Sports
We’re Ready To Host 2019 RIGAN Games – DG
The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) is ready to host the 16th edition of the Research Institutes Games Association of Nigeria (RIGAN) Games, an official said at the weekend.
The institute’s Acting Director-General, Prof. Samson Duna, told newsmen in Abuja that the 2019 RIGAN Games would hold from December 13 to December 22 in Ota.
“We are ready to host the best-ever RIGAN Games, through the provision of world-class sports facilities.
“Facilities to be used for the games are at an 80 percent stage of completion. So, we are ready and waiting,’’ he said.
Duna said NBRRI was expecting to take the Games to another level with the quality of facilities being put in place.
“NBRRI will change the face and status of the RIGAN Games through the provision of sports facilities that are of an international standard.
“In addition to this, we are making sure that provisions are made for all officials involved in officiating to apply international standard rules and regulation.’’
He added that all rules and regulations of international standard must be applied in order to raise the bars and ensure a top quality competition at the end of the day.
Duna also disclosed that efforts were underway to attract corporate bodies to partner with RIGAN, the games’ national association.
Speaking also to newsmen on the Games, the National President of RIGAN, Prof. Rabiu Adamu, assured that the 2019 Games would be unique in view of the addition of new events.
“We at the association level are gradually improving the Games and the Association at large year in year out.
“For example, this year’s edition of the Games is going to be a unique one due to the addition of new events to it.
“These new events include basketball male and female five-a-side,’’ he said.
The RIGAN president also said the admission of two new research institutes to the association was delightful as it would further enhance competition.
He however said all participating institutes were expected to pay their games’ levies on time and begin their preparations in earnest.
“This is important because the levies will be used as one of the criteria in the screening of competitors before participation in the games.’’
The RIGAN Games’ Media Consultant, Udochukwu Emmanuel, also said that about 2,500 sports men and women were being expected at the biennial Games.
“They will be from 30 research and development institutes across the country.”
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.
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