Sports
Gymnastics: GFN Targets 900 Young Athletes at Abuja Festival
Joel AjayiThe Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria is targeting the participation of about 900 children from 90 schools at the third North Central Catch Them Young Gymnastics Festival scheduled for September 26 in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Board Member and Media Director, Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria Dare Kuti, said the festival will take place at the Package B Gymnasium of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium from 10am.
According to GFN President and Vice President of the African Gymnastics Union, Prince Kelvin Erhunwunse, the initiative is designed to identify and nurture young gymnastic talents while expanding the sport’s grassroots base.
He explained that each of the 90 participating schools is expected to present 10 children, translating to 900 participants and potentially 90 new gymnastics clubs in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Our national target is to create 30,000 young gymnasts and over 1,000 jobs for coaches by the end of 2028,” Erhunwunse said.
He disclosed that the federation was implementing the programme as a nationwide tour, with states selected across the country’s six geopolitical zones and different locations rotated for subsequent editions.
Previous editions were held in Edo State, where 45 clubs and 450 children participated, as well as in the North-East.
Erhunwunse added that participating schools and outstanding athletes would have opportunities to benefit from international scholarships and exchange programmes secured through partnerships with Turkey, Japan, China and Azerbaijan.
The festival, themed “Building Bridges, Renewing Hope for the Future Generation,” is being organised in collaboration with the Turkish Gymnastics Federation, the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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