by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 27, 2025 | International, Nigeria, Other Sports
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has provided a $5,000 (N7,560,000) boost to Nigeria’s campaign at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia. The announcement was made on Sunday, ahead of the Junior Female Yellow Greens’ crucial Super 6 clash against Ireland on Wednesday.
In addition, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade personally contributed $1,000 (N1,512,000) to team captain Piety Lucky for her request to purchase a laptop. Messages of support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko were also conveyed, with promises of further incentives for subsequent victories.
The team is chasing history at the 16-nation tournament and remains in contention for a semi-final spot despite their first Super 6 game against England being washed out. With three points, Nigeria currently ranks third in Super Six Group 2, trailing South Africa (6 points) and England (4 points). A better net run rate keeps them ahead of the USA in fourth.
Notably, the Nigerian side caused a major upset earlier in the tournament, defeating New Zealand by two runs in the group stage. The team, which had set a semi-final target before the tournament, is focused on achieving this goal as they face Ireland at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi, on Wednesday.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 27, 2025 | Nigeria, Other Sports
Paralympians Isau Ogunkunle and Faith Obazuaye headline the 56th Molade Okoya-Thomas National Table Tennis Championship, which kicks off today in Lagos.
As the longest-running table tennis tournament in Africa, dating back to 1968, this year marks the first time it will be held on a national scale. Over 350 players from 21 states and 67 clubs will compete in 13 categories over six days.
Isau Ogunkunle, Africa’s sole table tennis medallist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, leads the Ogun State contingent and aims to become the first Class 1-5 player to win the men’s singles title. Faith Obazuaye, a two-time Paralympian and Commonwealth Games medallist, will represent Edo State in the Women’s Class 6-10 para category.
Ogunkunle expressed his excitement about the competition’s expansion, noting it provides para players a valuable platform to showcase their skills. “The tournament becoming national is a great opportunity for us as players. It allows us to test our abilities and showcase our talents,” he said.
Tournament referee John Peters highlighted the record turnout, describing it as the largest in the championship’s history. He believes the event will help identify and nurture new talent for the global stage.
The championship promises to deliver thrilling competition with a lineup of the nation’s top players.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 27, 2025 | Nigeria, Other Sports
Paralympic bronze medalist Eniola Bolaji has once again made history by securing gold at the Egypt Para Badminton International 2025 on Sunday.
In a dominant display, Bolaji defeated Sweden’s Hillevi Salomonsson 2-0 (21-1, 21-2) in the women’s SL3 final, cementing her position as one of the sport’s top players.
Throughout the tournament, the African champion showcased her exceptional skill, securing straight-set victories against Shahinda Mohamed (21-7, 21-2), Basma Nabil-Fawzy (21-6, 21-4), and Elizabeth Puma (21-2, 21-4).
The Badminton World Federation revealed that Bolaji has participated in 10 international championships over the past two years, winning all of them—a testament to her unparalleled consistency and dominance in Para Badminton.
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, lauded Bolaji’s achievement, emphasizing its significance for Nigerian sports.
“Eniola Bolaji’s gold medal at the Egypt International 2025 is a testament to her unparalleled talent and dedication. As the first and only African medalist in Para Badminton at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, she has once again brought immense pride to Nigeria. Winning 10 consecutive international tournaments is no small feat; she is a national treasure and a global icon,” Orbih stated.
He also reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to hosting world-class events, including the Para Badminton International Championship and the All Africa Para Badminton Championship in Abia State this October.
“The Badminton Federation of Nigeria, in collaboration with Abia State, is determined to deliver a successful Para Badminton International Championship and the All-African Para Badminton Championship. We are fully committed to meeting and exceeding international standards,” Orbih added.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 27, 2025 | Boxing, International, Nigeria
British heavyweight Dillian Whyte has expressed his desire for a third clash with longtime rival Anthony Joshua, vowing to end the former champion’s career.
The pair first faced off 16 years ago on the amateur circuit, where Whyte secured a points victory over a novice Joshua. Their rivalry escalated in December 2015 when Joshua knocked out Whyte in the 7th round to claim the vacant British heavyweight title, handing Whyte his first professional defeat.
Their anticipated rematch, originally scheduled for August 2023, was canceled due to an adverse doping test result from Whyte. However, following an investigation that determined the result was caused by a contaminated supplement, Whyte was cleared to return to boxing.
Joshua, coming off a shock knockout loss to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois last September, is preparing for his next bout. Whyte, eager to face him again, believes Joshua is past his prime and is ready to deliver the final blow to his career.
“If AJ wants the fight, they just have to call me. I’m always ready to face him. But honestly, I think he’s finished after his loss to Dubois. He should have taken the immediate rematch—it was his chance to avenge the defeat and reclaim a world title,” Whyte told Sky Sports Boxing.
Whyte added, “Every time we fight, it’s fireworks. Neither of us wants to lose, and we both aim to knock each other out. It’s personal, and that’s what makes it exciting. Eddie [Hearn] mentioned the possibility of Joshua fighting me next. If it happens, I’ll gladly retire him.”
The 36-year-old Whyte, who last fought in December, knocking out Ebenezer Tetteh in Gibraltar, is eager to return to the ring. Details of his next opponent and fight date are expected soon
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Jan 21, 2025 | Ghana, Other Sports
The Fourth Annual Water Polo Season in Ghana ended on a high note, following a week of intensive training sessions, seminars, and clinics designed to enhance skills and collaboration among players and stakeholders.
The event culminated in thrilling round-robin matches featuring teams like the Awutu Winton SHS Water Club and other local clubs, with the Lake Bosomtwe Ladies making a remarkable impact and adding extra energy to the competition.
Since its inception four years ago, the Annual Water Polo Season has been instrumental in promoting and developing water polo in Ghana. Under the leadership of Prince Kofi Asante Sefa-Aboagye, founder of the Black Stars Water Polo initiative, the event continues to break new ground in the sport.
Reflecting on the journey, Asante shared:
“This project has taken literal blood, sweat, and tears to make happen. Teams from the Central Region, Asante Region, Lake Bosomtwe, and Accra Arts Center have come together for the fourth consecutive year, and it’s a joy to see the growth.”
Asante also extended heartfelt appreciation to Tony Karaman, a seasoned water polo referee and coach, for his significant contributions throughout the week-long clinic.
“Tony has been running referee clinics all week and has embraced water polo in Ghana wholeheartedly. He reached out to be part of this journey, and his expertise has been invaluable.”
Despite the progress, Asante highlighted the financial challenges of sustaining the initiative, revealing that much of the funding has come from personal efforts.
“It’s a constant uphill battle, but we’re not giving up. I rely on friends, family, and my community to fund this initiative, as there’s no government support. It’s all for the love of the sport and the positive impact it has on these young players.”
Asante also acknowledged key supporters, including CAP7, Justice Outside, the San Diego community, and the global water polo network, whose contributions have kept the program alive.
The Fourth Annual Water Polo Season has once again showcased the growing potential of water polo in Ghana. With dedication and support, the sport is steadily gaining recognition, with aspirations of representing Ghana on the global stage in the future.
