NAN Archive

Loading

NAN Archive

All posts by 07068593630

Sports

Aiteo Federation Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors, Doma United squeeze into next round

Matches

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Abuja, July 30, 2022 (NAN) El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club of Maiduguri on Saturday defeated Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri 2-1 in an Aiteo/Federation Cup round of 64 match played in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match played at the Area 3 football pitch saw the two sides having to slug it out on a rainy evening.

Paul Obata gave the two-time Cup champions an early lead by scoring in the first minute of the match, after a mix-up in the Kun Khalifat defence.

On resumption of the second half, the Kun Khalifat players made dangerous forays into the El-Kanemi Warriors’ goal area but were stopped in their tracks.

Muktar Ismail extended their lead in the 71st minute, before Chijioke Ekpemadu pulled a goal back for the Owerri-based side who play in the Nationwide League One (NLO).

Hassan Abubakar, Head Coach of El-Kanemi Warriors, later commended his players for performing according to instructions in spite of the tough opposition.

The coach of Kun Khalifat FC, Obinna Uzoho, on his part attributed their loss to fatigue and poor traveling arrangements.

In another match of the competition, played earlier at the same venue, Doma United of Gombe defeated Apex Crane FC from Delta 4-3 in a nervy penalty shootout.

NAN reports that the game had ended in a barren draw after 90 minutes of play.

Bartholomew David, the coach of Doma United, lamented the goalscoring chances his players missed during the game, insisting his team could have won during regulation time.

“It was a tough match. Maybe my players underrated the opponents a little bit, because we should have wrapped up the game during regulation time.

“But I am glad we won through penalty kicks.

“Now the next thing is to start planning for the next round and correct our lapses,” the coach whose team topped the Northern Conference A2 of the 2021/2022 Nigeria National League (NNL) said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MUYI/OLAL
==========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sports

Sports NGO advocates basketball clinics for coaches, athletes

 

Coaching

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Abuja, July 29, 2022 (NAN) The Sports Renaissance Africa Partners (SRAP), an international sports Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has called for more focus on coaching clinics to develop grassroots basketball in the country.

Mrs Relindis Mbu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SRAP, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that with proper coaching and training facilities, Nigeria would bounce back to global reckoning in basketball.

She said to this end, the organisation had concluded plans to organise an internationally certified coaching clinic with renowned basketball skills coach, Ganon Baker.

“At SRAP, we are passionate about bringing in experts from the world with tactical experience that can help develop our young talents.

“The training clinic and certification programme with the renowned Ganon Baker will hold in Abuja at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium from Aug. 15 to Aug. 20; while that of Lagos is from Aug. 22- Aug. 27,” she said.

Mbu said the NGO was working with Baker because of his over 30 years experience in the game and his systematic curriculum that takes young players from zero to pro.

She said SRAP would also be working with other stakeholders and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to ensure better exposure and scouting for young Nigerian talents.

Terfa Akpoyibo, Chief Operating Officer of SRAP, told NAN that the coaching clinic with Baker which would be a continuous programme would go a long way in developing Nigeria’s grassroots basketball.

NAN reports that SRAP is a sports business organisation focused on championing industry standards in the delivery of quality sports development in Africa.

While Ganon Baker is one of the the most respected figures in the world of basketball, he has been into training and coaching for over 30 years, working with the NBA, WNBA, CBA, Euro League, NCAA, NJCAA, U Sports among others.(NAN)

MUYI/JTJ
=====

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

Sports

NTF calls for more funding for Taekwondo

NTF calls for more funding for Taekwondo

Taekwondo

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Abuja, July 21, 2022 (NAN) The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) has called for more funding and exposure for Nigerian Taekwondo athletes to enable them become world beaters.

Osita Egwin, Technical Director of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that funding was crucial to Nigerian athletes attending international championship.

Egwin was reacting to Nigeria’s participation at the just concluded Africa Taekwondo G-4 championship in Kigali, Rwanda.

NAN reports that team Nigeria finished eighth with one Silver and two bronze medals at the championship which held in Kigali from July 13 to July 17.

The NTF official, however, said with better funding and traveling arrangement, the team would have done better.

“”We faced a lot of issues due to the weather which affected not only our athletes but everyone that participated.

“For us we arrived just a day to the championship, so we couldn`t acclimatise well but, I am proud of the standard that we gave because it could be compared to world standard,” he said.

NAN reports that Benjamin Okuomose in the +87Kg won Nigeria a silver medal, losing out in the final to Morocco’s Ayoub Bassei, while Shola Olowookere lost out in the semi-finals to Tunisia’s Firas Katousi to win a bronze medal.

In the Women`s category, Nigerian Olympian Elizabeth Anayacho lost out to Egyptian Aya Shehata in the semi-finals to claim a bronze medal.

He maintained that a lot of things needed to be put in place for Nigeria to be able to clinch a world title in any major championship.

“Look at Benjamin Okumose in the +87Kg category defeated Olympics Silver medalist in Rio, and top athlete Seydou Gbane of Ivory Coast, so with more training and exposure we can do better,” he added.

Morocco finished top on the medals table with 15 medals (8 gold, 3 sliver and 4 bronze), Egypt second with 13 medals (3 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze) while Cote D’Ivoire finished third with 7 medals (2 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze).

NAN reports that 39 countries participated in the just concluded continental championship.
(NAN)
MUYI/IAA
=====

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Sports

Naija Ratels pledges to work with FCT FA

Naija Ratels pledges to work with FCT FA

Synergy

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Abuja, May 29, 2022 (NAN) The Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) has pledged to work more closely with the FCT Football Association (FA) for the development of the sport.

President of the Foundation and proprietor of the Abuja-based women’s club, Paul Edeh said this while congratulating Coach Haruna Ilerika, Secretary of the FA, following is award as the Sports Administrator of the year by My Media Africa.

Edeh told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that once the administrative aspect of the game is improved upon, football in Nigeria will also improve.

He described the honour as well deserved to a hard working administrator and grassroots coach.

“On behalf of the Foundation and the Naija Ratels, I congratulate you for this honour which I believe you deserve. I have always known you as a hardworking coach and administrator.

“You have continued to make FCT and Nigeria proud in many ways. I know that this award will propel you to continuously do more,” Edeh said.

He stressed the need for the FCT Administration to continue to work with relevant stakeholders to develop sports, especially women football in the FCT.

NAN reports that Ilerika is on the services of the FCT Administration as the Secretary of the FCT Football Association and also a professional coach.

He is a CAF C and CAF “B” Licensed coach and a CAF/NFF football instructor.(NAN)
MUYI/SH
======

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Sports

Hot Coal Basketball Club donates lab, basketball court to FCT school

Hot Coal Basketball Club donates lab, basketball court to FCT school

Donation

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Abuja, May 27, 2022 (NAN) Hot Coal Basketball Club on Friday donated a computer laboratory and state-of-the-art basketball court to LEA Primary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donations were part of a social intervention programme by the Hot Coal Hands of Care Project in commemoration of the 2022 Childrens’ Day Celebration.

Proprietor of the Club, Ubon Udoh, said the project was inspired by Naomi Kareem, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.

Udoh noted that the project was part of the foundation’s numerous social intervention projects and an avenue for the kids to access mentorship, learn life skills and imbibe discipline through basketball.

“First of all, Hot Coal Basketball as an organisation has what we refer to as, ‘The hands of care project’; this is how we do social development intervention projects because basketball is more than just a game, but also about adding value.

“So, in the past, we’ve embarked on trainings to address some health-related issues faced by basketball players and also held intervention programmes for orphanages; we’ve been doing this since 2014.

“So, we just had an opportunity to come and do something special here after Naomi (Kareem) approached us to help donate these facilities to the school as part of her Community Development Service (CDS).

“So, I am just happy that we were able to put this together,” he said.

Udoh noted that the initial idea was just to construct and furnish a computer laboratory for the school, adding that the construction of the basketball court was an after-thought

“It might interest you to know that the area where we chose to construct the state-of-the-art basketball court used to be a rubbish dump.

“Initially, our intention was to construct and fully equip a computer laboratory for the school, but my attention was drawn to the rubbish dump area when we visited the school and it wasn’t good enough for the hygiene of the pupils.

“So, we got permission from the head teacher to clear it and build this basketball court for the kids and you can see how excited they are about it,” he said.

Udoh assured of more support for the school, adding that the importance of carrying out projects such as these could not be over-emphasised.

“We always carry out a joint needs assessment of various schools across the country. So, we are going to still sit down with the school and see what else they might require.

“We will also determine if it is a project we can carry out alone or in partnership with the school as well as other corporate organisations.

“I think it is really important that we do things like these. This is more than just a basketball court.

“It is a place where the kids can dream, where they can believe in themselves, learn to be confident and boost their self-esteem.

“It is psychological as well as a physical safe space for them to grow and be nurtured through basketball, ” he added.

Mrs Grace Morenike, the Head Teacher of the school, said the project which was inspired by Kareem, was a result of an awareness programme embarked on by the school management to encourage the community to contribute to the development of the school.

“Initially, when I came to the school, I decided alongside the school management to undertake a School-based Management Board project.

“It is an avenue which we use to encourage members of the community, parents as well as the corps members who usually hold their CDS here, to be involved and contribute to the development of the school.

“This was how Kareem was inspired to help bring about this wonderful development to the school through the Hot Coal Basketball Hands Care Foundation.

“We are indeed very grateful to the proprietor who has indeed proven himself to be a great philanthropist,” she said.

Kareem, a serving corps member with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), said she chose to embark on the project because of her love for humanity.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MUYI/IA
=====

Sports

Elastic Medvedev through to third round at French Open

Medvedev

Paris, May 26, 2022 (Reuters/NAN) Daniil Medvedev still has issues with claycourt tennis, as he cantered into the French Open third round with a 6-3 6-4 6-3 win over Serbian Laslo Djere on Thursday.

The Russian reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year after four consecutive first-round exits.

He struggled at times but his elasticity eventually made up for his lack of natural ability to move around on the slow surface.

Medvedev, who enjoys the sport’s number two ranking, found himself down a break in the first set.

But his brilliant defence line helped him claw his way back, both times on court Philippe Chatrier.

He will next meet 28th seed Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia.

Medvedev, who won the U.S. Open last year and was runner-up at the Australian Open this season, arrived at the French Open with only one match on clay under his belt.

This has come after undergoing a procedure to treat a hernia in April.

A string of early unforced errors gave Djere a break in the first game, but Medvedev moved up a gear to win five games in a row.

He took control of the contest as his opponent appeared to be struggling physically.

The Russian broke decisively for 5-4 in the second set and there was no coming back for world number 56 Djere.

He bowed out on the first match-point when he netted a routine backhand.

Medvedev’s win was enjoyed by the Roland Garros crowd, who have made him one of their favourites for his ability to speak almost fluent French.

It is a talent he likes to play with.

“I’m really disappointed, I thought you will speak French with the French crowd,” he told courtside interviewer and three-time Roland Garros champion Mats Wilander.

“You have to improve in French… I’m joking,” he added with a smile.

Commenting on the match, Medvedev said he was fortunate to escape with a straight sets win.

“Today he (Djere) played maybe better claycourt tennis but I managed to play better on the important points,” the 26-year-old said.

“It’s very difficult. I tried to make him play a little bit more. Maybe he had cramps or an injury and he took the ball early and so he either made a mistake or a winner.

“One break is nothing on clay and if he had broken back the pain would maybe have gone away,” the Russian added.(Reuters/NAN)
MUYI/OLAL
==========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

Sports

Manchester United’s financial losses increase as broadcast revenue reduces

Revenue

Manchester (UK), May 26, 2022 (Reuters/NAN) Manchester United Football Club on Thursday reported a wider net loss in the third quarter as broadcast revenue slipped and player wages grew.

This is coming days after the English Premier League club failed to qualify for next season’s lucrative European Champions League.

The English football club secured a spot in next season’s Europa League after ending the domestic league campaign in sixth place with 58 points — their lowest tally in the Premier League era.

“It has clearly been a disappointing season for the men’s first team,” said Chief Executive Richard Arnold, who effectively replaced executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward earlier this year.

“Work is well underway to address this, led by our Football Director, John Murtough, and our new manager, Erik ten Hag,” Arnold said.

The Old Trafford club brought in Ajax Amsterdam’s Ten Hag as their new coach for next season.

This made the Dutchman the fifth permanent manager appointed since Alex Ferguson ended his 26-year reign in 2013.

The New York-listed club reported a net loss of 27.7 million pounds (34.9 million dollars) for the three months to March 31, compared with a loss of 18.1 million pounds a year earlier.

Total revenue at the club, owned by the American Glazer family, however, grew 29 percent to 153 million pounds.

This was after match day sales jumped 20-fold as Old Trafford welcomed back fans at full capacity following COVID-19 restrictions.

The 20-time English champions have not won the Premier League title since Ferguson’s departure.

The last time they took home major silverware was when they won the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2017.

The club, who re-signed Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo last year, said salaries rose nearly 20 percent in the quarter to 102 million pounds.

Net debt also grew 11 percent to about 496 million pounds by the end of March.

Ten Hag said on Monday that Ronaldo was part of his plans for the club, quashing speculation over the 37-year-old forward’s future.(Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MUYI/OLAL
=========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sports

Zverev says he’s struggled with mental health issues this year

Health

Paris, May 26, 2022 (Reuters/NAN) World male tennis number three Alexander Zverev on Thursday said he did not open up about the mental health issues he dealt with this year.

The German however said that he struggled at times due to the intense scrutiny players come under on a daily basis.

After coming from two sets down to beat Sebastian Baez in the second round of the French Open on Wednesday, the German said players from prior eras had no idea how fierce the spotlight is for the current generation.

Asked about how he was dealing with the mental pressures of the sport, Zverev told reporters: “I think some players talk about it more often, and more open, I don’t like to do that.

“But I was struggling a lot this year. I think I was quite depressed at times, as well.”

Zverev has been at the centre of several off-court issues since last year, with the ATP launching an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse by his ex-girlfriend.

He was also sent home from the Mexican Open in February for smashing his racquet against the umpire’s chair and handed a suspended eight-week ban from ATP-sanctioned events.

“We are constantly in a spotlight,” he said. “I think players from 20, 30 years ago don’t understand.

(This is because now every single little thing you do, there is a camera there … or there is someone that will write about it.

“These days I think with social media and a lot of other platforms, there is a lot more involvement and there is a lot more hatred going on.”

Former women’s world number one Naomi Osaka, who lost in the opening round at Roland Garros this week, withdrew from last year’s tournament .

This was after boycotting post-match media duties for mental health reasons.

Osaka said authorities had made progress on mental health in the last 12 months but there was more to be done.(Reuters/NAN)
MUYI/OLAL
==========

(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

 

Sports

Maradona tribute plane unveiled in Argentina

Maradona tribute plane unveiled in Argentina

Maradona

Buenos Aires, May 26, 2022 (Reuters/NAN) An aeroplane dedicated to Argentine great Diego Maradona was unveiled on Wednesday ahead of a journey that will end at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The Tango D10S – a 12-seater financed by an Argentine fintech company – is designed as a flying museum in tribute to the former World Cup winner, who died of a heart attack in November 2020.

It features a picture of Maradona kissing the World Cup trophy on the fuselage, while his face is also on the tail.

The wings feature both of his goals from Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final: the ‘Hand of God’ goal on the left wing and the winner, a goal widely regarded as the greatest of all time, on the right.

“I am mad about Maradona, one of those people who still watch videos of Diego before I go to sleep at night.

“This is the first World Cup without Maradona and maybe the last with (Lionel) Messi. I said, I want to make Diego’s plane, I want to make Diego’s plane. And so we launched Tango D10S.

“When Maradona’s team mates saw it, the World Cup winners from 1986, they were amazed, they were hypnotised by the aircraft,” Gaston Kolker, CEO of fintech company, Give and Get, said at an unveiling with other members from that World Cup winning side.

The plan is to fly the plane around Argentina and eventually to Qatar for the World Cup in November.

Fans will be able to board the aircraft and leave a message for Maradona in the cockpit, ‘interact’ with the late player through artificial intelligence, and see memorabilia from him and others players from the 1986 team.

It will also be available for private hire before being auctioned for charity.

“We can’t believe or understand this craziness, the love involved.

“How far will fans go? As far as a plane,” Maradona’s daughter, Dalma, said. (Reuters/NAN)

MUYI/SA

Edited by Salif Atojoko

===============

Sports

Minamino to wait until after Champions League final to decide future

Minamino to wait until after Champions League final to decide future
Wait
Liverpool (U.K), May 25, 2022 (Reuters/NAN) Japan international Takumi Minamino will wait until after Liverpool’s clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Paris on Saturday before considering his future at the English Premier League club.
The 27-year-old joined the Anfield outfit from RB Salzburg in January 2020 but has been used largely as a squad player by manager Juergen Klopp during the current campaign as Liverpool have challenged on four fronts.
Minamino has been linked with a move elsewhere after scoring 10 times in 24 games in all competitions this season for a Liverpool side that fell short on Sunday of adding the Premier League title to their League Cup and FA Cup triumphs.
“I have Japan matches too (in June) and there will be no time to rest up, but I’ll think about my future after the Champions League final.
“First I’m concentrating on the match,” Minamino was quoted by Kyodo News.
Minamino has played four times in the Champions League so far this season and he is hoping to make history against Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the weekend.
“No one from Japan has ever stood on the (Champions League) final’s pitch, so I want to do that,” said the playmaker, who also helped his national team qualify for November’s World Cup.
Minamino’s goal haul this season is his best since moving to England as he has sought to break into Klopp’s starting line-up.
“When you try to prove yourself in a limited amount of time, scoring goals is the only option.
“I was absolutely fixated on that this season,” he said. (Reuters/NAN)
MUYI/SA
Edited by Salif Atojoko
===============