Sports
Nigeria Wins 7 Gold Medals At Africa Youth Championships
The country’s representatives to the Africa Youth Championships in Morocco have returned to Lagos with seven gold medals, three silver and two bronze.
Out of the seven gold medals, weightlifting had three, while the rest and the silver and bronze were shared by swimming, wrestling, tennis and athletics.
Boxing, Table tennis and Taekwondo did not win any medal because they were walked over due to the contingent’s late arrival in Morocco for the competition.
The event started on July 13 but the contingent departed the country on July 14 and reached the venue on July 15.
Those who spoke to Tide sports source urged the federal government to ensure early preparation and departure of athletes to competitions, not only to avoid being walked over but for enhanced performance.
The athletes described their experience at the tournament as frustrating.
Rachael Ekoshoria, a weightlifter, said they had no time to prepare before competing in the championships when they arrived at the venue, saying it affected their performance.
“We ought to be in Morocco at least three days before the competition begins so that we can settle down and familiarise ourselves with the environment and facilities,’’ she said.
Ekoshoria also complained of lack of supplements for athletes to use after training to replace lost energy and bring out the best in them.
Abba Adamu, a taekwondoist said he was walked over because of late arrival, adding that “the officials have finished with our category before we got there.
“The development left us without opportunity to participate in the competition.’’
He also complained of lack of modern facilities for them to prepare at home adding that “I have never seen or used the kind of facilities there; even the body protector is computerised.
“Although I did not participate but I gained exposure which will help me at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in August and future tournaments.
“The NSC should as a matter of urgency update facilities for all sports so that Nigerian athletes can excel at international tournaments,’’ he added.
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
