Sports
MFM Goes Top Of Nigeria League
NPFL new boys MFM
FC are now top of the table after they defeated Rivers United 2-1 in a Week 2 game on Wednesday.
The Lagos club have made it two wins from two games to gather six points.
The Nasarawa United 2-1 in their opening game of the new season on Sunday in Makurdi.
‘The Olukoya Boys’ got the curtain raiser in the 18th minute when former Nigeria U20 star Ifeanyi Ifeanyi scored from the spot after Chidi Akuneto was brought down in the box.
Sikiru Olatunbosun doubled the lead with a strike in the 24th minute.
Fredrick Obomate pulled a goal back for Rivers United in the 57th minute to take the game to 2-1.
Olatunbosun was denied another goal in the 40th minute by Sunday Rotimi, who pulled off a big a save.
Rivers United were then denied an equaliser in the 72nd minute when Chigozie Ihunda hit the goal post.
In the 80th minute, MFM goalkeeper James Aiyeyemi made a double save to deny Rivers United.
Olympics: Siasia Wants Mikel To Show Interest
Chelsea star Mikel Obi will have to first tell coach Samson Siasia he wishes to feature at the Rio Olympics before he would be considered for the summer games.
The 28-year-old midfielder could debut at the Olympics in Brazil in August as an over-age player after he missed out on the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Siasia said: “As for Mikel, if he specifically comes to me to request I include him in my team, I will reason. I will ask him if he really wants to play for the team.
“I must be sure of his mission.”
The coach had refused to pick Mikel for the Beijing Olympics after the player stayed away from the qualifying matches.
Siasia further said he will be definite about the three over-age players he will name for the Rio Olympics when it is closer to the competition.
“I have some players I am thinking about, but the truth is that since the tournament is still six months away, we have to also be cautious of the players’ form. We cannot pick players who are in form now only for them to lose form in August,” he explained.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, who delivered the President’s condolence message during a visit to Kano on Tuesday evening, said the Federal Government was already working on a framework to provide proper rehabilitation for the injured and sustained support for the bereaved families.
“The National Sports Commission, on behalf of the Federal Government, has offered to interface with the state government to come up with a proper framework to support the families of the dead and also ensure the proper rehabilitation of the survivors,” Dikko said during the visit.
“This injury is to all. It is a tragically momentous period in our sporting history, and we want to let the state government and the individual families know that we are all grieving together and will do all that is needed.”
Dikko, who had just returned from London where he attended the Unity Cup final and held meetings on domestic sports development, travelled straight to Kano upon his arrival in Nigeria.
He was received by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsallam Gwarzo, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is currently in Saudi Arabia for the hajj pilgrimage.
Senior government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government Umar Farouk Ibrahim, commissioners, and executives of the Kano State Sports Commission, were also present.
The NSC chairman visited the homes of several bereaved families across the state capital and later proceeded to the Murtala Muhammed Hospital, where nine survivors of the crash are currently receiving treatment.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring not only immediate relief but also long-term recovery and rehabilitation for those affected.
“I had to cut short my trip to the UK, where I was holding strategic meetings to boost our domestic sports, to come down and visit the people of Kano,” Dikko added.
“Going forward, the need for enhanced safety and welfare of participating athletes before, during and after major sporting events will become even more topical now. Our prayer is that this should never happen again.”
In response, Deputy Governor Gwarzo thanked the President and the NSC for their concern, describing the visit and federal intervention as timely and deeply appreciated.
Kano State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Umar Fagge, also said efforts are ongoing to provide medical care for the injured and emotional and financial support for the affected families.
“These athletes were ambassadors of Kano and were full of life and hope. Their loss is deeply painful,” the commissioner said.
A representative of the bereaved families, who spoke at a local mosque during the visit, expressed gratitude to the President for his empathy and swift response.
The fatal crash occurred at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, as the delegation returned from the national competition.
It has been described by state officials as one of the darkest moments in Kano’s sporting history.
ICC revealed the outstanding programmes and performances that have won regional honours in the 2024 edition of the ICC Development Awards on Wednesday.
Nigeria will be vying for the global honour with three other regional winners from East Asia Pacific, Europe and Asia.
Emirates Cricket Board (Asia), Persatuan Cricket Indonesia (EAP) and Cricket Scotland (Europe) are the other contenders.
Top of Nigeria’s women’s cricket stride in the year under review is the qualification of the women’s U-19 team for the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia as well as the bronze-winning feat of the Female Yellow Greens at the Africa Games in Ghana.
The ICC Development Awards were established in 2002 to celebrate the initiatives and innovative programmes leading the growth of the sport around the world, delivered by ICC Members in emerging nations.For the first time, the 2024 awards comprise seven categories after the introduction of the ICC X Rexona criiio Festival of the Year award.
The winners of the global awards will be determined by a specialist and independent panel of voters consisting of Indian cricket icon VVS Laxman, former West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree, former White Ferns wicketkeeper-batter Katey Martin, Head of Marketing – Unilever International Nitin Agarwal and representatives from ICC partners, ICC full members, and the media.
Speaking on the announcement of the Regional Winners of the ICC Development Awards, ICC Chairman, Mr Jay Shah said, “For the past 22 years, the ICC Development Awards have celebrated the successes of ICC Associate Members, and it is pleasing to see how much growth in innovation, creativity and inclusivity has taken place with each passing year.
“Cricket is a vehicle for change and the programmes and projects delivered both physically and digitally reflect the hard work of our passionate Members from around the world who work tirelessly to see the sport grow in their territories.”
“I would like to congratulate the regional winners on their success and wish them luck as we embark on the global voting process.”
Put together in honour of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for his laudable roles in socio-economic and political development of the country, the Bank says the sponsorship is a proof of its unwavering commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria under its First@Sports initiative.
As preparations for the event gathers momentum, captain of the Club, Sunday Ajiboye, says all necessary arrangements at making sure the event goes as planned has been put in place while promising a fun filled atmosphere during the event.
“This auspicious event is where golfing stars are made and the game enjoyed to its fullest. We promised unparallel experience, making this edition the best yet,” Ajiboye said.
Over the years, First Bank has been a driving force in the promotion of sports in the country, and this is evident in its legacy sports initiative, which includes golf, polo and tennis.
The famous Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championships which has been sponsored for well over 63-years is a testimony to the bank’s dedication to the development of golf in Nigeria.
The OBJ golf tournament which debuted in 2015 has run for seven years with First Bank providing the funding.
-
Rivers5 days ago
Power Surge Kills 2 In Okrika
-
News5 days agoFG Launches Initiative To Tackle Insecurity In North-Central Region
-
Business5 days ago
NCC Issues New Directive To Banks On USSD Fees Payment
-
Politics5 days ago
Anambra Guber: INEC Releases Final List Of Candidates
-
Sports5 days ago
ICC Nominates Nigeria For Women’s Cricket Award
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
Delta APC Reaffirms Support For Oborevwori’s Administration
-
Featured5 days agoTight Security As Muslims Celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Today
-
Politics5 days agoTribunal Dismisses PDP, Others’ Petitions Against Aiyedatiwa’s Election