Sports

Federation Chairmen disown fake group

Published

4 years ago

May 5, 2021

The newly sworn in Chairmen of the 30 Sports Federation have denied any link to the group threatening to disrupt public peace over the constitution of the new Boards of Sports Federations.

Speaking on Wednesday, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria Barrister Francis Orbih said” My attention has been drawn to a fake statement claiming that members of the newly inaugurated Boards were unhappy about the dissolution of the board. Someone reportedly signed on behalf of my Federation.

This is totally false, I believe impostors are are at work. We were all the swearing in ceremony by the Minister, so I can we we part of something if we dont believe in it? The public should disregard this false statement, we want to focus on our Olympics preparations and win laurels for our country.

We appreciate what the Minister is doing and would give him total support to ensure we do well in Tokyo. “

Speaking in the same vein , Chairman of the Nigerian Golf Federation Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola said” We all aligned with the Minister as we need to focus on how Nigeria can do well at the Olympics.”

Chairman of the Wresling Federation Dr Daniel Igali affirmed” We need to stay focused as the Olympics draws nearer. We can’t afford to get distracted , we are determined, we are forging ahead. The Minister is giving us all the support we need to justify all his efforts by winning medals at the Olympics”

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

5 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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