Sports

TIG Club, Japan Embassy introduce ‘Kendama Toothed Sport’ to Nigeria

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2023

Joel Ajayi

As part of effort to ensure Nigeria as a country take advantage of all sport games available in the whole world, the Tony International Gymnastic Club of Nigeria TIG Club Nigeria in conjunction with Japan Embassy in Nigeria is set to introduce another brand new creative Sports called “Kendama Toothed Sport” to the country

The Games will enable many Nigerians who have talent in Kendama Games the opportunity to play the game for the first time in Nigeria.

The first ever Kendama toothed Sports games will take place at Moshood Abiola National stadium Gymnastic hall come Saturday 1st of April 2023 in Abuja by 3:00pm Nigeria Time.

It will be recalled that Japan Embassy and TIG Club of Abuja over the years had partnered with the aim of prospering sports in Nigeria.

There is no doubt the partner is now contributing to the growth and development of sports such as gymnastic, Karate, Taekwondo and now Kendama sports

However, The Kendama game is a traditional Japanese skill toy that consists of a handle (ken), a pair of cups (sarado), and a ball (tama) that are all connected together by a string.

On one end of the ken is a cup, while the other end of the ken is narrowed down, forming a spike (kensaki) that fits into the hole (ana) of the tama.

Kendama can be held in different grips, and many tricks and combinations can be performed. The game is played by tossing the ball into the air and attempting to catch it on the stick point.

The origins of kendama are disputed, but it is generally believed to have originated during the 17th or 18th century.

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Sports

Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development

Published

13 mins ago

November 5, 2025

The Gleamer

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.

The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.

Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”

“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.

“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”

In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.

“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.

“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”

The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.

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