Lagos International Table Tennis Classic:Asaar, Toriola, Xing, Oshonaike Pick Semi Final Tickets.

Han Xing.

Segun Toriola.

Edem Offiong.

The coast of Lagos International Table Tennis championship is getting clearer as top rated table tennis players in the Men’s and Women’s single have qualifies for the semi-final.

In the men’s singles, Africa’s number one player, Omar Assar of Egypt, proved worthy of being African best as he disgraced one of the Nigeria’s sensational professional table tennis player, Seun Ajetunmobi, by four straight set, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5, 16-14, in the best of seven games.

Assar, who believed that Nigerian table tennis players are very skillful and could record an upset in any international competition, will play against Nigerian-born, Congo Brazaville player, Saka Suraja in the semi-final fixed for Friday.

Aruna Quadri, who was among the ping pongers to win the five thousand dollars at stake in the Men’s singles based  on his current form, failed to live up to expectations as he was defeated by Saka Suraju by four set to three.

Former African number one, Segun Toriola, easily scaled through to the semi-final after defeating Nigerian-born Congo Brazzaville player, Idowu Saheed by four set to one while Kazeem Makanjuola fought hard to defeat Ojo Onaolapo by four set to three.

African female number one table tennis player, Han Xing, and the trio of Nigerian female ping pongers, Funke Oshonaike, Akpan Cecilia and Offiong Edem are through to the semi-final of Women’s singles event.

Xing, who defeated Nigerian-born Congo Brazaville player, Nwachukwu Onyiyechi, 4-1, in the round of sixteen also outplayed Akpan itoro, by four set to one in the quarter final to book a date with Akpan Cecilia in the semi-final.

Akpan Cecilia, who is one of the talented players in tournament will have to work hard to survive Xing’s foreplay as the China-born Congo Brazaville players is determined to cart away the star prize attached to the event.

Edem Offiong, who recently relocated to Nigeria after playing professional table tennis in France, outplayed olaide Atinuke by four straight set to book a date with Funke Oshonaike in the semi-final.

Funke Oshonaike, who play with a professional division one, table tennis club in Germany, is confident of playing Xing in the final, stressing that it is a day she has been looking for.

Lagos International Table Tennis Classic:Duo Of Makanjuola and Ogidiolu Defeat Asaar and Bobocica

Asaar and Oshonaike.

An upset has been recorded in the Men's Doubles event in the ongoing Lagos International Table Tennis Classic as Nigerian home based table tennis players, Kazeem Makanjuola and Jide Ogidiolu sent packing African number one, Omar Asaar and Italian rated player, Bobocica Mihai out of the event.

Table tennis pundits had already tipped Asaar and Mihai to win the Men's Doubles event but the tide of the vent swung in favor of Makanjuola and Ogidiolu, who confidently outsmashed the tournament's top seeded players.

Basking in the euphoria of defeating Asaar and Bobocica, the dou of Makanjuola and Ogidiolu, proved that the feat was not a fluke as they also defeated Nigeria - born Congo Brazaville players, Saka Suraju and Idowu Saheed,by three straight set of 11- 8, 11 - 7, 11 - 8 to book date with Seun Ajetunmobi and Aruna Quadri in the final.


The pairing of Segun Toriola and Monday Merotohun who are the current Gold medalist in the Men's Doubles event of the last All African Games, failed to outshine Quadri and Ajetunmobi, who are in good form as they battered them by three straight set of 11- 8, 11 - 4, 11 - 5, in the semi clash

In the Women's Doubles, the duo of Edem Offiong and Akpan Cecilia defeated the Ogundele's sisters, Ganiyat and Rashidat as Han Xing and Nwachukwu Onyiyechi of Congo Brazaville defeated the duo of Funka Oshonaike and Janet Friday to qualify for the final.   

Veteran Coach Bassey Counsels Golden Eaglets’ Crew

Respected coach and former Nigerian International, Mr. Charles Bassey (MON), has spoken well about the Golden Eaglets  being put in shape to face the rest of the world at the FIFA  Under-17 World  Cup in the UAE come October.

Bassey, a member of the historic team that won the country’s first Africa Cup of Nations trophy on home soil in 1980, watched closely the National Under-17 team as they battled to a 1-0 win over the reserve team of Glo Premier League side, Akwa United at the Uyo Township Stadium on Wednesday.

“Overall, I scored the Golden Eaglets seventy percent because I foresee a good team in the offing,” said Bassey, a vastly experienced coach who incidentally is the Technical Director of Akwa United. “They played well but as you expect of players at this level, there are few mistakes here and there.”

The Golden Eaglets were on Monday drawn against defending champions, Mexico and two new comers Sweden and Iraq in what purists considered as delicately tight group but Bassey opined that the Nigerian boys should be able to hold their own against any team.

He continued: “I have already shared my opinions on some of the lapses
I noticed during the match against Akwa United with the coaching crew but by and large, I saw a skilful team that is full of determination; but they are not there yet but I believe they would be ready for the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Col. Dominic Nta (rtd) of the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps and erstwhile Chairman  of Defence Staff Team has described the choice of the four coaches tinkering with the Golden Eaglets by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as  ‘absolutely, fantastic.’

Nta, who made his name with the famous Christ the King College (CKC) of Onitsha before starring for the Nigerian Army, said the quartet of Manu Garba, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nduka Ugbade and Emeka Amadi are role models that would ginger the youngsters under their watch to greater heights.

“I think the NFF got it right with the appointments of the coaches for the Golden Eaglets,” noted Nta, a former student and player for the St. Joseph Catholic School of Kaduna in the mid 1950s.

 “Football is scientific and inspirational; it gladdens my mind that the NFF brought back these former players to handle these youngsters.”

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Team Nigeria Apologise, Promise To Come Back Stronger

 

 After failing to progress to the semi final stage of the Afrobasket holding in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, players of the senior men’s basketball  national team have offered an apology to Nigerians for the disappointment.

 

Co-captains of the team, Olumide Oyedeji and Ike Diogu who spoke separately yesterday, expressed the disappointment of the entire players and promised to get better and hopefully win the next edition of the competition in 2015.

 

“It’s really sad that we lost to Senegal after the initial progress we made, I still can’t believe we have lost , it’s like a dream to me. 

 

It is unfortunate that we disappointed Nigerians but I hope it will get better because we have young players whose average age is 24, 25. There is future for the team and I know they will get better,” Oyedeji said.

 

His co-captain, Diogu who is the second oldest in the team after Oyedeji said he too, like the whole team feel they have let Nigeria ad Nigerians down after showing that they were capable of winning the competition.

 

“I feel disappointed that we have let our nation down after the support they gave to us. It is a learning process, we promise to get better and come back stronger,” he said, reiterating Oyedeji’s position that they still have years ahead of them.

 

“We started well but played some hard games against Cameroon and Congo. In the match against Senegal, we kind of didn’t play our game and they took advantage of it. It is really painful because we put in our best but it didn’t work out as planned,” Diogu stressed.

 

One of the youngest players in the team who was improving with every game, Ben Uzoh also expressed disappointment on their loss but added that since it was his first time with the national team, he hopes he will have time to make up for the disappointment.

 

“This is my first time in the national team and I thank the coach for giving me the opportunity to represent my country. I hope to continue to do my best in the future,” he pledged.

 

Richard Oruche who picked up a foot fracture in the first game against Mali said he really appreciated the way Nigerians prayed and supported the team and said it was sad they couldn’t go beyond the quarter final.

“I feel we disappointed the country after the support they gave us. 

 

I know I could have contributed to help the team win if not for the injury I sustained,” he said, adding that “in the competition in 2015 we hope to do better than we did this time and go onto win the trophy. I am very happy for the opportunity given to me to represent my country.”

Lagos International Table Tennis Classic: Table Tennis Players In Action.

Ajetunmobi and Olaide

Asaar and Oshonaike

Han Xing

Toriola and Merotohun

Olaide, Ajetunmobi Throws Asaar, Oshonaike Out Of Mixed Doubles.

Assar and Oshonaike

Ajetunmobi and Olaide

The sports hall of Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas,Teslim Balogun Stadium, was frenzy on Wednesday when the dou of Atinuke Olaide and Seun Ajetunmobi recorded an upset in the mixed doubles event in the Lagos International Table Tennis Classic.

Tournament's number one seed, in the mixed doubles, Omar Assar of Egpyt and Nigeria’s Funke Oshonaike were thrown out of the competition after lossing by three set to one,2-11, 11- 8, 12-10, 12-10.

Meanwhile, all the singles events will continue today as the tournament's number one seed, in the Women's Singles, Han Xing, a China born Democratic Republic of Congo ping ponger as well as Ammadine Litobaka and Onyiyechi Nwachukwu have qualified for the main chart of sixteen.

Others are, Funke Oshonaike, Halimat Hussain, Itoro Akpan, Ganiyat Olatunde, Cecilia Otu-Akpan, Janet Effiom, Taiwo Williams, Ganiyat Ogundele, Olaide Atinuke, Rashidat Ogundele and Tolu Durosimi-Etti.

In the men’s singles, all the top seeds players, Egypt’s Assar, Italy’s Bobocica, Nigeria’s Segun Toriola, Aruna Quadri, Seun Ajetunmobi, Ojo Onaolapo, Kayode Adedeji and Sola Oyetayo among others will today play in the main chart of thirty- two.

Eaglets Edge Out Akwa United, 1- 0

eventually kept intact their winning streak on the domestic front when they beat the reserve team of Glo Premier League side, Akwa United 1-0 at the Uyo Township Stadium on Wednesday.
The Golden Eaglets started the game on a bright note immediately referee Mfon Akpan signalled the kick off and they kept the momentum despite the poor condition of the pitch.
In fact, Chidiebere Nwakali would have given the Eaglets their first goal of the match as early as the 5th minute of the match when his pile driver from outside the box was touched away by goalkeeper Ukeme Oscar in goal for the home team. Some two minutes later, Jacob Njoku  was almost lucky from the same spot as Nwakali’s when his shot went
straight into the net amidst sea of legs only for the referee to rule offside to the dismay of everyone. Yet Njoku was back some few minutes later when he sent a through ball for Isaac Success to fire home the first goal of the match in the 20th minute.
From then on, it was a ding-dong affair with little separating the two sides. But almost towards the end of the first half, Success and Taiwo Awoniyi made an inspired one-touch combination but the latter's final shot was held firmly by goalkeeper  Oscar  to keep the score-line at 1-0.
As expected, the second half started fast and furious after the home team made some changes to their starting line-up. The Golden Eaglets' crew later brought in Clement Ogbobe and Nansel Selbol for Olumide Akofe and Njoku respectively. Injured Goalkeeper Sunday Alanpasu also gave way for former National Under-15 goal tender, Abdulazeez Abubakar. But the two sides were unable to score any further goal.
Meanwhile, in the stadium to watch the game were Chief Effiong
Johnson, Chairman of Akwa Ibom FA and a board member of the NFF, veteran coach Charles Bassey, Mr. Shina Phillips of the NFF/Pitch Awards as well as a host of local officials and fans who went home satisfied.
“It was a good game and I’m impressed with the performance of the Golden Eaglets in spite of the poor condition of the pitch, “said Johnson afterwards. “ The Golden Eaglets are still work in progress
“Surely, we cannot justify comparison of  the new boys with the set that went to the African Championship in Morocco but I could see hunger and willingness to succeed despite all odds as such, we should expect them to do well at the world Cup,” he maintained.

Bobocica Mihai:I Want To Play Omar Asaar.

Bobocica Mihai.

World's ranked eighty-nine table tennis player, Bobocica Mihai, has regarded the duo of Nigeria's sensational players, Aruna Quadri and Segun Toriola as his major obstacle in the competition.

"I have played against some other Nigerian players but not against Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri but against some other players like Michael Oyebode, who plays in Italy.

"For sure Aruna, Toriola and others will be threats but I don’t know them. I am sure that they are very dangerous because Nigerian players are very good with support from the fans will be helpful to them too.

Mihai, who prefer to meet Omar Assar of Egypt in the Men's singles final, said Quadri and Toriola were the current African toughest players and it would be difficult for him to outplay them in the main chart of thirty-two.

The Italian, who praised the organizers for staging the competition, said the tournament would go a long way in improving his ranking as he wants to leave the nation with sweet memories of wining the tournament.

"The equipments are good but it may not be perfect like any other competitions. I like it very much and it is perfect for me to be in Nigeria"

He said his target was to meet African number one, Omar Assar, in the final of the Men's Singlesbut his fear is Nigerian players who might shatter his desire to challenge Assar.

I am looking forward to going as far as possible maybe up to the final and playing with Omar Assar but I know it will be very difficult because Nigerian players are very strong.I am looking forward to beat players like Egypt’s Assar in order to gain. Also if I am able to beat Toriola or Quadri I will be able to garner points for my ranking in the world.

Assar Urges ATTF To Provide Formidable Camp.

Omar Assar.

African number one table tennis player, Omar Assar, has appealed to the African Table Tennis Federation, ATTF, to make available a conducive camp site for African best table tennis players to train on regular basis in an effort to better their fortune in international competitions.

"It is a very good experience for me to be in Nigeria because this is my first time. I like it so much because I admire the people as well as the organization of the tournament and I wish also to come to Nigeria every
year to perform. I respect every player here, every coach and I know that Nigeria is a great country in table tennis and the tournament is not about revenge.

Having dethroned Segun Toriola as the African king of table tennis, Assar, said he must be in good form to defend his African title because all the players featuring in the tournament want to make name and better their rankings, thus he must not relent in his efforts to win the tournament.

It is about the game and I am looking forward to a very good performance in all my matches and it just doesn’t matter who wins or loses. I guess the player who has the best performance is the one that will win. It doesn’t matter who is the African champion or not, you have to play well and focus from the beginning.

The Egyptian table tennis player, explained that European Table Tennis players were living up to expectations in international competitions because the continent's table tennis ruling body always organise regular camping for its players where reputable coaches tutor them on modern and scientific training programmes.

"The prize money is fine but that is not the reason why we are here, because we could find a very higher prize money tournament elsewhere".
"But prize money is not the reason I am here. The reason is to be closer to the African people because we are African people. We have to communicate and be closer and I am excited that I will play the doubles and mixed-doubles with African and Nigerian players'. They are my friends and I enjoy every of my experience.

Assar, who is elated to feature in the ongoing first Lagos International Table Tennis Classic, said the tournament would create a platform for African table tennis players to establish a mutual relationship, stressing that he was not fascinated by the star prize money attached to the competition. 

"There is no perfect tournament all over the world, even when you play in China Open, you will find something you have to add. For the first time that Nigeria is hosting this tournament, it is good, I like the
hall, the equipment, the ball, maybe the floor has to be better next year and maybe the organisation of the spectators of course. For the first time,  it is a very good experience and a good tournament.


The top seeded player, said Nigeria table tennis players were very skillful, talented and they could win any ITTF/ATTF organised tournament because they have technical know- how of the sport which according to him stand them out among other African players.

" I don’t feel any pressure in Nigeria because I like the people because I know they are just supporting their players. I have a very good sport spirit, so I don’t mind if someone supports anyone in front of me.

The player who according to him is not under pressure playing against any Nigerian ping ponger, said his priority was to break new world's records.

Oyetayo, Odusanya Record Upset As Toriola Commends Oyetayo..

Bobocica Mihai.

As the first Lagos International Table Tennis Classic has entered the fifth day, a major upset was recorded on Tuesday in the group stage of Men's Singles as a Nigerian home based table tennis player, Shola Oyetayo, defeated Bobocica Mihai of Italy, ranked eighty- nine in the world.

Oyetayo, who plays Nigeria Civil Defense and Security Corps,NCDSC, defeated Bobocica Mihai by three set to one in his second group B game to advance to the main chart of thirty- two seeded players.

Prior to the game, Bobocica had said that Nigerian table tennis players were tactful and skillful, stressing that the duo of Aruna Quadri and Segun Toriola are his major obstacle.

Oyetayo, explained that the rigorous training programmes he went through for a couple of months to the tournament gave him the confidence to outplayed Bobocica whom he described as a good ping ponger, adding that his capitalised on Bobocica's inability to return his services to beat the Italian ping ponger who one of the tournament's favorites.

In the Women's singles, Bose Odusanya, a Lagos State female table table tennis who represented the state at the alst concluded National Sports Festival tagged EKO 2012 Games also recorded an upset as she defeated Rashidat Ogundele, the winner of Garden Games 2010 Gold medalist in the Women's Singles event.

Meanwhile, former African number one table tennis player, Segun Toriola, has commended Shola Oyetayo, for makig Nigeria proud in the ongoing Lagos International Table Tennis Classic.

Toriola, who has also qualified for the main chart of thirty- two seeded players having won his group D  matches, said he was elated that a Nigerian home based player was able to achieve such feat, stressing that the victory would inspire his contemporary to work hard.

Toriola, who believed that Nigeria is naturally blessed with talented table tennis players who can take on any world class ping ponger, said the players lack of exposure to both local and international competitions as well as training tours are the major setback to the growth of table tennis in Nigeria.

He said the result would sent a positive remark to the International Table Tennis Federation,ITTF, and African table Tennis Federation,ATTF,that another Nigerian home based player defeated world class ranked ping ponger.

Borno Governor Restates Commitment To Partner 1 GAME

Borno State  Governor, Kashim Shettima has reassured that his administration would partner with the 1 GAME campaign to address the challenges of education in Borno State.

Shettima made the pledge when the Project Development Coordinator, 1 GAME campaign, Kunduli Agafi, paid him a visit at Government House, Maiduguri, at the start of the week.

He said his administration would work with any individual or organization that seeks to partner with it in improving education in the state.

Governor Shettima reiterated the determination of his government to ensure that Borno State Children enrol into school as soon as possible, stating: “We are committed to ensuring that every child in the State attends school. We are going to do all we can to make sure of this.”

The Governor, who has always attributed insurgency in the state to poverty and ignorance said the activities of insurgent groups had disrupted socio-economic activities in the state; and called on parents to send their children to school to safeguard their future.

The Governor reiterated that the Borno State Government will start paying parents who enrol their children to acquire Western education, especially in the northern part of the state.

Shettima said this initiative was part of the government’s `Conditional Cash Transfer’ scheme for poor households.

He said that the objective of the scheme was to ensure that parents sent their children to school rather than allow them roam the streets.

On his part, Project Development Coordinator, 1 GAME campaign, Agafi Kunduli said the organization had seen firsthand, the efforts of government in improving education but maintained that a lot still needs to be done in terms of enrolment and was looking forward to an effective collaboration with the Borno State Government.

About 72% of primary age children in Borno State never attended school, an indication that only 1 in 4 Borno children can read and write.

Celebrated Kanu Charges Golden Eaglets

Erstwhile junior international, Nwankwo Kanu has enthused that the Golden Eaglets would qualify from their Preliminary Group F at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the UAE everything being equal.

Kanu, a graduate of the FIFA under-17  World Cup, was one of the few players highlighted  during Monday’s Draw Ceremony at  Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr where the Golden Eaglets were drawn  along Mexico; Iraq and Sweden in what has already being described as an ‘interesting and exciting group’ by Coach Manu Garba.

“I’m happy that FIFA noted my previous achievement at the Under-17 World Cup because we won it in 1993,” Kanu said. “But I would be happier if the present squad go all the way to win the championship gain in the UAE.”

The Golden Eaglets go into the championship as one of the favourites for being winners on three previous occasions; according to former General Secretary of CAF and FIFA’s Head of Competition, Mr. Moustapha Fahmy who conducted the Draws. 

The Nigerian team would open its account with a top of the drawer fixture against defending champions, Mexico on October 19 with two other matches against Iraq and Sweden on October 22 and October 25 respectively.

“I have great confidence in this team and I want to implore the coaches to drum it to the ears of the players that winning the first game against Mexico is very important,” said the two-time African Footballer of the Year. “Winning that first game against Mexico would boost their confidence and I believe that would set the tone for every other thing they would do at the competition.”

He further rallied the support of Nigerians towards the team’s success at the World cup.

“We have to belief that these boys can do it, I mean winning the World Cup in the UAE,” he noted.
“But we must support them positively with words of encouragement and prayers; and by the grace of God, I would be there to support the team.”

NFF: Golden Eaglets Not Under Pressure

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is not heaping pressure on the Golden Eaglets to emerge winners of the forthcoming FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the UAE despite being regarded as one of the favourites of the tournament already won on three previous occasions.

This much was the frank opinion of Barrister Chris Green, a board member and Chairman of the influential Technical Committee of the NFF, adding that the federation is at best concerned with laying a solid foundation for Nigerian football.

“ Of course, we want the Golden Eaglets to do well at the World Cup but  it is not a case of winning at all cost and that is why we are been meticulous with our approach with this current team,” said the former Commissioner for Sports in Rivers State.“Our philosophy is that youth competitions are just developmental and we want to see a situation whereby our players would have more playing longevity.”

But speaking about the immediate, Green agreed that the Golden Eaglets have a decent chance to progress from their World Cup Preliminary Group after they were drawn against Mexico; Iraq and Sweden. Said he: “I think the Golden Eagles have already achieved something by qualifying for the World Cup and on our part, we have achieved something greater because everyone has been saying that this is the most credible Under-17 team ever presented by the country.

“Agreed the Mexicans are the defending champions, you cannot ignore the fact that Nigeria is a strong country at this level as such, we expect that the Golden Eaglets would do well at the World Cup,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets would play a friendly match against the reserve team of Akwa United on Wednesday at the Uyo Township Stadium in continuation of their preparation for the World Cup.

Offiong Edem Relocates To Nigeria To Support Table Tennis.

In an efforts to further her education, Nigeria's sensation female table tennis player, Offiong Edem, has relocate to Nigeria after many

years of playing professional table tennis Europe.

The current All African Games Gold medalist, will be competing in the first Lagos International Table Tennis Classic alongside Funke Oshonaike, Rashidat Ogundele among others in the female category.

Edem, who explained that her relocation was to enable her to concentrate and further her education, said her club, Ground Quilly of France, did not pave the way for her to giver herself a lift academically as the club compelled her players to train eight hour a day couple with a regular weekend competitions.

On the Lagos International Table Tennis Classic, Edem, is optimistic that she will disgrace China - born Democratic Republic of Congo table tennis player, Ha Xing, having loss to her in the Africa Club Championship where Xing defeated her at the semi final.

While at home, Edem, said she would assist the Canaan Queens of Calabar to attract sponsors so as to play regular competitions both locally and internationally, adding that she would also provide table tennis kits to the players  as well as a clinic in a bid to expose them to the nitty gritty of the sport.

Edem, said the attitude of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation,NTTF, towards the players and development of the sport was no encouraging as the nation's notable players were not given adequate support to enable them to achieve scintillating feat in table tennis.

She said Nigerian ping pongers were unable to win many laurels at International competitions because the Federation failed in its capacity to engage its players in top training programmes in Europe or Asia like their counterparts across the world, adding that the NTTF usually camp team Nigeria at Ibadan where the environment is not conducive for table tennis and they want them to record excellent performance.

While commending the present board of NTTF under the reign of Wahid Enitan Oshodi,for staging the first Lagos International Table Tenis Federation, Edem said the Federation should not relent in its efforts to take the sport to the next level, stressing that Egyptian Table Tennis Federation concentrated on thorough youth development programmes which earned them a lofty positions in the International Table Tennis Federation and African Table Tennis Federation rankings

Manu Describes World Cup draw As Interesting, Exciting As Golden Eaglets Face Mexico, Iraq and Sweden in Group F

Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Manu Garba (MFR) has described the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup that has pitched Nigeria with Mexico; Iraq and Sweden as very interesting and exciting.

The Nigerian  Under-17 team will play in Group F with their centre in Al Ain at the Championship taking place between October 17 and November 7. At the Draw Ceremony conducted by former CAF’s secretary General, Mr. Moustapha Fahmy  at the Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in the UAE capital,saw  the Golden Eaglets being picked as the second team and would have the honour of  playing the Group’s opening game against the defending champions,  Mexico -who are also the reigning CONCACAF champions on October 19 .
Speaking immediately after the draws, Coach Garba said the Golden Eaglets’ work has been cut out; with a confident that that his wards would scale the hurdle and progress from the group.

“I want to believe this is a fair draw for us and as you know, we have no choice than to prepare very well because this is an interesting and exciting group,” said the coach who was one of the architects that guided Nigeria to her last triumph in 2007. “Of course, you will pick Mexico as one of the best teams at this level having being champions in two recent editions of the tournaments but we (Nigeria) are also a power to be reckoned with at this level because we have won it on three previous occasions.

“With all sense of humility, we would do our best to qualify from this group because it is our aim to do well at the World Cup. We are not going to underrate any team starting from our first game against Mexico.

“Though Sweden and Iraq are coming to the tournament for the first time, we cannot dismiss them too because every team at any tournament comes with the prospect to emerge champions. So, we just have to take one step after the other in order to realise our ambition at the World Cup,” he added.

Meanwhile, African champions Cote d’Ivoire will play in Group B alongside Uruguay, New Zealand and Italy. The matches will take place at the Ras Al Khaimah Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Africa’s second runners-up, Tunisia will play against Venezuela, Russia and Japan in Group D. The matches will come up at the Sharjah Stadium in Fujairah.

While Morocco that came fourth at home during the CAN Championship will play against Croatia, Panama and Uzbekistan in Group C in Fujairah.

THE FULL DRAW:
Group A (Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah): United Arab Emirates, Honduras,
Brazil, Slovakia
Group B (Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi): Uruguay, New Zealand, Côte d'Ivoire, Italy
Group C (Fujairah, Sharjah): Croatia, Morocco, Panama, Uzbekistan
Group D (Sharjah, Fujairah): Tunisia, Venezuela, Russia, Japan
Group E (Dubai, Al Ain): Canada, Austria, Iran, Argentina
Group F (Al Ain, Dubai): Mexico, Nigeria, Iraq, Sweden

Oshodi Sees Brighter Future For Lagos Gymnasts

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wahid Enitan Oshodi has said that with the new arrival of gymnastic equipment, the state’s gymnasts have a brighter future ahead of them.

 

Oshodi said this at the closing ceremony of Lagos State Gymnastics Grassroots Competition held at the weekend at the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Sports Complex, Rowe Park, Yaba.

 

Oshodi said that the state government bought new set of gymnastic equipment that will help the athletes train and prepare better for the National Youth Games in Abuja later in the year, the 2014 National Sports Festival and other national competitions.

 

“I am happy that the gymnastic equipment came at the time the state is preparing for the Youth Games in Abuja. I believe that the athletes will make use of all these equipment to brighten their chances in the competition and some of other ones in the future,” he said.

Oshodi said the gymnasts need better equipment to train if they want to compete with their counterparts at the world stage.

 

“I see a brighter future for our gymnasts in Lagos. They have been clamouring for modern equipment for a very long time and I am happy that we have provided them first class equipment to enhance their performance in future competitions,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, Fatai Balogun beat Shittu Adeniyi 3-0 to win the -81kg category at the Lagos State Grassroots Kickboxing Tournament held recently at Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos.

 

Akinyemi Elemegbua of Nigerian Police Kick Boxing Club defeated Eze Victor 3-0 in the -67kg, while Jelili Popoola defeated Adekunle Olowolayemo 3-0 in the 64kg.

 

In female category, Eniola Busari humbled Adebukola Adeyi 3-0 in the -65kg, while Ganiyat Balogun thrashed Agbana Teniola 3-0 to win the -57kg event.

 

Secretary of Lagos State Kickboxing Association, Toyin Ajayi expressed satisfaction with the performance of the kickboxers, adding that Lagos will dominate kickboxing in the next sports festival.

Lagos State Darts Association is set to hold its second Quarter Inter-Club Competition on Thursday and Friday this week,

The two days competition is to promote the game at the grassroots and scout for talents and as well as prepare the athletes for future competitions.

Fourteen Darts Clubs are expected to participate at the competition. The clubs are Unilag Senior Staff Club, Lagos Country Club, Ikeja club; sky Power Club, Federal Civil Service Club, Ikoyi Club, Civil Service Club, Rowe Park Darts Club, Lagos State Darts Club, Yoruba Tennis Club.

Others are the Police Command Zone 2, Public Service Club, Apapa Club and Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.

 

Lagos International Table Tennis Classics: Assar, Xing Are Tournament’s Top Seeds, As Senior’s Singles Serve Off

 

With the official commencement of the Lagos International Table Tennis  Classics, Egypt’s Omar Assar and Congo Brazzaville’sHan Xing have been  rated the tournament’s top seeded players, as the senior’s singles  events serve off at Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

 

In the seeding released by the Main Organising Committee (MOC),
Egypt’s Assar, who is rated 60 in the world has been drawn in group one
alongside Nigeria’s trio of Jide Ogidiolu, Mayowa Babatunde and Charles
Isah.
  Italy’s Mihai Bobocica, who is seeded number two is in group two  while Team Nigeria stars, Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri are seeded  number three and four respectively.
  

In the women’s seeding, current African Senior’s champion, Congo  Brazzaville’s Xing is rated number one, while Nigeria’s Funke Oshonaike  is number two.
  In the men’s singles, over 64 players have been drawn into 16 groups  made up four players per group with the top players in each group  proceeding to the round of 16.
 

In the women’s event, the 32 players were drawn into eight groups  with the top players in each group advancing to the quarterfinal stage.
 

For Congo Brazzaville’s Saheed Idowu, it is only Toriola and Quadri  that can stand between him and the title.
 

The Nigeria-born player said he was really impressed with the  organization of the tournament, saying, “this is indeed a wake time for  Nigeria table tennis.”

  “I am here to claim the title and I know I have the ability to  achieve this. I know that many people will be scared of Egypt’s Assar  because of his ranking but I want to let you know that I had played
against Assar at club level. So he is beatable in this competition. 

 

The  players that I feel can prevent me from claiming the titleare Toriola  and Quadri because we have been playing together before I left for  Brazzaville,” Idowu said.
  For him, taking part in the competition is not about winning the cash  prize but also improving on his world ranking. “I am here for the money  and I am also here to garner point to improve my world ranking. I think  the atmosphere is good for any player to give his or her best.

 

 But I  want to sincerely commend the organizers for putting this tournament  together and I look forward to more of this,” he added.

2013 Afrobasket: Don’t Underrate CAR, Bakare Charges Team

 

Coach of Nigeria’s senior male basketball team at the 2013 Afrobasket holding in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Ayo Bakare has told his players not to underrate the Central Africa Republic but step up their game in Tuesday’s second round  must win match to keep their ambition of lifting the trophy alive.

 

He gave them Monday as rest they but the Team  Doctor, Suleiman Ohida and Physiotherapist, Ekundayo Ogunkunle  worked on the players who confessed that the Cameroon match-up stretched them to the limit as they gave Alfarouk Aminu thumbs up for his sterling performance in the crucial game.

 

Coach Bakare congratulated the players for making a statement to other teams in the competition by beating a highly rated Cameroonian team, adding that “you played yourself into the easier part to the semi final as you will now avoid Angola and Cote d’Ivoire.”

 

“I am personally proud of you for putting up a star performance and winning a day off for yourselves. You can savour this moment for now but ensure that you raise your game from  because any team that loses now goes home,” he told them at the locker room.

 

Meanwhile Sports Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi and President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Tijjani Umar have both congratulated the players for the victory.

 

“The minister called to congratulate the players yesterday after the victory and promised to be in Abidjan to boost their morale as they progress in the competition. 

 

I am equally happy that despite the injury worries, the players are doing well. They have shown commitment and determination to succeed and I hope they will continue in that spiritS,” Umar said on telephone yesterday.