Sports

Our Target is to develop player’s in every levels-Hockey Federation President

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2023

…Seeks urges stakeholders

Joel Ajayi
The President of Nigeria Hockey Federation NHF Simon Nkom has expressed that federation’s target is to ensure the develop player’s at all levels.

This even as he urges stakeholders, Journalists to help in the Development of hockey sector so as to encourage the upcoming Athletes.

He stated this at the ongoing Super League of NHF at Hockey pitch of Moshood Abiola National Stadium package B In the FCT saying that hockey league will help put team in proper perceptive ahead of Africa Cup for Club Champions ACCN Qualification

According to him, hockey is one of the vital organs in the sport sector, hence the need for encouragement to further enhance sports development in Nigeria.
“Sports can serve as a tool to inculcate useful social skills in the youths of our diverse society, such as ethnic and religious understanding and tolerance.

“By this way, it will increase youths physical activity level and develop lifelong habits for good health, self-control, persistence, and accountability.

“ It helps the youth reach his or her fitness goals and maintain a healthy weight and improve fundamental social and interpersonal skills, aids in crime reduction and building national unity, “ he said.
He said with his position as a president, the sector was following the International standards to ensure that Nigeria hockey receives the needed attention to meet with the global standards in the game.
According to him, NHF has begun age-grouping by selecting young stars From the grassroots to build the sector in the country
“Sports development is not about anything but being able to ensure that you build up the minds of the youths by catching them young from the grassroots points in order to have under 17, 21 and that is only way you can develop sports and particularly, hockey.
“We are partnering with the journalists for reportage and popularization of hockey in the country, both at National and International levels.”

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

13 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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