Sports

2022 NSF: Team FCT will be Among the best, Istifanus Assures

Published

3 years ago

December 8, 2022

Uche Nwudoh

With just two days to the end of the 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba Delta state, the Director of Sports for the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Luka Istifanus has insisted that Team FCT performance will surpass the previous outing.

He gave this assurance while briefing the Journalist in Asaba on the progress and performance of team FCT.

According to him, before we left Abuja, I told my principals that nothing short of 12 gold medals from our athletes and I told them that our performance will outclass the previous participation.”As we speak, we have 9 gold medals, we have 6 silver and 16 bronze FCT is on course, we still have more medal to win before the end of the festival.”

On the reflection of FCT medal on the table, Director of FCT said there is nothing to worry about that when the the table is perfected Team FCT will be among the best.
With 4 gold medal reflect on the medal table FCT is in 11 position, and we have 5 gold medal yet to reflect, so by the time they reflect our medals, FCT is going to be between six and seven on the table.

“Our strong hold is karate and event just started, we expecting more gold medal from them”

Speaking on challenges contingent facing in Asaba, Tifanus expressed, “There is no festival without challenges from the state down to Main organizing committee that is why in FCT camp we try to fix all those loop hole for the fct athletes,”

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

3 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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