Sports

Milo Moves To Promote Grassroots Sports Dev

Published

11 years ago

October 9, 2013

Nestle Milo’s Brand
Manager, Ms. Funmi Osineye, has said that the company was totally committed to grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
Osineye, who said this at the end of Milo Football Clinic, said that the programme was part of Nestle Nigeria Plc.’s commitment to grassroots sports development in the country.
The four-day annual clinic, which took place at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, was the fourth edition.
The clinic was organised by Staruf Sports Development, a Lagos-based sports development company managed by ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, in collaboration with the Nestle Plc., makers of Milo drink.
More than 2,000 children, drawn from 200 schools across the FCT, participated in the event, whose screening exercise began on October 2.
Osineye said that the company’s goal was to take the programme to all the 36 states of the country.
“We are committed to this cause; this is something we have been sponsoring for four years now and we will continue to do so by the grace of God.
“Last year, we were in Calabar, Owerri, Ijebu-Ode and Ibadan. But, this year, we will be going from Abuja to Benin, Port-Harcourt, Akure, Enugu, Abeokuta and Lagos,’’ she said.
Out of 2,000 children who participated in the clinic, 32 players were selected and divided into two teams to play against each other at the clinic’s grand finale.
They were grouped into “Team White’’ and “Team Green’’.
After an exciting and gruelling encounter, the match ended 2-2 at full-time and went straight into penalty shootouts. “Team White’’ won 3-2.
The players of the winning team were given N40,000 each as well as boots, jerseys, footballs and school bags, while the losing team players received N20,000 each and football kits too.
Certificates of participation signed by Peter Rufai and Milo-branded gift items were also given to all the 2,000 participants.
A cross-section of children, who spoke to newsmen after the clinic’s finale, expressed joy for participating in the programme.
Arinze Adumekwe said that he was lucky to be one of the 32 players chosen to take part in the final match.
“I feel very happy, having been selected to take part in the finale, and for winning the match.
“I am sure my parents will be really proud of me today,’’ he said.
Mishark Thomas said that he still felt fulfilled, even though he did not receive any cash prize.
“Although, I wasn’t among the lucky few selected to take part in the clinic’s final game but I am still excited to have participated all the same.
“I have my certificate and lots of gift items to show for it after all,’’ he said.
On his part, Idi Shetima said that he learnt a lot from the clinic and hoped that such training would be organised from time to time.
“I will put all I have learnt into practice, as I hope to pursue a football career after schooling,’’ he added.
The grassroots football clinic, meant for children with ages ranging between nine to 13 years, ended last weekend.

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.