Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Salutes Alake of Egbaland, as 82nd Birthday Table Tennis Tournament Ends in Grandstyle
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, joined dignitaries, sons, and daughters of Egbaland to celebrate the 82nd birthday of His Royal Majesty, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, the paramount ruler of Egbaland.
Hon. Olopade, a notable High Chief in Egbaland, was among the distinguished personalities who graced the table tennis event organized to honour the revered monarch.
The tournament, which held from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10, featured multiple categories including the men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, premiership and championship divisions, 60+ veterans singles, and the 70+ septuagenarians singles.
Hon. Olopade expressed deep admiration for the Alake’s enduring legacy, his passion for sports, and his commitment to community development and youth empowerment through proactive leadership, physical activity and recreation.
“I am truly delighted to join the sons and daughters of Egbaland in celebrating our revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, the Alake of Egbaland, on the occasion of his 82nd birthday.
Kabiyesi is a true lover of sports and an embodiment of leadership, discipline, and grace.”
“This tournament is a testament to his lifelong belief that sports can unite people and strengthen the bonds of community,”
Hon. Olopade added. “I heartily felicitate with His Majesty and the good people of Egbaland on this momentous celebration.“
“We will continue to pray for long life, good health, and divine wisdom for His Majesty as he continues to lead his people with honour and purpose,” Hon. Olopade stated.
The week-long tournament drew enthusiastic participation and widespread community engagement, highlighting the strong sporting culture that has become synonymous with Egbaland under the visionary leadership of the paramount ruler.
The closing ceremony was marked by vibrant displays of tradition, camaraderie, and celebration, underscoring the Alake’s legacy as a unifying figure who continues to inspire excellence, peace, and progress across generations.
Sports
AACT 2026: South Africa Lead as Nigeria Fifth After Day One
Joel Ajayi
The ongoing All Africa Challenge Trophy, AACT, currently ongoing in the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja enters Day 2 today. At the end of Day 1, South Africa took an early lead with 154 strokes.
Kenya occupied second position with 158 strokes, while Tanzania placed third with 160 strokes after the opening round of the continental women’s golf championship.
Uganda finished fourth with 163 strokes, while Host Nigeria occupied fifth position with 166 strokes.
Zambia followed in sixth position with 167 strokes, ahead of Botswana, which returned 170 strokes to place seventh.
Ghana finished eighth with 172 strokes, while Zimbabwe and Tunisia occupied ninth and 10th positions with 174 and 176 strokes, respectively.
In the individual standings, South Africa’s Isabella Ferreira emerged as the Day One leader with four strokes over par (+4).
Ferreira, who expressed satisfaction with her opening-round performance, said she was encouraged by her start but remained focused on maintaining consistency.
“I’m happy with how I started the championship. The course demands concentration and patience, and I will continue to take each hole as it comes,” she said.
Kenya’s Kanana Muthomi followed closely in second position with five strokes over par (+5), while Uganda’s Keisha Kagoro occupied third position with six strokes over par (+6).
Kagoro said she was delighted with her start and determined to build on the performance.
“It is encouraging to begin the championship this way. I know the competition is strong, but I will stay focused, trust my game and work towards an even better performance,” she said.
South Africa’s Lourenda Steyn also returned six strokes over par to share third position with Kagoro.
Botswana’s Loapi Chokwe occupied fifth position with seven strokes over par (+7), while Tanzania’s Neema Olomi and Madina Iddy were tied on eight strokes over par (+8).
Kenya’s Bianca Ngecu and Kellie Gachaga returned nine strokes over par (+9) apiece.
Nigeria’s Juliana Ehinomhen finished among the leading 10 players, returning 10 strokes over par (+10) to occupy joint 10th position.
However, the Nigerian team will be seeking to improve its standing in the remaining rounds as competition intensifies among the participating countries. No fewer than 20 countries are participating in the championship, which features three rounds of 18 holes each, culminating in 54 holes.
It will be recalled that Nigeria’s First Lady and Grand Patron of AACT 2026, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, performed the ceremonial tee-off on Tuesday, November 3, signalling the commencement of the continental championship.
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