Hon Ekene Adams Congratulates D’Tigress On 6th Afrobasket Win

 

Hon Ekene Adams Congratulates D’Tigress On 6th Afrobasket Win

Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams has congratulated Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress for winning the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship for the fourth consecutive time in a row.

The Rena Wakama- led D’Tigress proved their dominance in the women's basket after edging 11-time African champions, Senegal 84-74 to claim their sixth championship at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday.

Saturday's trump, means D’Tigress will compete for a spot at the women’s basketball event of the 2024 Olympics.

Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State in the 10th House of Representatives; could not hide his delight after the feat.

"Congratulations to our women's Basketball team- D’Tigress and the entire backroom staff. The team has showed their dominance in the sport in Africa, and they showed the Nigeria never-say-die attitude going unbeaten in Kigali.

"The team showcased their talent to Africans and the world as they kept fans seated on their edge of their seats with quality basketball skills all their games at the BK Arena.

"Rena Wakama have also made Nigerian women proud, as she was the was the only female coach at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship and she did better what any man can do at the event.

"Kudos to the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) on the choice of Wakama, as its has now proven to be well-thought-out as she brought her wealth of experience, having previously represented Nigeria as a national team player.

"Am pouring praise on Amy Okonkwo too, as was a star, having played a huge role in helping Nigeria clinch the 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, and, as a result, the 26-year-old was named the TISSOT MVP of the tournament.

"Recall, throughout Nigeria's unbeaten run (5-0) in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, Okonkwo was the heart -and-soul of the D'Tigresses, averaging a team-high of 17.2 points while contributing 8.2 rebounds per game.

"Along the way, Okonkwo became the only Nigeria to register two double-doubles (Murjanatu Musa registered one).

"A heroic welcome awaits them, as I, my House Committee on Sports memeber and well-meaning Nigerians will be at the airport to welcome them."

Saturday's trump, means D’Tigress will compete for a spot at the women’s basketball event of the 2024 Olympics.

Ogunnowo: NLO Super Cup Kicks Off September 5, Explains Modalities

 

Ogunnowo: NLO Super Cup Kicks Off September 5, Explains Modalities  

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nationwide League One, Olushola Ogunnowo has announced Tuesday September 5 through Saturday September 16, 2023 as the kick-off date for the NLO Youth League Super Cup, as he  revealed that there would be two wild card teams that will also take part in the competition with more clarifications in the coming days. 

"We are looking to commence it from 5th to 16th September. It is a full 10 days of football activities. The competition will boost the economy of Imo State because 18 football clubs and about 30 match delegates among others will be in the state by then."

Ogunnowo, further explained modalities for the Youth League Super Cup, as he assured that foreign scouts, members of the Technical Department of the NFF, and some national team coaches would storm Owerri to discover talents. 

He acknowledged the adulation from Nigerians and overseas for the NLO conduct of the Youth League and further itemized reasons for the Super Cup while also adding that different steps including live stream of all games have been concluded to ensure the NLO continue to have its rave review and tractions.

"This is going to be the first of its kind in the history of youth football in Nigeria. The NLO decided to take the bull by the horns to start a Youth League in the country," Ogunnowo said why fielding questions from journalists after the signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation.

"We have received so many applause both within and outside the country. We decided it was not best for the teams to just play the league and stop there. The 18 teams that will take part and additional two wild cards have already been promoted to NLO but we want to come up with a championship whereby we can come up with a single winner for the Youth League in the country. 

"The tournament will be keenly contested and we have invited foreign scouts to be part of what we are doing. We are inviting close to eight sporting directors from different leagues across the world to come and see our talents from the Youth League. 

"Nigeria Football Federation Technical Department will be on ground while notable coaches in the country will also be around to see the best that can be showcased from the NLO. 

"The NLO is the only league that has a broadcasting department because we stream live most of our matches. We streamed live over 144 matches in the just concluded NLO Division 1. In the NLO Division 2 (Youth League), we streamed live close to 200 matches. All the matches to be played during the championship will be live streamed to be watched in all parts of the world."

NLO, Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation Signs MOU For Youth League Super Cup

 

NLO, Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation Signs MOU For Youth League Super Cup.

Nigeria Nationwide League One has successfully signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation led by its Founder/ President High Chief Summers Nwokie towards staging the maiden edition of NLO Youth League Super Cup Championship in Owerri, Imo State.

Both put pen on the MoU on Friday at the corporate office of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation in the presence of NLO top brass, His Excellency, Silas Agara, Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo, officials of Imo Football Association, Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation and journalists.

In his welcome address during the epoch making occasion the Founder/ President, Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, High Chief Summers Nwokie said it was his passion for football and humanitarian commitments that has compelled him to sponsor the NLO Super Cup Championship and it was borne out of the success story of his pet club, Ikukuoma FC of Mbaise, Imo State. 

The grassroots football philanthropist gave an account of what he has done to advance the cause of grassroot football including sponsorship of notable competitions within Mbaise and Owerri zone and he also canvassed for the support of other well meaning Nigerians to ensure grassroot football continue to flourish.

"It is for the love of soccer and a prioritized social responsibility in line with my humanitarian commitments, that prompted my resolve to sponsor the NLO Super Cup billed for early September.

"The enviable success of my pet football club, Ikukuoma FC at the just concluded Nationwide League One Under 19 Youth League held in Awka, Anambra State has energized and boosted my commitment to grassroots football with 80 percent of the players in my team products of my tournament (Ikukuoma Mbaise Unity Cup Tournament and Secondary Schools Football Competition).

"I want to use this medium to urge other well meaning Nigerians to get involved in the development of these laudable sports so as to enable the country to attain its expected height in world football," High Chief Nwokie said.

In his own opening remarks, NLO Chief Agara described Imo State as his second home, as he commended High Chief Summers Nwokie for his giant strides in grassroot football and added that the NLO's doors are wide open for collaborations with people like the President of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation to help take the league to greater height. 

The former Deputy Governor, Nasarawa State opined that the new watchword of the NLO is to ensure that players from grassroots clubs in the Nigeria Nationwide League form the bedrock of the national youth teams in the near future and that different steps have been taken to ensure the NLO has a more professional approach.

"Imo State is like a home coming. It is my second home and I feel proud to identify with people from Imo State," Agara began. 

"I stand boldly on behalf of the Nigeria Nationwide League One to identify with my brother High Chief Summers Nwokie who has taken this bold step to partner with the NLO and also to put smiles on the faces of our young footballers from all the parts of Nigeria. It is what we expect from those God has blessed so that they can open the doors for others. 

"Sports is a big industry and it can accommodate the teeming Nigerian youths by deeply engaging them in a meaningful way that they can add to that development. 

"High Chief Summers Nwokie has honoured the NLO and I wish to honour him in the same manner. When I see someone that is into grassroot sports I have a passion to relate with such a person. 

"Our passion in the NLO is to make sure that the crop of the national youth team players come from the grassroots clubs. Clubs that are from the NLO. 

"If we can get it right in the NLO, then we can begin to change the way the NNL and NPFL clubs are run. NLO is happy to partner and open a new chapter with you. The MoU we have signed we go a long way to show what we can do together for football."

Agara further tasked Imo State to take her place of pride in the South East and he challenged the President of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation to help with the rebirth of grassroots football in the South East for the good of the game.

"Imo is the home of football. Football is not new to Imo State. The state has produced great national players for Nigeria. It is time to go back to the old days where those players emerged from grassroots clubs. I believe Imo can take her rightful position in the South East with the likes of High Chief Summers Nwokie," Agara continued.

"I want to challenge High Chief Nwokie to change the face of grassroot football in the South East if others that God has blessed can't do it. He should do it. A token sent to other states in the South East can help to change its face in the zone. NLO will be willing to support you and bring the weight of the NFF behind you."

FOOTBALL: Akinbami Calls For Financial Regulations To Support Sector's Growth .... Hails Kanu's Expose On Empty Treasury At Eyinmba United FC

 FOOTBALL: Akinbami Calls For Financial Regulations To Support Sector's Growth .... Hails Kanu's Expose On Empty Treasury At Eyinmba United FC

Hon. Vincent Akinbami

"The situation in Enyimba is the same thing in all the state government teams where monies realized from the sales of players go into the pocket of club Officials." Akinbami.

The former Vice Chairman of Osun United Football club and former SSA to the former Governor of Osun state on Sports Development, Vincent Akinbami has hailed the outburst of the new  Chairman of Enyimba FC of Aba, Kanu Nwankwo on the empty treasury of the team and the plans to build Enyimba into an institution.

Vincent Akinbami who is a Chartered Accountant and External Auditor with many years of practice, said that the situation in Enyimba is the same thing in all the state government teams where monies realized from the sales of players go into the pocket of club Officials.

He also added that even the private clubs also don't see their clubs as an entity as, money meant for the clubs from gate takings, sponsorship or sales of players go into the pocket of the club owner thereby, leaving an empty account in the clubs' finances or not giving a true picture of the state of affairs of the clubs' financial standing.

In his words; Vincent Akinbami who also served as a media officer to the defunct Ranchers Bees FC of Kaduna, stressed that football business is not only about winning trophy buy also of profit making for the club's sustainability and viability.

"If the situation continues like this, Football will continue to be amateurish," he added.

Vincent Akinbami therefore urged the league boards to bring about Financial Regulations to ensure the clubs do not take football money out of the system as such would impede the positive growth of the sector.

It would be recalled that Kanu Nwankwo had complained about the empty treasury of Enyimba FC when he took over the affairs of the clubside as manager.

The Impacts of Fuel Subsidies Removal on Nigeria's Grassroots Football Coaches and Clubs.

 

The Impacts of Fuel Subsidies Removal on Nigeria's Grassroots Football Coaches and Clubs.

Monday Ozoya

The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria has significantly impacted grassroots football coaches and clubs. The increase in fuel prices has made it more difficult for coaches to transport players to and from training sessions and matches. It has also made it more expensive to purchase equipment and maintain facilities. 

We should all remember that during the COVID-19 Palliative, the grassroots football coaches and clubs were neglected. Therefore, grassroots football coaches and clubs should be considered for the planned palliative.

Here are some of the specific impacts of the removal of fuel subsidies on grassroots football coaches and clubs in Nigeria:

• Increased transportation costs: The increase in fuel prices has made it more expensive for coaches to transport players to and from training sessions and matches. This has made it difficult for some coaches to operate their teams, as they may be unable to afford the increased transportation costs.

• Increased equipment costs: The increase in fuel prices has also made it more expensive to purchase equipment for grassroots football clubs. This has made it difficult for some clubs to afford the necessary equipment, which can impact their performance.

• Reduced maintenance of facilities: The increased fuel prices has also made it more difficult for grassroots football clubs to maintain their facilities. This can lead to poor playing conditions, which can impact the safety and enjoyment of players.

• Reduced participation: Increased costs associated with grassroots football have decreased participation. Some players and coaches can no longer afford to play or coach.

The removal of fuel subsidies has hurt grassroots football in Nigeria. However, several things can be done to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal. These include:

• Government support: The government can financially support grassroots football coaches and clubs to help cover the increased transportation costs, equipment, and facilities.

• Corporate sponsorship: Businesses can sponsor grassroots football clubs to help them cover the increased operating costs.

• Community support: Communities can support grassroots football clubs by providing access to facilities and equipment.

In addition to the above, here are some other things that can be done to mitigate the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies on grassroots football in Nigeria:

• Coaches and clubs can find ways to reduce their transportation costs. For example, they can carpool or use public transportation.

• Coaches and clubs can look for ways to reduce their equipment costs. For example, they can purchase used or borrowed equipment from other clubs.

• Coaches and clubs can work with their communities to find ways to maintain facilities. For example, they can organise community clean-up days or fundraising events.

• Coaches and clubs can encourage players to participate in the sport even if they cannot afford the costs. They can provide scholarships or financial assistance to players who need it.

The government and stakeholders' support will make it possible to ensure that grassroots football remains accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of their financial circumstances.