Sports

Teams FCT Storms Asaba for National Youth Games, vows to fight for Honour

Published

9 months ago

September 11, 2024

FCT contingent for the youth games in Asaba departed for the games yesterday 10th of September 2024 and they arrived Asaba safely.

A total of 107 Athletes and 35 officials make up the contingent.
They will be competing in 21 different sports hoping to surpass their previous 7th position in the last two editions.

Speaking with the Director of Sports FCT Mr Luka Istifanus, he said he was elated by the support given to them by the sports loving Honourable Minister of FCT, His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike who approved the budget for games and it was released immediately for the mobilization to camp,traveling logistics and other things.

“I am happy because this is the first time we didn’t have any hitches in securing funds for a major event like the youth games.

“The Minister has been very supportive and passionate about sports development in the FCT particularly grassroot. I know we will do well to surpass our past achievements at the games”

FCT in recent times have enjoyed in these competitions and surpassing previous milestones achieved both at the youth games and senior sports festivals by making top 10 which had not happened before.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

2 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.

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