India Discplines Nigeria Female Ping Pongers.

Nigerian female table tennis team has failed to qualify for the next round in the ongoing World Team Table Tennis Championship in Dortmund, Germany.

The team which comprises of Funke Oshonaike, Offiong Edem, Cecilia Otu amomg others, loss three games to nothing to India to miss out from qualifying for the next round of the championship.

The team will have to fight to remain in division two after losing four out of the five matches played in Dortmund.

NFF Applauds Senate President.

Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation applauded the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission,Bolaji Abdullahi and the Chairman of the Senate Sports Committee, Senator Adamu Gumba and Members of his Committee, for the very successful two-day Public Hearing on Nigerian sports and particularly football, which took place 26th – 27th March, 2012 at the National Assembly.

It also commended the maturity of Nigerians who made useful and meaningful contributions, and the wealth of ideas.

It also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Distinguished Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and the Honourable Minister/Chairman, NSC, Mallam Bolaji
Abdullahi for sincerity of purpose in kick-starting the on-going reconciliation process in the country’s football.

In line with this process, the Committee appointed a three-man Reconciliation Team to
meet with and make efforts to assuage aggrieved persons within the Nigerian football family.

They are Emeka Inyama, Felix Anyansi-Agwu; Olaleye Adepoju and Honourable Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande.

Tunisia Refs For Falconets, Zimbabwe.

Tunisian Referee Lilia Abdeljaoued will be at the centre when the Nigeria’s Under 20 Women’s Team, Falconets take on their counterparts from Zimbabwe in Abeokuta on Saturday.

She will be assisted by compatriots Rahma Alouini (1st Assistant Referee), Hanene Ayari (2nd Assistant Referee) and Safia Ayouni (4th Official). The Match Commissioner is Therese Pauline Manguelle from Cameroon.

The winner of the fixture between Nigeria and Zimbabwe will play the winner of the fixture between Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo for a place at this year’s FIFA Under 20 Women’s World Cup finals in Japan later this year.

Maigari Assures World Cup-bound Flamingoes, Charges Falconets To Go For Glory

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, has charged the Falconets to go all out for glory and take no prisoners when they take on their Zimbabwean counterparts in a FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifier in Abeokuta on Saturday.

The NFF boss made this known in Abuja on Wednesday, just as he assured the World Cup-bound Team, would get all the support from the Federation to prepare adequately for the tournament in Azerbaijan.

“The NFF is very happy with the qualification of the U-17 Women National Team for this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals. That is the beginning of good things to come for Nigeria football this year and in the coming years.

“Now, it is our prerogative to ensure that the team is fully and adequately prepared for the tournament in Azerbaijan. At the last tournament in Trinidad and Tobago, our girls got to the quarter finals, and only lost to eventual champions Korea Republic after extra time. This year, we must go farther, and perhaps win the trophy”, said
Maigari.

Maigari, said it was the prerogative of the NFF to ensure that the team is fully and adequately prepared for the tournament in Azerbaijan, stressing that the team must surpass the records set in the last edition of the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago where Korea Republic sent the team out at the quarter final stage.

“Come Saturday, the Falconets are also in action against their counterparts from Zimbabwe. It is important that they get a huge win since it is the first leg; that will reduce the pressure going into the second leg in Harare.

“We believe in the technical crew and what they have been doing, and we know the players will do Nigeria proud.

The NFF President also called on the Falconets, to go all out for a comfortable win against Zimbabwe on Saturday at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta in a bid to reduce the pressure during the second leg in Harare.

NFF Set To Name Saintfiet As Its Technical Director.

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, has applauded the Nigeria's Flamingoes, for qualifying for this year’s FIFA Under -17 Women’s World Cup finals in Azerbaijan, with their 7-1 aggregate trouncing of Zambia.

This was contained in a communique signed by Emeka Inyama,and made available to Sportsweight.blogspot.com

The Committee also expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, his administration for the support bestowed on the Federation and the National female teams.

The Committee set up a six-man Strategic Team to fashion a road map for the sustainable development of Nigeria football.

The committee also approved the recommendation of its Technical Sub-Committee to appoint Tom Saintfiet, a Belgian, as the National Technical Director. It also charged the Technical Sub-Committee to recommend a Nigerian Coach who will work with and understudy the Belgian.

The Technical Sub-Committee’s recommendation for the appointment of Kadiri Ikhana as Head Coach of the Senior Women’s Team, Super Falcons, and Justin Madugu, Rita Nwadike, Charity Enweren, as an Assistants coach and Bala Mohammed as a Goalkeepers’ Trainer, was approved.

The Executive Committee also approved the recommendation of the Technical Sub-Committee for the retention of the coaching crew of the Sam John Obuh as the Head coach of Flying Eagles, Abimbola Samuel, Yakubu Maidagin as Assistants coach; Suleiman Shuaibu as Goalkeepers’ Trainer.

The Committee endorsed the planned international friendly match between the Super Eagles and the Senior Team of Egypt, billed for Abu Dhabi on 12th April and the friendly with Peru in Lima on 21st May, 2012 as the Committee mandated the Technical Sub-Committee to constitute a Technical Crew for the Five-A-Side National Team, ahead
of the African qualifiers for the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand.

Keshi Off To US To See Family

After nearly five months of the rigours of managing the Super Eagles without sighting his family, Eagles boss, Stephen Keshi, has departed Nigeria for the United States to see his family.

There had been fears that Keshi will again miss seeing his family following the institution of a friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt and the heavy schedule that will follow in the month of May and June, with friendlies and qualifiers lined up for the national team.

But after a meeting with the Nigeria Football Federation leadership, it was thought that Keshi be allowed to visit his family and join the team in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on April 9, on time for the duel that will be played April 12 at the same venue.

Keshi had dropped his list of players for the encounter with the Technical Committee of the NFF, and the list which was earlier scheduled to be released yesterday, will now be pushed out tomorrow, while the team resumes camp next Monday, April 2, 2012.

Keshi had already told the NFF leadership that he was delighted with the friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt, as it would afford him the opportunity of playing his burgeoning home-based side against the all-time African Nations Cup winner.

In his absence, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, will take charge along side Sylvanus Okpala, Hyndounou Valere and Ike Shorunmi.

Nigeria Table Tennis Federation Needs A Technical Adviser, Says Oshodi

Nigeria male team beat Finland 3 - nil as the country's sensational table tennis player Ojo Onaolapo make his debut at the World Team Table Tennis championship.

The team last group game will be against Canada and the three top teams in the group made up of Romania, India, Canada, Norway, Finland and Nigeria are expected to progress to the next stage of the championship.

At present, Romania topped the group with four wins from four matches, while India placed second with three wins while Nigeria is third with two wins.

Canada and Norway has one win each while Finland had lost all its matches.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Enitan Oshodi who was in Dortmund for the championship said it was obvious that Nigeria need to expose its younger table tennis players to international tournaments, adding that the trend has paid off with the good performance of Ojo Onaolapo who defeated his Finish opponent.

He advised that the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation need the service of a foreign technical adviser who would help to improve the game in the country.

While commending Segun Toriola and Funke Oshonaike for their commitment to the country especially their dedication whenever their services are needed, said the Nigerian team had not disgrace the nation because most of the matches they lost were in a close battle.

LSFA Debut At Soccerex Seminar In Manchester.

As part of its efforts to change the face of football in the country and the continent, the Lagos State Football Association LSFA will debut for the first time at Soccerex Business Europe Forum.

Speaking from London yesterday, the LSFA boss, Seyi Akinwunmi, informed that the state will exhibit its rich resources and potentials in order to attract foreign investors at the forum which gets hold Wednesday and Thursday at the Manchester Central, United Kingdom.

Aside the exhibition, the LSFA boss will deliver a paper titled; Emerging Marketing Lagos, ''The Lagos vision for of football in West Africa to over 1,000 football persons around the world.

Speaking further, Akinwunmi who was accompanied to the trip by two other members of the board; Tajudeen Oladeji and Wale Joseph informed that the Soccerex Seminar will enable the state and the country benefit in terms of various technical partnership with notable footballing nations and will also open sports business to the state and the country at large.

He also informed that Lagos would host a Soccerex Seminar later in the year as a way of bringing football technocrats and notable personnel in the country to help in the development of football in the state.

LSFA Boss Urges EPL, British Council On Development.

The Lagos State Football Association, LSFA, Chairman, Seyi Akinwunmi has charged the officials of the English Premier League and the British Council to lend their support the State’s football development programme.

Speaking in Lagos at the launch of Premier Skills Nigeria held at the Legacy Pitch, Surulere, Lagos, Akinwunmi noted that the Premier Skills initiative would help players and the coaches in Nigeria to realize their dreams in the game.

The LSFA boss, who commended the Premier League and the British Council for their wonderful idea on football development, appealled to the British Council to facilitate such an initiative to support the already existing programmes in Lagos State.

He said LSFA had a football brand in Lagos which is 'EkoFootball' as they have a lot of developmental programmes such as 'Let the Children Play' which is a programme for 8-13 year old school children which includes a coach the coaches programme and has Supersport as one of our partners."

The project led by head coach, Iffy Onuora who had previously handled a number of teams in England and the Ethiopian national team was supported by Steve Howey, Ex-England and Newcastle player, Stephen Hutchinson, community coach from Bolton Wanderers.

The first phase of the Premier Skills initiative involving 48 local coaches came to an end on Tuesday.

TC Terrors, Lead United, Others For Promasidor Easter Tourney

Defending champions, TC Terrors, last year’s runners up, Lead United and six other teams have signified their interest of taking part in the 5th Promasidor Parasoccer Tournament, which will hold in Lagos during the Easter period next month.

Other teams are NAS Warriors, Premium Sports, Kwara State United, teams from Plateau, Adamawa and Nassarawa States.

Unlike in the previous editions, this year’s competition, which is packaged and organised by Total Consult in conjunction with the Lagos State Paralympic Association, will be played on round robin basis, where any participating team will have the opportunity of playing a minimum of three matches in the tournament.

According to the Tournament Coordinator, Idowu George, “the opening day of the competition has now been shifted forward to include Thursday preceding the usual Good Friday opening day in previous editions. Teams shall be broken into two groups of A and B.

Each team in the groups shall play three matches each on the first day (Thursday), making six matches on that day.

“The same thing shall happen on Friday, where four teams will emerge successful and qualify for the semi-finals on Saturday. Sunday is rest day as is the usual practice, while Easter Monday features a duel between two finalists and third and fourth place positions.”

George said that the organisers of the tournament, which is sponsored by Promasidor Nigeria, maker of Cowbell, is working round the clock to ensure that the competition is better packaged this year.

It would be recalled that T.C Terrors Parasoccer Club beat Tayo Popoola sponsored Leads United to win the 4th edition last year at the Unilag Sports Centre in Lagos.

The 3rd place match was won by Baba Maigoro from Adamawa state who beat Kwara State team 3-1.

Oyetayo, Bello Win Chairman's Cup.

Representatives of Union Bank Table Tennis Club, Sola Oyetayo and Fatimo Bello, have emerged the winners of the Chairman's Table Tennis Competition which came to an end over the weekend at the Mobolaji Johnson Sportshall, Rowe Park, Yaba.

The duo, Sola Oyetayo and Fatimoh Bello, who won the maiden edition of the AAAMF Table Tennis Championship last two Saturday repeated same feat on Saturday during the maiden edtion of the Chairman's Table Tennis Cup, solely sponsored by the chairman of te Lagos State Table Tennis Association.

Oyetayo, who was honored with the sum of forty thousand naira as the champion defeated Ganiyu Ashimmiyu of Union Bank Table Tennis Club, 11 - 5, 8 - 11, 4 - 11, 11 - 8, 11 - 4.

To reach the final, the champion who beat Kazeem Makanjuola, 6 - 11, 11 - 7, 12 - 10, 11 - 5 in the quarter final tie and Mojeed Olayiwola in the semi final clash, praised the association chairman for organising a regular competitions to keep the state's ping pongers in good shape in readiness for the EKO 2012 Games in November.

Ashimiyu, who was widely tipped to win the tournament following his outstanding performances in previous national tournaments exhibited the skills in him but t was obviously not enough to stop Oyetayo who seem to be destined to win the competition.

Ashimiyu, who scaled through the league format to qualified for the quarter final, beat Jide Ogidiolu, another enterprising table tennis player,11 - 5, 11 - 6, 11 - 7, and Monsuru Kazeem in the semi clash, 11 - 9, 11 - 8, 5 - 11, 12 - 10, got the sum of fifteen thousand naira for his efforts.

Fatimo Bello, a diploma student of Physical and Health Education in the Lagos State University, who started table tennis in 2000, confirmed her supremacy over Funke Hassan of Nigeria Police Force after beating her by three set to one, 13 - 11, 7 - 11, 11 - 5, 14 - 12 to smile home with the sum of forty thousand naira while Hassan got thirty thousand naira for her efforts.

Bello, 15, defeated Hassan last two weeks at the AAAMF Table Tennis Championship by three straight set of 11 -7 11 - 8, 14 - 12.

The club's coach, Samson Ajayi, attributed the club's domination in table tennis in Lagos State to the commitment of the Bank's management to sporting excellence, stressing that the players are provided with necessary materials that would aid their victories in any organized tournament.

Ajayi, said the team's coaching crew always subject the ping pongers to serious training programme to keep them in competition mood and the trend has yielded positive results, adding that they would not relent in their efforts to win all the national championship in 2012.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Table Tennis Association,LSTTA, has assured that its ping pngers would soon be invited to open camping in preparation for the EKO 2012 Games in November.

Its Chairman,Femi Sokoya, while speaking with sports correspondents, said the association had delved into a short - term programme by organizing tow competitions within two weeks as the gesture is geared at engaging them in a regular vents to prepare them ahead of the EKO 2012 Games.

Sokoya, who solely sponsored the competition, said he decided to increase the tournament's cash prize in a bid to create a platform where the athletes would be willing to compete for honors in subsequent editions and also to keep them intact for the Games.

He noticed that the sport which was second to football during the playing days of tanda Musa, late Yomi Bankole, Sunday Eboh, Bose Kaffo among others, has nose - dived, adding that the association has resolved to raise the standard of table tennis through regular competitions by partnering the corporate bodies and also popularizing it through grass root programme for the Primary and Secondary schools in the state.

He appealed to the State Government to create a scheme for the athletes welfare to make them stay put with the state and also to discourage them from being poached by other states prior to the EKO 2012.

Oyetayo, Bello Win Chairman's Table Tennis Cup.

Representatives of Union Bank Table Tennis Club, Sola Oyetayo and Fatimo Bello, have emerged the winners of the Chairman's Table Tennis Competition which came to an end over the weekend at the Mobolaji Johnson Sportshall, Rowe Park, Yaba.

The duo, Sola Oyetayo and Fatimoh Bello, who won the maiden edition of the AAAMF Table Tennis Championship last two Saturday repeated same feat on Saturday during the maiden edtion of the Chairman's Table Tennis Cup, solely sponsored by the chairman of te Lagos State Table Tennis Association.

Oyetayo, who was honored with the sum of forty thousand naira as the champion defeated Ganiyu Ashimmiyu of Union Bank Table Tennis Club, 11 - 5, 8 - 11, 4 - 11, 11 - 8, 11 - 4.

To reach the final, the champion who beat Kazeem Makanjuola, 6 - 11, 11 - 7, 12 - 10, 11 - 5 in the quarter final tie and Mojeed Olayiwola in the semi final clash, praised the association chairman for organising a regular competitions to keep the state's ping pongers in good shape in readiness for the EKO 2012 Games in November.

Ashimiyu, who was widely tipped to win the tournament following his outstanding performances in previous national tournaments exhibited the skills in him but t was obviously not enough to stop Oyetayo who seem to be destined to win the competition.

Ashimiyu, who scaled through the league format to qualified for the quarter final, beat Jide Ogidiolu, another enterprising table tennis player,11 - 5, 11 - 6, 11 - 7, and Monsuru Kazeem in the semi clash, 11 - 9, 11 - 8, 5 - 11, 12 - 10, got the sum of thirty thousand naira for his efforts.

Fatimo Bello, a diploma student of Physical and Health Education in the Lagos State University, who started table tennis in 2000, confirmed her supremacy over Funke Hassan of Nigeria Police Force after beating her by three set to one, 13 - 11, 7 - 11, 11 - 5, 14 - 12 to smile home with the sum of forty thousand naira while Hassan got thirty thousand naira for her efforts.

Bello, 15, defeated Hassan last two weeks at the AAAMF Table Tennis Championship by three straight set of 11 -7 11 - 8, 14 - 12.

The club's coach, Samson Ajayi, attributed the club's domination in table tennis in Lagos State to the commitment of the Bank's management to sporting excellence, stressing that the players are provided with necessary materials that would aid their victories in any organized tournament.

Ajayi, said the team's coaching crew always subject the ping pongers to serious training programme to keep them in competition mood and the trend has yielded positive results, adding that they would not relent in their efforts to win all the national championship in 2012.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Table Tennis Association,LSTTA, has assured that its ping pongers would soon be invited to open camping in preparation for the EKO 2012 Games in November.

Its Chairman,Femi Sokoya, while speaking with sports correspondents, said the association had delved into a short - term programme by organizing tow competitions within two weeks as the gesture is geared at engaging them in a regular vents to prepare them ahead of the EKO 2012 Games.

Sokoya, who solely sponsored the competition, said he decided to increase the tournament's cash prize in a bid to create a platform where the athletes would be willing to compete for honors in subsequent editions and also to keep them intact for the Games.

He noticed that the sport which was second to football during the playing days of Atanda Musa, late Yomi Bankole, Sunday Eboh, Bose Kaffo among others, has nose - dived, adding that the association has resolved to raise the standard of table tennis through regular competitions by partnering the corporate bodies and also popularizing it through grass root programme for the Primary and Secondary schools in the state.

He appealed to the State Government to create a scheme for the athletes welfare to make them stay put with the state and also to discourage them from being poached by other states prior to the EKO 2012.

Adopt-A-Talent Sports Releases Names Of Coaches

The Management Committee of Adopt-A-Talent Sports Programme has made public the names of 30 coaches for the second phase of the project.

Notably among the names is former Nigerian international and ex-Super Eagles' goalkeeper trainer, Joseph Erico, who will be in charge of Football. He will be assisted by Ademola Fakorede, Babajide Oguntuase, and Williams Oletu.

Boxing has Joe Mensah, a seasoned coach with Nigeria Boxing Federation and handler of World Boxing Council, WBC, Welterweight contender, Olusegun Ajose. He will be assisted by Wasiu Bisiriyu and Daniel Faseso.

Basketball has another former national coach and Director of Sports in Lagos, Ganiyu Otenigbagbe as the Head Coach. He will be assisted by Coach of Zenith Bank Women Premier League side, Deepwater Basketball Club, Lateef Erinfolami, Yinka Oyewunmi and Olamide Agbeseyi.

Uruemu Adu is the Head Coach of Athletics, while Bamidele Solomon and Saheed Okeola will assist him.

Oluwole Orukotan is in charge of Table Tennis. He will be assisted by Olasumbo Dele and Ganiyu Kadiri.

Highly rated in the nation top class coach, Edokpolo takes charge in Judo, with Coach Gbenga Orteje as assistant. Patrick Edem will be in charge in Gymnastics with John Oyewuwo and Chinedu Ajero as assistant.

Karate has Olusina John as the Head Coach. He has Alfred Fatolu and Jude Oyibokure as assistants, while Swimming has Goodie Emefuna as Head Coach. He will be assisted by Mrs. Eniola Omope and Abiodun Ojomo.

Yet again one time former national coach and US based Suraj Onatuga heads Volleyball. Gift Sowemimo is appointed as the Chaperon for the programme.

Speaking on the appointment, chairman of the Management Committee, Prince Wale Oladunjoye said that at least three coaches with proven track records were appointed for each of the 12 sports in the ongoing second phase of the programme.

"Looking at the list, one is impressed to find a good number of national coaches being attracted to this wonderful programme approved by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola," said the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development to the Governor.

"The appointment of these former Nigerian internationals is a wakeup call to people who have shown interest in sponsoring and adopting athletes in this programme to please redeem their pledges in order to encourage others to adopt athletes in their chosen sports," he said.

Dedevdo To Invite Fit Players To Camp.

Head Coach of Nigeria's Flamingoes, Peter Dedevbo,has said that only players who are very fit would be invited to camp ahead of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

The coach made tis statement on Sunday the players and officials of Nigeria's Flamingoes were officially decamped this Sunday.

According to Sportsweight.blogspot.com, the camp was vacated on Sunday morning and the players have all gone back to their various clubs.

Dedevbo,says he intend starting his world cup camp as soon as he submits his programme to technical department of NFF, adding that football is a game of the moment as such players who remain fit on current form when the camp re-opens will be eligible to be called up”

Speaking further he said “playing in the qualifiers does not guarantee your recall to camp as we prepare for the world cup.Every player must merit her call.”

Flamingoes did a double against Zambia by beating them 5-0 in Abeokuta,and 2-1 a forthnight ago in Lusaka.

The team is now among three teams who will represent Africa at the next FIFA Under 17 world cup in Azerbaijan later this year.

Kaduna Corporate League Postpone Till July.

As a mark of respect to the Zenith Bank football players, Yusuf Abubakar, who died recently, the organisers of the fifth edition of the Kaduna Corporate League Cup has postponed the tourney.

The soccer competition which was scheduled to kickoff this Saturday 24th of March, 2012 will now start begin on the 7th of July 2012.

The tournament's chief organiser, Vincent Akinbami, said the postponement became imperative to honour the football player who died last Saturday after a brief illness and also to mourn with the bank over the deceased.

"In solidarity with the staff of zenith bank and in the spirit of comradeship, we the organisers and the other participating teams, Microcred,UBA, Fidelity Bank, Eco bank and Access bank, decided to shift the tournament to July to allow the Zenith Bank staff to be in a stable state of mind in readiness for the competition.

Akinbami, said the objective of the tournament was to increase the physical wellbeing of staff and also to create comradeship among staff of banks in Kaduna State.

Kaduna Corporate league cup which is a football competition among staff of banks ,telecoms and insurance companies, is organised by Bestworth Insurance Brokers and suported by Wadson International and Bertway International.

Amosun Visit Flamingoes Camp.

The executive Governor of Ogun State,Senator Ibikunle Amosu, has paid a visit to Nigeria's Flamingoes.

The Governor, was at the team's last training session yesterday ahead of tomorrow's clash against the She- Polopolo of Zambia in the FIFA Under 17 World Cup qualifier at the M.K.Obiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Amosun, who spoke through the state's Commisioner for Sports,Gbenga Otenuga, charged the team to make sure they complete the job they started in Lusaka by beating the Zambian’s silly.

Otenuga, said the Governor would be physically present to cheer the Flamingoes to victory, adding that the state would be ready to host any national team because of unalloyed love for sports.

Nigeria Football Federation Director of competition, Sanusi Mohammed , who thanked the Governor and good people of Ogun state for their hospitality,urged them to encourage youth to take into sports.

Sanusi also presented jersey to His Excellency and his wife Mrs Olunfunso Amosun, who has been formally written to be the number fan and supporter of the Under 17 as well as the Under 20 female teams.

Judo Coaches Call On Governor Fashola For Athletes Welfare.

Lagos State Judo Association, LSJA, has called on Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to introduce a comprehensive welfare package for the State's Judokas ahead of the EKO 2012 Games in November.

Its Assistant coach, Rabo Adikwu, who made this statement while speaking with Sportsweight.blogspot.com, at the final of a two - day referee induction course and competition, said the move would motivate the athletes to stay put with the association and also to win laurels at the games in November, 2012.

Adikwu, who is currently ranked 32nd in the world,after competing at the 2011 World Judo Championship in Paris, France, said the association's coaches had resolved to re- doubled their efforts towards imparting effective technical skills on the athletes to excel at the Games.

The Judo Coach, explained that the competition had enabled them to know the athletes weakness and strength of the athletes who would be invited for camping, adding that they had concluded arrangements to organise regular competitions on monthly basis.

Femi Sokoya Promises To Reform Table Tennis In Lagos State.

The Sports hall of the Lagos State Sports Council will be alive on Saturday for the Chairman's table tennis championship.

The competition according to the chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, Femi Sokoya, was part of activities lined up to keep their wards in good frame of mind ahead of the EKO 2012 Games, in November.

Sokoya, whose aspirations was to elevate the status of the sport, said the tournament which would feature Men and Women Singles would be played in a league format of group of four where the best ping pongers would scale through to the quarter fnal.

The association chairman, said the league format was imperative because it afford each table tennis player to play more than four games, thus enabling them to ascertain the fitness level of the ping pongers ahead of a major event.

To him, the association are on the right track towards surpassing the achievement recored at the Garden City Games.

NFF Goes Tough On Medical, Security Requirements.

The Nigeria Football FederatioN,NFF, has said that it will ensure full compliance with all medical and security requirements by clubs hosting any League match in the country.

Speaking in Abuja, NFF President,Aminu Maigari said the Federation will issue unambiguous directives to the Nigeria Premier League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women’s League and Nigeria Nationwide League on the matter of compliance with these requirements.

“We cannot continue to watch while clubs and other persons that should know better endanger the lives of our footballers. In a matter of days, we will issue the different Leagues with clear directives and there should be no longer be half measures”, said Maigari.

The NFF President went further: “It is important that all medical requirements are met before the beginning of any match. There will no longer be half measures or overlooking of critical requirements. People in charge of arranging security at all stadia must work hand-in-hand with the Football Association in each State to achieve
the best possible condition before kick-off of any match.

“For instance, there has to be ambulances at every League match, whether, Premier League, National League, Women’s League or Nationwide League. It is not only the ambulance, but other provisions as well”.

Statutory provisions require that at least 50 policemen must be at the stadium to provide security before kick-off of any League match, and there must be adequate security at the hotels of the two teams, escort arrangement to the stadium and to training pitch, well-organized traffic control measures in the event of diversion and security at the stadium entrance for screening and at the VIP area.

Medical requirements include two ambulances, on-ground medical staff
(first-aiders and stretcher-bearers), well-equipped medical bay within the stadium and solid arrangement with a well-equipped hospital in case of emergencies.

We Will Beat She - Polopolo, Says Aidelomon

Captain of the Nigeria's Flamingoes, Victoria Aidelomon, is confident that the team will make Nigerians proud in their return leg against She- Polopolo of Zambia schduled for Saturday at the M.K.O Stadium, Abeokuta.

The players and officials have arrived Abeokuta, venue of their African qualifiers against Zambia this weekend.

Head coach of the team Peter Dedevbo, who praised the efforts of the Nigeria Footbal Federation in making sure that the squad does not lack needed materials to excel, said the team would not disappiont Nigerians as they take on theShe-polopolo.

Meanwhile,Flamingoes will engage Tewo Babes of Ibadan, in a friendly match this evening at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium.

Jordan Thompson To Attend Kiddies Golf Tourney.

Internation young Golf player from the United Kingdom, Jordan Thompson will be attending the Kiddies Golf Tourney scheduled to hold between April 9th and 14th 2012 in Abuja.

To this end, the event have attrated the attention of Sheraton Hotels, Abuja, Dufil Nig Limited, makers of Indomie Noodles and fast food chain giant BigTreat PLC that have thrown in their weight behind the Kiddies golf tourney in Abuja.

The event which is organised by an international organisation, Kids Golf International will take place between April 9th and 14th 2012 with children aged between 5 and 18 years old competing over 2 days in a stroke play format at the IBB Golf Club.


The final day of the event will see chosen Nigerian bread golfers take on International players in a Ryder cup style event.

Winners of the individual event of each age group will also proceed to the UK for the US Kids European Championships in June 2012.

Managing Director of Big Treat Mrs Pamela Wu and first Vice President Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria, has expressed excitement about supporting event.

She said it was good that children are encouraged to play the sport early and expose them to international tournaments and I will do my best to support the organisation.

The event will also see the launch of the Golf Hall of Fame where individuals and organisations will be recognised for the contributions in developing the sport.

Sources close have indicated names such as Senator David Mark, HM King Alfred Diete-Spiff and his queen Lady J, Senator John Shagaya, Rtd Gen Haruna, Rtd Gen Domkat Bali, Former president, Ibrahim Babangida, Akwa Ibom Governor Goodswill Akpabio, Ahlaji Awa Ibrahim, Hajia Nana Abubakar, Emma Ekong, First Lady of Cross Rivers State, Mrs Obioma Imoke, Pamela Wu, Otunba Olusola Adekanla, Ambassor Solomon Adama Yisa, and Director of Tourism Olusegun Runsewe.

Organisations include, MTN Nigeria, Central Bank of Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, Shell Nigeria PLC to mention but a few. Registration for the event is still open but closes soon.

NFF Bill: Nigerians want National Assembly to expedite action

The overwhelming majority of speakers at Monday’s public hearing on the new NFF Bill before the National Assembly spoke favourably in favour of the House of Representatives, and later the Senate, expediting action on the passage of the Bill.

The public hearing, which took place inside the Conference Room of the House of Representatives, was called on the repeal of the existing Nigeria Football Association Act 2004 and the enactment of the Nigeria Football Federation Act 2012.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the House of Reps’ Sports Committee, Honourable Godfrey Ali Gaiya noted that the noise level in Nigeria football administration, especially on such a pedestrian matter as nomenclature, was becoming too high and distracting the administrators from the serious work of development.

“It is in realization of the need to put a stop to these distractions that we are encouraged to call this public hearing towards finalizing the process of passing the Bill, which will conform with global best practices and also allow the administrators concentrate on the job of giving Nigeria good results from international matches and developing the game at home”, said Gaiya.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal, represented by Honourable Nnenna Ukeje-Elendu, said the Sports Committee enjoys the full confidence of the Lower House to pursue the repeal of the NFA Act 2004 and enact the NFF Act 2012 as “sports is a veritable tool for any nation and must be nurtured and nourished to bring glory to our country”.

Speaker after speaker praised the efforts of the Sports Committee of the House of Reps for its active role in the matter, with the Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who was respresented by the Director General,Patrick Ekeji giving his full support to the enactment of the new
Act.

Also at the public hearing were the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ayo Omidiran and other members of the Committee.

NFF President Aminu Maigari made a passionate plea to the House to repeal the existing Act and enact the new Act, listing the benefits of such an exercise to include harmony, focus, peace, progress, development, greater support from Corporate Nigeria, good preparation for the National Teams for competitions, higher chances of winning trophies, higher ranking for Nigeria football, positive image for Nigeria globally and boost to the economy.

Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro, a former Secretary General of then NFA and former Member of the House of Reps, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, former Deputy Chairman of House of Reps’ Committee on Sports, Mr. Chidi Okenwa, Chairman of Enugu State Football Association (on behalf of the Football Associations of the 36 States and FCT), Mrs Grace Yaro, national coordinator of Sports Development Initiative, Barrister
Anthony Towoju, Kwara State Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Austin Popo, Secretary of Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria and Dr. M. T. Amodu spoke in similar vein.

Oyetayo, Bello, Win AAAMF Table Tennis Championship.

Two representatives of Union Bank Table Tennis players in the male and female categories in the just concluded Adio Ayoka Apatira Memorial Foudation table tennis Championship have recorded outstanding performances in the tourney which came to a close over the weekend at the Mobolaji Johnson Sportshall, Rowe Park, Yaba.

The tournament which featured a total twenty(20) male ping pongers in the Men's Singles, saw Shola Oyetayo wining the maiden edition after beating Ayo Omotara by three set to One in the best of five games, 11- 7, 11 - 9, 8 - 11, 11 - 9, to win a trophy couple with the sum of twenty thousand for his feat.

To achieve this feat, Oyetayo who outplayed Jide Ogidiolu three set to one, 4 - 11, 11 - 8, 11 - 5, 11 - 8 in the quarter final to book a date with Omotayo Jide whom he defeated by three straight set of 11 - 9, 12 - 10, 11 - 4, in an exciting game which left Ayo Omotara for settling for fifteen thousand naira for his effort.

It was an easy ride for Fatimoh Bello of Union Bank Table Tennis Club in the Women's Singles that had sixteen table tennis player in attendance as she defeated Funke Hassan of the Nigeria Police Force, the former winner of Odunmbaku Table Tennis Championship in 2010, in a game which ended three straight set of 11 - 7, 11 - 8 , 14 - 12, to grab the sum of twenty thousand naira set aside for the winner who grabbed fifteen thousand naira.

Bello, a diploma student of Physical and Health Education from the Lagos State University, Ojo, explained the she was very lucky to win the tournament because she was not well prepared for the One - day championship as she obtained the registration late to the event but she relied on her residual knowledge to outwit Funke Hassan whom she defeated during the final of Lagos State Table Tennis League.

The defeat of Funke Hassan was a blessing as the chairman of Itire - Ikate Local Council Development Area, Honourable Akeem Adisa Bamgbola, promised to provide financial assistant as well other incentives to help Hassan to achieve fortune in the sport, stressing that it was glaring that Funke Hassan is well endowed in the game but he needs to be encouraged to stand out amomng her peer group.

Bamgbola, who showed commitment to help Hassan, said he had informed the association Chairman on his intention to support the player's quest to become a force to reckon with in the game and that both parties would soon meet to finalize the arrangement.

The Sponsor, who doubles as the Patron of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, Honourable Akeem Apatira, urged the table tennis players who were unable to win in this year's edition not to loss hope but work hard to achieve better result in subsequent editions, adding that the efficacy of hard working propel the winners to gain better prospect in the event.

Apatira, said he had concluded to pick outstanding ping ponger in either the Men's Singles or the Women's Singles events whom he would endorsed for a period of time, adding that such ping ponger would have to inform him through a letter what he or she needs to excel in the sport.

The Association's Chairman,Femi Shokoya, assured that the association would not relent in its efforts to uplift the standard of the sport as the just concluded competition was part of their short- term programme to keep the players in regular competition mood ahead of major national tournament especially the EKO 2012 Games in November, 2012.

Shokoya, whose vision is to add greater value to the sport, said the association would partner some corporate bodies to actualize the association's dream and also to create a platform of excellence for its table tennis players who according to him among the best rated player in the country.

The LSTTA Chairman, said the Mobolaji Johnson Sports hall would be agog next Saturday, 24th of March, 2012, with the Chairman's Table Tennis Championship after which the association has resolved to be organizing a monthly table tennis competitions to redeem the image of the sport in the state.

GRC Motorsport Hosts Friends Of Racing Eagle

GRC Motorsport hosted friends and fans of Racing Eagle (Team Nigeria) to an
event tagged “An Evening with Racing Eagle” at the prestigious Raceway
Docklands in London.

The Docklands has hosted Formula 1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and other big names in the Motorsport world.

The event, which was well attended by people in the Motorsport industry, was an opportunity for friends, fans and motorsport enthusiasts to meet the Racing Eagle's drivers, technical partners and the GRC team.

The evening began with a forum at the Sienna suite, where Racing Eagle drivers, Sam Collins and Ovie Iroro, were officially introduced.

Discussions were held on the future plans of Team Nigeria and Racing Eagle, followed by questions and answer session with Ian Barnwell, who is the Racing Eagle's Chief Sporting Director, Joe Osbourne, Race Driver for United Autosport and George Holroyd, Racecar Livery Designer.

Speaking at the event, Ribi Adeshokan, Team Principal/Owner of Team Nigeria Racing Eagle said that the Racing Eagle's project started since 2006, adding that the plan is to launch the project in London and Nigeria before the inaugural race at the start of the season in June this year.

The. Lead Driver, Sam Collins said he was excited to be part of what he called a great history. "I have never been to Nigeria and I've refused to visit until Motorsport is brought to Nigeria. GRC has made this possible and it’s a dream come true. I am ready to fly the flag of our nation and make Nigeria be part of the money spinning Motorsport industry.”

Ovie Iroro, newly unveiled driver in the team said; “There is nothing like this in the whole of Africa. Nigeria is all about promoting football and scouting for
players. I am only 18 and I am honoured to be given an opportunity to represent my country and to fulfill my dream of becoming a race driver.

"I believe I can be an inspiration to young people in Nigeria”. The evening ended with Racing Eagle's drivers having a spin on the track fully displaying their proficiency and passion for racing, followed by a canapés and drinks reception at the Pit Stop Bar.

Sports Minister, NFF Convey Peace Resolution To FIFA

The Honourable Minister/Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative/Ambassador to the United Nations Office at Geneva had useful deliberations with the top hierarchy of FIFA on Thursday
morning.

At the meeting which took place at FIFA’s imposing Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi simply conveyed to FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his officials the peace resolutions adopted by all parties involved in the Nigeria football crisis on Tuesday, saying that the matter has been amicably resolved by the maturity of all and deference to national interest.

On the FIFA side of the table were President Blatter, General Secretary Jerome Valcke, Director of National Associations Thierry Regenaff, Manager of National Associations Primo Corvaro and Oliver Bert from the FIFA Media Office.

The Permanent Representative/Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Office at Geneva, His Excellency Umunna H. Orjiako was with Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and Barrister Musa Amadu.

There was much to smile about as Blatter was informed that the intervention of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, GCON and the over-riding national interest had helped fashion a way out of the logjam.

It would be recalled that on Tuesday, peace returned to Nigeria football following a reconciliatory meeting championed by the SGF and Minister Abdullahi, who eventually brokered the peace terms and signed as one of the parties to the agreement, alongside the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Chief (Dr) Patrick Ekeji, NFF President Aminu Maigari, scribe Musa Amadu and the two principal
personalities involved in lawsuits, Barrister Ray Nnaji and Dr. Sam Sam Jaja.

All parties agreed to terminate all court processes and not to enforce a recent court judgement obtained by Dr. Jaja, while the NFF would accommodate the eminent persons in ways stated in the resolutions.

The Nigerian delegation will return to the country today.

NFF Endorses Easter Beach Soccer Clinic For kids

The Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed a beach soccer clinic
programme to be organized by sports marketing firm, Sports Solutions, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja during the easter period.

Scheduled for the FIFA Technical Centre, Abuja from April 6-7, 2012 and with the full support and assistance of FIFA, the Easter Beach Soccer Clinic has the objective of further popularizing the sport of beach soccer in Nigeria to build on the already huge gains by the country in the sport.

The programme was earlier billed to hold between March 24-25, but had to be moved because of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying matches involving the Under 17 and Under 20 Women National Teams.

The Beach Soccer National Team, won the African Beach Soccer Championship in 2007 and 2009, and have reached the quarter finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on two occasions.

The Supersand Eagles came close to eliminating four-time world champions Brazil at last year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Italy, where it won the FIFA Fair Play trophy.

NFF endorses Easter Beach Soccer Clinic for kids

The Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed a beach soccer clinic
programme to be organized by sports marketing firm, Sports Solutions, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja during the easter period.

Scheduled for the FIFA Technical Centre, Abuja from April 6-7, 2012
and with the full support and assistance of FIFA, the Easter Beach Soccer Clinic has the objective of further popularizing the sport of beach soccer in Nigeria to build on the already huge gains by the country in the sport.

The programme was earlier billed to hold between March 24-25, but had to be moved because of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying matches involving the Under 17 and Under 20 Women National Teams.

The Beach Soccer National Team, won the African Beach Soccer Championship in 2007 and 2009, and have reached the quarter finals of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup on two occasions.

The Supersand Eagles came close to eliminating four-time world champions Brazil at last year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Italy, where it won the FIFA Fair Play trophy.

Ikorodu West LCDA Wins Speaker's Soccer Cup.

Ikorodu West Local Council development Area Football Team has emerged the winner of the 2011 Speaker's Soccer up after beating Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Governmnet Football Team through spot kick after the match ended One - all in duration time.

The match which was decided at the Ultra modern Agege Stadium burst into life with just four minutes into interval when Chibueze Micheal put the IKorodu side ahead with a penalty kick to earn his side first lead.

Elvis Ono drew the side level in the secon half with a super equaliser to force the encounter into penalty shoot out.

Ikorodu West held their nerves in the ensuing spot kicks, winng six - five on sudden death to claim the coveted grassroot soccer title.

Apapa finished third in the tourney following a 2 - 0 victory over Ifelodun Local Council development Area.

Dedevdo Charges Flamingoes.

Head Coach of Nigeria's Flamingoes, Peter Dedevdo, has charged his players to bededicated and work hard to scale through the hurdle against She Popolo of Zambia in next weekend match at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Sportsweight.blogspot, reports that the last leg qualifier for a chance to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 world cup in Azerbaijan later this year.

Coach Peter Dedevbo and his assistants took Flamingoes through series of training as the team prepares for their upcoming match against She-polopolo next weekend.

To this end,all the twenty four players in camp have responded positively to all forms of training from the technical crew including conditioning used to test the fitness level of the girls.

The coaches used the conditioning exercise to help the girls have proper balance in their upper body and muscles.

“Conditioning is a good form of training as it helps the players tone up their muscles,heart and upper body.Every player must undergo conditioning if she wants to withstand physical play from the opponent” coach Christopher said .

After the training,Flamingoes players and officials were on hand to watch national under 20 women’s team Falconent engage a boys team in a friendly match.

The essence of watching the friendly match according to the technical crew is for the girls to see first hand how a player in their playing position plays and be able to correct and improve herself.

Training continues here in Abuja before the team departs next week to Abeokuta for the match.It would be recalled that Flamingoes have a 2-1 goal lead from the first leg played in Lusaka, a forthnight ago.

The players in camp:Andy Gift Lucky,Amos Iheoma Goodluck, Aidelomon Victoria Ikawo,Ayinde Halimatu Ibrahim,Idike Jiroro,Ofoegbu Oluchi Perpetua,Nnodim Sarah,Edeji Chidinma,Biahwo Tessy Kesiena,Okaeme Patience,Bokiri Joy Ebineneme,Onyebuchi Ihuoma Goodness,Alimba Chioma,Effiom Mabel Micheal,Okoye Ebere Deborah,Chichi Sandra Nguyum,Ajuyah Jennifer,Ijeh Eluemunor Desire,Onuegbu Ihuoma,Abdullahi Hauwa,Adeboyejo Yetunde,Obeni Rita,Ugochi Emenayo,Uchenna Kanu.

LSBBA Hold A 3-Day Technical Seminar.

The Lagos State Basketball Association has concluded arrangements to hold a 3-Day workshop/seminar for technical officials beginning from today through Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba.

The seminar according association Head of Technical department Gbade Olatona is meant to bring up-to-date on the latest rules and technicality of the game.

Olatona further buttress that over 100 participants are expected while various instructors have been lined up as resources persons.

He said the association was inviting all qualified Coaches, Referees, Table Officials, Statisticians and sports officers in Clubs and schools within the state to be part of the programme.

The association chairman, Babs Ogunade, is expected to declare the seminar open today while each participant is expected to pay a token of N5, 000 for seminar materials.

The Seminar will be theory and practical skills and an assessment/examination will be conducted at the end of the course each of the participant will be given certificate of participation at the end of the seminar as the association strive to reposition basketball in Lagos.

Dedevbo Urges Flamingoes To Live Up To Expectations.

Head Coach of Nigeria's Flamingoes, Peter Dedevbo, has told his football player to prepare for the worse as they prepare to square up against the Zambian Under 17 girls for the return leg of the final round FIFA Under 17 world cup qualifiers against the She-polopolo.

Dedevbo made this statement before the team went out for their first training session after returning from Zambia.

The coach said the Zambians would give them a good fight during the second leg in Abeokuta, thus they need maximum concentration to win the match, adding that they must make humility their watchword and not allow complacency to set in.

Tuesday's training according to the coaching crew was meant for the girls to loosen out as a result of the long journey they went through.

DStv PBL: Pillars, Hoopers pick away win, Warriors lead Atlantic conference

Three-time champion of the Nigeria DStv Premier Basketball League, Kano Pillars basketball club at the weekend picked an away win to shore-up its position in the Savannah conference of the league.

The former champion coached by Coach Sani Ahmed posted a 87-67 points victory over new-comer Defenders basketball club of Abuja to make it a 3-0 recorded with two of the victory coming from away having defeated Niger Potters basketball club of Minna 75-50 points in the 2011/2012 season opener.

Defending champion, Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt also recorded a valuable away win in the Atlantic conference of the league with a 77-72 points victory over Islanders basketball club of Lagos at the Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos.

While conference leader Dodan Warriors basketball club maintain its leadership of the Atlantic conference with an 88-45 points spanking of Police Baton basketball club in a local derby in Lagos.

Customs basketball club gave Union bank basketball club some scare in the fourth quarter of their week-3 game losing by 54-58 points while Chariots basketball club fell to Comets basketball club by 63-68 points.

Niger Potters basketball club of Minna recorded the best result of the weekend with a 97-67 points win over Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos in Minna.

The 30-point margin victory for the Potters thus gave them a rise in the Savannah conference log from sixth place to fourth while Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna narrowly edge home side Immigration basketball club of Kano by 73-70 points

Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi had the better of city rival Bauchi Nets basketball club by 65-63 points.

Four clubs Kano Pillars and Yelwa Hawks from the Savannah conference and Dodan Warriors and Royal Hoopers in the Atlantic conference are yet to taste defeat in the three-week old DStv league.

Amusa Shittu’s Death Shocks LSFA.

The Lagos State Football Association has expressed its deep shock over the sudden death of former Red Devil’s star, Pa Amusa Shittu who died on Tuesday at the General Hospital, Gbagada, Lagos.

The LFSA boss, Seyi Akinwunmi stated that Pa Shittu’s demise was a great loss to Nigerian football development as he was a grassroots person to the core and a role model to the youngsters in the country.

Speaking in a sober tone Akinwunmi said; the deceased was a complete gentleman who was committed to the development of Nigerian football.

He stressed that the deceased was a friend of the LSFA and he would never forget his good works to develop football in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

Late Shittu who died at age of 75 was fondly referred to as ‘The
Bulldozer’ while he was banging in goals for the national team.

Lagos State Names Nine Sub- Committees Ahead Of NSF.

Lagos State Government has stepped up its preparations for the hosting of Eko 2012 National Sports Festival with the release of the list of the members of nine sub-committees today at Alausa, Secretariat, Ikeja.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire who is also the LOC Chairman, has ratified the list of the members of the nine Sub-Committee.

Secretary General of the Local Organising Committee,Kweku Tandoh, said the gesture was to facilitate early preparation and readiness of the State to host a splendid and spectacular festival where the rule of Law guiding the Festival would be strictly adhered to.

According to him, the commissioner for Health,Olajide Idris, is the Chairman and Ifeoluwa Ogunlaja as the Secretary.

Transportation and Traffic Control is to be chaired by Kayode Opeifa and Ms Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku as Secretary, Protocol and Ceremonial Chaired by Disun Holloway and Peter Bolumole as the Secretary;.

Accommodation/Welfare chaired by Erelu Angela Adebayo and while Uthman Ola Okunnu is the Secretary.

Former Commissioner for sports,Olusegun Dawodu, is in charge of Catering/Feeding while Mrs. Oluyomi Oluwasanmi is the Secretary.

Media and Publicity is to be handled by former commissioner for Finance Wale Edun as Olumide Filade will serve as the Secretary.

Security Sub-Committee is chaired by ACP Vincent Brown and Dele Adeniran as Secretary; Marketing & Sponsorship Sub-Committee is Chaired by Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas (CON) and Mrs. Abiola Aregbesola as Secretary, while Venues and Facilities is chaired by Chief Ademola Seriki and Mr. Waheed A. Adelekan will serve as the Secretary.

Dr. Kweku Tandoh concluded that all members of the various Sub-committees would soon be issued with letters intimating them about their membership so that work can begin in earnest.

IGP Pledges Support For NFF.

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has pledged support for the Nigeria Football Federation in its activities, especially with regards to safety and security of persons and property at the various stadia in the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the members of NFF Executive Committee led by its president, Aminu Maigari, Abubakar said the NFF should endeavor to have a team of specialised trained security officers to properly police Nigerian stadia.

He said the ordinary policeman on the street was not specially trained for stadium security, and have no idea that he should deal with the people in the stadia differently from those whom he meets on the streets on basis.

“I am also not unaware of the limitations you have, in terms of modern facilities and equipment to properly police stadium areas during matches. But you also have to take the first step, by thinking and putting together a team that will be specially trained in stadium security.

“The ordinary policeman on the street is not specially trained for stadium security, and have no idea that he should deal with the people in the stadia differently from those whom he meets on the streets on everyday basis. The way out is to have a team that is specially trained for this, as our country is always hosting important matches and championships”, said IGP Abubakar.

IGP Abubakar was a board member of then Nigeria Football Association between 1996 and 1999 and was the Chief of Security for the 1999 FIFA Under 20 World Cup that Nigeria hosted.

“You need state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at our stadia to properly
achieve adequate security before, during and after football matches. However, the Nigeria Police will always be ready to give you all the support that is necessary.”

IGP Abubakar was a board member of then Nigeria Football Association between 1996 and 1999 and was the Chief of Security for the 1999 FIFA Under 20 World Cup that Nigeria hosted.

To achieve this feat, the Inspector General said the Federation need state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at all stadia to properly achieve adequate security before, during and after football matches.

Speaking earlier, NFF President Aminu Maigari congratulated the new IGP for his elevation, and prayed that the reforms he has launched would better guarantee security of lives and property in the country.

He also stated that the NFF has initiated reforms and is re-focusing and re-strategizing to better position Nigerian football to attain the height deserving of Nigeria’s giant status.

Anyim Appeal To Nnaji, Jaja.

The Secretary General to the Federal Government, Pius Anyim, has appealed to Barrister Ray Nanji and Doctor Sam Sam Jaja to withdraw the court cases against the Nigeria Football Federation in a bid to give peace a chance to reign in Nigerian football.

Anyim, made the plea after meeting with the aggrieved football administrators at the conference room of the National Sports Commission in Abuja..

To this end, Barrister Nnaji and Dr Jaja have both agreed to withdraw their cases from court while the NFF will also not pursue its appeal against the court judgement, allowing the whole matter to die a natural death.

Resolution of Football Crisis: Maigari commends SGF, Abdullahi, Ekeji

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari,has applauded the roles of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON), the Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Bolaji Abdullahi and the NSC Director General, Chief Patrick Ekeji for brokering peace in Nigeria football.

Over the past six days, Senator Anyim, Abdullahi, Ekeji and NFF President Maigari had held several meetings all aimed at resolving the
logjam in the country’s football, following January’s court pronouncement that the NFF and NPL are not properly incorporated and not known to the laws of the Federal Republic.

In the 19 months of the Aminu Maigari-led administration, several court cases and other disruptive and distractive influences have impaired progress of the Nigeria game.

Maigari said that the reconciliation would go a long way in ensuring that the NFF focuses hard on its mission and vision for the Nigeria game.

“I am very happy with the role of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Anyima Pius Anyim, GCON. I also commend the genuine efforts of the Honourable Minister/Chairman, NSC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and the DG, Chief (Dr) Patrick Ekeji.

“What we have achieved today is a milestone. Now, we can fully concentrate on our programmes and also on the development projects that we have. The SGF’s personal interest and intervention has been key to this resolution, and we hail him greatly”, said Maigari.

NASCOM Tennis Championship Stroke Off Today.

About 150 secondary schools students from all the 36 State of the federation including Abuja are anticipated to take part at the first edition of National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM) Tennis Championship which served off on Monday March 12th, 2012 in Ekiti State.

Scheduled to hold at the Ekiti State Tennis Courts, Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti from Monday through Saturday March 17th will also witness about seventy officials from all these secondary schools for the weeklong event.

According to the NASCOM Chairman Tennis Sub-Committee, Yemi Owoseni, he affirmed that four players that comprises of two boys and girls from various secondary schools in Nigeria would represent each state in the championship.

Speaking further, Owoseni who also doubled as the Vice President of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) noted that adequate measures have been put in place to make sure that only secondary schools students are allowed to take part in the one week event being sponsored by Ekiti State Government being an active part to NASCOM towards tennis development in Nigeria.

While explaining those measures, he affirmed that for students to participate at the event, the principals of the schools must sign their letter of introduction as students while the State Ministry of sports and its education counterpart would also append their signatories respectively to authenticate the true identity of the students.

Furthermore, he revealed that winners and runners-up in both categories would represent Nigeria at the Afro-Asian Games later this year while urging the participants and officials to desist from parading non-bonafide students at the event.

CAF ‘B’ License Course Now To Start March 18.

The Nigeria Football Federation has postponed, by one week, the much-awaited CAF ‘B’ License Coaching Course, earlier billed to start on Sunday, March 11.

NFF’s Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme said on Saturday that the postponement is as a result of logistics reasons, but that arrangements have been concluded to hold the course from March 18 – 31, 2012. Venue is the FIFA Technical Centre, Package B of National Stadium Complex, Abuja.

Ikpeme said: “We tender unreserved apology to all those who are billed to take part in the programme, either as instructors or participants, as well as the football-loving citizens of this country, for the one-week postponement to the programme”.

The CAF ‘B’ License programme comes five months after the CAF ‘C’ programme, which drew over 80 coaches from across the Federation.

African football-governing body, CAF has given its blessings to the course, which will be coordinated by Nigeria’s highly-respected FIFA Technical Advisor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.

The two-week CAF ‘B’ License course will run alongside the CAF ‘B’ Equivalent, which is for senior trainers. Among the instructors already confirmed is former NFF Technical Director, Dr. Kashimamo Laloko.

A total of 60 coaches, from those who passed the CAF ‘C’ License course and a few others, will take part in the CAF ‘B’ License programme while 20 coaches will partake in the CAF ‘B’ Equaivalent.

Flamingoes flog Zambia’s She-Polopolo

Nigeria's Under 17 team, Flamingoes, really took the battle to their hosts, She-Polopolo of Zambia in a 2012 FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg match in Lusaka on Saturday, winning the match 2-1.

Two-goal hero of the team’s triumph against Kenya in Nairobi in the previous round, Patience Okaeme and dazzling playmaker, Halimat Ayinde scored for Nigeria early in the second half before the Zambians, 7-1 winners over Botswana in the earlier round, got a consolation goal.

Nigeria pressed hard from the start and the Flamingoes were unlucky not to get a goal in the first period.

Head Coach Peter Dedevbo said at the end: “Yes, I am happy that we won, but it could have been by a much bigger margin. All the same, we savour the victory and now look ahead to the second leg in Nigeria”.

The win ensures the Nigerian girls put one leg firmly in Azerbaijan for their third consecutive appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals, with earlier outings in New Zealand 2008 and Trinidad and Tobago 2010.

The return leg comes up at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta on Saturday, March 24.

Lagos Set To Employ Coaches And Empower Its Athletes.

Lagos State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development is set to replenish its pool of coaches.

Commissioner for Sports, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, said the move coincides with the preparation of the State to host the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Lagos aptly tagged “Eko 2012”.

Oshidi, who maintained that the Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, has said the State is not hosting to win at all cost, yet the State will still prepare its athletes adequately as they would adhere strictly to that all festival rules and regulations.

He said the engagement of sixty-eight honorary Coaches on contract basis is to meet the technical requirements of the State Sports Associations, adding that the gesture would ensure that the State’s long term development plan for its young athletes is adequately met.

In the same vein, the Lagos State Governor has also approved Training Grants to its outstanding athletes which is aimed at encouraging active participation in sports, retaining its crop of discovered athletes and also discourage poaching of the States star athletes by other States.

Arrangements have been made to ensure that funds are release timely to the athletes”, Mr. Wahid Enitan Oshodi stated.

The Grant is inclusive of the Rewards Scheme where distinguished athletes are to be given admission on State Government Sponsorship in Educational Institutions and employment into the Public Service.

He concluded by saying that, the all year Programme would cater for the athletes transportation allowances to training venues, feeding at training, replacement of training consumables and minor medical expenses.

Akinwunmi Charges Coaches Not To Succumb To Pressure.

The Lagos State Football Association Chairman, Seyi Akinwunmi, has charged the appointed coaches to be upright in their handling of the teams ahead of the National Sports Festival svcheduled for November, 2012.

Akinwunmi, urged the football coaches not to succumb to pressure in their quest to select football players that would enhance the state to win the football event in the EKO 2012 Games, stressing that they must not relent in their efforts to bring glory to the State at the festival.

The FA Chairman warned the coaches not to delve into any unprofessional manner that could tarnish the image of the F.A and the state, adding that the F.A stand the chance to drop and replace any football coach found in such in the course of their assignment.

He urged them to see the appointment as a challenge to further develop themselves and also to make a mark in their chosen career as he promised that the F.A would create a platform for the coaches to embark on regular refresher courses to acquint themselves with the modern techniques of training.

The FA Chairman noted that the Association would not only employ other staff to complement the work of the coaches but will also employ other coaches for its various programmes.

Chiejine, 5 Others Get LSFA Coaching Job.

The Lagos State Football Association has appointed former Super Falcons’ assistant coach, Ann Chiejine as the head coach of the female Eko Football team for the National Sports Festival tagged Lagos 2012.

Media Officer of the LSFA, Bunmi Ogunyale, informed Sportsweight.blogspot.com that Chiejine, former goalkeepr of Nigeria's Super Falcons, will be assisted by erstwhile Super Falcons striker, Gift Okunwa Sowemimo and Ikpo Moses.

Coach Lawson Olatunde who is head coach of Surulere Local Government in the Lagos Junior League will lead the coaching crew of the male Eko Football team at the National Sports Festival 2012.

Olatunde will be assisted by the duo of Shakiru Giwa and Olowokere Bankole.

DSTV/NBBF Basketball League Continues.

Basketball action will continue in the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences on Saturday and Sunday in the week three DStv/NBBF Premier Basketball League.

According to the fixtures made available to Sportsweight.blogspot.com,Dodan Warriors will take on Police Baton,Islanders Versus Royal Hoopers on Saturday

On Sunday, Customs and Union Bank will face each other while Chariots challlenge Comets in the Atlantic Conference.

In the Savvanah Conference, Bauchi Nets and Yelwa Hawks will slug it out as Defenders will take on Kano Pillars on Saturday.

On Sunday, Niger Potters will fire rocket against Tapgun Rockets while Immigration will take on Kada Stars.
Stars.

Quarter Finalists Emerge In NNPC/SHELL Soccer Cup.

Quarter finalists have emerged in the NNPC/SHELL soccer Cup.

At the Ilorin Township Stadium, Government Arabic College, Kano will face Rochas Foundation College, Jos as KFA Secondary School, Ilorin
will meet Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado-odo, Ogun State at the Liberation Stadium.

At the Kano Pillars Stadium, Government Day Secondary School, Azare, Bauchi State will test the might of Mafoni Day Secondary School, Maiduguri.

According to the organisers, there will be a ballot to determine the two teams to each other in the first match while the winner will challenge the standing bye team a day after.

The Schools are Commercial College, Gboko, Benue State, National Foundation College, Ughelli, Delta State and Government College, Owerri, Imo state.

Agege Stadium To Host Speaker's Soccer Cup Final.

All is now set for the final of this year's edition of the Speaker's Soccer Cup fixed for next Thursday at the Agege Stadium.

Chairman House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social development, Honourable Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni,confirmed the Ifelodun Local Council Development Area would confront Apapa Local Government in the 3rd place match.

According to him, Ajeromi Ifelodun and Ikorodu West LCDA will slug it out in the final as forty team registered for the annual soccer competition.

Ayeni, who appealed to all the participating teams for postponing the competition till next Thursday, explained that the competition would have come to an end in December, 2011 but the Lagos State house of Assembly was too busy to ratify the 2012 budget.

He stressed that the nation wide industrial action staged by the organised labour also affected the competition as the state's Deputy governor, Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire,Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly,Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Commissioner for, Local Government and Cheiftancy Affairs, Ademorin Kuye,Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, are among the top dignatries expected to grace the ocassion.

M.O.C Approves NSF Logo.

The Main Organising Committee, M.O.C, of the 18th National Sports Festival tagged EKO 2012 Games has approved the games Logo.

The logo which was earlier endorsed by the Lagos State Executive Council was presented to the M.O.C by the Local Organising Committee yesterday at a meeting held at the Eko Hotel and Suite.

The Logo according to our sports, Yinka Adebayo, has the Lagos State historical perspective and other unity factors.

It also tells a story of the world famous Eyo Masquarade dressed in its full regalia as the Games name, EKO 2012, was derived from the historical name giving to the state.

The logo which is a two dimensional abstract design that is dramatic, is backed with the authourity of the state government with the state's official colours.

M.O.C Adopt Five Optional Sports.

The Main Organising Committee,M.O.C, has commended Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, for personally urging other states governors to make adequate budgetary provisions for the Games fixed for November.

This was contained in a communique jointly signed by Abba Yola and Kweku Tandoh, after the meeting betwen the M.O.C and L.O.C and a copy made available to Sportsweight.blogspot.com.

The meeting believed that the governor's gesture would enable the participating states to subject their athletes on good training programmes and also brighten their chances at the Games.

To this end, the M.O.C has adopted five optional sports presented by the Local Organising Committee and the sports are, Cricket, Kickboxing, Scrabble, Squash and Deaf Sports.

While noting the venue and facilities earmarked for the games, the meeting enjoined the relevant arms of the M.O.C and L.O.C to work assiduously to ensure that the venue and facilities are ready on schdule.

It also noted that the National Sports Festival has received international recognition and that many international bodies including Africa Union, Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, ANOCA, the International Oympic Committee, I.O.C and the International Paralympic Committee have signified interest to witness the EKO 2012 Games.

NFF Clarifies Kwara United, Sunshine Sanction.

The Nigeria Football Federation has clarified the sanction placed on Kwara United and Sunshine Stars F.C over the violence that ensued during the match at the Ilorin Township Stadium are temporary.

The NFF has duly referred the case to its Disciplinary Committee for adjudication.

Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Premier League, Tunji Babalola, acting in the immediacy of the situation, had issued various forms of punishments to the two clubs and their officials.

Chairman of the NFF Disciplinary Committee, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju, said Nigeria Premier League had the power to issue temporary sanctions to offenders pending the meeting of the NFF Disciplinary Committee.

Kwara United is to be docked three points and three goals, and pay an aggregate fine of 2.4 million naira, while Sunshine Stars FC is to pay a cumulative fine the sum of 3 million naira only for encroachment and for failing to submit the video clips of the match.

Sunshine Stars FC’s team manager, Gabriel Aborowa was also issued with indefinite suspension.

Other sanctions meted out temporarily are the banishment of Kwara United FC to Abuja for subsequent home matches and the barring of spectators from home matches of Kwara State’s other Premier League club, ABS FC, who will now play their matches behind closed doors.

Ekeji Commends LSFA.

The Director General of the Ministry of Sports and Social Development, Patrick Ekeji has thrown his weight behind the Lagos State Football Association with regard to it's football development initiative in the State.

Ekeji who was present at a function organized by the Lagos State Football Association to honour its partners, Soccerex, commended the association, saying they are a pace setters in football development in the country.

The Director General, said the LSFA had laid a good example for other sporting associations in the country, adding that the FA needs to be supported in a bid to do more exploits in grassroot football development development.

In his response, Chairman, the Lagos State Football Association, Seyi Akinwunmi thanked the Director General for his words of encouragement as he assured that the association would not relent in its efforts to transform football development in Lagos and by extension in Nigeria.

LSFA Unveil Plans On Soccerex Seminar Lagos.

The Lagos State Football Association has unveiled plans for this year’s edition of Soccerex Seminar Lagos which is slated to hold in Lagos between 27th and 28th of September.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, yesterday, the LSFA boss, Seyi Akinwunmi informed that Soccerex seminar was aimed at opening up the business areas in football, adding that the initiative will also help seek for solutions to the problems that are militating against football development in the country.

He said the idea behind Soccerex was to bring experts who have been successful in the business of football from around the world to discuss the issues and help us find solutions to the problems affecting football development.

He also noted that His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji, has given his unalloyed support to this initiative because he knows that apart from the foreign and local investment and employment opportunities that the Soccerex seminar brings, he is also aware that it will put Lagos firmly on the world football business map.

In his speech, the Chief Executive Officer, Soccerex, Mr Duncan Revie, opined that the Soccerex team were prepared to bring its 17 years experience in organising Soccerex events to bear on the Soccerex Seminar Lagos.

He thanked the Lagos FA for their impeccable organisation and thanked His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State and the Hon. Commissioner for Sports Mr. Wahid Enitan Oshodi for their unflinching support for the initiative

Nigerian Goal.Com To Be Unvieled Today.

The Nigerian edition of Goal.com will be launched on Tuesday, 6th of March, 2011, in Lagos.

The football website would provide a local and global perspective on football through the coverage of the local Nigeria Premier League, Nigerian players who play abroad and extensive coverage of the Super Eagles.

The local content will supplement Goal’s already strong international football coverage to provide a unique and relevant content offering for Nigerian football fans.

Goal.com is already a leading football website in Nigeria reaching millions of fans every month across both Personal Computer and mobile as the site has reached 22 million unique users globally.

Daryn Wober, Managing Director Business Development at PERFORM, said football was the leading sport in Nigeria and the launch of a Nigerian edition of Goal.com alongside the various commercial partnerships shows how serious they are to maket the site.

Goal.com provides brands with a fantastic opportunity to reach and engage with millions of Nigerian football fans and provides distribution partners with great content that really enhances their service offering.

Goal.com is the world's largest football website and is owned and powered by digital sports media business PERFORM.

Over 400 editorial staff based in over 50 countries around the world contribute to the website and produce an average of 1,750 news stories per day in 15 languages across 25 editions.

According Google analytics,in December 2011 the Goal.com website attracted 22.5 million unique users from more than 220 countries.

Goal.com has over 1.7 million followers across social network platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

NFF Holds CAF ‘B’ License Coaching Course

The Nigeria Football Federation will hold the much-awaited CAF ‘B’ Coaching License course between March 11-24, 2012, according to the NFF’s Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme.

Speaking in Abuja, Ikpeme said the programme, which comes five months after the much-applauded CAF ‘C’ License course, will involve 80 Nigerian coaches.

“We are happy to announce that the Confederation of African Football has given us the go-ahead to hold the CAF B License Course, which our coaches have been so eagerly awaiting. We are already putting finishing touches to our preparation to have the programme and all those who passed the CAF C License programme are duly qualified.

“Also, we have reached out to all those who will be serving as instructors for the programme, and I can tell you that everything is on course”, stated Ikpeme.

A total of 60 coaches will be taking part in the two-week course for the CAF B License programme, while 20 coaches will partake in the one-week CAF B Equivalent for senior trainers.

Nigeria’s FIFA Technical Advisor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde and former NFF Technical Director, Dr Kashimawo Laloko are among the instructors for the course

Goal Project Not Sub-standard – Ikpeme

Director of Technical at the Nigeria Football Federation, Emmanuel Ikpeme on Monday dismissed insinuations in a section of the media that the FIFA Technical Centre, otherwise known as the Goal Project is sub-standard.

“It is sheer falsehood to claim that the Goal Project is sub-standard. There is nothing sub-standard about the playing turf or the accommodation where the players and officials are staying.

“The place hosted the screening programme of the U-17 Women Team (Flamingoes) and the screening programme of the U-20 Women Team (Falconets). There is absolutely nothing wrong with the place”, said Ikpeme.

A national newspaper reported on Monday that a member of the Golden Eaglets’ technical crew complained about the facilities at the FIFA Technical Centre, wishing that the NFF could accommodate the officials in a hotel. But Ikpeme said this was not feasible.

“The players and officials are being kept at the Goal Project because they are only undergoing a screening programme for the players at the moment. This will last until March 18. When they return to camp, it will be a different ball game.

“The Flamingoes and Falconets stayed there for screening, and now the two teams have moved to Serob Legacy Hotel. Once the U-17 team finishes its screening, it will also move out to a hotel”, assured Ikpeme

Chukwumerije To Set Up Taekwondo Foundation.

Nigeria's Olympic Bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije, is to set up a Taekwondo Foundation to raise educated future champions.

Chukwumerije, said the foundation would support National Sports Commission, Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Nigeria Olympic Commission and Black belt college programmes through regular competitios, scholarship, seminar and workshop.

He assured that the programme would go a long way to in imparting positively in the lives of Nigerian youths.

Nath Boys Sustain Its Winning Streak.

Nath Boys Sport Clubs continue their unbeaten run as they eased past Surulere F.C with a convincing 2 – 0 Victory

It was an interesting and expectant atmosphere as Surulere FC took on Nath Boys at the Legacy Pitch Surulere.

Over 2000 spectators were on ground to watch the clash that will decide if indeed the Lekki boys were ripe for the 2011/2012 premier League trophy.

Nath Boys did not disappoint as they began the match the more resolute side creating an array of chances in the opening minutes of the game.

Surulere’s defenders had their hands full trying to contain the blistering runs of Aminu Abubakar and the penetrating passes of Innocent Onobun.

Aminu Abubakar deservedly opened scoring in the 39th minute with a simple tap-in after a good run from Mustapha Abdullahi on the flanks.

Surulere almost responded immediately but for some deft defending from Rauf Kola Bello for Nath Boys.

Shakiru Keshinro nearly levelled things after the restart but narrowly dragged the ball wide for a goal kick.

Nath Boys continued to pile the pressure but poor finishing continued to haunt their frontline.

Surulere again came close to scoring an equalizer when Ojo Adebowale who had been relatively quiet had a goal bound effort cleared off the line in the 79th minute.

Aminu Abubakar sealed the victory in the 89th minute with a sublime goal.

Nath Boys sit precariously on top of the League standings going into the final match day and just need a point from their show down with Apapa Golden Stars.

LSFA Set Aside One Million Naira As Prize Money.

The Lagos State Football Association has set aside the sum of N1m (One million Naira) aside as prize money for the eventual winners of this year's edition of the state FA Cup competition.

This is contained in a press release signed by its Media Officer, Bunmi Ogunyale and made available to sportsweight.blogspot.com.

The LSFA urged all clubs who are interested in the competition to pick up their registration forms at its secretariat at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

The association also enjoined prospective clubs in the State to make sure they affiliate with the State FA in order to enable them participate in the FA Cup competition.

The LSFA Chairman, Seyi Akinwunmi however informed that the One million Naira prize money is to further boast football development at the grassroots level.

“You will agree with me that football is now a big business and the Lagos FA is not an exception. So, we are determined to take football to the next level in the state and also ensure that those boys and girls in our State get the best in the area of football management,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the registration for the State FA Cup for the 2011/2012 season will end on 12thof this month while submission of player’s license and forms must get to the Nigeria Football Federation on or before 26th of March.

Nigeria Qualify For Paralympics Games.

Nigeria’s wheelchair tennis team has grabbed one of Africa’s wild card for this year’s Paralympics games in London when it defeated Morocco 2-1 in the Wheelchair tennis World Team Cup in Nairobi Kenya.

Wasiu Yusuf set Nigeria on the victory path by firing past Jeddi Ahemd 6-3, 6-1 while Alex Adewale sealed the triangular encounter for Nigeria with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Ihaj Boukartacha.

They were however made to taste defeat for the first and only time in the week-long tournament with a 0-6, 7-6, 6-10 loss in the doubles which was inconsequential following their single's triumphs.

It turned out to be a memorable event for the Nigerian team which had just managed to arrive for the tourney hours before it got underway due to shortage of funds.

Yusuf, who is Nigeria’s top-ranked player shone like a million stars in the tournament which featured eight countries from Africa. He was ruthless in his opening two matches which he won against Egyptian and Kenyan opponents without dropping a game.

Adewale had an identical record heading into yesterdays final when he also defeated Egyptian and Kenyan opponents but lost two games in his previous games which came in the 6-2 win over Kenya’s Edwin Muruah on Thursday.

National wheelchair tennis coach, Frank Tarmena, who led the team to Kenya, said the team would be embarking on a number of tune-up games in Africa and Europe ahead of the Paralympics Games billed for August in London.

Adewale had already picked a ticket to the Paralympics following his triumph in one of the qualifiers in South Africa in December last year. His performance -which saw him beat the tournament's top-seeded player- help jerked Nigeria's Wild Card qualifying ticket to three from it's previous single slot which Yusuf earned Yusuf a place in the Beijing 2008 Paralympics Games.

Green Denies ‘Players Blacklist’ Report.

Chairman of the NFF Technical Committee, Barrister Chris Green has flatly denied a report in a section of the media, crediting him with a statement that some players of the Senior National Team, Super Eagles, have been blacklisted and would no longer be invited for international engagements.

“I never spoke to anyone about any player being blacklisted from the National Team. This report has come as an embarrassment because I did not grant any interview to anyone to make such a claim.

“In the first place, it is the prerogative of the technical crew of any of the National Teams to determine which players would be invited to their teams, which players have done well at any particular match and which players merit invitation for an upcoming match.

“As Chairman of the Technical Committee, I work with other persons to ensure the provision of all the support that the teams need before, during and after a match. I don’t pick players for the Coaches, neither does the Technical Committee interfere unnecessarily in the work of the technical crews”, said Green.

The NFF Executive Committee member said he does know anything about the blacklisting of any player from subsequent invitation to the camp of the Super Eagles.

“I am not the Head Coach. Mr. Stephen Keshi is the Head Coach. If any player failed to justify his inclusion in the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali, that is for the Head Coach and his assistants to determine and decide their position on the player in respect of upcoming engagements. It is not my place to blacklist any player”, stated Green

Okon Invites 29 Falconets For Zimbabwe.

Head Coach of Falconets, Edwin Okon has called to camp 29 players for the second round of the African qualifying series for 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup against winner of the fixture between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

The Falconets, who scaled through to the second round without kicking a ball, following the withdrawal of Sierra Leone, will host the first leg of the second round fixture in Nigeria on March 31.

Zimbabwe thrashed the largely inexperienced Mozambique side 4-0 in the first leg in Harare and is tipped to complete the demolition job when the two teams clash in Maputo next week.

Nigeria has participated in every edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the inaugural event in Canada in 2002. At the last championship in Germany, the Falconets stunned the world by reaching the final, where they lost 0-2 to hosts Germany.