Sports
We Want Handball, An Alternative Sports To Football In FCT-Chairman
…Roll plans for year 2022
By Joel Ajayi
With the coming of the rescue mission Board of the Handball Association in Federal Capital Territory, luck is beginning to shine on the game of handball as the Board rolls out robust plans that will lead to the growth and development of the game.
The FCT interim Chairman of Handball Association and CEO of Poverty Fighters Handball and supporters’ club, Amb. Dr. Edward Olutoke, during a media parley with Journalists on Monday in Abuja, highlighted the plans, as a Handball court inside the old parade ground is wearing a new cloth.
He expressed that the Board is leaving no stone unturned to ensure handball remains an alternative sport to football in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the poverty fighter squad initiative of the Chairman is using three tools to fight poverty, which are agriculture, housing, and entertainment sports.
Another innovation the board is bringing is to turn old parade ground handball courts around in just one month, “We are going to remodel the courts.
The newly established handball team called the poverty fighter squad would also be playing in a lot of competitions to bring more awareness to the game. The (players) will be duly engaged; we are going to put them on salary.”
“Football happens to be the most popular sport in Nigeria and we are looking for a sport that will also gain attraction. No matter how long, it will surely happen.
Highlighting the plan of actions already in place for handball in FCT, Amb. Olutoke said: “The priority of the present Board is nothing but player’s happiness and it can only happen through competition.
“Within the space of one month, the first ever handball supporters club birth, as the FCT handball court inside old parade ground wears a new look.
“Not only that, friendly matches will be in place from time to time.
“Many players will get scholarships to further their education, as thousands of vulnerable and less privileged will get back on their feet, courtesy of handball in collaboration with many stakeholders.” He said.
Sports
No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday
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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