Sports
Keep Nigeria’s Flag Flying Higher, FG Tells TIG Gymnasts
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government of Nigeria has tasked the Tony’s International Gymnastics club of Abuja not to relent their efforts on promoting the game, to bring more development to more young Gymnasts in the Country and beyond.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Abubarkar Ismaila, stated this on Wednesday, in Abuja, when the athletes who went to World Gymnastics Championship in Malta presented their medals to the Government.
It was a great outing for the young Nigerian gymnasts at the just concluded Gymstar International Club World Championship, as they won a total of 23 medals, in far-away Malta.
Eight gymnasts from Tony International Gymnastics (TIG) Club, based in Abuja, took part in the tournament from 8 July to 9 July 2023.
Mr Ismiala commended the young Gymnasts for making Nigeria proud outside, he promised to ensure the children were well catered for.
“I am happy we are identifying our athletes at the early stage. I want to commend the kids,they didn’t just add up to the numbers in Malta, but went there to win medals.
“I believe hard work has contributed to this, we will do our best to take care of this kids for them to perform more.”
He charged the gymnasts to ensure they combine their education with sports, to enable them excel the more; Concentrate to do more, we are ready to support you.
He commended the parents for allowing their children to represent and make Nigeria proud.
While speaking from Malta, founder of TIG, Anthony Asuquo lauded the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for the support given to sports in the country and urged them to keep on supporting talented gymnasts in the country.
According to him, We went to Malta; we saw, and we conquered.
“We don’t have enough facilities to train our athletes here, I want to appeal to the Ministry to help the Federation and individuals who are striving hard to get the best from the game.”
Mr Asuquo was pleased with the team’s performance and vowed not to relent in bringing out the best in our Nigerian children, that will propel them to having podium finish.
Speaking also was an 11 years old, a gold medalist winner at the event, Francisca Opankwu thanked everyone who contributed to their success and urged the government to assist the kids in the area of equipment and facilities that will spur them to win more.
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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