Connect with us

Sports Blast

LASG says sports can be used to rekindle hope in youths

Published

5 years ago

on

Share

The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafar, has said that sports can be used to rekindle the hope of, youths especially with the political situation in the country.

Gafar said this at the one-day 2021 Table Tennis Renewed Hope Top-16 Invitational Challenge competition which ended on Saturday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 16 players performed in the men and women categories respectively.

NAN reports that for the men’s category; Taiwo Mati came first, Samuel Boboye, second, and Ahmed Bello came third. They were awarded cash prizes of N200,000, N100,000 and N50,000 respectively.

In the women’s category, Bose Odusanya placed first, followed by Bisola Asaju and Fatimo Bello. They won cash prizes of N200,000, N100,000 and N50,000 respectively.

The director said that it was important to tell the youths that their hope could still be renewed which was what gave birth to the competition.

“Thirty-two top players in Nigeria and by extension, four of them ranked in Africa, participated in the competition.

“We need to continue encouraging them and giving them hope by rekindling their interest in sports instead of being on the streets constituting a nuisance to the society.

“The rigour of the game meets International standards which they are supposed to be exposed to,” he said.

Gafar said that the one-day competition was the first of its kind in Nigeria in accordance with International standards and that more of such competitions will be organised in future.

Wahid Oshodi, a former president of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), said that he was impressed with the performance of the athletes and would like them playing for the national team.

“I think not more than five people outside Nigeria can match these boys,” Oshodi said.

He said that he was confident that most of the players that excelled at this competition would perform well at the African Championship in September.

“I can bet you that we are going to see one or two of these young kids wearing the jersey along Haruna Quadri and this will give us great pride,” Oshodi said.

Martin, the winner of the boys category and also African Junior Champion, said that he saw the prospectus of the tournament and knew that it was going to be a difficult and rigorous one.

“So, I have been training in cardiovascular exercises to improve my stamina which helped me in completing the matches and focusing more on my rythm,” Martin said.

Fifteen-year-old Boboye and NTTF Championship cadet, said that he was proud of himself for getting to the finals for which he thanked God.

“I was so proud of myself because the tournament was tough. I played my best and got to the finals which is a big achievement for me,” he said.

Odusanya, winner of the women’s category, said that she did not believe she could win the competition because she was recently discharged from hospital.

“I give glory to God for winning this tournament because I was recently discharged from the hospital.

“I didn’t believe that I could get to the finals but glory be to God for this great win,” she said.

Ama-Ebi Ebikpolade, Chairman, Bayelsa State Table Tennis Association, applauded the performance of the athletes which he described as exhilarating.

“However, for me, Boboye is the star of this tournament because he is the most improved player and I am sure that he will go places,” the chairman said. (NAN)

Post Views: 250
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports Blast

FIFA Rankings: Super Falcons Retain Top Spot In Africa, Ranked 36th Globally

Published

4 months ago

on

August 7, 2025

By

Super Falcons of Nigeria
Share

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have maintained their position as the highest-ranked women’s football team in Africa, according to the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday.

The nine-time African champions are placed 36th in the world with 1,630 points, following their recent triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they clinched a record-extending 10th title.

On the global stage, reigning world champions Spain top the rankings with 2,066 points, narrowly ahead of the United States who are second with 2,065 points. Sweden is third with 2,025 points, while European champions England occupy the fourth spot with 2,022 points.

In Africa, South Africa trails the Super Falcons, ranked second on the continent and 54th globally with 1,465 points. WAFCON 2024 finalists and hosts Morocco are third in Africa and 64th in the world with 1,407 points, followed closely by Zambia, ranked fourth in Africa and 65th globally with 1,402 points.

The next update of the FIFA Women’s World Rankings will be released on December 11, 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

Post Views: 2,263
Continue Reading

Sports Blast

Maiden Senate President Tennis Championship Set For October Showdown

Published

4 months ago

on

August 6, 2025

By

Senate President Godwill Akpabio and others
Share

A new era is about to unfold in Nigerian tennis as the inaugural Senate President National Open Lawn Tennis Championship is set to serve off this October in a thrilling two-city tournament.

The historic championship, powered by Africa Sports Management Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), promises to inject fresh energy into grassroots tennis and shine a spotlight on the next generation of stars.

The big announcement was made during a high-profile visit to the Office of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, led by the Chairman/CEO of Africa Sports Management, Rt. Hon. Prince Mathew Kolawole, and Rotimi Akinloye, representing the NTF President.

The meeting was brokered by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development.

According to Kolawole, the tournament is designed to celebrate Senate President Akpabio’s dynamic leadership and to serve as a vehicle for youth empowerment, sports development, and national unity through tennis.

“This championship is not just about tennis,” Kolawole declared. “It’s about engaging Nigerian youths, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating a platform for budding talents to connect, compete, and grow.”

The championship will hit the courts in Abuja and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State — Akpabio’s home turf — in what’s expected to be a spectacle of athleticism and national pride.

Welcoming the initiative with enthusiasm, Senate President Akpabio pledged his full support and used the opportunity to rally the private sector behind sports development.

“Sports shouldn’t be government-funded alone,” Akpabio said. “The private sector must rise to the occasion. Competitions like this can attract sponsors, engage our youths, and produce future champions who will make Nigeria proud.”

With big names, bold ambitions, and a vision to transform the tennis scene, the countdown to October has begun — and all eyes are on the courts.

 

 

Post Views: 2,314
Continue Reading

Sports Blast

Tinubu Awards D’Tigress $100,000, Homes, and National Honours After AfroBasket Victory

Published

4 months ago

on

August 5, 2025

By

Tinubu Awards D’Tigress $100,000
Share

Following their impressive victory at the AfroBasket 2025 championship, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, received generous rewards from President Bola Tinubu. Each player was awarded a cash prize of $100,000, a three-bedroom apartment, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honor.

During a high-profile reception on Monday evening at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the athletes and announced the rewards to a thunderous ovation from dignitaries and supporters. “Your victory is more than just a win on the court — it’s a victory for every Nigerian,” Shettima declared. “You’ve shown what’s possible when courage, discipline, and unity come together.”

Coaching and technical team members were also recognized, each receiving $50,000, a home, and national honors for their critical roles in leading the team to success. Under the innovative direction of Head Coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress secured their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan. This victory extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the AfroBasket since 2017, solidifying their status as the continent’s unrivaled champions.

The triumphant team was warmly welcomed at the Presidential Villa shortly before 5:00 p.m., with an electric atmosphere filling the banquet hall. Attendees included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and key lawmakers like Senator Garba Maidoki and Hon. Kabiru Amadou.

This event followed the Super Falcons’ recent WAFCON triumph, marking a significant double celebration for Nigerian women’s sports. Sports analysts and fans alike praised Tinubu’s gesture as a strong commitment to women in sports. For the players, this recognition serves as more than just a reward; it is inspiration for future generations of champions.

“We did it for Nigeria,” one player expressed. “And to be honored like this? It’s unforgettable.”

D’Tigress didn’t just bring home a trophy; they conveyed hope, pride, and proof that Nigerian excellence knows no limits.

Post Views: 174
Continue Reading