Sports

45 teams jostle for President Beach Volleyball Cup

Published

4 years ago

May 18, 2021

Editor

A total of 45 teams will take part in this year’s edition of the President Beach Volleyball Cup which begins today in Kaduna State.

According to the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Sam Timothy, 19 teams will battle for honours in the U18 Girls/U19 Boys category, while 26 teams will vie for the top prize in the seniors (men and women) category.

He said, “I want to state that this year’s edition will be well package in terms of organization and use of qualified referees.

“We also urged the participating teams to adhere to the rules of the competition, while also observing the Covid-19 protocol”.

Meanwhile, the Chairman Caretaker Committee of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod told volleyball enthusiasts to expect the best of volleyball at the President’s Cup.

He revealed that winners of the Seniors category (men and women) will camp in Ghana for three weeks ahead of the Tokyo Olympics Qualifiers in Morocco next June.

He said, “I am happy with the caliber of players present at this year’s President Beach Volleyball Cup. We have experienced players who have done the nation proud at past international tournaments and young players who wants to make statements at the National team.

“The winners of the men and women’s senior categories will be selected and camp in Ghana for three weeks ahead of the Tokyo Olympics Qualifiers in Morocco. This is to ensure they play quality games with other countries”.

Day 1 matches:

U19 Boys
Diamond 0-2 Borno (7-15, 11-15)
Zamfara 2-0 Anistar (15-0, 15-0)
Sokoto II 0-2 G-Ranks (13-15, 13-15)
Kada I 2 v 0 Sword (15-3, 15-8)

U18 Girls
Kogi 2-0 Anistar (15-7, 15-5)
Goldening Stars I 2-0 Sol Mark (15-6, 15-8)
Kada 2-0 Goldening Stars II (15-10, 15-5)

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

1 hour 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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