Sports
Nigerian Art Works On Display In Johannesburg
Nigerian artifacts and other rich cultural arts estimated at about N7million are on display at the Nigerian Stand in the Welcome Village set up by the City of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg for World Cup visitors.
According to our source in South Africa, thousands of visitors have been streaming into the Welcome Village to admire cultural works of the six participating African countries at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Organisers of the event said between 15,000 and 25,000 visitors pass through the facility daily to learn more of Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Retired Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa was among visitors at the village on Tuesday, where he gave kudos to officials of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation for doing the nation proud.
Marwa said that the stand, with display of rich cultural values of Nigeria, would help visitors from across the globe have a first hand view of what the country had to offer.
He said the country’s tourism potentials would also be boosted by displays at the stand.
The Deputy-Director, External Relations in the Ministry, Mrs Dayo Keshi, who coordinated activities at the stand, told newsmen that various artifacts and works of art to the tune of N7 million had been brought in from Nigeria for display.
She said the exhibition would further boost bi-lateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa as well as project the country more globally.
“Our stand showcases a wide range of creative ingenuity of our past heroes through an assemblage of our masterpieces that portray spiritual linkages between artistes, their community and their country,’’ she said.
The Deputy-Director said some visitors had requested to purchase many of the art works on display.
She said after the world cup, everything on display at the Nigeria stand would be moved to the High Commission to give more people the chance to see them.
“The excitement has been high with people saying they did not know Nigerians can be such warm people,” she said.
Mr Rufus Matipe, Director, International Relations in the Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa, told newsmen that the village was one of the busiest in the country with a heavy flow of international visitors.
“The idea is that football is just 90 minutes on the field but people coming will like to see more than just soccer,” he said.
Matipe said the village would boost cultural relations among African countries exhibiting at the Village.
The Ekurhuleni Welcome Village gulped R23m (about N460m) in its construction and among other things, aims to enhance the spirit of togetherness in the continent.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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