Sports
…Clears Ex-Swiss To Play For Nigeria
The Federation of In
ternational Football Associations (FIFA) has cleared former Swiss Under-20 international, Steven Ukoh to represent Nigeria at senior level.
A statement issued in Abuja by Assistant Director, Communications, Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Ademola Olajire said the decision was made by the FIFA Players’ Status Committee’s judge this month.
“Ukoh was cleared to switch his nationality from Switzerland to Nigeria.
“The versatile midfielder, born on June19, 1991 to Nigerian parents in Berne, Switzerland, currently plays for Biel-Bienne FC in the European country.
“His father, Archibong Ukoh and mother Helene, hail from Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom’’, the statement reads.
It further said that Ukoh represented Switzerland at Under-16, 17, 18, 19 and Under-20 levels between 2006 and 2010 but changed his mind to play for Nigeria at the senior level.
Also, Arsenal FC of England’s Chuba Akpom, and Semi Ajayi, have expressed interest in being part of Super Eagles’ international friendly matches against Cote d’Ivoire and Mali in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The statement said Ajayi and Akpom could be called up by Coach Daniel Amokachi for the trip, alongside Steven Ukoh.
The Super Eagles will play Africa Cup of Nations -bound teams: Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire and Mali’s Les Aiglons on January 9 and 13 before the kickoff of the Nations Cup.
Sports
CAFCL: Finidi Laud Players Over Impressive Performance
Sports
Umuahia Hosts Africa Para- Badminton Championship
The championship will run from today to October 12 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. On the ground for the championship are athletes from Brazil, Peru, Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mauritius and Rwanda. They arrived on Sunday.
Some of the other countries were expected in the Abia State capital yesterday. Speaking on the championship, yesterday, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the chief host, Governor Alex Otti, has mobilised facilities and the personnel to ensure a successful event.
Speaking through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Raymond Chima Ukwa, said: “We have the best mats, playing mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats, which is the first of its kind in West Africa.
“If you go around, you’ll see the hall and the preparation that has been made to ensure that people have an equitable world-class playing field.” Thrilled by Governor Otti’s support for the competition, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President, Francis Orbih, said that, besides making all the necessary arrangements that will ensure a successful hosting of the events, “we will have a Para-Badminton workshop for coaches and players.
“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do better to improve on where we are, which is why all these have been put together by Governor Otti.”
Sports
FIFA U20: Flying Eagles Narrowly Loss to Norway
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 loss to Norway on Monday, despite creating several opportunities to level the game.
Norway took the lead in the 9th minute after being awarded a controversial penalty. The Flying Eagles pressed for an equaliser but were denied two penalty claims in the second half.
Kparobo Arierhi came close in the 47th minute when his shot drifted wide with the goalkeeper beaten, while Tahir Maigana struck the upright in the 63rd minute.
Nasiru Salihu’s rising effort in the 71st minute also went narrowly over the bar, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Seven minutes from time, Maigana again tested Norway with a long-range strike that went just wide as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure.
Despite their dominance, the Flying Eagles could not find the breakthrough and now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against Saudi Arabia in their second group match.
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