Sports

Alli Applauds Amusan/ Onakoya Athletics Meet

Published

4 years ago

February 21, 2022

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission Yussuf Alli has commended the efforts of Tobi Amusan and Abiola Onakoya to give back their community by developing the youths in Ijebu-land through athletics.

Alli urged other privileged athletes with contacts and financial muscle to emulate Amusan and Onakoya and help develop the sport at the grassroots so as to give opportunities to younger ones.

The first edition of the Amusan/Onakoya Athletics Meet will hold on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the Ijebu-Ode International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

Said Alli in an interactive section with journalists over the weekend said: “I am really impressed with the efforts of Amusan and Onakoya, they have not made billions of Naira from athletics and they have shown that you don’t really have to make billions of Naira to give back to your community. They are not only organizing a meet for all the secondary schools in Ijebu land, there will also be an open meet where runners from different parts of the country will win prizes, this is really commendable.”

Alli appealed to Amusan and Onakoya to take the meet to the next level in the second edition by organizing it for all the secondary schools in Ogun State.

“They should look for sponsors that will partner with them and make it Ogun State Secondary School Athletics Championship. There are lots of talents in Ogun State and all hands must be on the deck to discover and nurture them to become world champion.”

Alli also urged other athletes especially those with resources to emulate Amusan and Onakoya, “Nigeria is blessed in athletics like America and the Caribbean Islands, all we need is developmental programmes and athletes who through divine intervention has been able to make it despite all the obstacles on athletes way here should remember the younger ones and assist like Amusan and Onakoya are doing in Ogun State.”

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Sports

Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation

Published

9 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.

The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.

In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.

“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”

Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.

“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.

“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”

The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.

“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.

He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.

As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.

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