Sports
NFL’s Interim Board Illegal – Baribote
The embattled former Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), Rumson Baribote, has described the inauguration of the interim board of the NPL as illegal.
Baribote told newsmen Monday in Lagos that the December 5 congress that removed him from office was null and void.
The former NPL chair was sacked by a unanimous decision of 18 of the 20 club owners at a congress held in Abuja. The club owners cited misappropriation of funds and the autocratic nature of the chairman as reasons for their action.
“As far as am concerned there is nothing as interim committee because there is an elected board of the NPL led by Chief Rumson Victor Baribote; and as I speak with you the matter is before court for interpretation. “Whatever they have done the court will help to interpret that; until the court interprets the status of NPL and says okay that the board is done, then I can start commenting about it,” he said.
When asked if the litigations on the NPL would not continue to bug down progress of the league, Baribote had this to say: “That question is supposed to be answered by the honourable minister and Maigari himself. “The name I have today I built over the years and somebody cannot just come one day and make nonsense of that name and expect me to go and sleep.
“I don’t think anybody loves Nigeria Premier League more than I do because apart from Bukola Saraki, I also own a club in the premier league. “So if anybody should talk about premier league, it should be me and Bukola; the rest are owned by government. “So I don’t think anybody who is pretending to love the premier league would love that premier league more than myself because I am part of the premier league,” he stated.
Reacting, to Baribote’s outburst, Head of Media of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, said there was nothing illegal about the inauguration of the interim committee. “There is nothing illegal about the committee.
The management has been inaugurated at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja. It is fait accompli. “So, whatever anybody is saying now does not hold water, so it’s a personal opinion. It does not hold water anywhere.
“There is freedom of speech, as far as we are concerned the committee is a fait accompli and has been sworn in and had already started work.” The committee is headed by Nduka Irabor with Tunji Babalola as Secretary and Nwankwo Kanu, Mike Enahoro, Shehu Dikko and Modele Sarafa-Yusuf as members. Other members include Abubakar Nuhu Dan-Burau, Kunle Elebute, Mike Idoko, Salisu Abubakar, Sabo Babayaro, Seyi Akinwunmi, and Ifeanyi Dike.
Sports
Ghana Legend Names Okocha Africa’s Best
Ghana star, Mohammed Kudus has named Nigerian legend Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha as his greatest African footballer of all time, drawing parallels between Okocha’s style of play and his own.
Kudus, currently plying his trade with West Ham United, praised Okocha for his exceptional skills and entertainment value on the pitch.
Okocha’s illustrious career includes numerous achievements such as winning the Goal of the Year award in Germany in 1993, multiple Nigerian Footballer of the Year titles, and being named the BBC African Footballer of the Year twice.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kudus expressed his admiration for Okocha, emphasising the lasting impact of his creative flair and ability to entertain fans. He highlighted Okocha’s unique style of play as a source of inspiration for him as a young footballer.
”I will say Jay Jay Okocha. I will say explaining from my lens how I see creative players and entertain. That can never be washed away and the fans can never forget that,” Kudus told our source.
Despite joining West Ham United last summer, Kudus has quickly established himself as a crucial player for David Moyes’ side.
With stellar performances throughout the season, Kudus has garnered attention for his impressive contributions on the pitch. In his debut season, the midfielder has netted an impressive 13 goals in 38 appearances, solidifying his role as a key player for the club.
Sports
HFN Sets Deadline For League Registration
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) have called on teams that will participate in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 to complete all documentary registration on or before May 4, 2024.
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 kick off with phase 1 to hold in Benin City, Edo State from May 12th to the 25th , 2024 and the HFN said all teams must document all their registration regarding player registrations, loans and transfers as soon as the 4th of May 2024 according to a statement addressed the officials of the twenty two participating teams by the Secretary General of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Almu Umar Lambu.
“A total of 25 players and 4 officials shall be registered for the Season as there shall be no more registration in the Second Phase and all participating clubs should note that documentary registration of players, transfers and loans shall be completed on or before 4th May, 2024.” Mr. Lambu said.
Mr. Lambu also revealed that the HFN will hold an anti-doping seminar for players and officials during the course of the first phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 in Benin City, Edo State.
“Also Clubs should note that there will be Anti-Doping Seminar during the league to be organised by the HFN Medical and Anti-Doping Commission” Mr. Lambu concludes.
The top tier Handball league which is the biggest handball event in Nigeria, was to begin on April 28 through to May 11, 2024 but has now being shifted by two weeks by the Handball Federation of Nigeria for effective preparation in tandem with the sponsor Ardova PLC and will now hold from May 12 to 25, 2024.
Teams are expected to arrive Benin City on May 12, 2024 while hostilities will then begin the next day, May 13 through to May 24, 2024. Departure is May 25, 2024.
Sports
Athletics: Ofili, Nathaniel Qualify For Paris Olympics
Favour Ofili and Ezekiel Nathaniel have booked their places to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Ofili won the women’s 200-meter event in day one of the Tom Jones Invitational on Friday, hosted by Florida at James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville.
The Port Harcourt, Nigeria, native blazed out of the blocks and clocked an event-winning time and No. 4 time in the world of 22.33 seconds (+1.4 m/s).
She defeated Anavia Battle who came through in 22.56s and Ida Karstoft in a new National Record of 22.60s
Her time dips under the Paris 2024 Olympics’ standard of 22.57 seconds, punching her ticket to the Olympics in her first season after turning pro.
It is her fastest time outdoors since 2022 where she set the Nigerian National Record of 21.96s the same year.
Nathaniel on his part shattered the Nigerian 400m Record at the Tom Jones Invitational, running a brilliant 48.29s.
The feat has seen Nathaniel automatically qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, surpassing the Olympic standard by almost half a second.
Chris Robinson of the United States won in a time of 47.95s ahead of Clement Ducos, who ran 48.26s.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s High Jump event, Nigeria’s Erhire Best won clearing a Season’s Best (SB) of 2.21m.
He defeated Riyon Rankin on countback, having needed just one attempt to clear the winning mark while Rankin took three tries. BJ Jennings was 3rd with 2.13m.
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