Sports

Winners Emerge as Maiden JOE Tennis Tournament Ends in Grand Style

Published

2 years ago

December 29, 2023

…Tourney to continually foster discovery of young talents

Joel Ajayi

The inaugural JOE Tennis Tournament reached a thrilling conclusion with worthy champions emerging in both junior and professional categories at the Calabar Sports Club on Monday evening.

Senator John Enoh, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, expressed his excitement and pride in witnessing the abundance of young talent showcased during the tournament.

He emphasized the tournament’s role as a nurturing ground for raw potential, affirming its commitment to fostering budding athletes.

“The tournament’s success in unearthing such incredible young talent is truly inspiring. We want to provide platforms like this to nurture and support these future stars.”

The grand finale marked the culmination of nine days filled with exhilarating tennis action in the heart of Cross River state’s capital. Among the highlights were the victories of remarkable players in various categories:

In the U16 category, Damilola Agunbiade demonstrated exceptional skill and emerged as the winner, with Covenant Con securing the first runner-up position.
Charles Olom Odok claimed victory in the pro cadre, showcasing prowess and determination, while Mfon Joseph Obot secured an impressive second place.
The Men’s singles category witnessed intense matches, with Effa Ojing emerging victorious by defeating Odey Igrinya to claim the top position. Alaga Joseph and David Alobi showcased their skill, securing spots as semi-finalists.

The Men’s Doubles event was no less electrifying, as Manyo Ogar and Ahmed Umar combined their power to strike gold. The duo of Effa Ojong and Agunbiade exhibited exceptional teamwork, securing the second spot in this fiercely contested event.

Senator Enoh added, “The commitment and skill displayed by these athletes throughout the tournament have been commendable. Their dedication to their sport is an inspiration to us all.”

The John Owan Enoh Foundation (JOE) extended its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, runners-up, and participants who showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The success of this maiden edition reinforces the foundation’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting sports excellence in our communities.

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Sports

From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers

Published

10 mins ago

November 4, 2025

The Gleamer

Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.

The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.

The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.

Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.

According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.

“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.

The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.

As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.

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