Sports
Beach volleyball: Nigeria rules Zone III at Olympic Qualifiers
Nigeria women’s beach volleyball team have emerged Champions of Zone III at the just concluded Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Nigeria defeated Ghana 2-0 (21-15, 21-18) in an epic women’s final played on Sunday.
The pair of Esther Mbah and Naomi Yaro have qualified for the main round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualification series to be determined by Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB).
The coach of Nigeria beach volleyball team, Kayode Ajilore lauded the spirited performance of the team in the tournament and for maintaining its dominant posture.
He said the girls have shown they are destined for greatness adding that the country will scale through the final stage.
The ex International said, “Before we commenced the Zone III Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers, the young girls were ruled out by their opponents due to their sizes but I am happy they proved doubters wrong.
“It was a good performance from the girls in the final; they played very well and deserve to make it to the next round of qualification”.
Reacting, the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod said, “The girls have shown that we deserve a spot at next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
“When the girls return to Nigeria, the Federation will ensure they get prepared and necessary support to scale through the last round of qualification series”, Nimrod said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria men’s team lost to Benin Republic 2-1 (21-19, 18-21, 15-12) in the third place match at the just concluded Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Visits Team Nigeria in Camp Ahead of All-African Senior Badminton Championship
…Says NSC is determined to encourage all Sports Federations
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has revealed that the Commission’s leadership is determined to support and encourage all sports federations to excel.
The 2025 edition of the All-African Senior Badminton Championship is set to take place from February 10th to 16th in Douala, Cameroon. Team Nigeria, consisting of 10 players—5 males and 5 females—will compete in the Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles categories. The men’s team includes Nigeria’s number one player, Anuoluwapo Opeyori.
Olopade visited the team’s camp in Abuja on Wednesday to encourage them and bid the Nigerian Badminton Team farewell ahead of their participation in the championship. He extended a goodwill message from the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, assuring the team of the Commission’s support and encouraging them to make the country proud.
He expressed confidence in the team, urging them to perform at their best. “My message was very clear. I conveyed the message from the chairman of the sports commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, and it was a clear one: we are determined to continue supporting all sports,” Olopade said.
“Moreover, when you look at the development and growth of Nigerian badminton, it is our responsibility, as leaders of the sports commission, to ensure that these athletes are encouraged to keep up the good work they have been doing for the country. They are the defending champions, and I’m not just here to encourage them. I have come to show our love, our support, and to ensure they are ready. They are well taken care of, and the confidence for them to excel is there. It’s all up to them to do well.”
In his remarks, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbi, stated that the Nigerian team is ready for the championships and that all the players understand the importance of the tournament.
“I’m confident that they will perform very well. We have a lot of potential, and the Director General’s visit to encourage the players will further boost their courage and determination. We are grateful for that.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s badminton star, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, is aiming for a consecutive title at the 2025 All-African Senior Badminton Championship in Douala, Cameroon. Opeyori won the singles event last year and is now targeting another title in Cameroon.
At the previous edition of the tournament in Cairo, Nigeria won one gold, two silver, and four bronze medals.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured3 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports2 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 month agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured5 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
