Sports

FG, Edo Sign MoU To Host NSF

Published

5 years ago

February 6, 2019

The Federal Government last Monday in Abuja signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Edo State Government on the hosting of the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF).
Signing the MoU which is the “Host State Agreement’’, Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, said the act was very meaningful.
“This is to restate that Edo was not just offered the hosting rights of the Benin 2020 Festival, but it contested for the rights and won,’’ he said.
Dalung said Edo contested with Cross River, Delta, Imo and Kaduna State in a rigorous process, and expressed his appreciation of the efforts of governors and people of the states involved.
“I am elated that at the Closing Ceremony of the 19th NSF in Abuja, we were able to secure a Host State for the 20th edition of the Games.
“This ceremony is significant as it not only confirms but reassures Nigerians that the host state for the next NSF is ready and willing to undertake the responsibilities of hosting a festival of this magnitude.
“I am encouraged with the venues and facilities I saw in Edo during my recent visit. From my inspection, Edo has enough facilities to host not just the Festival but international events,’’ he added.
Dalung advised the state to put in place as soon as possible the festival’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) and such subcommittees as it deems necessary.
He said the state should also provide befitting board and lodge for members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Games Services Sub-Committee and the MOC Secretariat.
Dalung also advised the state to ensure that the security of lives and property of all dignitaries, athletes, officials, spectators and guests throughout the period of the Festival was provided.
The minister advised the state to embark on a sensitisation and awareness campaign among its citizens to ensure lots of spectators for the festival tagged “Benin 2020’’.
After signing the MoU, Gov. Godwin Obaseki said the key component of Benin 2020 was the renewal of Nigeria, promoting its core value and peace.
Obaseki said Edo has facilities across the state to successfully host the 20thedition of the NSF, adding that the state was ready for the games.
“I want to express the profound gratitude of all citizens of Edo for the confidence which the Federal Government has reposed in us to host the 2020 NSF.
“We do not take this very lightly, being a state with history in sports. We clearly understand the implications of the hosting rights.
“Edo was an integral part of the idea of formulating a National Sports Festival after the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970. So, we are very cognisant of the goals and purposes of this sports festival.
“One of its cardinal points is to build unity and patriotism, particularly amongst young people in Nigeria, to develop sports talent and serve as a hunting ground for recruitment of talents at the grassroots,’’ the Edo state governor said.
Obaseki said the state was already putting finishing touches to reconstruction works at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, adding that this would soon be completed.

Sports

Ghana Legend Names Okocha Africa’s Best

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

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

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

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

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

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.