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Tennis Players Seek Sponsorship For International Tourney

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Sprinters struggling for honour during a national event in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi S

Sprinters struggling for honour during a national event in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi S

Some Ondo State Table
Tennis players have in Akure appealed for the state government’s sponsorship toward their participation in international table tennis championships.
The players told newsmen that it would require the government’s sponsorship for them to take part in the forthcoming senior and junior world championships.
“We were selected to represent Nigeria in the championships due to our excellent performances at the Nigeria Table tennis federation (NTTF) Pilot League and Toyin Okenla National Secondary Schools Championship held in Lagos recently.
“Both the senior and junior players from the state were to take part in the world championship and world tour in China and Portugal,’’ Ojo Onaolapo said.
Onaolapo said that it was not common for a state to be invited to represent the country in international championships, saying “this shows that we have a good track record.
“We want to thank the government for the previous encouragement but we want them to do more, the World Tour will boost our rankings as players and as a state,” Onaolapo said.
The player commended Gov. Olusegun Mimiko for supporting the development of sports in the state.
He also called for the governor’s quick intervention in order for the players to participate in the championships to boost their career.
“We want to thank the government for the encouragement and huge investment on the youth through sports development.
“But we want the governor’s intervention toward our participation in the world tours because our participation will boost our rankings as players and as a state,’’ Onaolapo said.
Another player, Kehinde Akinyinka said that attending the championships would improve the standard of the players and grassroots programmes of the Mimiko-led government.
“We need to improve on our knowledge and skills,” Akinyinka said.
The NTTF in its invitation letter said the Sunshine senior team is expected to represent Nigeria in the GAC Group ITTF World Tour.
The other competitions where they are expected to feature are China Open, and Chengdu Super Series between June 4 and 8, in Chengdu, China.
The junior players are expected to take part in the Funchal Junior and Cadet Open ITTF Circuit in Portugal between September 3 and 6.
The state table tennis head coach, Adedotun Omoniyi, said the players needed the international exposure.
“I want to call on the state government to assist us by way of sponsorship; some of them are young players who need all the exposure they can get.
“More so, their participation will serve as part of our preparation for the forthcoming National Sports Festival slated for Calabar in November.
“Table Tennis remains the state’s number one area of advantage in any competition, so, there is need to expose players to modern techniques,” he said.

Omoniyi also said that there was penalty for non-attendance.
“The penalty for not honouring invitation is as a policy £150 (about N37,500) per player and coach.
“The cost cancellation will be added to the association’s invoice to be paid together with the hospitality costs to the organisers either by bank transfer or by cash on site.
“Also, the association will not be allowed to enter future World Tour events if any cancellation fees remain outstanding,’’ Omoniyi said.

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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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

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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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.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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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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