Sports
Ogunbote to face NPFL Disciplinary Charges
Technical Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Gbenga Ogunbote has been invited by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for an investigative hearing into interview he may have granted to the media.
Ogunbote spoke to the media at the end of their Matchday 12 fixture in Lagos against Ikorodu City and the league body have considered some of the positions he expressed as a breach of the code of conduct for the NPFL Coaches.
“We have taken note of certain unguarded public statements attributed to you following the MatchDay 12 fixture between Ikorodu City FC vs. Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), held on 17th November 2024.
“Your remarks, as reported, appear to contravene the League’s Code of Conduct for Coaches and Officials by casting aspersions on the integrity of the match officials and the League’s governance structure. These actions are considered detrimental to the reputation of the NPFL and its stakeholders”, read the invitation letter to the Coach.
It continued by inviting the 3SC Manager to appear before the NPFL Disciplinary Committee for an inquest on Tuesday, 3 December 2024 at 10am.
The venue is the NPFL Secretariat in Jabi district of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In concluding, the invitation declared that, “your appearance is mandatory, and you may come with any relevant evidence or representation to support your position. Kindly confirm your attendance on or before Friday, 29 November 2024”.
The NPFL assured stakeholders that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity and expects all stakeholders to adhere strictly to these principles.
The invitation was signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer.
Sports
Culture Comes Alive in Abuja as 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament Kicks Off in Grand Style
By Joel Ajayi
It was a spectacular showcase of culture and tradition at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as the 13th edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) African Wrestling Tournament commenced in grand style.
A total of 55 athletes from 11 countries are competing for top honors, with each nation represented by five wrestlers and four technical officials.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Director of Youth and Sports Development for ECOWAS, Ambassador Francis Njoaguani, expressed his appreciation and highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering cooperation and unity among the 12 ECOWAS member states.
Although Cape Verde is absent from this year’s event, Njoaguani stressed the significance of sports as a powerful tool for regional integration.
“This programme brings together wrestlers from all our member states,” Njoaguani said. “It strengthens collaboration among nations and showcases the unifying power of sports. We believe this will enhance the integration efforts that ECOWAS advocates.”
With young people making up 54% of the ECOWAS population, Njoaguani noted the vital role sports play in economic development and youth engagement.
“Sports not only connect participants but also drive economic growth,” he stated. “We aim to leverage sports to spread the message of ECOWAS regarding integration and youth development, which are essential to our goals of development and human capital enhancement.”
The tournament opened with team events, while individual bouts across weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 85kg, 100kg, and 120kg are scheduled to follow in an elimination format, leading to the semi-finals and finals.
Njoaguani also extended an invitation to the public to attend the tournament’s grand finale on Saturday, where medals and prizes will be awarded to the champions.
As excitement builds, the tournament aims not only to showcase athletic talent but also to foster regional camaraderie and development through the spirit of competition.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, regional integration, and economic growth.
This year’s tournament also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, adding greater significance to the event.
Dikko praised the rich cultural heritage embedded in traditional wrestling, describing it as more than just a sport: “It embodies the spirit of resilience, strength, and discipline—qualities that define our great continent,” he said, as dignitaries, athletes, and fans gathered to celebrate this prestigious event.
Dikko further commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, noting his dedication to using sports as a vehicle for peace and regional cohesion.
“This tournament is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting cultural ties and strengthening the bonds that unite us,” he emphasized.
Hosting the tournament firmly positions Nigeria as a central figure in promoting and developing traditional sports across the region.
Dikko reiterated the National Sports Commission’s dedication to maximizing the power of sporting events for youth development, regional unity, and economic progress.
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