Cup ticket in 2022.

Still reeling from the result of their last encounter at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where a 1-1 draw against the arch-rivals denied them a place in Qatar; Finidi George’s men are all fired up for this encounter with the coach insisting the game was more than a friendly tie.

‘‘The team is prepared, they know what is at stake. The rivalry against Ghana is also an extra motivation and we just want to have a good game. Definitely, we want to win it and with the high spirit in camp, we can do it,’’ Finidi said.

‘‘In terms of tactics, we are not changing much. Just adding a few elements. We will be very tactical and see how we are going to win the ball as much as possible.’’

Since 2022, when Peseiro took charge of the country’s national team, the Eagles have lost six out of eight friendly games, with the 3-2 win over Mozambique last October their only victory.

Fixtures against Ghana and Mali over the international break could help to change the awful run of results, and Finidi hopes to begin the process of a turnaround with the first game against the Black Stars.

Meanwhile, Addo, who returns to the dugout after Chris Hughton’s departure following a group-stage elimination from the 2023 AFCON, where the Ghanaians failed to win a game, will hope to extend his unbeaten record as coach against Nigeria.

Having already avoided defeat in two meetings against Nigeria — a goalless encounter in Ghana and a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in Abuja — Addo could go three unbeaten against the Eagles today.

He, however, faces a tough task taking over a side that have only won one of their last eight games in all competitions — a 1-0 victory over Madagascar in World Cup qualifying.

Adepoju to mentor students at FCV Gladiator Camp

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Adepoju to mentor students at FCV Gladiator Camp

Ex-Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju will mentor students at the second FCV Gladiator Camp at Grange School, Lagos from April 1 to 5, organisers have said.

AFCON 1994 winner Adepoju was part of the Eagles to the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 2002.

Adepoju described his involvement in the camp as part of his efforts to help in developing the country’s teeming youthful population.

He said, “I decided to be part of the FCV Gladiator Camp because of the passion I have for youth development and the belief I have in discovering future stars.

“I hope to show them what it takes to be successful through hard work and discipline and take them through my journey as an ex-footballer.”

The one-week training camp is organised by Dynaspro Promotion in collaboration with UK-based FCV International Football Academy with the sole aim of identifying talents among students in Nigeria.

CEO of Dynaspro, Oluseyi Oyebode, said, “Nigeria is a nation blessed with talents in sports but if we don’t discover them early, they will waste and that is why we want to fill this gap by unearthing and nurturing them to stardom.

“The coaches coming and with the involvement of Mutiu Adepoju will inspire and help the students to fulfil their potential in football. It is going to be a fun-filled camp mixed with several activities put in place to mould the participants during their stay.”

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Nigerian lifters claim four gold at Powerlifting W’Cup

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Nigerian lifters claim four gold at Powerlifting W’Cup

In a remarkable display of strength and skill, Nigerian para powerlifters have clinched four gold medals at the ongoing Para Powerlifting World Cup in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, The Punch reports.

Two gold medals were won on Wednesday and on Thursday, two other para-athletes doubled the tally.

Bose Bejide won Nigeria’s first on the opening day of the competition on Wednesday as she emerged victorious in the women’s -50kg category, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination to secure the gold medal.

Adding to Nigeria’s success, Esther Nworgu demonstrated her prowess in the women’s -41kg category, claiming the gold medal amid stiff competition. It is an upgrade to the silver Nworgu won at the Dubai 2023 World Cup.

In the men’s category on Thursday, Thomas Kure dominated the competition in the -65kg weight class winning Nigeria’s third gold, while Roland Ezuruike showcased his strength and technique to secure the country’s fourth gold medal in the -54kg category.

Team captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo told According Sports Extra that there is still more to come.

“As the captain of the team, I am very proud of all of them (lifters) because this is what we worked for and we are reaping the rewards now,” she said.

“We are not done yet as there are still more events to compete in, and I believe more medals are still coming.”

Reigning world champions Onyinyechi Mark (women’s -61kg) and Kafila Almaruf (women’s -73kg) are expected to add to Nigeria’s gold haul before the end of the six-day tourney.

Other gold medal hopefuls include Paralympic medallists Oluwafemiayo (women’s -86kg), Bose Omolayo (women’s -79kg) and Loveline Obiji (women’s -86kg).

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Ogunade backs D’Tigress to break Olympic duck in Paris

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Ogunade backs D’Tigress to break Olympic duck in Paris

Vice President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Babs Ogunade, is hopeful D’Tigress will break their Olympic duck and win their first game at the global sports showpiece at the 2024 edition in Paris, The According reports.

Despite losing two of their three games at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Antwerp, Belgium last month, D’Tigress still managed to qualify for the women’s basketball event at the 2024 Olympics.

Following the completion of the draw that took place on Tuesday at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland, Rena Wakama’s team were drawn in Group B alongside Australia, Canada and France.

African champions D’Tigress are competing at the Olympics for the third time having qualified for the Athens 2004 and Tokyo 2020 editions.

However, D’Tigress have never won a game at the Olympics and having done so at the World Cup, Ogunade hopes they will be able to bring an end to the winless streak

“We have never won any Olympic game before and we want to start by doing that now,” he told The According.

“We’ve won at the World Cup beating Argentina, Turkey and Greece but we’ve not done the same with the Olympics and it is important we start with a win. I would love us to win every game but we must take it one step at a time.

 “I spoke with the coach yesterday (Wednesday) on the need to prepare very well and also that we have to strengthen our team and bring in more players. We have a long list of players but we are trying to look at how many of them we can get.

“But our first target is to get a win because we know this is the Olympics and it is important that we do very well.”

Over the years, poor preparation and lack of funds have hampered the country’s campaign at global tournaments but Ogunade said the federation was working to checkmate this.

“The ministry, federation and NOC are involved and all hands must be on deck,” he said on the team’s preparations.

Female cricketers fear ministry may exclude them from AG largesse

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Female cricketers fear ministry may exclude them from AG largesse

Members of the 15-player senior women’s cricket team at the 2023 African Games in Ghana, who won bronze at the continental sports showpiece, do not know where their fate lies when medallists from the Games will be rewarded by the Federal Government, The According reports.

This is because the team was dropped by the Ministry of Sports Development before the Games, but the Nigeria Cricket Federation ensured their participation in the event.

Despite being the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, the Female Yellow Greens upset Namibia by a 47-run win in their second group game, before proceeding to claim the bronze medal with a three-wicket win over Uganda.

It was the first time cricket would feature at the African Games and the female team, just as their male counterparts, was ranked high enough to participate.

However, The According learnt that the female team was allegedly dropped a week after they began camping on the instructions of the ministry. But after adding to Nigeria’s medal haul at the Games, they don’t know if they will benefit from the financial rewards that will follow.

According to reports, gold medallists from the Games are entitled to $3,000 (N4.2m), silver $2,000 (N2.8m) and bronze, which the cricket team won, was pegged at $1,000 (N1.4m) as at Thursday’s exchange rate.

“We resumed camp under the ministry and after a week or thereabouts, we were told that the female team had been dropped from the African Games. At that point we were still playing our invitational tournament in Lagos,” an aggrieved player told The According.

After the NCF took care of the team’s travelling, accommodation and other logistics in Ghana, the players were invited, alongside other athletes in other sports, to a meeting with the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh.

 Sports minister John Enoh told The According he had “addressed” the issue during the meeting in Ghana but didn’t inform our correspondent if the female cricketers would be paid or not.

“I already addressed that in Accra, so I don’t expect that to be a problem. I met with them (athletes) in the Games Village and I addressed that (the issue).

However, one of the players told our correspondent that this was not the first time that they would be treated like this by the ministry.

“We are actually used to the ministry’s pattern. Even when you are preparing for the National Sports Festival or the National Youth Games, on the day you are supposed to travel, they will tell you one of the cricket teams will not be participating. Imagine how heartbreaking that can be for young athletes,” she added.

But NCF Public Relations Officer, Musa Ehizoje, is optimistic the sports ministry will reward the female cricketers after doing the country proud.

“The ministry has been very supportive of the NCF and our activities and has also contributed to the growth and development of the sport, so we are optimistic this can happen for our girls as well,” Ehizoje told our correspondent.

Omeruo ready for stiff Ghana test

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Omeruo ready for stiff Ghana test

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has expressed readiness for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against rivals Ghana in Marrakech, Morocco, on Friday (today), According Sports Extra reports.

Nigeria will once again cross paths with their West African adversaries in an exhibition game as both teams look to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.

The game comes exactly two years after the Black Stars got the better of Nigeria, via away goals, to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Revenge is, therefore, on the minds of the Super Eagles, who will have to find a way without their talismanic striker Victor Osimhen after the Napoli striker was ruled out of the game due to injury.

Speaking ahead of the high-profile international friendly, Omeruo described the fixture as a match that cannot be termed as a ‘friendly’ but they have been working hard and are ready for the clash.

“We have been training and working hard and you know its not usually a friendly game against Ghana. We are ready to come out to play, working with our new coach (Finidi George) for now, I think he’s been great so we are looking forward to it,” he said.

“Training has been great. It’s good to see the boys again after the AFCON and also to see (Wilfred) Ndidi who was missing and the likes of (Fisayo-Dele) Bashiru and other boys who weren’t at the tournament.”

The 30-year-old also praised the newly invited, Benjamin Tanimu, saying, “He is actually a good player, a good defender. It is great that he has been able to join the team.”

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Awaziem eyes ‘good run’ with Finidi

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Awaziem eyes ‘good run’ with Finidi

Super Eagles defender, Chidozie Awaziem, has thrown his weight behind interim head coach Finidi George to lead the team smoothly as they go into their two friendly matches against Ghana and Mali on Friday (today) and next Tuesday in Morocco, According Sports Extra reports.

The Super Eagles will take on Ghana in what will be the 60th encounter between them since 1951, and also face Mali four days later at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

Finidi, who worked as an assistant with former coach, Jose Peseiro, has been appointed on interim basis by the Nigeria Football Federation to handle the team, and the 52-year-old is also among the candidates who have applied to replace the Portuguese.

In the build up to the friendly matches, Awaziem spoke highly of the ex-international at their training camp in Morocco.

“It has been wonderful, amazing, the atmosphere is quite good, the weather conditions are good, and we are all focused on the friendly games ahead and we are all getting along with our new coach,” the Boavista FC defender said.

“I think basically he knows everything about the team. He has been part of us, so it is not going to be difficult for him to lead the team. He is doing amazingly well with the training sessions, and I hope we are going to have a good run with him.”

Ahead of the first friendly match against Ghana today, the defender also said the team has been focused on getting a good result.

“Honestly, we are planning to have a good game against Ghana. We know the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, but we are all prepared and focused for the game. We all are football players, and we all want to fight for our country. I mean, it is going to be a wonderful game between Nigeria and Ghana.”

Northern senators seek end to kidnappings, others

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Northern senators seek end to kidnappings, others

The Northern Senators’ Forum has called on the Federal Government to come up with resolute actions to tackle cases of kidnappings in the country.

The group said it would ‘‘not rest until the security situation is significantly improved and the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice.’’

The forum’s chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua made the call in a statement, in Abuja on Thursday.

Recently there has been an upsurge in kidnappings in the North, as exemplified by the kidnapping of over 280 students in Kaduna schools and the abduction of over 100 female internally displaced persons in Borno State.

Yar’Adua, who recently replaced the suspended Benue State Senator Abdul-Ahmed Ningi as the NSF chairman,  said that the recent wave of violence and kidnappings in the North was a major concern to the forum.

He expressed concern about “the series of events that have unfolded in Kaduna State, beginning with the kidnapping of 286 students and staff on March 7; the despicable attack on worshippers in a mosque on March 8 and the abduction of 61 more persons on March 12.

“This is followed by 14 persons on March 17 and a staggering total of 87 individuals in Kujuru on March 18 among others.’’

Yar’Adua, who doubles as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, said the forum was committed to pursuing a lasting solution to the menace of insecurity.

“We will not rest until the security situation is significantly improved. It is our core duty and mandate and we will spare no effort in fulfilling it for the greater good of our people and our nation,” he said.

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I couldn’t sleep after first Eagles call up – Tanimu

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I couldn’t sleep after first Eagles call up – Tanimu

New Super Eagles invitee, Benjamin Tanimu, who features for Tanzanian side Ihefu, talks about how he felt when he got the invitation for Nigeria’s friendly matches against Ghana and Mali, his time in the NPFL with Bendel Insurance and many more in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE

Congratulations on your invitation to the Super Eagles for the upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali. What were you doing when you got the invitation and what was your first reaction?

I was in my hotel room, camping ahead of a league game when I got the news, and I was like wow! I couldn’t contain my excitement and then congratulatory messages started popping on my phone. I was just pacing in the room with excitement as I replied to the messages. The feeling was special.

Since that day, have you been able to sleep normally and go through your daily activities without having to think too much about it?

That particular day I couldn’t sleep until 1am, but since then I haven’t been thinking too much about it because I have league games to attend to and things must be taken one at a time.

Just about a year ago, you were in the U-23 team as well. How was the experience?

That experience was amazing and being the first time I was called to represent Nigeria, it’s unforgettable.

You were singled out for your brilliant performance for the U-23 team, any regrets not qualifying for the African tournament leading to the Olympics?

It’s a big regret, I must tell you. Everyone wants to play at the Olympics as it’s a lifetime opportunity, especially for footballers. If you are older than 23, you stand no chance again because the over-aged players that would be invited to join the team are usually from the senior national team. So, I wasn’t happy that we couldn’t make it.

At the U-23 camp, you displayed pictures you took with some Super Eagles players who were training in Abuja as well then. How excited are you, knowing that you will be sharing a dressing room with them soon?

Honestly, I didn’t think my invitation to the Super Eagles was going to be this soon. When I met the likes of (Victor) Osimhen, (Alex) Iwobi and others in Abuja last year, I was just wishing I would be in the national team like them one day. I didn’t imagine we would be training together this soon. It was cool being around those great guys. That feeling makes me feel more excited and at the same time it keeps me cool and  focused on my game.

Looking back at your journey, what are the situations that prepared you for breakthroughs like this in order to fulfil your dream of playing for Nigeria?

Looking back, I will say it again that it’s a dream come true for me to have come this far and it’s just the start. I’ve always wanted to become a footballer and watching the national team on TV as a child till now has always been a motivation. There is a little bit of luck in life but as an individual who is seeking opportunities, I have trained hard and tried to improve with every game when given the opportunity. Starting from the street of Ogbe in Benin City, it wasn’t easy, but all the same, hard work pays. Having good people around you also matters a lot and I thank my family for the mentoring and encouragement. Above all, I’m grateful to God for granting me this big opportunity.

In September last year, you were rumoured to have joined a fourth-tier Spanish club Lleida Esportiu. How were you linked with them in the first place?

I was surprised when I saw the news too. I wasn’t even interested in leaving the NPFL to play in the fourth division. When the Tanzania offer came, it was well calculated and I left as I should, not like the other one that I was rumoured to have dumped Insurance, a club that made me.

You recently moved from Bendel Insurance to Ihefu Sports Club in Tanzania. How do you think your time in the NPFL contributed to the dream of making it into the Super Eagles?

Playing in the NPFL is no joke as it is highly tasking and requires you to be on top of your mental game at all times. At Bendel Insurance, our first season in the NPFL after gaining promotion definitely brought a lot of attention to many of us and being consistent playing in the league opened the way. We set an unbeaten record of 21 games in the league and everyone had their eyes on us. The league is without a doubt one of the best in Africa and I thank the NPFL board and the NFF for improving the league and giving me the opportunity for the world to see what NPFL players are made of.

You have also been very key to your new club. Do you think your call up is as a result of moving abroad?

No. Six games in Tanzania aren’t enough to earn me a national team call up. The technical department must have been watching me from the NPFL and also the time I was in the U-23 — it all started from the NPFL.

There are seven other defenders in the squad for the friendlies. What are you looking forward to?

Those are seven great guys and seven experienced tanks to draw from. I’m going to learn new things about playing from these guys and also try to improve my game, then leave the rest to the coaches.

How do you see your chances of getting some minutes in the friendlies?

They are friendly matches and the coaches know what they want to get from the matches, so, if called up for some minutes, it’s my duty to give them my best as well. And yes, I know I must put in the work in training to justify my inclusion. Beyond these matches, it is my desire to return with the squad for upcoming matches and I know that means I must be consistent in training and when I get back to my club.

When you get to camp, who is the first person you are going to video call?

Not really one person but my family then Bendel Insurance keeper Amas Obasogie, and Osarenkhoe Imade.

How was your growing up like?

My dad is from Kaduna my mum is from Jos. I was born and brought up in Benin City. As a result, I understand Hausa even if I don’t speak it fluently, and I also understand the Edo dialect.

So far so good, what are the achievements you are proud of in your career?

Getting to where I am is a big achievement for a young player like me, bringing Bendel Insurance from relegation to surprising other big clubs in the NPFL and winning the Federation Cup after about 43 years for the club is also a big achievement. Also, playing in the CAF Confederation Cup is among them. Now, I am moving from being an U-23 player into the senior national team, and in no time, I will have more achievements to point to for Nigeria; that’s my prayer.

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