by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 21, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
The inaugural NNPC/SNEPCo Swimming Competition concluded over the weekend at Ikoyi Club 1938, leaving parents, officials, and athletes thrilled. The event featured participants from various schools, including the IC Marlins Gang, competing in five age categories for both primary and secondary school students. Events included the 50m Fly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle, and Individual Medley for boys and girls.
Bala Wunti, Chief Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, represented by Edith Olubunmi Lawson, Deputy Manager of External Affairs, commended the competition’s success.
“At NNPC Ltd, we believe in the power of sports to inspire, build character, and shape future leaders. Swimming instills perseverance, discipline, and teamwork—values essential both in and out of the pool,” Wunti noted.
Ikedichi Kanu, Chairman of the Ikoyi Club 1938 Swimming Section, thanked the sponsors and announced plans to provide more competitive opportunities for the young athletes.
“We are excited, and the future looks bright for these talented swimmers,” Kanu said.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 21, 2024 | Africa, Nigeria, Other Sports
Badagry Angels triumphed in the Lagos U-15 Softball Championship, defeating Rak Angels 9-1 in the final held at the Badagry Grammar School playing field.
The five-day tournament, which commenced on November 11, showcased eight teams in a grassroots development initiative aimed at promoting softball among youths.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) Director-General Lekan Fatodu, represented by Travih Nunayon, emphasized the tournament’s role in advancing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of inclusivity in sports. “We are working across the five divisions of the state to identify community-specific sports and provide platforms to nurture local talents,” he stated.
The championship followed six months of intensive training, with coaches collaborating with schools to form clubs, develop athletes, and sustain interest in the sport.
Saidi Olanrewaju, an LSSC board member, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration to enhance grassroots sports development.
Captain Ifeoluwa Oluwafemi of Badagry Angels expressed her ambition to compete professionally, saying, “I look forward to showcasing my talents internationally and playing among professionals.”
Rak Angels secured the second position, while Kosoko Team finished third. Individual accolades were awarded to Rak Angels’ Alia Olatunde (Best Catcher), SHS’s Koku Yemaise (Best Pitcher), and Badagry Grammar School’s Kuton Seseyon (Best In-Fielder).
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 21, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba is being considered as a potential challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world title. This follows confirmation that Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Dubois might be postponed until 2026.
The IBF has granted Dubois the option of an optional title defense against a top 15-ranked opponent before April 22, with Ajagba, currently ranked eighth and holding the WBC Silver title, emerging as a leading contender.
Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed the champion would defend his title in February, with Ajagba being a possible opponent if Anthony Joshua, who is recovering from injuries, is unavailable.
Dubois, 27, who claimed the IBF belt after a dramatic fifth-round knockout of Joshua in September, boasts an impressive 21 knockouts in 22 wins. Ajagba has a similarly solid record, with 14 knockouts in 20 fights and only one loss.
The winner of a potential Dubois vs. Ajagba fight could be in line for a unification bout against the winner of the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch, set for December 21 in Saudi Arabia.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 21, 2024 | Basketball, International, Nigeria
Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu has acknowledged the pressure his team faced in successfully defending their Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title after defeating Lagos-based Hoops & Read 71-54 in the 2024 final on Monday in Port Harcourt.
The victory secured the team’s sixth league title in front of their home crowd. Despite winning all 12 matches from the conference finals to the playoffs, Odaudu admitted that overconfidence nearly jeopardized their campaign.
In the semi-final, Rivers Hoopers narrowly overcame Gboko City Chiefs 79-73 in a gripping encounter. Reflecting on the match, Odaudu remarked, “The game against Gboko Chiefs felt like the real final. It was tough, but we prepared well and eventually prevailed. At first, the players’ overconfidence was evident, but I kept pushing them, and we closed out the game successfully.”
Elated by the back-to-back title win, Odaudu emphasized the team’s ultimate goal. “We began this season with the Basketball Africa League (BAL) ticket as our primary aim. I’m proud of my players and staff for their determination. The competition was fierce, but we achieved our target. The real challenge lies ahead.”
Rivers Hoopers also dominated the NBBF All-Star Five, with Michael Okiki, final MVP Kelvin Amayo, and Buchi Vincent earning spots alongside Chingka Garba (Gboko City Chiefs) and Clinton Osabuchi (Hoops & Read).
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 21, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Nigeria, Other Sports
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has expressed doubts about his readiness to face undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 on December 7 in Las Vegas. While acknowledging the fight as “very winnable,” Usman admitted on his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo that the proposed date might be too soon for his return to the octagon.
The Nigerian Nightmare, currently on a three-fight losing streak, was offered the bout after Belal Muhammad withdrew due to a bone infection. However, Usman, who last fought in October 2023 against Khamzat Chimaev on short notice, is weighing his options.
Despite setbacks, the 37-year-old remains confident in his ability to expose weaknesses in rising stars like Rakhmonov and has not ruled out discussions with UFC officials. A win against the undefeated Rakhmonov could be a crucial step toward reclaiming his position in the welterweight division.
