Sports

Japan Ambassador Gifts Lagos Grassroots Teams Football Jerseys, Balls, praise Nigerian footballers

Published

3 years ago

July 25, 2022

By Akeem Busari
Japan Ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency, Mr. Kazuyoshi Matsunaga yesterday spoke glowingly of Nigerian football, describing the average Nigerian athlete as some of the physically endowed and gifted talents in world sports.

He made these remarks while donating football kits and balls courtesy of some J-League club sides to four grassroots teams namely, Gunners Link FC, Stars To Be FC, Iganmu Tigers FC, and Saidad Football Academy, at the final of the FiredJiro U16 football tournament held on Sunday, at the Legacy pitch at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Which saw Iganmu Tigers FC defeat Stars ToBe FC 3-0.

His Excellency Matsunaga also stated that it is one of his policies to use sports to further foster socio-economic collaborations between Japan and Nigeria.

“Since I assumed the office as Japan Ambassador to Nigeria in May 2021, I have always focused on sports as a veritable for socio-economic empowerment amongst the people of both countries. Today, we have many Nigerian footballers playing in top Japanese club sides,” he remarked.

The twin event also served as a sent-forth ceremony for Iganmu Tigers FC who are set to participate in an international youth tournament slated for Italy in October, this year.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

10 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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