Sports
Volleyball: Nigeria beat Cameroon at U17 Nations Championship
Nigeria defeated Cameroon 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-13, 25-22) in their second match of the ongoing 2023 Girl’s U17 African Nations Volleyball Championship in Abuja.
The match was played at the indoor sports hall of Moshood Abiola Stadium (Package B) on Monday.
The Nigerian team squandered lots of opportunities in the first set making errors and failed to pick loose balls from the Cameroonian side after leading by 6 to 2 points. Cameroon used their height advantage to block the spikers of Nigeria and eventually won by 25 to 19 points.
Upon resumption of the second set, Nigeria rushed the Cameroonian by 7 to 1 points. The setter, Martha Anebi distributed the ball to Mirabel Onyegwu and Pamela Bawa who both utilized the balls to get vital points. Nigeria cruised to victory winning by 25 to 20 points.
The third set went in favour of Nigeria as the combination of Mirabel Onyegwu, Pamela Bawa and Blessing Anebi punished the Cameroonian. The performance of the girls made the crowd go haywire as Nigeria won 25 to 13 points.
Both teams had equal strength in the fourth set winning point for point till the 20 points before Nigeria took four straight points to reach 24. Cameroon gave a good account of themselves by winning two points but Nigeria got their last point to win 25 to 22 points.
Nigeria is recording its first-ever win since hosting an age-grade Girl’s tournament in Abuja in 2021.
An elated head coach of Nigeria’s team, Sunday Akapson said they can not jubilate yet because they still have matches to play.
“Congratulations to the girls for the work well done, this is just a starting point for us. Nigeria will meet Cameroon again on Wednesday in the semi-final. I want to assure you that the girls will replicate this victory”, he said.
Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod said, “This is the first time Nigeria is winning an under-age tournament in Abuja and the fans as well as lovers of the game feel good.
“I am happy the technical crew worked on the errors of the players and they made Nigerians happy today”
Nigeria lost the opening game against Egypt 0-3 while Cameroon also lost their first game against Egypt 2-3.
Sports
No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday
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.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News5 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
