Sports

Rangers Get Injury Boost Ahead Katsina United Clash

Published

2 years ago

November 16, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C has received a boost to the squad available to the technical crew for selection ahead of the match day 9, NPFL 2023/2024 fixture against Katsina United at the Awka City Stadium, Sunday, November 19, 2023, as three players that have been out due to injuries and bereavement are back to the squad.

Kalu Nweke and Chinemerem Ugwueze, who have missed almost half of the already prosecuted matches due to various injuries sustained while defending the club’s colors, are fit for selection for this weekend’s fixture.

Naziru Auwalu who has been missing in action due to the sudden death of his loving mother late last month and traveled to join other family members to give her a befitting burial returned to training and showing signs of fitness to make the club’s supporters proud in the remaining fixtures of the season.

Auwalu while appreciating his teammates, management, and coaches for their solidarity during his most trying moments, said, “I am delighted at the show of solidarity you all showed me when I lost my mother. I thank you all and may Allah reward you all for the support which was very handy in my painful moment.”

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

9 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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