Sports
La Liga Giants FC Barcelona, Sri Lankan Government Advances Partnership with Nigeria on Football and Cricket
With Nigeria continually benefitting from its participation at the World Football Summit in Seville, Spain, an offer from the Government of Sri Lanka to partner Nigeria in the development of Cricket and Hockey represents the latest silver lining for the nation. This development represents a double swoop for the country, as Barca Innovation Hub also registered its readiness to partner Nigeria in the areas of football education and training.
Nigeria’s delegation at the World Football Summit, led by the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh had fruitful engagements with Sri Lankan Government officials, who revelead their desire to offer technical support for the growth of sports, especially cricket and hockey in Nigeria.
Sri Lanka has steadily ranked amongst top nations in cricket globally, since 1965, when it joined the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The South-Asian nation were ICC World Cup champions in 1996 and emerged runners-up in 2007 and 2011. In the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka were champions in 2014 and finished runners-up in 2009 and 2002. The nation sits in history as six-time champions of Asia, 2002 Asian Test winners and gold medalists in cricket during the 2014 Asian Games.
Furthermore, Barca Innovation Hub, a sports innovation and education outfit owned and operated by La Liga giants, FC Barcelona expressed its readiness to partner with Nigeria through its football federation. The Hub is known for its expertise in coaching education, sports nutrition, sports analytics, sports business, science, as well as related technology and innovation.
Senator Enoh said Nigeria is excited about the prospects of these collaborations, which are part of the outcomes from the country’s participation in one of football showpiece gatherings in Spain. He said the Ministry will keenly pursue the dividends of these meetings, with measurable deliverables placed on specific timelines.
Sports
No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday
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.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News5 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
