Sports

#AfricanGames 2023: 8 Days to Go! Sprint Legends and Record-Setting Moments Awaits in Accra!

Published

3 years ago

March 1, 2024

…Sports Minister Charges Team Nigeria to Shatter Records

Joel Ajayi

As the countdown continues to the highly anticipated African Games 2024 in Accra, Ghana, excitement is mounting among athletes and fans alike. With just 8 days remaining until the commencement of the games, all eyes are on the track events, where history-making performances are expected to unfold.

In a statement Signed by S.A. Media to the Honourable Minister of Sports Development Diana-Mary Nsan on Friday in Abuja, the Sports Minister Senator Own Enoh charged Team Nigeria athletes to shatter every record in and out of their sights, and solidify their names in history like past legends.

One name that resonates in the annals of African Games history is Deji Aliu of Team Nigeria. Aliu holds the esteemed record for the fastest 100-meter finish ever recorded in the African Games, a remarkable feat achieved in 2003 when he blazed through the track in an astonishing 9.95 seconds. This remarkable achievement not only etched his name in the record books but also underscored his status as one of the continent’s premier sprinters.

Joining Aliu in the exclusive club of sub-10-second sprinters are fellow Nigerians Uchenna Emedolu, whose lightning-fast finish of 9.97 seconds in 2003 remains etched in memory, and Raymond Ekevwo, whose electrifying run in 2019 saw him cross the line in 9.96 seconds.

Enoh said “just like Deji Aliu, I am urging you all to do wonders in Accra and shut down the tracks with your speed and agility. This is the kind of moments where legends are made, thus I am charging you all to go for gold and go for broke.”

As athletes from across Africa prepare to converge in Accra for the 2024 African Games, anticipation is running high for another chapter of record-breaking performances and unforgettable moments. With the stage set and the competition fierce, all eyes are on the track, where history waits to be made once again.

Nigeria has had excellent appearances at the Games, however Senator Enoh has told this year’s contingent to not settle for less, but raise the bar even higher.

Team Nigeria will depart the shores of the country on March 4th, as Africa converges in Accra between March 8-23, 2024.

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

8 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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