Sports

Kogi Community Keys Into FIFA’s Initiative As 12 Teams Battle For Unity Cup

Published

2 years ago

December 4, 2023

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

In a bold move to discover and groom young talents in line with FIFA’s grassroots developmental initiative, Oganenigu Unity Cup has kicked off in Oganenigu, Dekina local government area of Kogi State.

The community-based unity tournament which was flagged off during the weekend with the opening match between Odolu-Efu FC and Ajachaga FC in Odolu-Efu will climax on December 27, 2023, with 12 teams from the community battling for Honours.
The chairman of the local organizing committee, Comrade Abel Baba, said the tournament designed to create peaceful coexistence, unity, and patriotism among people of the community is also aimed at creating job opportunities for the teeming youth and eliminating youth restiveness using the instrumentality of football.

“Sport is a unifying factor that binds people together irrespective of their ethnic and religious inclination. As a group, we are committed to the development of sports and we will continue to use it to create jobs and engage the youths for peace and unity in this era of security challenges.”

On his part, the deputy chairman of the organizing committee and former Kogi State House of Assembly aspirant, Hon.Prophet Akache Abimaje, said the committee hopes to use the tournament to spot budding talents to assist them grow in their football career. “This is the first time the community is organizing such a football competition.”

The systematic promotion of grassroots football has always been one of FIFA’s priorities to bring football to as many people as possible, thus addressing one of the world body’s missions: “to develop the game”.

It is on bases that expertises and enthusiasts alike are excited that the Oganenigu Unity Cup is a driving force for the development and empowerment of teeming youths.

The first match saw Odolu-Efu wallop Ajachaga 3-0 just as Aloko FC thrash arch-rivals Ugbabo 2-0 in the second match of Day 1.

Share on Facebook

Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

4 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.

Share on Facebook