Sports

President Beach V’ball Cup: Kada Emeralds, Team Kogi for U18 Girls final

Published

4 years ago

May 19, 2021

Kada Emeralds will face Team Kogi in the final of the U18 Girls category at the ongoing 2021 President Beach Volleyball Cup in Kaduna.

Kada Emeralds shocked the crowd as they came from a set down to beat Golden Spikers I 2-1 (17-21, 21-16, 11-7) in the first semifinals of the U18 Girls category, while Team Kogi overpowered promising Team Sokoto 2-0 (21-16, 21-9) in the second semifinals match.

Meanwhile, Team Kogi will face Team Borno in the first semifinals of the U19 Boys game, while Zamfara will battle Kada Kings in the second semifinals.

In the women’s semifinals matches, Nigeria Customs I and Nigeria Customs II will face each other, while Hasso Queens will have to overcome promising Team NSCDC to make their first final.

Coach of Nigeria Customs Beach Volleyball teams, Sunny Akapson said they want to defend their women’s title and possibly win the men’s category.

He said Nigeria Customs will not underrate any team they meet in Wednesday’s finals.

“We want to retain our women’s title we won at the last edition of the President Beach Volleyball Cup in Kaduna. The teams moral is high and we shall not disappoint the service.

“The men’s team is promising and winning the category will be a plus for Nigeria Customs Service because the players we paraded are well respected beach volleyball players in the country,” the former captain of national men’s senior team said.

The finals of the U18 Girls, U19 Boys, men and women’s categories will kick off by 4pm on Wednesday.

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Sports

Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo Honored with SWAN Diamond Jubilee Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sports

Published

1 hour ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Benue-born sports administrator and philanthropist, Dr. Andiir Solomon Atoo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for recognizing his contribution to sports development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.

Dr. Atoo, who serves as President of Flight Sports Nigeria Limited and Founder of Flight Football Club, Gboko, received the honour during the association’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Abuja.

Speaking after receiving the prestigious award, Dr. Atoo described the recognition as a “special motivation and encouragement” to continue contributing to sports growth across the country.

“I’m very happy and honoured. This award means a lot to me because it serves as motivation and encouragement. It’s something very special and not something I take lightly,” he said.

A respected sports administrator, CEO, and humanitarian, Dr. Atoo has built a sterling reputation for his commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting grassroots sports in Benue State.

Through Flight Sports Nigeria Limited, which oversees a range of sporting disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis, and para sports, he has created opportunities for young athletes to develop their potential and pursue professional careers.

Under his leadership, Flight Football Club Gboko has become a platform for discovering and grooming promising footballers who have gone on to make their mark both locally and internationally. Beyond football, his investment in volleyball, lawn tennis, para sports, and basketball has revitalized interest and participation in these disciplines within Benue and beyond.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Atoo noted that his involvement in sports began purely out of passion but has now grown into a lifelong mission.

“It all started as a passion, but over time, it has become part of me — a culture,” he stated. “This recognition only drives me to do more for the progress of our youth and the development of sports in Benue State and Nigeria.”

He also extended his appreciation to sports journalists in the state and across Nigeria for their continuous support and constructive criticism, noting that their work plays a vital role in shaping sports administration and inspiring excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Atoo reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young athletes and improving sports structures in the region.

> “Going forward, we’re going to achieve great things in Benue. My message to sports lovers, administrators, and players is simple — stay dedicated, keep believing, and together we can make sports a major unifying force in our state and beyond,” he concluded.

The recognition by SWAN adds to Dr. Atoo’s growing list of honours as a sports leader, CEO, and philanthropist whose initiatives continue to drive youth empowerment and sports development across multiple disciplines in Benue State and Nigeria.

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