Taiwo Willaims, Tolu Durosimi Etti Go Spiritual Ahead Of Today's Final.

Women's Singles finalist of Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship, Taiwo Williams, has dedicated her victorious feat in the semi final clash against Ayo Udoh to the almighty God for paving the way for her to reach the final.

Williams, who was recently redeployed to Lagos State by the Nigerian Army after she was posted to Zaria, said it was the grace of God coupled with her determination and commitment to rigorous training programme that enable her to qualify for the final after sweating it out against a young talented ping ponger.

Williams, said she never believed that she could easily defeat Ayo Udoh, who will be representing Nigeria at the World Junioor Table Tennis Championship in Rabat, Morocco, because she is endowed with bunch of skills which make it difficult for her opponents to outplay.

While explaining that it was a sweet revenge for her because Udoh defeated her at the last Chairman's Rumble Table Tennis Championship,Williams, said her vast experience in the sport was too much her Udoh to contend with as she forced the young talented player not to play her usual tactical game.

On the game against Tolu Durosimi Etti, Williams, said she would rely on God to give her the grace to drive home the car.

Tolu Durosimi Etti, said her vast experience helped her a lot to defeat Funke Hassan who according to her was not in good form as she caged Funke Hassan from playing her usual game.

Durosimi Etti, prayed that with God on her side, she should be able to win the Women's Singles final and drive home the brand new car.

Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship: Mojeed Olayiwola, Olajide Omotayo, Taiwo Williams, Tolu Durosimi Etti For Final

The Sir Molade Okoya- Thomas Sportshall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, was frenzy when Olajide Omotayo shattered the dream of EKO 2012 Games, Adeyinka Ahmed at the semi final of Men's Singles event decided on Thursday.

Omotayo, who defeated the captain of Lagos State table tennis team to EKO 2012 Games, Ayo Omotara, by 11- 5, 4- 11,13- 11, 8 - 11,13 - 11, 11 - 6, was in a brilliant form as he technically outplayed Adeyinka Ahmed who had been tipped to play in the final following his recent performance in organised competitions.

The first -four set was shared between the players as Omotayo picked the remaining two set in the best of seven games to end the match, 11- 5, 4- 11,13- 11, 8 - 11,13 - 11, 11 - 6.

The second semi final clash between Mojeed Olayiwola and Shobayo Bolaji, was an easy game for Olayiwola, who is the tournament's defending champion in the Men's Singles event as he outstroked Shobayo who sent packing Adeniyi Kazeem, 11- 9, 11- 8, 11- 8.

World Junior Table Tennis Championship bound player, Ayo Udoh, was too over confident and excited after been tipped as the favourite to win the star prize of a brand new car in the Women's Singles event as she failed to live up to expectations against Taiwo Williams of Nigerian Army.

TaiwoWilliams, who was afaraid of playing against Udoh, took advantage of her situation and forced her not to play her usual tactical game as she overwhelmed her by four straight set of 11- 7, 11- 3, 12 - 10, 11 - 6, in the best of seven games.

Tolu Durosimi Etti, who will challenge Taiwo Williams in the Women's Singles final, confidently defeated Funke Hassan, who was out of form and her poor attitude to the game culminated into her defeat of 11-6, 111 -4, 11- 9, 6 - 11, 12 - 10.

The question now is who will drive home the brand new cars for the eventual winners of the Men's and Women's Singles events.Will it be Olayiwola, Omotayo, Durosimi Etti or Taiwo Williams as the final holds today.

HFN crisis: Veterans Initiate Contempt Proceedings To Commit Minister of Sports, DG To Prison

The Federal High Court Abuja has issued Notices of Consequence of Disobedience/Breach of Lis Pendis popularly known as form 48 against the Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdulahi, Director General of the NSC Gbenga Elegbeye and Alhaji Yusuf Dauda who are all defendants in the suit filed by Veterans and current and former serving elite players of the game of handball in Nigeria.

The processes which were signed by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court and issued since the 13th day of August, 2013 at the instance of the Plaintiffs to the suit were served personally on all three persons as same were addressed to the specific individuals according to the act of violation or defilement of the orders of the court. Those served on the Minister and the DG were worded the same as follows: 

“Further take notice that unless you obey the rule and precepts of lis pendis and the restraints thereby contained and occasioned, you will be guilty of contempt of court and be liable to be committed to prison in respect of further actions as being carried out by you viz; recognizing Alhaji Yusuf Dauda as the President of Handball Federation of Nigeria and approving funds and programmes meant for the Handball Federation of Nigeria for him as holder of the subject matter office which is subject matter of litigation pending before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja.”

The court similarly warned Alhaji Yusuf Dauda to desist from further actions as being carried out by him such as parading himself as the President of Handball Federation of Nigeria and presenting himself in the said capacity and carrying out duties in that behalf such as obtaining money on behalf of the federation and appearing on sundry radio and television programs or be liable to be committed to prison.

When the suit came up for hearing today (Wednesday), Alhaji Yusuf Dauda and other persons purporting to be board members of the federation were in far away city of Monterrev, Mexico representing Nigeria as head of delegation to the 2013 IHF Trophy Intercontinental Phase and parading himself as the President of Handball Federation of Nigeria against the express orders of the court.

Before they were issued Mexican visas to travel for the competition the pendency of the orders of court and processes were brought to the attention of the Mexican Embassy but the Mexican Ambassador defiled the court categorically stating that he was under express instructions from the Minister of sports and the NSC to recognize Alhaji Dauda as president and other persons in the delegation as board members of the Federation.

He further stated that “My hands are tied. I don’t want to have problem with your government. It is your government that you sued that sent their names to me”.

Meanwhile, Hon. Justice E.S. Chukwu who is presiding over the suit could not sit today as lawyers appearing before him in 18 cases listed for the day were instructed by the Registrar of the court to take further dates.

The Veterans suit was further adjourned to the Wednesday 22nd of January, 2013.

Reacting to the developments Counsel to the Plaintiffs Terence Vembe said that it is clear from the actions of the Minister, NSC and Alhaji Dauda that they have no regard for the court and that is unfortunate. He further said that the Plaintiffs are now constrained to approach the court to issue form 49 which will compel the contemnors to appear before it to show cause why they should not be sent to prison for contempt.

Nigerian Award Dazes Keshi

Head Coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, has expressed satisfaction with the award bestowed on him as the Coach of the Year at the Nigerian Sports Awards.

The coach, who never thought of being nominated let alone being named Coach of the Year in Nigeria, said he was hapy that some people are taking note of his contribution to Nigerian football, stressing that the award would give him energy, zeal and determination to do more for football in Nigeria at the highest level.

“I am happy that there are some people out there who are taking note of our little contribution to Nigerian football and thought it wise to give awards. The award will give me more energy, zeal and determination to do more for football in Nigeria at the highest level”, he said.

While thanking God for giving the grace to excel,Keshi also commends the Nigeria Football Association, NFA, Eagles technical crew members as well as the players who according to him have been committed to national assignments and the soccer fans who have been supporting him.
The coach also said he was not shocked that Alhaji Aminu Maigari, the NFF President emerged the Sports Personality of the Year. “He has been an inspiration to football management in all spheres”, he said.

The coach, said he was not shocked that NFA President, Aminu Maigari, the NFF emerged the Sports Personality of the Year, because has been an inspiration to football management .

He congratulated Victor Moses, who emerged the Footballer of the Year and John Mikel Obi who was named the Sports Person of the Year, for their outstanding qualities. For Moses, Keshi has this to say; “he is a telented youngster and has been giving his total commitment when he comes to play for Nigeria, but I believe that he has only  given us 80 per cent, we hope he will give 100 per cent at the World Cup. He is still young but he can do better for the Super Eagles.

He congratulated Victor Moses, who emerged the Footballer of the Year and John Mikel Obi who was named the Sports Person of the Year, for their outstanding qualities.

He added that Moses was a talented young football player and has been committed when he comes to play for Nigeria, stressing that he was delighted that the world is recognizing the value of Mikel Obi as a great players who also is committed to the national team.

“For Mikel, I am happy that gradually the world is recognizing his talents which he has been showing anytime he plays in the national team. I salute him and I am proud of his achievement but must also say it’s just the beginning of greater things to come for all the players in the national team.”

Lagos State Presents Scholarship Awards To EKO 2012 Games Athletes.

 Lagos State Government has given scholarship award worth four million naira to twenty three athletes that represented the state at the last 18th National Sports Festival tagged EKO 2012 Games.

While presenting the individual cheques to the athletes who are students of tertiary institution and secondary school pupils,the Special adviser on Education, Honourable Fatal Olukoga,said the scholarship was given to them in recognition of their contributions and laurels they brought to the state during the EKo 2012 Games where the state clinched the third position.

Olukoga, noted that the state government support the holistic development of talented athletes and recognises their increasing need to successfully balance both academic and sporting commitments,adding that the sports scholarship does not not include any species) reductions in entry criteria or offer of an admission into state Tertiary institutions.

On the policy guiding the scholarship award, the Special Adviser, reminded the athletes that they must have completed and won a medal at a recognised inter state,National and International competition,adding that they must have gained admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria.

In recognition of their performance at the Games, Olukoga, explained that the state government under the leadership of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola,has supported the youths in their pursuit of sporting excellence and educational achievement,adding that the governor believe in giving the athletes that featured at the Games access to quality education and opportunities to excel.

While noting that twenty three out forty-seven athletes that represented the state were being given the scholarship awards, said other medalists that are not students had been given employment while others were empowered in other field of life.

He said Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola administration is committed to the improvement in the quality of education in the state and reduction of student's financial burden to a barest minimum.

The Director of Sports, Lagos State Sports Council,Kweku Tandoh,said the state had virile sports developmental programme that has helped them to produce quality athletes who were well trained to clinch the third position at the last National Sports Festival,adding that the state had already begun preparation for the next National Sports Festival,in Calabar,Cross River State.

While commending Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola for fulfilling his promises, said the gesture would go a long way in motivating others to work hard with the view of benefiting from similar gesture.

Director,Lagos State Scholarship Board,said the award was giving to athletes who are genuine students of any tertiary institution in Nigeria or secondary school
Pupils,adding that the sum of two hundred thousand naira was giving to students of tertiary institution while eighty thousand naira goes to secondary school pupils

She said the athletes would continue to enjoy the scholarship award once they are still in school.

Some of the athletes that benefited from the largesse are,Ayannaike Abiola,Jimoh I days,A bass Rukayat,Samuel  Anyia,,Ajayi Mojisola, Amin at Oluwatoba, Sodiq Alarada, Arakawe Nkem,Francis Innocent, Orhuamen Module, Garuba Haruna, Abioye Stephen, Like Dorcas and Victor Aladdin.

Corporate Football -Eko Support To Represent Nigeria At Africa Tourney

Eko Support will represent the country at the forthcoming African Corporate Football Championship in Senegal next year March after defeating Chevron in the final of Corporate Football Champions Cup decided at the Campos Stadium.

To qualify for the African tourney in the championship which has eight corporate companies in contention Eko Support defeated Chevron by 4-3 via penalty shootout after the full time ended goalless.

Meanwhile Bourbon Group of Companies placed third with a lone goal victory over Exxon Mobil in a keenly contested match.

The highlight of the competition was an award of a return ticket to London through a raffle draw to Mr Terry Gbadagri courtesy Wakanow.com.

Speaking after the presentation of trophy to the captain of the winning team, Mary Akpobome, Executive Director, Heritage Bank, having commended the organisers of the competition, Corporate Soccer Nigeria Limited, said the competition would go a long way in fostering cordial relationship among various organisations and help in networking for better Nigeria.

In his speech,the Managing Director,Corporate Soccer Nigeria,Onome Obruthe assured that the competition would grow better in future.

The captain of the winning company,Eko Support ,Seni Edu,who also doubles as the General Manager thanked the organisers for the opportunity to be part of the competition and assured that his team/company will be good ambassador of the country during the African Corporate Football Championship in Senegal next year March.

Kazeem Adeniyi Targets To Win Brand New Car As Fatimo Bello Returns In 2014

Defending champion of Women's singles of Asoju-Oba table tennis championship, Fatimo Bello, says she has no regret of not featuring in this year,s edition to defend her title despite the star prize of a brand new car.

Bello, who was suspended by the disciplinary committee of the Lagos state table tennis association, said the suspension placed on her does not permit her to participate on any organized table tennis event till December 2013, adding that she would come back stronger in 2014 to reclaim her title.

Apart from the ban, the female ping ponger said she was not fit to play competitive tournament as a nursing mother, adding that it would not take her a long period of time to be in good shape to win major competitions.

Former champion of Asoju-Oba table tennis championship, Kazeem Adeniyi, says his target in this year's edition of the annual competition is to become the third table tennis players ever in the Men's singles to win the star prize of a brand new car.

Meanwhile, former Nigerian sensation table tennis player, Atanda Musa, was the first Ping Ponger to win a brand new car in 1984 after defeating late Yomi Bankole while Seun Ajetunmobi, who was playing professional table tennis in Europe won the second brand new Salon car in 2008 after Gbenga Anthony.

The Nigeria security and Civil Defense Corps table tennis player who was pained for not winning the competition back to back in 2011 having defeated Ganiyu Ashimiyu in the final of Men's singles in 2010, said he would not exercise any form of anxiety over any game or prepare his mind against the next match, adding that the trend has deprived him of winning major tournaments.

He said his vast experience in the sport as well as his exposure to the international competitions would serve as an added advantage over other top rated layers tipped to win the competitions stressing that his forehand is far better than other players in the Men's singles chart.

For not being seeded among the sixteen players seeded in the Men's singles, Adeniyi, said the move would motivate him to work hard in defeating the players who were seeded.

Asoju Oba Table Tennis Cup: Most Of Us Are Panicking, Adeyinka Ahmed

The star prize of a brand new car for the winner of Men's singles in the ongoing 45th edition of Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship has subjected players to the state of panic and fear.

Gold medalist at the 18th National sports festival tagged Eko 2012 Games, Adeyinka Ahmed, made this statement in an interview with sportsweight.blogspot.com

Ahmed, said it was obvious that ninety percent of them in the Men's single event are afraid and panicking over the biggest star prize so far in table tennis, adding that he performed below expectation at the first Lagos International Table Tennis Classics because of lack of concentration and he would not want such to reoccur in this year's edition of the annual table tennis championship..

The table tennis player, who won the tertiary games for three consecutive years, said the training tour of China and his experience at the West African table tennis competition would give him an edge above his counterparts who are also working hard to win the competition.

Asoju Oba Table Tennis Tournament:All Eyes On Me, Mojeed Olayiwola

The defending champion of Asoju-Oba table tennis table champioship, Mojeed Olayiwola, has said that he need ed to be at his best to in the tournament star prize of brand new car to the eventually winner of Men's singles event.

Olayiwola who defeated Ganiyu Ashimiyu by four set to two to claim last year's title of Asoju Oba table tennis championship, said all eyes were on him as the competition's defending champion and he would not relent in his efforts in working hard to retain his title.

The table tennis player who lost to Nigeria's professional ping ponger, Monday Merotohun, at the round of 32 at the first Lagos International Table Tennis Classics, said he had learned a big lesson from the competition and it has helped him to sharpen his skills to stand a chance to win the star prize.

Olayiwola, who won the Apatira table tennis competition, Lagos State Quarterly Table Tennis competition in 2013, said inspite of experience and the confidence in him, he would not underrate any of his opponent, adding that every players in the Men's singles chart are capable of winning the star prize following their performances in recent tournaments.

While commending Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, the sponsor of Asoju-oba table tennis Championship, for lifting the standard of table tennis for over forty years, he said the competition which was the most consistent table tennis in Nigeria, had produced great Nigerian ping pongers.

Lagos State Dominates Swimming Event.

Lagos State has dominated the swimming event of the ongoing National School Sports Festival after clinching 13 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze medals to increase the state's medal hall.
 
Also in Swimming, the Lagos team added 4 gold medals bringing the total number of gold medal to five among the already decided events in swimming as the state also won three gold medals in the Taekwondo event .

Director of Sports, Lagos State, Kweku Tandoh, said the positive efforts of Governor Babatunde Fashola in Grassroots Sports Development has contributed immensely to the success recorded in the tournament, stressing that the state Government would not relent in its efforts to  invest in grass roots sports development.
 
Meanwhile, the state also won a gold medal in the U-15 basketball event for secondary schools.

Top Squash Stars Jostle For N6.4m Prize Money At Lagos International Squash Classics.

After two weeks postponement, the much-awaited Lagos International Squash Classics will serve off on Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Rowe Park,Yaba, as top stars within and outside Nigeria begin jostle for the N6.4m prize money.

Top squash players from Egypt, South Africa, Zambia, DRC Congo, Zimbabwe and United Kingdom (UK) will join their Nigerian counterpart for top prize at the three-day tournament.

According to the Chairman, Lagos State Squash Association, Sanya Akindele, the postponement of the tournament has given other top players the opportunity to be part of the championship with five time winner of the World Squash Association (WSA)-organised tournament, Egypt’s Heba El Torky will also be part of the competition as well as other top players have been listed to compete.

 “The postponed First Lagos International Squash Classics finally kicks off on Wednesday, November 27th, 2013 in the all glass court at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Hall, Rowe Park.

 The event has been boosted with the arrival of celebrated Egyptian female squash player, Heba El Torky, a winner of five WSA titles and compatriot, Mohamed Ahraf. Other players from Zimbabwe, Egypt, South Africa, Zambia, DRC and the UK are going to be part of the tournament,” Akindele said.

 He added: “The postponement of the event has proven to be a blessing in disguise as we now have a larger complement of international players and the local players have had enough time to prepare for the tournament. We expect a huge turnout of squash lovers from far and near to see the Nigerian players square up against foreign opposition.”

 Some of the foreign players had their first training session in readiness for the tournament on Tuesday.
  Aside the senior event, the U-19 players will also be in action at the tournament.

Dodan Warriors, Deep Bond Win Lagos International Basketball Classics

Dodan Warriors and Deep Bond Basketball Clubs have been crowned  the champions of the Lagos International Basketball Classics in a competition that came to an end over the weekend at the Lagos Sports Council, Rowe Park, Yaba.

 In the senior category, Dodan Warriors were unbeaten and they rounded off their good form with a resounding victory in the final, while Deep Bond halted the dream of International School, Lagos (ISL) to emerge as champion in the Under 17 category.

Dodan Warriors’ efforts was rewarded with three hundred thousand naira  while Deep Bond got one hundred thousand naira for their feat as each member of Deep Bond got fifteen thousand naira voucher to get a Puma brand canvass.

 According to the technical director of the tournament, Gbade Olatana, the tournament lived up to its billing as all the participating teams gave good account of themselves, while the eventual winners also deserved the victory.

“I think the competition was so high in terms of quality of play as all the teams really put up good show. The tournament especially the final was very colourful as the matches were played under floodlight late into the night. This alone brought a lot of glamour into the competition and for us, it worth it. I think, a lot of quality players took part in the competition and we hope it will continue next year,” Olatana said.

  Meanwhile, the Chairman, Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the Lagos Sports Classics, Wahid Oshodi, has commended all the teams that took part in the competition, while promising more colorful events as the taekwondo and squash classics take centre stage.

Fallen Eaglet, Njengo, Laid To Rest Amid Tears

It was a day of deep mourning on Saturday as the remains of 17-year old Friday Njengo, a member of the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, were committed to mother earth in his hometown, Kaltungo, Gombe State.

The journey began on Friday with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and some family members taking possession of the corpse from the National Hospital, Abuja.

The delegation to Gombe was led by Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, and included Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association, Alhaji Auwalu Musa Umar, Vice Chairman of Gombe FA, Mohammed Manzo, NFF Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Rafiu Yusuf, Eaglets’ Head Coach, Coach Manu Garba, Eaglets’ Team Administrator Tayo Egbaiyelo, Gombe State FA Secretary, Mallam Ahmed Sada, Mallam Munir Tijani Shittu of NFF Media Unit and some officials of Gombe and Bauchi State Football Associations.

After a brief stop at the house of late Njengo’s uncle, Mr. Mikah Kumat, Idayan Kaltungo, the delegation headed to the palace of the Emir of Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed, with the Chairman of Kaltungo Local Government having joined the train.

The Emir, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, was actually at the National Hospital, Abuja to see the player on his sick bed before his demise.

It was wailing and tears all through as the boy’s remains were committed to mother earth later in the day.

Friday Njengo, who was a regular in the Eaglets’ squad before an auto accident on February 3,2013 on his way to Calabar for the team’s first phase of final camping ahead of the 2013 African U-17 Championship in Morocco, attended various schools in Bauchi, Kaduna and Kaltungo, and was a member of the Yarma Light Football Academy before his call to the U-17 National Team.

He is survived by his mother, three sisters and two brothers.

Adamu: NFF Should Invest In Keshi

The former Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Amos Adamu, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to invest in the excellent performance of the Super Eagles chief coach, Stephen Keshi, who has showed his great coaching potential to the world.

Adamu noted that the football federation should not listen to calls, at any point in time, for it to employ a foreign technical adviser ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

He said in a press statement signed by his Media Assistant, Dapo Sotuminu, that, the NFF should ensure Keshi gets the requisite exposure and knowledge of a world class coach by sending him to international coaching seminars, workshops and trainings which other great football coaches across the globe would attend while preparing for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

“We should be proud of Keshi and I am sure the NFF has great respect for him for helping to bring back the glory days of Nigerian football. Today, the Eagles can face any team in the world without fear of being mauled by goals. 

The last Eagles’ friendly game against Italy tells it all, when the national team was forced to a 2-2 draw by the four times world champion.” He added: “Keshi should be celebrated as the first Nigerian coach to win the Nations Cup, play FIFA Confederation Cup and he’s graciously the first to qualify the Eagles and coach the team at the World Cup.

“Already, he is a reference point in African football having helped Togo to play in their first ever FIFA World Cup in 2006. He is also the only living African to win the Nations Cup as a player and a coach.

“Keshi is our own and he should be celebrated,” Adamu said.  
    

The former CAF and FIFA Executive Committee member also congratulated the NFF president, Alhaji Aminu Maigari and the Super Eagles team for picking the ticket to the 2014 World Cup.   

   

The former WAFU president did not leave out the Sports Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who he described as a visionary leader whose contributions have changed the face of Nigerian football and sports as a whole.

Barewa RFC Dethrones Police Machine To Win Lagos 7's Rugby Festival.

It was a double victory for Barewa Rugby Football Club of Kano state as the rugby club won the senior and junior categories of the Lagos 7's Rugby Festival which ended on Sunday at the On ikan Stadium,Onikan.

The Kano State based rugby football club fought hard to dethrone the tournament's defending champion,Police Machine Rugby Football Club by 10 points to 5 as Sanni Mohammed made a tries in five minutes while Joshua converted a tries to end the first half 7- nil in favour of Barewa RFC

Police MachineRFC made a tries in the second half through Yahaya as Joshu of Barewa RFC also scored a penalty to end the match 10- 5,as the Barewa boys smiled home with the tournament's Cup while Racing Rugby Football Club of
Lagos got a Plate award for their efforts just as Sabon Gari Rugby Football Academy of Kaduna State won the Bowl award.

Vice captain of Barewa RFC,Obi Wilson,said the feat was as a result of hard work and commitment to record success in this year's edition having lost to Place Machine RFC, in 2012,stressing that the team defeat to Loci Machine RFC, was a wake up call that propelled them to embrace hard work to avenge their defeat.

According to him,the team's technical crew fortified the club's defense and also encourage the players to put pressure on their opponent which made the Police Machine players to commit technical fouls which paved the way for their victory.

He believed that the future of rugby was bright but the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation,NRFF,sponsors and the National Sports Commission,NSC, need to encourage all the affiliated clubs and o,Ayers to acquaint themselves with the modern training facilities and also to expose them to regular international competitions.

Head Coach'Barewa RFC,Martin Crawford,who has been with the team for ten years,said his players were hungry for success having defeated Police Machine RFC, in the Northern Rugby 7's,adding that the Police boys were their  arch-rival that do respect them for their technical depth of the sport.

Crawford,who was happy over the feat, said his team would go for a short break in readiness for 2014 rugby season.

Head coach, Police Machine RFC, Micheal Abiodun Johnson,said late invitation for the tournament was responsible for the their defeat as he explained that his club needed a minimum of two to three months to prepare adequately for any event.

While commending the sponsor,EXP,for its commitment towards improving the standard of rugby in Nigeria,said his club which was the defending champion of West African 7's Rugby Championship, is looking beyond rugby tournaments organised in the country,adding that his club has surpassed the level of competitions staged in the nation.

In the junior events,Barewa boys win the junior tackle Cup award while Igbobi College won the junior tackle Plate award.

In the Touch event, Toyibat Secondary School won the Junior Touch event while Falomo Secondary School win the junior Touch Cup.

Tangawarima: Nigerian Referees Are Improving

FIFA Referees Instructor, Felix Tangawarima, has said that Nigerian referees are truly improving as professionals and they can only get better.

Tangawarima, a former FIFA referee from Zimbabwe, is among a trio of instructors sent by the world football governing body to conduct a six-day FIFA Member Associations Course for elite referees, technical instructors and physical fitness instructors, which opened in Abuja on Monday.

At the formal opening ceremony inside the conference hall of the FIFA Technical Centre, inside the National Stadium Complex, Abuja on Thursday, Tangawarima, who spoke on behalf of himself, Mali’s Sidi Bekaye Magassa and Malawi’s Mark Mzengo, affirmed: “I am saying this with every sense of sincerity and responsibility. Your referees are improving by the day and will only get better.

“I am quite happy for the support that the Nigeria Football Federation is giving to programmes that have to do with improving the referees.”

A total of 32 Nigerian elite referees and assistant referees are participating in the programme, while there are 43 assessors, nine technical instructors and 19 physical fitness instructors. The Course Coordinator is Mr. Linus Mba while Mohammed Aminu, Eke Onyeforo and Stella Eloji are assistant instructors. Engineer Emmanuel Imiere, retired FIFA referee, is local fitness instructor.

Speaking at the event, NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, who represented the NFF President, thanked the FIFA delegates and promised that the Federation would continue to support all programmes that would enhance the professional competence and capacity of Nigerian referees.

Chukwumerije, Five Others Embark On Coaching Course In Korea.

To update their knowledge as well as the equip themselves for the game, Beijing Olympics medalist, Chika Chukwumerije and five others are at present undergoing a two-week coaching course in Korea.

  The exercise will hold at the International Taekwondo Academy in Kyung Hee University, Republic of Korea.

  The five-man team left the country at the weekend for the course.

Aside Chukwumerije, others are Tony Anafulu, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) board member; Michael Ugboko, international referee and lecturer at the National Institute of Sports (NIS); John Victor, Kehinde Salawu and Yusuf Abdulmunin.

The training is self-sponsored, but they were selected for course based on the recommendations of NTF President, George Ashiru.

According to the module of the course made available to journalists, the training include conditioning training, taekwondo physiology, sparring/poomsae, first-aid and taping, biomechanics of taekwondo, nutrition for taekwondo, demonstration, basics in Korean language, athletics training of taekwondo players, sparring analysis, taekwondo aerobics, taekwondo philosophy and olympism.

  Analyzing the impact of the exercise, the 2008 Beijing Olympics medalist said: “It puts all my elite training and competitive experiences over the past decade in context. My knowledge of all this was from the athlete perspective. 

From the coaching perspective, it is very different, as you come to realise the amount of knowledge one has to methodically pass on to young upcoming and current elite athletes, if you want them to deliver quality performances throughout the duration of their careers.”

  For NTF, he said: “As athlete's representative, more than ever, I realize the importance of having the right national coaching development and structure. Quality coaches produce quality athletes. 

In the interest of Nigerian taekwondo athletes, making sure we get the coaching structure right across the country is vital. I can contribute better during NTF board deliberations to this effect.

  The course is holding at Kyung Hee University, which has always been a pioneer in the field of taekwondo and it has played a leadership role in upgrading a national and international standard of excellence.

  Having had a successful taekwondo team since 1960, the University began Korea’s first full time taekwondo department in 1983.

LSFA/Skye Bank Oba Cup Finals Holds Thursday

      

All is set for the finals of the 2013 LSFA/Skye Bank Oba Cup as 26 Lion football club battle Bomb Blast football club for the coveted Trophy. The finals hold at the home of football, legendary Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

The finals of the championship which is one of the oldest knock-out club competitions in the State promises to be a highly entertaining and explosive one, given the form of both sides.

36 Lion FC defeated Current football club with 5 unreplied goals in the first semi finals to book its place in the finals, while Bomb Blast FC also stopped its semi finals opponent, Ascenders football club by 4 goals to nothing to secure its place in Thursday's finals.

Speaking ahead of the finals, Chairman of Lagos State football Association, Seyi Akinwunmi disclosed that all is set for an exciting final that promises lots of goals with the way both finalists have been scoring goals since the commencement of the championship.

He informed that apart from his royal highness, Oba Reliwan Babatunde Akinolu and his white cap chiefs, the honourable commissioner for Sports, Enitan Oshodi and other top dignitaries are expected to grace the finals.

Akinwunmi also informed that the third place match will also hold same day with Ascenders FC and Current FC fighting for pride in the losers finals.

Also expected is the Managing Director of Skye Bank PLC, Mr. Kehinde Durosimmi-Etiti with other top management staff supporting him.

36 Lions, Bomb Blast Qualify For LSFA/Skye Bank Final

36 Lions Football Club and Bomb Blast Football Clubs have qualified for the final of LSF/Skye Bank Oba Soccer Cup.

36 Lions Football Club qualified for the final after defeating Staruf Football Club by five goals to nothing in a match played over the weekend at the Agege Stadium.

Bomb Blast really showed the stuff they were made of as they blasted Ascender Football Club by four goals to nothing in the second semi final match played at the Agege Stadium.

The final comes up on Wednesday at the Onikan Stadium, as Oba Rilwan Akiolu is expected to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.

Meanwhile, the management of Radio Lagos/EKO FM  will today receive the board of Lagos State Football Association,LSFA, who are on a trophy tour of medai organizations.

Niger Targets Top Spot At National School Sports Fiesta.

Niger State Government has said that the state's team to the sixth edition of the National School Sports Federation would surpass its past records in the games as the screening starts on Thursday, November 22, in Kwara State.

 At the last edition held in Port Harcourt, Rivers States, Niger finished 12th having dominated the handball events.

However, the coordinator of school sports in Niger, Kudu Umar, said the team had concluded its one-week camping while they will be departing for Kwara on Thursday in order to acclamatise to the weather in Ilorin.

  “I know Niger State has not been among the top 10 teams but this year, we are ready to do better than our 12th place in the last edition. We have been in camp for the past seven days and we will be departing to Ilorin on Thursday.

All our athletes are in top shape for the championship while the support we have been getting from the government has been enormous. For us, we decided to select our athletes from rural areas because we realized that they are skillful and much more determined to do the state proud.

We know we are going to face challenges from teams like Cross River, Lagos and Rivers but we are not scared as we have well been motivated to do well at the tournament,” Umar said.

  Meanwhile, officials of the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) are ready to rid the tournament of irregularities as series of methods have been put in place to check cheating by any team

NSC Employs High Performance Directors For Sports.

The National Sports Commission has taken adequate steps to improve Nigeria’s performance in elite sports and to ensure that the country becomes a sporting powerhouse in the world.

As part of this measure, the Honourable Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Tuesday presented to the media the newly appointed National High Performance Director, Angie Taylor and a Performance Director for Athletics, Eric Campbell.

It was the first time in the history of Nigerian sports that a national high performance director and a performance director have been engaged to oversee the development of elite sports in the country.

A very excited Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi stated at the event that it was the need to be proactive and see Nigeria achieve podium level success in international competitions that propelled the Commission to employ the foreign experts to oversee the high performance system, which the Commission has put in place.

A high performance system is a science –based support system for elite athletes The only High Performance Centre in West Africa is being built in Abuja, Nigeria and the Minister stated that this would be completed in February 2014.

He explained that the process of engaging the foreign experts, both of whom are from the US, was very rigorous, as they had to scale very tedious recruitment exercise conducted by sports consultants Mackenzie. As National High Performance Director, Taylor is to oversee the development of elite athletes in five sports: Athletics, Boxing, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, and Wrestling. Performance Director for Athletics, Campbell would work with Taylor to develop a programme to ensure that achieves podium success in athletics.

“What we are doing here is history”, stated Abdullahi. “The disappointment of London 2102 was what led to the unanimous decision to start doing things differently. One key lesson was that at this time and age no country could hope to perform and achieve podium success at the global level without a robust high performance system that translates talent into excellence. In Taylor and Campbell, we have got the best possible hand s we can get.”

Both Taylor and Campbell said they were happy to be in Nigeria to help the country achieve its full potentials in sports. “ I am so excited by the opportunity to here today. With my experience I am confident that I can help Nigeria with the goal of achieving greater sporting success,” said Taylor.

Chief Solomon Ogba, President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, commended the Minister for the appointment of the new technical experts.

“ For years, we are at AFN have called for quality hands with the right experience to help with our sports, I am happy that it is happening today with the appointment of these two technical experts. I commend the honourable Minister for his foresight and wisdom,” Ogba said.

NBA,WNBA, Exxon Mobil Launch Power Forward As Akeem Olajuwon Supports.

The National Basketball Association (NBA), Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Africare and ExxonMobil on Tuesday  announced the launch of “Power Forward,” a youth engagement initiative that will use basketball to develop health, leadership and life skills in Nigeria.

Nigerian native and Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, fellow countryman and former NBA player Obinna Ekezie and three-time WNBA champion Swin Cash joined leading Nigerian government officials in tipping off the program today during a two-day launch event in Abuja.

"Young people are the future of our country,” said Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, Nigerian Minister of Sports and Supervising Minister for Youth Development. “The Power Forward initiative will teach young Nigerians teamwork, communication and persistence—the same skills they need to grow into future leaders in their communities.”

“Power Forward” is being introduced at 10 public and private high schools in Abuja and will engage 300 students, with equal representation of boys and girls.  The NBA, WNBA, Africare and ExxonMobil have worked with local school and education officials to develop the innovative program.  Africare collaborated with YEDI (Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative) to create the initiative’s comprehensive life skills element.

This includes a curriculum that teaches leadership skills and builds health awareness through a combination of classroom and athletic activities. Students will progress along a clear path, and be evaluated at different stages, so they have goals to strive toward during the program.

Each school will have a coach assigned to oversee the curriculum, guide students through lessons and monitor progress.  The partners have committed to ensure each institution has the supplies, support and basketball facilities it needs to make this program a success.

“Nigeria’s vibrant youth and sports culture makes the country an ideal place to launch this new initiative to equip tomorrow’s leaders with the skills they’ll need to thrive,” said Amadou Gallo Fall, NBA Vice President, Development – Africa.

“The NBA and WNBA are committed to working with our partners across Africa to use the power of basketball to positively impact social change. Together with ExxonMobil and Africare, we will promote the core values of our game to help young people learn how to succeed both on and off the court.”

The launch was marked by a two-day “tip-off” event held at the Government Secondary School in Wuse and the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

Olajuwon, Ekezie and Cash joined 100 youth participants on the court for a series of basketball drills.

Basketball is Nigeria’s second most popular sport with increased interest at the grassroots level across the country following the national team’s first-ever qualification in the Olympic Basketball Tournament in 2012.

Over 20 current and former players with Nigerian descent have played in the NBA, more than any other African country.

"The objectives of the initiative are at the heart of what our federation strives to achieve with the young people we work with: getting them to stay in school and be useful members of society, and cultivating a sound mind in a sound body,” said Tijjani Umar, President, Nigeria Basketball Federation.

“This way, the future of the game is also guaranteed in our country. It is therefore natural for us to support this program."

“We are proud to team up with the NBA, WNBA and ExxonMobil to bring this program to Nigerian youth,” said Darius Mans, President of Africare, the program’s primary implementing partner.

“Each organization brings unique skills to this dynamic partnership, and the sum of what we can do together outweighs what each of us could have done alone.”

“Power Forward” is aligned with ongoing efforts of the Nigerian government, such as the Saving One Million Lives campaign, to drive economic prosperity and improve public heath, particularly among youth.

This program will bolster these efforts by teaching crucial skills to Nigerian youth. The program is designed so that the initial participants, who will all be in their final three years of high school, can then mentor younger students, magnifying the program’s impact.

“This is an opportunity to help young people in Nigeria develop important skills they need through an innovative community-based program,” said Mark R. Ward, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil Upstream subsidiaries in Nigeria. “Nigeria’s young people want to make a positive difference in their communities. Our goal is to provide them with the tools to do so.”

In addition to the tip-off event in Abuja, the partnership will include additional milestone events in Nigeria and Washington, D.C. later in the school year.

NBA and WNBA players, legends, coaches, and trainers will unite to call attention to the importance of youth empowerment and allow both boys and girls to meet positive role models.

Through these events, the partners hope to raise awareness of the importance of investing in youth and galvanize new commitments for action.

NSSF: Urges To States To Shun Cheating At National School Sports Fiesta

To ensure that bonafide students participate in the 6th National School Sports Festival, the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) has charged states to shun cheating.

According to the Secretary General of NSSF, Olabisi Joseph, the federation is determined to ensure that eligible athletes take part in the sports fiesta.

“We are engaging the services of neutral bodies like the National Sports Commission (NSC), Federal Ministry of Education, and a host of others to handle the screening of athletes for the games and we will be thorough so that nobody will feel cheated during the games. Our appeal to the participating states is for them to ensure that they eschew cheating which might defeat the essence of the games,” she said.

With the teams expected to start arriving on Wednesday November 20 for the championship, Joseph disclosed that the accreditation of teams would hold on Thursday November 21, while the screening exercise is on Friday November 22.

“For us at NSSF, we are poised to stage a befitting games that will be without any hitch and one of the process of achieving this is to ensure that we are strict with the screening and we are ready to punish any teams found wanting,” she added.

 Joseph, however, lauded the Kwara State government for accepting to host the tournament, while also acknowledging the enormous support the federation has been getting from the National Academicals Sports Committee (NASCOM).

“Any state found wanting during the game will be banned while fines will also be handed to such team based on the degree of the offence,” she warned.

The tournament is expected to be officially open by the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed on Saturday November 23 at the Ilorin Township Stadium.

Over 6,000 students across the country are expected to compete in 23 events made up of 17 scoring and six demonstration sports at the sports fiesta organized by Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF).

National Academicals Sports Committee, NASCOM, Chairman, Yemi Idowu, said believes support from corporate partnership would help to drive sports at grassroots level.

Asoju Oba Gives Out Tow Brand New Cars For Winners.

As a way of marking the 45th edition of annual Asoju Oba of Lagos Table Tennis championship, the sponsor, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, says two brand new cars will be at stake for the winners of Men's and Women's singles events in a competition which stroke-off next Monday at the Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Sports hall Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Having sponsored the tournament for forty-five years, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, who had handed-over the championship to his son, Deji Okoya-Thomas to manage fron next year, said he was fulfilled to have added value to the development of table-tennis in Lagos, Nigeria as the gesture has helped to produce  great Nigerian ping-pongers in the male and female categories.

The Asoju-Oba of Lagos, said the scope of this year's edition had been expanded with the inclusion of para Table-Tennis players who are expected to feature in three events, adding that twenty-two titles will be competed for.

While commending the Lagos State Government for delving into grassroot sports developmental programme, a  the sponsor said, attributed to the laudable feat recorded at the table tennis event  of the last 18th National sports Festival tagged Eko 2012 Games, adding that the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation NTTF, should endeavor to employ foreign coach due to the poor performance of Nigerian ping-pongers at the last Olympic Games in London, England.

The Sponsor's son, Deji Okoya-Thomas who was the former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association, LSFA, said his father had set a high standard in staging a quality and regular competition spanning for forty-five years and it is expected of him to mountain the standard, adding that he would use the
competition to further develop Lagos State table tennis players.

He encouraged other prominint and well meaning Nigerians to invest in sports by sponsoring regular competitions.

Eagles Begin Xmas, New Year Break

The Super Eagles were officially decamped in London on Monday, after the thrilling friendly against the Azzurris of Italy at the Craven Cottage, home ground of Premier League side, Fulham.

Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi who addressed players and officials after the game thanked them for their commitment to the national team but noted that they could have ended the year on a high with a win against the three times world champions.

 “Maybe, we had too much of respect for them but am sure if by chance we meet at the World Cup, we will put up a better performance”, he said.

Keshi wished the players, officials and their families Merry Xmas and Prosperous New Year in advance but warned them that no player in the present team has an automatic passage to the World Cup.

 “It’s time to go back and work hard for our various club sides and stay healthy, because that will form the basis for invitation when we resume next year. The truth is that not everybody here will go to the World Cup, but that is how football goes, so those who want to be part of the team must remain fit and play regularly for their clubsides”, he admonished.

At the end of the short address, England based stars like John Mikel Obi, Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses immediately left for their basis, as most of the other players waited to leave the Hilton Cobham abode of the team on Tuesday. Keshi and other officials of the team are expected back in Nigeria on Thursday morning, as they will depart London Wednesday night via Heathrow Airport for Lagos.

Keshi is expected to start preparations for the CHAN Championship early December, with only home based professionals. The event holds in January in South Africa.

Mikel, Oboabona See Better Eagles In 2014

Two of the constant team players in the Super Eagles under Stephen Keshi, Mikel Obi and Godfrey Oboabona, have said they foresee a better national team next year, which is a World Cup year but warned against complacency on the part of the players.

 John Mikel Obi and defence ace Godfrey Oboabona spoke after the friendly against Italy’s Azzurris at the Craven Cottage in London.

Mikel who spoke first declared that Nigeria has the potentials to upset the world at next year’s World Cup, if the players played with the same spirit that enabled the team win the African championship in South Africa early this year.

“The potentials are obvious but we must avoid arrogance and complacency. With that this team will go places”, he said.

Oboabona spoke in a similar vein, declaring that he learnt a lot from playing against the Italians. “I noticed that before any player moves the other person already knows were to run. 

They were very clever with the ball and I told some of my teammates that we must borrow that from them. If we do that with the type of technical crew we have at the moment, our team will go places”.

Eagles Hail Jonathan, NFF Support.

The Super Eagles were unequivocal in their declaration that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR), has been their number one supporter in the runup to a splendid display at the Nations Cup in South Africa and a smooth run through the World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking through standin skipper, Vincent Enyeama, the team also heaped praises on the Alhaji Aminu Maigari led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), whose leadership they said have been above board regarding football management.

They did not leave out the National Sports Commission leadership of Hon Bolaji Abdulahi, which Enyeama noted has been directing the NFF aright.

Speaking in London, the team noted that but for the support of relevant government agencies starting from Mr President, the team would not have gone far in its ambition.

He then used the opportunity to remind Mr President and Senate President, David Mark of their promise to boost the team after qualification for the World Cup.

“We know that they are very busy officials who will in no time make good their promise to ensure that the team is boosted and well prepared for the World Cup in Brazil next year.

President has been visiting our preparatory sessions and the Senate President has been our avid supporter, that is why we must remain focused to keep doing the nation proud”.

16-year-old Table Tennis Prodigy Wins 2013 German Open.

16-year-old FAN Zhendong of China has taken the table tennis world by storm, by winning the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Super Series German Open on Sunday  in Berlin, Germany.

FAN, who made history last week by becoming the youngest ever ITTF World Tour Champion after winning the Polish Open, has confirm himself as one of the brightest talents the sport has ever seen after this performance.

"I am very happy to win this event, it is an important stepping stone in my career as I want to be the World and Olympic Champion," stated FAN.

If this tournament is anything to go by, the current Junior World Champion is on track to achieve these goals.

 On his way to the title, he beat current world and Olympic Champion ZHANG Jike (CHN), living legend Vladimir SAMSONOV (BLR) and Olympic bronze medalist Dimitrij OVTCHAROV (GER) in the final 13-11, 11-7, 6-11, 11-1, 11-9.

FAN's teammate WEN Jia (CHN) also had a day to remember, clinching both the Women's Singles and Women's Doubles gold medals, both against Japan Open champion Ai FUKUHARA (JPN).

WEN beat the exhausted FUKUHARA 11-5, 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 to clinch her second ITTF World Title Singles gold, and then together with doubles partner ZHAO Yan saved 3 match points against the Japanese pair of FUKUHARA Ai and WAKAMIYA Misako to cap off a memorable event.

"I can't be happier, this was a perfect tournament for me. It was my goal to win the women's singles and doubles gold medal, but I didn't expect it would come true," exclaimed WEN.

The capacity crowd of 5,500 at Max-Schmeling-Halle were sent into raptures as local heroes Timo BOLL and Patrick FRANZISKA came from behind to win the Men's Doubles title 11-8, 7-11, 8-11, 13-11, 12-10 against CHIANG Hung-Chieh (TPE) & HUANG Sheng-Sheng (TPE).

FRANZISKA stated after the match: "It's just fantastic to pair with Timo in doubles. He boosts my self-confidence and helps me to come through some moments of poor performance. Without him I wouldn't have won the final."

LEE Ho Ching (HKG) was the iron women of the competition, playing 12 matches and contesting a total of 1174 points on her way to her third Under-21 crown.

Masataka MORIZONO (JPN) won the men's Under-21 title to confirm his place at the GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals in Dubai.

The 2013 German Open was one of the biggest ever World Tour events and it provided some of the biggest upsets of 2013, with the number one and two seeds FENG Tinwei (SIN) and Kasumi ISHIKAWA (JPN) being knocked out in the first round by Yuka ISHIGAKI (JPN) and Galia DVORAK (ESP) respectively.

The GAC Group 2013 ITTF World Tour only has two stops left as players scramble for points to ensure their qualification into the one-million-dollar World Tour Grand Final in Dubai on 9-12 January 2013.

First Deepwater Targets Medal Range, Jets Out On Wednesday

Nigeria and FIBA Africa Zone-3 champion, First Deepwater basketball club is targeting a medal range finish at the final round of the 2013 edition of the Africa Champions Cup for women slated for Meknes, Morocco.

The competition starting next Saturday and ending on Sunday, first of December, 2013, will accommodate two Nigerian women basketball clubs, First Deepwater and Dolphins Basketball Clubs and other eight teams from other African countries.

The team's chairman, Babatunde Babalola and head coach Lateef Erinfolami through telephone conversation, confirmed that the team that won the the zonal elimination held in Liberia has since settles down for the business of sharpening it skills in readiness for the task ahead.

 According to the team's coach, the  participation of Nigeria's representative, First Deepwater Basketball Club at the biggest Africa basketball showpiece in Maputo has put him in good stead for new coaching ideas as he has promised that the gesture wouldmake his team to a squad to defeat  at domestic and continental championships.

 "The only good thing for us (First Deepwater BC) is to finish among the medal range in Meknes, Morocco because we have paid our dues and it is time we take our rightful place in Africa club basketball.

"The players are set so also is the management led by our able chairman Babatunde Babalola to take Morocco by storm not minding which teams are on parade at the championship.

"Nigerians should expect us to return home with a medal the colour I cannot predict at this stage but all I can say is that First Deepwater basketball club would fight for a place at the podium, Coach Erinfolami concluded.

Club chairman, Babalola, charged the team to make Nigeria proud at the tournament and also to prove that they are a good product of Nigerian basketball league, stressing that it is high time Nigerian basketball clubs led by First Deepwater basketball club stamp its authority in African women club championship.

Having won the Nigerian NBBF/ Zenith Women Basketball League for three consecutive league seasons and counted as a top contender in FIBA Africa Zone-3 since 2009, Babalola, urged the team to repeat similar feat that made them Champions of Nigerian women basketball league by finishing among the medal range, in Morocco.

Other teams expected at the battle of Meknes includes Eagles Wings and INSU basketball clubs; Interclube, Primeiro D’Agosto, Arc-En-Ciel, INSS, Omnisports de Meknès and Ittihad Riadi de Tanger.

Kefaf, Aminat To Represent Nigeria At We Run, Joborg.

Wilhams Kefaf of Plateau State and Olowora Amin at of Lagos State have emerged the champions of the ten kilometre race tagged We Run, Lagos,which ended today at the mainbowl of the Teslim Balogun Stadium,Surulere.

"My brother called me on Friday morning that he had registered me for a race inLagos State.I told him I cannot make it because he will travel to Cross River State for the Obudu Mountain Race on Wednesday to represent the country at the event."

"He forced to cimne to Lagos and also to see the competition as a training for the Obudu Mountain Race.Just on Friday,I arrived Lagos.Before the race, I was not happy even when I was running, because my car was stolen on today(Saturday). When I was running, I was thinking over the car theft"he said.
"Am not satisfied with the time he recorded because, am not able to run 28 or 29 minutes.The race is good.Thanked Nike Nigeria, for sponsoring the race.I want AFN to help the nation's long distance athletes to compete in long distance races.Nigerian athletes are running 14 minutes while Kenyans are running 12 minutes.Appeal to AFN,to camp them for six months in Plateau State."

"Am very happy to win the race.Have trained hard towards the competition. I never thought that I will be among the first best 22 athletes".I am preparing for the next Saturday marathon race in Lagos State and this tournament will serve as good ground to excel."

The race flagged off by the Lagos State Commissioner for sports, Wahid Enitan Oshodi,today(Saturday) at Onikan,saw Kefaf, a police officer,winning the race in the male category by 30 minutes,41seconds while Olowora Amin at who won three Gold medals in long distance races t the last National Sports Festival,tagged Eko 2012 Games won the race with a time of 34 Minutes'54 seconds.

For this,the duo of Kefaf and Amin at will represent Nigeria at the 2014 We Run' Jorborg as they are also entitled to Nike products and a giant refrigerator each.

Other top winners in the race that attracted over one thousand participants from different walks of life, saw Lawrence Osheku,who ran 30 minutes,48 seconds,clinching the second position while Adeyemi Olaoluwa,who ran 30 minutes, 51 Seconds,in the male cadre.

Pereira Oluwabukola,settled for the second position (37 minutes,15 seconds)as Doris Wudus,ran a time of (38 minutes, 23 seconds) to become the second runners up.

In an interview with sports journalists, Kefaf,who arrived Lagos State on Friday night in readiness for the race,said he was not satisfied with the time(30 minutes,41 seconds) he recorded at the one day race because he had set his mind on finishing the race either 28 or 29 minutes,adding that the theft of his car on the day of the race really distablise him from achieving his set objective.

Kefaf,who will be competing at this year's Obudu Mountain Race,in Cross River State,commended the Lagos State Government as well as Nike Nigeria for creating opportunity for the country's marathon athletes to showcase their talents,adding that the Nigeria Athletic Federation,AFN,should endeavor to pave the way for them t feature in regular competitions so as to compete against the Kenyans who are rated among the world best marathon runners.

He said camping them for a period of five to six months intensive training programmes in Plateau State to boost their morale and also encourage them to perform beyond expectations at international meets.

An elated Amin at,who had trained hard to win the race,said the feat would enable her to perform better at the forthcoming 10 kilometre race.

The national sports festival gold medalist,said her make counterparts whom she ran along with,inspired her to increase her pace as she never believed she could finish the race with 34.56 seconds.

The Commissioner for Sports,Wahid Enitan Oshodi,said hosting the race which had been staged in 26 countries,explained the the importance of Lagos State in hosting competition of such magnitude based on the quality of sports facilities, stressing that the event would enhance their athletes to be in good shape ahead of any competition.

"We run,Lagos,is a major event worldwide.They have done in 15 major cities in the world.It tells you the importance of the big race as Lagos have similar developmental programme.The programme will give Lagosian fit and enable their wards to be in good shape." He said"

"The most important thing for us.This are the kind of programme we need to be doing to fish out talents.Lagos have infrastructure to host competitions as plans are in top gear to revive the Lagos Marathon"

Oshodi,whose ministry in conjunction with Glaxosmithline will be organising another similar event,said the race was part of their developmental sports programme to discover and nurture athletes to stardom,adding that plans are in top gear to revived the Lagos marathon.

To Marketing Communication managerof Nike Nigeria,Segun Ogunleye,the race is to Connect and inspire the marathon runners across the country, stressing that We Run, Lagos,has not only communicate the energy of Lagos State but it has communicate tghe iconic landscape of the State and beautiful hard work of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.

"The event is basically to connect and inspire runners across Nigeria.It is also about communicating the energy of a particular city,unique energy of that city"We Run, Lagoshave been able to communicate the beauty of the state,energy and the youths.

He assured that the duo of Kefaf and Amin at would be given necessary technical support to perform better at the We Run, JoborG,2014.