by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 15, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Nigeria’s senior men’s cricket team, the Yellow Greens, are intensifying their preparations for the first phase of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualifiers. The Africa Sub-Region Qualifier C will take place from November 21 to 28 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, featuring the twin oval facilities.
The Yellow Greens, under head coach and Nigeria Cricket Federation high-performance manager Steve Tikolo, are set to face Botswana, Eswatini, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Saint Helena. The top two teams from this phase will progress to the final qualification round, moving closer to the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
The team’s preparations have been bolstered by the return of Isaac Okpe, Isaac Danladi, and Chiemele Udekewe, who recently competed in the Zimbabwe Elite League. Tikolo is expected to finalize the squad soon.
Reflecting on the team’s recent bilateral series against Kenya, Tikolo expressed optimism, noting significant improvements in Nigeria’s cricket performance. “The cricket fraternity in Kenya was impressed by our fearless and positive brand of cricket. It’s a huge step forward for Nigerian cricket,” Tikolo stated.
Nigeria is one of three countries hosting the sub-regional qualifiers, with the earlier phases held in Tanzania and Kenya. The ultimate goal is to secure one of two spots alongside South Africa as Africa’s representatives at the 2026 World Cup.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 15, 2024 | Africa, Nigeria, Other Sports
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) has placed a strong emphasis on education and proper training for wrestlers as they prepare for the national team trials at the inaugural Comptroller-General of Customs Military and Paramilitary Wrestling Championship in Abuja.
The tournament kicked off with clinics and sensitisation sessions, where NWF officials collaborated with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure participants understood the competition’s rules and regulations.
“This clinic aligns with the Federation’s vision to ensure all wrestlers are well-informed and prepared, ensuring a smooth championship process,” said Brig-Gen. Olawale Fawole, LOC Chairman and NWF board member.
NWF Vice President Chris Amkpila urged athletes to leverage the championship and the recently concluded Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa as opportunities to secure spots on the national team, with the goal of representing Nigeria at global events like the Olympics.
Bayelsa State, fresh from dominating the 3rd Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics in Greco-Roman, women’s freestyle, and men’s freestyle categories, continues to be a powerhouse in wrestling development.
Governor Douye Diri, present at the classics alongside dignitaries like Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment through sports. “Investing in sports has helped reduce social vices among our youths, and we will continue to support these initiatives for a brighter future,” he stated.
Key figures at the clinic included NWF Technical Director Darmian Ohaike, Secretary General Mohammed Maigidansanma, Olympic silver medallist Blessing Oborodudu, and representatives from the Federal Sports Ministry.
Additionally, Governor Diri rewarded Commonwealth Games silver medallist Wilson Ebikewenimo with N1 million for his outstanding performance, showcasing increasing support for wrestling in Nigeria.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 15, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Krishav Morang and Uche Ubakanma triumphed in the men’s and women’s divisions of the 2024 India Cup Golf Tournament, held last weekend at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos. Morang, with a handicap of 20, recorded an impressive 82 gross score in the one-day event, earning him the best net player title with a 62 net score, leading by five shots over Mike Makinde, who finished with a 67 net.
In the women’s category, Ubakanma emerged victorious with a 92 gross score and a 25 handicap, edging out Adeola Banjoko by two strokes. Evelyn Oyome and Shade Opawunmi also shone, taking the lady’s gross and guest player prizes, respectively.
Ankit Puri led the field among six handicappers with the event’s best gross of 74, while Remi Olukoya and Akar Talah followed as runner-up and second runner-up. The tournament, organized by Aby Matthew and supported by brands such as InBev, Zenith Bank, African Steel, and Pepsi, drew over 400 players throughout the week, underscoring its significance among Indian and Nigerian business communities.
Notably, companies like CFAO and Guinness joined the sponsorship pool, with CFAO offering a Suzuki vehicle for a hole-in-one, adding excitement to this well-regarded event on the Ikoyi Club tournament calendar.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 15, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
The Ghana Para-Powerlifting Association, in partnership with the National Paralympic Committee of Ghana (NPC-Ghana), will host the 2024 National Para Powerlifting Championship on December 3rd. The event, which marks World Disability Day, will bring together over 50 para-powerlifters from five regions across Ghana.
The championship aims to:
Select athletes for the 2025 competitive season.
Rank athletes and develop a database of recognized para-powerlifters in Ghana.
Enhance competitiveness and build a stronger national team capable of earning medals internationally, establishing Ghana as a key contender in global Para Powerlifting.
Under this year’s World Disability Day theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” the event also seeks to identify new talent for future qualification events. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity to educate participants on recent rule updates and the Association’s strategic plans for athlete development.
The Ghana Para Powerlifting Association invites all members of Ghana’s Paralympic community to attend and support this significant event.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 14, 2024 | Africa, Ghana, Other Sports
The Ghana American Football Federation (GAFF) has released a statement clarifying recent misinformation regarding player recruitment for Ghana’s national flag football team, especially ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics. GAFF emphasizes that Mohammed Osman Nkosi, co-founder and President of Titans of Africa, is not authorized to recruit players for any national flag football team.
GAFF is the official body governing American football and flag football in Ghana, operating as a private entity limited by guarantee and recognized by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). In collaboration with Ghana’s National Sports Authority, GAFF manages the selection of national team players through a roster of recognized teams within its league.
The federation is currently preparing for the 2025 IFAF Africa Continental Championship and the 2028 Olympics, where flag football will debut. Selections for the national team will involve players from the league’s official teams: Accra Lightning Stars, Tema Pirates, Koftown Bisons, Cape Coast Predators, and the Diamond Divas, a dedicated girls’ team.
GAFF urges the public and media to disregard any statements from Mohammed Osman Nkosi about forming a national flag football team. All inquiries regarding American football in Ghana should be directed to GAFF’s official contacts:
+233(0) 262113580
+233(0) 244114567
+233(0) 553148035
+233(0) 599044876
