Sports
Fans Endorse NSF Board For Re-Election
Swimming fans have endorsed the board of the Nigeria Swimming Federation for re-election during the forthcoming sports federations election in April.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) had ordered the federations to conduct elections into their management boards in April.
In separte interviews with Tidesports in Lagos, the sport’s enthusiasts said the board, led by Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, had revived swimming at the grassroots and promoted it to international level.
They said the board tried its best, in spite of lack of funds and facilities which militated against the rapid development of the sport.
They, however, said that the outgoing board should desist from using politics in the selection of swimmers to international competitions, if re-elected.
The federation’s National Coach Monsuru Obadina told Tidesports that the outgoing board had performed well for it to be re-elected.
Obadina also said that the board had been effective in reviving the sport at the grassroots which helped in the discovery of young talents.
“Swimming was almost dead in this country but when the outgoing board took over in 2009, it immediately began a revival programme which has put the sport where it is today.
“In spite of lack of funds and facilities which has been the greatest challenge, I think the board should be retained during the elections for continuity.’’
Head Coach, Delta Swimming Association, Monday Aigbe, also said that the board put in its best to promote the sport, especially through organising competitions.
Aigbe said coaching clinics for swimmers and officials which had helped to improve performance topped the agenda of the board.
“The board performed beyond reasonable doubt and this is because most of its members were former swimmers and have passion to develop the sport,’’ he said.
A Lagos state swimmer, Gbatomini Williams, lauded the board for ensuring that swimming bounced back to reckoning in Nigeria and Africa.EShe said that since the board took over, swimmers had been attending international competitions, adding that they should be retained and be empowered financially for continuity.
Doutimi Gagbe, a swimmer from Delta, said that she was impressed with the way the federation ensured the sport was developed.
“Fatayi-Williams always dedicated his time and spent his personal money to ensure that the sport is not relegated, he should be given another chance,’’ Gagbe said.
Yellow Yeiyah, the country’s number one male swimmer, also said that Fatayi-Williams and other members of the board had done well to be re-elected.
Yeiyah, however, said that the board should desist from the politics of selecting some swimmers for international competitions without trials and camping.
“Fatayi-Williams is the driving force of the NSF because he motivates us personally and also used his personal funds to sponsor swimmers to international competitions.
“The only problem I have with the outgoing board is that they played politics at times by selecting swimmers for international competitions without trials and camping, this should be stopped,’’ Yeiyah said.
The board took over leadership when the sport was concessioned to the Nigerian Navy in 2009 after a dearth of activities since 2005.
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
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,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
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.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
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.
-
Editorial4 days agoEnough Of Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians
-
Sports4 days agoOparaodu Urges Rivers United To Win Katsina United
-
Education4 days agoUNIPort Senate Grants Two-Year Amnesty to U2010–U2018 Students
-
Nation4 days agoRSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria
-
Oil & Energy4 days agoRivers PETROAN Elects 12-Member Executive
-
Politics4 days ago
APC Group Protests Ex–Presidential Aspirant’s Disqualification From Rivers Senatorial Race
-
Sports4 days ago” Nigeria’s best domestic players are not in NPFL”
-
Politics4 days ago
Reps Speaker Secures APC Return Ticket For Fifth Term
