Sports
Beach Volleyball: Nigeria girls unbeaten at 2025 African Cup in Gambia
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria’s U18 girls’ beach volleyball team remain unbeaten at the ongoing 2025 African Beach Volleyball U18 Development Cup in Banjul, The Gambia on Thursday.
The duo of Pamela Bawa and Ifechukwu Odoh started their campaign in dominant fashion, overpowering Tunisia 2-0 (21-10, 21-3) in their opening match. They followed it with an explosive performance against North African giants Egypt, winning 2-0 (21-14, 21-17).
Nigeria are currently topping the log with four points. Egypt sit second with three points, while Tunisia trail in third with two points.
Speaking after the matches, coach John Iwerima expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance but insisted that they are keeping their focus on the ultimate prize.
He said, “I’m proud of the way the girls have started the tournament. The players have shown great discipline and composure on the court, but we’re not getting carried away. There’s still a lot of work to do.”
He emphasised that the goal is not just to win matches, but to secure the ticket to the 2026 African Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
He said, “Our main target is to win the trophy in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.
“This tournament serves as a qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games, and we are fully focused on achieving that objective.
“The players understand what is at stake. We came to Gambia prepared, and we will keep pushing until the job is done.”
Sports
NLO Integrity Under Fire After Match-Fixing Allegations in Bauchi Clash
..As Wikki Tourists Feeders vs Adamu Jumba FC Draws Concern Over League Credibility
A cloud of controversy now hangs over NLO One following disturbing reports from Bauchi that could undermine the progress and credibility of the Nigerian Nationwide League One under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Shola Ogunowo.
The league body has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance stance on match manipulation, emphasizing that the integrity and fairness of the competition must be protected at all costs. However, Wednesday’s fixture between Wikki Tourists Feeders and Adamu Jumba FC in Bauchi has raised serious concerns after multiple eyewitnesses came forward with allegations of match-fixing.
According to eyewitness accounts, the match was allegedly fixed to favor Wikki Tourists Feeders, with the aim of helping them leapfrog current table-toppers Warinje FC in the standings. The claims, if proven true, strike at the heart of the league’s reputation as a credible pathway for emerging Nigerian talent.
The most troubling account involves the match officials. Eyewitnesses say the center referee and his assistant refused to return for the second half after noticing what they believed to be irregular conduct during the first half. It reportedly took 30 minutes of intervention and persuasion by the Bauchi State Football Association before the officials agreed to resume the game.
Further allegations point to on-field actions that appeared deliberate. Former Niger Tornadoes player Musa Wakili is said to have intentionally missed a penalty in a manner that raised suspicion among those present. In protest, Adamu Jumba’s head coach is reported to have walked out of the technical area, stating publicly that he would not be associated with anything that could tarnish his professional image.
While these remain allegations and have not been independently verified, the gravity of the claims demands immediate attention. The NLO must launch a thorough investigation to ascertain what transpired during the match and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken against anyone found culpable. Allowing such conduct to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent and erode public trust in the league.
Shola Ogunowo has earned respect for his commitment to transparency and professionalism since assuming office as COO. Stakeholders and fans alike now look to the NLO leadership to demonstrate that same resolve by addressing the matter decisively and transparently.
The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched, as it could define how seriously the NLO is prepared to defend the integrity of Nigerian grassroots football.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
