by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 12, 2024 | Nigeria, Other Sports
The Nigeria Customs Service women’s volleyball team delivered a stellar performance, defeating the defending champions, CNS Spikers, 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-19), in a high-energy clash at the Moshood Abiola Stadium indoor sports hall in Abuja.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the former champions, putting them in a strong position to reclaim the prestigious 2024 Comptroller General of Customs Volleyball Premier League title.
CNS Spikers, entering as defending champions, struggled to counter Customs’ aggressive attacks and formidable defence. Despite their efforts, the Spikers were outplayed as Customs dominated all three sets with precision and confidence.
Samuel Onikeku, Sports Secretary of the Nigeria Customs Service, commended the team’s exceptional display of skill and focus.
“This is a significant step toward reclaiming our title,” Onikeku stated. “The players exhibited remarkable teamwork and discipline. They stayed focused and executed our game plan perfectly, even under pressure from CNS Spikers’ attempted comebacks.”
Onikeku highlighted the importance of mental preparation in the team’s success.
“We’ve emphasized mental strength throughout this journey. Staying composed under pressure was key today, and the team delivered excellently. It’s evident they’ve been working hard both physically and mentally.”
Looking ahead, Onikeku expressed optimism about the rest of the tournament.
“We’re not stopping here. The technical crew and players are dedicated to maintaining this momentum. With continued discipline and effort, we’re confident about achieving our ultimate goal—winning the title.”
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 12, 2024 | International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Nigeria has officially won the bid to host the 2026 edition of the prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), a biennial continental ladies’ golf championship. The event, which began in Zimbabwe in 1992, will mark its 18th edition when it returns to Nigeria for the third time.
Previously, Nigeria hosted the AACT in 1996 at the Ikoyi Club 1938 and again in 2010 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. The upcoming 2026 edition will be held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which met all the requirements for hosting.
Evelyn Oyome, President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, led the nation’s delegation during the bidding process at the championship’s 16th edition in Morocco. She highlighted that Nigeria’s success in hosting the West and Central Africa Challenge Trophy in 2023 at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, Lagos, gave the country a competitive advantage over 20 other bidding nations.
The 2026 AACT is expected to attract participation from no fewer than 30 countries, providing a platform to showcase Nigeria’s golfing facilities and promote the country on a continental stage.
The most recent edition of the AACT, held in Agadir, Morocco, saw the host nation’s women’s team claim their first victory, ending South Africa’s dominance of 14 wins in 15 editions.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 12, 2024 | Boxing, Nigeria
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has unveiled plans for early preparations ahead of the 2028 Olympics, aiming to rebuild after a disappointing campaign at the Paris 2024 Games.
NBF Interim President Azania Omo-Agege announced the revival of the Nigerian Boxing League as a core strategy to develop the sport. “There is a perception that most of our boxers are from the streets. We are working to change that, and we need constant competition to do that,” she said.
Nigeria’s boxing efforts at Paris 2024 fell short, with heavyweight Adam Olaore bowing out in the round of 16. The team also faced setbacks with Cynthia Ogunsemilore’s disqualification due to doping and Dolapo Omole’s injury withdrawal.
Omo-Agege emphasized the league’s importance, stating, “It will keep our boxers in shape, take them out of trouble, and ensure consistent training.” She also highlighted prize money from the International Boxing Association as a motivating factor for athletes to stay competitive.
Internal conflicts prior to Paris 2024, including a leadership dispute between Omo-Agege and former NBF President Kenneth Minimah, hampered preparations. The controversial replacement of coach Tony Konyegwachie with Adura Olalehin further impacted the team, with Technical Director Babatunde Laguda questioning Olalehin’s qualifications.
Limited training time also plagued the team, with boxer Ifeanyi Onyekwere lamenting, “The preparation was very bad. It was just a one-week camp, with a lot of stress.”
Omo-Agege aims to address these challenges by increasing participation in competitions to strengthen Nigeria’s chances of ending its Olympic boxing medal drought, which dates back to Duncan Dokiwari’s bronze at Atlanta 1996.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 11, 2024 | Nigeria, Other Sports
In the world of competitive sports, where success often stems from elite training programs and significant funding, the story of 17-year-old Wisdom Okanlawon stands out as a beacon of talent, resilience, and determination from humble beginnings.
Born and raised in Surulere, Lagos, Wisdom’s journey into fencing began serendipitously during his primary school years at Lagos Progressive Nursery and Primary School. A community initiative by the Nigeria Fencing Federation introduced him to the sport, offering scholarships to outstanding young fencers.
“I told my mum about it and began training. After the sessions, I was chosen as a scholarship beneficiary,” Okanlawon recalled.
Fencing, a sport blending precision, strategy, and athleticism, captured his imagination. Despite limited resources and access to professional training, Wisdom’s dedication and natural aptitude propelled him forward.
“I adapt quickly to different sports, but fencing was unique. It has given me opportunities I never imagined. Winning gold and bronze at the African Fencing Championship in 2020 was one of my proudest moments,” he said.
Now a rising star, Wisdom has his eyes set on the Junior Epee World Cup, hosted by Nigeria from December 14-15 in Lagos. “I’m excited to showcase that Nigeria has talented fencers. We’re ready to make our country proud,” he stated with determination.
Beyond medals and competitions, fencing has transformed Wisdom’s life, opening doors to quality education and shaping his character. “It’s taken a huge burden off my mum’s shoulders and given me opportunities I could never have dreamed of,” he added.
As he prepares for the global stage, Wisdom Okanlawon embodies the power of perseverance and the impact of grassroots initiatives, proving that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Dec 11, 2024 | Africa, Nigeria, Other Sports
The Taraba State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has unveiled a strategic partnership with the College of Sports, Serbia, to offer training and certification programs for sports professionals, including coaches, trainers, medical personnel, and physiotherapists, starting in 2025.
Joshua Joseph, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, also announced a collaboration with the Football Federation of Serbia to provide UEFA A, B, and C certification courses for football coaches in Taraba State.
“With profound gratitude to Almighty God and immense appreciation to His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, for his unwavering support and commitment to youth empowerment, we are thrilled to launch these initiatives. We encourage interested Taraba indigenes to submit their CVs and letters of interest to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development,” said Joseph.
“This initiative marks a significant milestone in empowering our youth by equipping them with top-tier skills and certifications to excel in sports. It’s more than skill development; it’s about creating a legacy of excellence and establishing Taraba as a hub for sports development.”
Additionally, the Ministry will organize the Governor Kefas Scouting Tournament in January 2025, attracting scouts from Portugal, Austria, Lithuania, Finland, and Serbia to identify and nurture exceptional football talent from the state.
