Connect with us

Sports

Sports Commissioner Harps On GSD

Published

on

Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe, says his plans for sports development in the state is to give grassroots sports the priority it deserves under his administration.
Nzekwe, made this known on Wednesday as guest on the popular pidgin sports programme, Sports Yarn on Enugu-based radio outfit.
“There are many areas to focus on under my reign because sports is so wide”. “Apart from football, I shall ensure that other sports and the discovery of talents at the grassroots level gets special preference”. “I will try to tap from the era when talents were discovered in Enugu state and later turned world stars”. “When you remember the likes of the Ezenwas brothers and many others, you will know that a lot of work needs to be done to raise the bar and have reminiscent of the past”.
However, the former Tourism commissioner said at a time he was ready to hit the ground running, the Covid-19 pandemic distorted all sports activities, but, assured that he will not hesitate to make up for the lost period when the pandemic finally keeps to “flat curve” in the state.
“It’s a pity that my appointment came at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic crippled all sporting activities world wide., if not, I know we would have made significant progress in the area of sports development”. “Nevertheless, i’m quite hopeful that when the effect of the pandemic is reduced, we shall get into action immediately to make up for the delay”.
Nzekwe thanked Enugu Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, for giving him the opportunity to add value to the development of sports in the state.
“I want to thank his Excellency, Governor Ugwuanyi for giving me this great opportunity to serve under his administration”. “I hope to add my quota to the progress and gains which this administration is known for”.
Meanwhile, the commissioner called on stakeholders, sportsmen and women in the state to join hands with him to make his era a success. He promised to ensure open door policy to any suggestions or advice that would make his ministry achieve its purpose of transforming the sports sector in the state.
Continue Reading

Sports

European Giants Circle For Osimhen

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Sports

Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Sports

W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending