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Tag Edo 2020

  • Mar, Wed, 2020
Sport

Team Lagos athletes, others flay Edo 2020 postponement 

Dissatisfaction
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, March 17, 2020 (NAN) Team Lagos athletes on Tuesday in Lagos condemned the postponement of the National Sports Festival (NSF), saying the exercise was not the needed one.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the athletes training at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos wore long faces and refused to speak much on the matter.

NAN reports that the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development had issued a statement that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the postponement.

The statement had indicated that this followed the close monitoring and updates on COVID-19 in Nigeria and across the world.

Team Lagos athletes on hearing about the postponement quickly dispersed to their various camping hostels, while some who were unhappy voiced their anger over it.

An athlete, Bose said the postponement was not necessary since there was no reported case of the deadly COVID-19 among the athletes, adding that there was no report yet of a foreign based athlete.

“Up till now, I only heard of two cases in Nigeria or maybe the one this morning as the third one. What pained me most are the efforts that we have put into the training.

“For us, who bears the cost? After all, the (football) league is still on. So, why cancel the NSF which everybody has been preparing for?’’ she queried.

A para-table tennis player, Dupe, told NAN that she was sad about the development, adding that it would lower the enthusiasm and spirit of many players towards the NSF.

“I am not happy at all. I just think someone will say that it is a joke. Why did they wait till now to postpone the Festival, just three days left to the arrival?

“Some of us are already rounding up training, looking forward to Friday when we would have departed?’’ she stated.

The Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Lagos State, Debo Oshundun, said the postponement could not have happened if there had not been wide consultation.

“I think the Federal Government would have arrived at the postponement after wide consultation because it has a lot of implications.

“The government would have considered all options before it took the step, because it is a huge sacrifice after all the preparations by all the stakeholders.

“I think the postponement will not be long because it is not an outright cancellation as many will think,’’ he said.

The State Assistant Secretary SWAN and Media Officer of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Afolabi Oni, described the 20th NSF postponement as a needless pressing of a panic button.

“I think the postponement is like just pressing the panic button and putting the cart before the horse.

“The government is talking about taking precautionary steps, while there were no efforts to block ways and avenues which this COVID-19 can come to Nigeria.

“We still have our airports, land borders and sea ports open. Also we still have eateries, churches, mosques open and public gatherings, so why postpone the sports festival?

“We should have started where other countries started from, like banning all air travels from the high-risk countries,’’ he said.

Oni said the postponement had come with a high cost which would be borne by the athletes and the participating states.

“We are talking about the athletes and their preparations and the money spent on the camping.

“Also, the state would have spent a lot on the athletes. So, who will bear the cost?’’ he asked. (NAN)
KOJE/KM/OLAL
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(Edited by Kabir Muhammad and Olawale Alabi)

  • Mar, Tue, 2020
Sport

Elegbeleye hails postponement of 20th National Sports Festival

Commendation
Abuja, March 17, 2020 (NAN) Gbenga Elegbeleye, a former Director-General of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), on Tuesday commended organisers of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) for postponing the event following the outbreak of coronavirus.

Elegbeleye told the News Agency of Nigeria be (NAN) in Abuja that prioritising the health of athletes and officials by postponing the event was a step in the right direction.

NAN reports that the festival tagged “Edo 2020’’ was scheduled to hold in Benin City between March 22 and April 1.

He said Nigeria could not afford to gather so many people together when other countries were taking counter-measures.

“There is no need assembling youths and putting their health at risk when the whole world is trying to be cautious because of coronavirus.

“I personally was worried about the NSF and I wondered if parents and guardians would release their wards for the event. Thankfully, the organisers have done the rational thing,” Elegbeleye said.

The former director-general pointed out that sports activities have either been cancelled or suspended globally, with major European football leagues suspended and this summer’s Euro 2020 shifted till 2021.

Elegbeleye, a member of the 2011 Ministerial Committee on Reform of Football Administration, said nothing much would change in terms of logistics and preparedness of the host state.

“Edo has been given the right to host and that will not change. The state only has to adjust in terms of marketing, sponsorship and whatever perishable procurement it has made.

“For now, we cannot afford to be careless when the whole world is being careful,” he said.

The Edo 2020 LOC said a new date for the NSF would be announced after due consultations with other stakeholders.(NAN)
KIA/CHIN/OLAL
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(Edited by Chinyere Bassey and Olawale Alabi)

  • Mar, Tue, 2020
Sport

Postponement of Edo 2020 painful but necessary, Anambra sports official says

Festival
By Chimezie Anaso
Awka, March 17, 2020 (NAN) The Chairman of Anambra Sports Development Commission (ASDC),  Tony Oli, on Tuesday described Federal Government’s decision to postpone the 20th National Sports Festival tagged “Edo 2020″ as painful but expedient.

Oli told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that while most preparations had reached a crescendo, the postponement was justified because of the global health concern.

He said the festival’s postponement was in line with global trend, when most sports events across the world, including all major football leagues and other championships, had been put on hold.

“Although coronavirus has not been fully established in Nigeria, the festival would attract  athletes and visitors from across the world, including those from countries already shut down because of the virus.

“Nigeria is therefore moving with global trends because some participants, including athletes, will come from other parts of the world.

“It is a wise precaution, though painful, and it is coming early enough when teams were not already on their way to Benin City.

“We cannot continue to carry on with our activities when all other countries are suspending activities as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus,” the commission chairman said.

Oli disclosed that Anambra was on the verge of winding down its various camps and disengaging the athletes.

He said Anambra athletes, who were already completing their training schedules in their various camps in Enugu, Oba, Awka and other places, would remain there till the weekend.

“That is when they will be called together and addressed.’’

Oli said adding another three days would not affect them in any way, adding that the commission was also managing the situation so that it would not cause panic in the camps.

“We will use the next there days to conclude activities on camps and wind them down so that the athletes can go home.

“It will come with additional cost but we have no choice. The federal government has acted wisely and we have to follow suit,” he said.

The ASDC chairman expressed the hope that the period of postponement should not be lengthy so that the athletes would not become rusty.

He also proposed that states should be given not less than one month notice whenever a new date was decided for the festival.(NAN)
APC/USO/OLAL
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(Edited by Sam Oditah and Olawale Alabi)

  • Mar, Tue, 2020
Sport

FG postpones Edo 2020, as coronavirus claims another sports casualty

Postponement
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, March 17, 2020 (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the postponement of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged “Edo 2020’’ as a precautionary move against the spread of COVID-19.

The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, announced this on Tuesday via his Twitter handle.

“President Muhammadu Buhari approves the postponement of the National Sports Festival Edo 2020 as a precautionary move against COVID-19 spread.

“Following the briefing of Mr. President from myself and the Minister of State for Health on COVID 19, Mr. President approved the immediate postponement of Edo Sports festival to a future date,” he said in a series of tweets.

The Special Adviser on Media to the minister, John Joshua-Akanji, also confirmed the postponement to NAN in an interview.

He however stressed that details would be provided later as the minister was still meeting with relevant stakeholders, following his briefing of Mr President.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 20th NSF was scheduled to kick off on Sunday at the newly-renovated Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

The competition, which was last held in December 2018 in Abuja and now billed to hold at the stadium and 16 other venues in Benin, was expected to end on April 1.(NAN)
MUYI/JPE/OLAL
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(Edited by Joseph Edeh and Olawale Alabi)

  • Mar, Mon, 2020
Sport

Ogbemudia Stadium has no comparison in Nigeria, Sen. Ogba says

Stadium
By Monday Ajogun
Benin, March 16, 2020 (NAN) Obinna Ogba, the Chairman of Senate’s Committee on Youths and Sports Development, on Monday said the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin has none comparable to it in the country presently.

Ogba gave the assessment shortly after he was conducted round several of the facilities put in place for the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged “Edo 2020’’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogba was conducted round the facilities by Philip Shaibu, the Edo deputy governor, who is also Chairman of the festival’s Local Organising Committee (LOC).

“I am highly impressed with what I have seen so far. In fact, since I have been visiting stadiums, I have not seen this type before in the country.

“I don’t have much to say rather than to thank Gov. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu. Edo have really written their name in gold.

“By the time this stadium is open to the public and the youths see what their governor has done with tax-payers money, they will never forget him.

“At all the facilities we have visited, they have done very well, particularly what they are doing at the University of Benin. The whole hostel is wearing a new look.

“And where they have some job to do, the deputy governor has charged them to complete the work within 24 hours.

“I have charged the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development to take all the things we have seen here to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja,’’ he said.

Ogba pointed out that Edo was ready for the 20th NSF. “They are ready. We can all see that nothing is holding them. We can see that all the needed facilities are on ground.’’

Also speaking, Shaibu assured that the state was ready to receive over 11,000 athletes and officials for the festival.

“We only pray to have a better climate, to enable us showcase all the facilities we have on ground.

“Also, beyond the facilities, we have some logistics ready, especially in the area of the health issues,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the facilities inspected by Ogba include the Games Village at University of Benin, the basketball court at Emotan College and the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.(NAN)
AJOM/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Mar, Mon, 2020
Sport

Lagos conducts medical screening for athletes camped for Edo 2020

Screening

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, March 16, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) on Monday conducted medical screening for all its athletes listed for the National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged “Edo 2020″.

The commission’s Director of Technical, Nunayo Travih, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the exercise was to ascertain the athletes’ level of fitness and state of health.

“Our teams have been in camp since March 8. We have camps in Agbowa, Ikorodu, Lagos State Polytechnic, also in Ikorodu, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Rowe Park and others.

“We don’t have one venue to camp all our athletes because of the size of the contingent, but they are all using the state facilities at the different locations and the athletes are in high spirits.

“But this (Monday) morning, we conducted a medical screening for all the athletes in compliance with the regulations of the NSF.

“By the end of tomorrow (Tuesday), we will have the results out,” he said.

Travih said the commission had placed emphasis on the provision of medical facilities across the camp sites, adding that an emergency response team had also been put in place.

“At Agbowa, we have a full complement of medical personnel. Over there, we have on ground a sports medical doctor, a physiotherapist, nurses, paramedics and pharmacists, amongst others.

“We also have the state ambulance to respond to any emergency or referral.

“At Ikorodu, the General Hospital there will also cater for any medical needs, while there are also the other Primary Health Centres within the camps.

“We also have the same type of medical personnel and facilities at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and across other venues,” he said.(NAN)

KOJE/USO/OLAL
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(Edited by Sam Oditah and Olawale Alabi)

  • Mar, Fri, 2020
Sport

T20, ODI, 6-a-side events will feature in Edo 2020 cricket competition, official says

Cricket
By Ijeoma Okigbo
Abuja, March 13, 2020 (NAN) The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) will introduce T20, One Day International (ODI) and six-a-side tournaments at the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) holding in Benin from March 22 to April 1.

Taiwo Oriss, Secretary-General of NCF, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that this was necessary to increase interest in the sport in various states.

“The introduction of the ODI and the six-a-side event is to increase the number of medals for the states, as well as interest in the sport in the states,’’ Oriss said.

The federation secretary-general also assured players of great playing experience at the festival with the unveiling of the new cricket oval.

“The pitch is the second natural turf we have in Nigeria, after the one at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

“The pitch is going to expose the players to the right playing surface, because it is of international standard.

“Special thanks must go to Uyi Akpata, the Vice-President of the federation, who facilitated the turf wicket at Edo Boys High School, Ugbowo in Benin City.

“We are now trying to secure hostel facilities around there so that whenever we have international event, we will have a place for players to camp while training.

“It (the pitch) gives us more option for development and for us to get used to what is obtainable in other countries.(NAN)
IHA/DE/OLAL
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(Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Olawale Alabi)

  • Mar, Thu, 2020
Sport

Edo 2020: Lagos wrestlers commend state govt. for providing logistics to ensure good preparations

Wrestlers
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, March 12, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State wrestling team to the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) on Thursday said the state government deserved commendation for providing the necessary logistics to prepare it for the festival.

Becky Adam, one of the team’s coaches, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that this had helped the team to prepare very well for the festival.

“All training allowances have been paid to the wrestlers, and this is really good.’’

She however said while about 30 of them were undergoing training, the state government has only approved for 17 of them to be taken to the NSF billed for Benin.

“Part of the logistics provided are three doctors, including one physiotherapist, to ensure the team members are physically fit for the event.’’

The coach, who will also serve as a referee at Edo 2020, assured that they were going to the festival to win gold medals.

Adam, however, noted that if more wrestlers were added to the team, they would have the opportunity to win many medals.

She disclosed that three wrestlers, one male and two female, were currently nursing injuries, but assured that the team doctors would take care of them before departure for Benin.

“We don’t take chances with the health of our wrestlers. Our team members are physically fit. Though we have three injured persons, but the doctors are taking care of them. They will be okay before we go to Benin.

“But I must restate that we are grateful to the state government for providing the logistics.

“Our closed camping programme started on Monday and it will be rounded up by March 20.

“But we are now good to go and, by God’s grace, we are sure of gold medals even as we need more coaches for training also,’’ the coach said.

NAN reports that Team Lagos athletes for Edo 2020 began their closed camp training at various sports centres in the state on Monday.(NAN)
MIO/IKU/OLAL
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(Edited by Tayo Ikujuni and Olawale Alabi)

  • Mar, Thu, 2020
Sport

PSG oust Borussia Dortmund to banish last 16 round demons in empty stadium

Demons
Paris, March 12, 2020 (Reuters/NAN) Paris St-Germain (PSG) put their UEFA Champions League last 16 round traumas behind them as they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals.

But no fans were in the stadium to witness the achievement.

Having lost 1-2 in the first leg, Neymar and Juan Bernat scored before half-time to secure a 3-2 aggregate win for PSG after a game played behind closed doors.

This was due to the coronavirus, which has infected 2,281 people and killed 48 in France.

The result eased painful memories of 2017, when PSG were eliminated 6-5 on aggregate by FC Barcelona after letting slip a 4-0 advantage.

Also, last season they lost to Manchester United on away goals after a 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

The French champions reached the last eight for the first time since 2016 as Borussia Dortmund finished with 10 men following Emre Can’s sending-off in the dying minutes.

Over 3,000 ultra fans gathered near the Parc des Princes before kick-off, after being granted authorisation by the police.

Demonstrations were being considered an exemption to the ban of gatherings of more than 1,000 as French authorities try to contain the coronavirus, which has infected 2,281 people and killed 48.

They lit firework and their chants could be overheard in the stadium before, during, and after the game as the players went to the top of the Auteuil stand to cheer with them.

“Our only virus is Paris SG,” a banner in the empty arena read.

“It was a perfect game,” said centre back Marquinhos, who with Presnel Kimpembe marshalled the PSG defence.

“We now need to keep the same mindset for the remainder of the competition.”

PSG were without captain Thiago Silva, who had not fully recovered from a hamstring injury, while Kylian Mbappe started on the bench after suffering from a sore throat.

The French side dominated possession and had the first clear chance when Edinson Cavani’s cross shot from Di Maria’s through ball was deflected by goalkeeper Roman Buerki.

Neymar put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute as he headed home Angel Di Maria’s free-kick for his 35th goal in 57 matches.

He made his presence count with this, after missing the return leg against Manchester United through injury last season.

Bernat doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time by flicking Sarabia’s attempt past Buerki.

PSG pressed high after the break while Erling Haaland, who scored a double in the first leg, never looked likely to add to his 10 UEFA Champions League goals this season.

Thorgan Hazard and Axel Witsel made way for Julian Brandt and Giovanni Reyna as Borussia Dortmund coach Lucien Favre looked to freshen up his attacking line.

(PSG) were suddenly on the back foot.

A brawl erupted two minutes from time after Can fouled Neymar and pushed the Brazilian to the ground.

Can was sent off while Di Maria picked up a yellow card which means the Argentine will be suspended for the first leg of PSG’s quarter-final.(Reuters/NAN)
OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Mar, Tue, 2020
Sport

Edo 2020: Gombe to open camp for 142 athletes

Camping
By Peter Uwumarogie
Gombe, March 10, 2020 (NAN) The Gombe State Sports Commission on Tuesday said it has intensified preparations for its athletes ahead of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin from March 22 to April 1.

Hamza Soye, the commission’s Executive Chairman, told newsmen in Gombe that all arrangements for camping had been put in place to give the athletes good preparations.

“The closed camping which will last for 10 days is to give the needed training and attention that the athletes deserve to win laurels at the upcoming NSF,’’ he stated.

Soye added that Gombe State athletes were going to feature in 14 of the 31 events at the festival, with 142 athletes, 52 technical, medical and management officials representing the state.

“We picked 14 events, on the basis of the events we are sure of medals from.’’

He said the athletes were being prepared to win laurels “We are not taking athletes to Benin to see Benin City but to win laurels and, if that is the case, we must do all needed, including motivation.

“We know the role of motivation for any competition of this kind and that is why we have also put in place motivation plans to ensure that our athletes are well motivated for the competition,’’ Soye said.

He added that the athletes representing Gombe State were selected from grass roots competitions, such as the Tula Marathon.

“Our athletes are young and energetic. They were hidden talents that will surprise the country in Benin,’’ the sports commission chairman said.

Soye commended Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for making funds available for timely preparation of athletes for the competition, “we don’t have any issues with funding for the camping. We are good to go’’.(NAN)
UP/AMM/OLAL
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(Edited by Abiemwense Moru and Olawale Alabi)