Sports
SWAN President Condemns Assault On Member In Plateau
The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Honour Sirawoo has condemned in the strongest terms and described as barbaric the alleged actions of Chairman of Plateau United Supporters Club, Mallam Audu and the club’s General Manager, Mr Pius Henwan, that led to the battering, assault and abduction of a sports presenter with Jay FM, Jos, Plateau State, Mr Mbum Ferdinand.
According to a statement from Jay FM Station Manager, Mangna Yusuf, Mr Ferdinand was abducted and taken to an unknown destination. However, it took spirited efforts from the station through its lawyer to get the journalist released on bail after he was traced to a police station in Jos.
Sirawoo described the alleged actions of the two club officials as “reckless, irresponsible, shameful and disgraceful” to football administration in Nigeria, while calling on the Plateau State government, Nigerian Football Federation and League Management Company to apply appropriate sanctions on the suspected assailants.
According to him, nothing could have warranted the actions of the clubs officials who are entitled to right of reply if they felt the journalist didn’t present the facts well, rather than resorting to self help in clear contravention of laws on human rights.
He commended the management of the radio station for their prompt action and the Plateau State Police Command for the timely release of Mr Mbum, whose only sin was to have reported issues around the club as part of his responsibilities as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and international charters on human rights.
The SWAN president gave an ultimatum of 48 hours for the management of Plateau United Football Club to tender an unreserved apology to Mr Mbum, treat any injuries he may suffered in the process of his abduction, in addition to the accused officials being given appropriate sanctions.
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.”
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.
-
Opinion2 days ago184 Days of the Locust in Rivers State
-
News2 days agoFG moves to avert fuel supply crisis, promises stability
-
News9 hours ago
Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Is A Failed Grandfather – Monarch
-
City Crime2 days agoIndustry Braces For Glut And Investor Demands
-
News2 days ago“PenCom Raises Capital Requirement For PFAs To N20b …Sets December 2026 Deadline
-
Niger Delta9 hours ago
Police Arrest Two Cultists, Recover Weapons In A’Ibom
-
Sports2 days agoEzeji Urge NFF To Investigate Igenewari George’s death
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
D’Gov Hails Amananaowei-Elect, Ogboloma Chiefs Council …Wants Accountability, Transparency In Traditional Administration