Sports
National Draught Federation Is Underway -Sports Ministry
The Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports says a National Draught Federation is underway.
The ministry’s Zonal Coordinator for the South South Zone, Mr Sylvester Essiet, said this last Friday at the opening of the second edition of the International Draught Tournament holding in Benin, Edo.
Tidesports source reports that draught is played by two people each with 12 round pieces on a board of 64 squares.
Essiet said that draught, being a game of intelligence, would be encouraged to become a sport in the national festival.
“We were here at the maiden edition where we commended the organisers and promised to help grow the sports.
“We have received their application and this is receiving attention. We have asked them to go round states by way of sensitisation and acceptability of the game.
“On our part, we are working round the clock to see how we can make it a non scoring game at the next festival so as to give it the needed exposure and acceptability.
“We are looking forward to creating a draught federation from there,’’ he said.
Declaring the tournament open, the Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties in Edo, Mr Mika Amanokha , said the state government would partner the organisers to ensure that the sport became a counting event in subsequent national sporting events.
“For now, the state government is carrying out remodeling of infrastructure across the state;
“ But when the time comes, we will engage the organisers in looking at the possibility of adding draught to the Edo Sports Festival,’’ he said.
Earlier, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the organisers decided to use the tournament to erase the erroneous belief that draught was “for lazy and jobless people in the society.’’
He described draught as a physically engaging sport which requires intelligence and deployment of strategies.
“Already, because of the competitiveness and impressive performance of Baylesa athletes at the maiden edition, the Bayelsa state government has promised to introduce the game in school sports in all local government areas.
“We had a two-nation tournament at the maiden edition featuring Nigeria and Ghana and this year, players from Cameroon have registered their participation.
“Next year, we also hope to increase the prize money to N2 million in the premier category and N500,000 in the first division,’’ he said.
Tidesports source reports that Bayelsa-born Doubra Otuku, who emerged champion at the maiden edition in 2017 and wining the star N500,000 prize, had expressed optimism of retaining the title.
“I will do everything possible to retain my title and win the N1 million prize money,’’ he had said while speaking with newsmen.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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