By: Sunny Canto

Amazingly, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, under Chief Sunday Dare leadership, did signed (8 weeks) Pitch renovation partnership and MoU last week with renown construction firm: AfriKings in Abuja.

Despite adopting and delivered the Main-Bowl field construction, the Sports Minister: Sunday Dare deem it fit to renew the MKO Abiola Stadium, Package A, Training Pitch in order to add more glamor and glitz to the iconic National infactructure for future enhancement.

Expectedly, the field renewal process that is ongoing will enable athletes warmup, exercise and train properly before major competition and tournaments kick-off.

Speaking to Pressmen, "The pitch investment is a future bill generating plan that will create benefits for every investors; its an initiative we intend to develop Sports" 

Dare said, "Also, we have facilities department which will maintain it and i will monitor and supervise the (6-8) weeks project before completion" he affirm.

Reacting to the MoU and partnership stride is AfriKings Homes Ltd, CEO Mr. Kingsley James Awodi, saying "We are excited about this mutual relation with Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and as ardent Football lover, we want to key into this projects and do more" he told.

The Sports enthusiast  continue, "We noticed the development from the honorable Minister and decided to partner with him" 

Meanwhile, the Ministry has plan to begin 2024 Olympics athletes adaption plans by April and preparations, so as to match up their foreign opponents and increase her medal haul.

In summary, if every Nigeria contribute morally, financially, mentally, psychologically, medically to sporting activities, the Sky will only be a stepping stone.

#PitchRenovation
#AfriKings
#FMYSD

Kenya's Edwin Koech Kibert and Ethiopia's Alemenesh Herpher Guta have won the 2023 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in the men and women's categories.

The 42Km race kicked off at the national stadium, Surulere and had its finish point at the Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island.

Kibet, who beat over 300 other marathoners to the grand prize of $50.000.00 returned at 2 hours, 14 minutes and 6 seconds, Ethiopia's Gaddisa Tafa Dekebe came second at 2 hours, 14 minutes, 54 seconds while Bernard Sang also from Kenya clinched the third position with a time of 2 hours, 17 minutes and 14 seconds.

Meanwhile, winner of the 2018 edition, Alemenesh Guta won the women's category with a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes and 42 seconds, leaving compatriot Kebene Urisa who finished in 2 hours, 40 minutes, 44 seconds and Kenya's Naomi Maiyo who also returned in 2 hours, 40 minutes and 56 seconds in second and third places respectively.

The 8th edition of the race had notable personalities in attendance amongst whom were the Minister of Youths and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat including renown sports administrators: Chief (Dr.) Tonobok Okowa who doubles as Delta State Sports Commissioner and Athletics Federation of Nigeria President, Sports guru: Chief Solomon Ogba. 

In summary, all participating athletes for 10km and 42km were given incentives plus medals while Hip-hop artist: Zalanta, Fuji legend Shino Peters, UK based (Delta) rapper: Tega thrilled the audience aftermath the presentation on the memorable event!

#LagosAfricaSportsHub
#AccessBankMarathon
#PushYourLimit

By Sunday Canto

Astonishing and thrilling moment as the Para Table Tennis ended her 4th edition in a fascinating manner in Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria.

According to the organizer and (CEO, Sunday Odebode Para Sport Foundation), "Its a selection platform for our winners to represent us at Paris 2024 Olympics, because the players have put in their best" he told.

"We have been having the championship for sometime now also, glad to experience a successful outing this year, but we can't leave it alone for Value-Jet, we are looking forward to more partnership" he said.

"Our goal is not just to embrace Para Sports Development but also interested in the growth and development of physically challenged welfare, medical and education as the case may be" Odebode concluded.

Speaking to Journalists, Mrs. Ozena Utulu, (ValueJet) representative said, "We have been committed to special athletes and sporting program for awhile now, school sports, including weightlifting; now Para-Tennis"

"Its our goal to reach out to them through Sports and see them succeed in their endeavors" she summarized.

The mouth-watering championship that featured hundreds of players from Ten different States; witnessed team Delta swoop total of 9 gold, 14 silver, 12 bronze medals thereby emerging 1st position as team Lagos (host) State finished 2nd position with 4 gold while Oyo settled for 3rd position with 2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze.

Apart from amazing incentives, medals, souvenirs given to winners, there were full medical attention, luxury accommodation, fantastic logistics, food and drinks avail to the participants.

Conclusively, one can only but appreciate the laudable and milestone achievement from the Value Jet chairman: Kunle Soname and Sunday Odebode efforts to spike the innate ability on the athletes; indeed there's ability in disability"


#ValueJet
#ParaTableTennis2022
#RoadToParis2024

By Sunny Canto 

In a mouth-watering day one events, team Delta, Lagos State, athletes proved their worth and put up outstanding performances as ten states, hundred of participants vying for laurels keep the sporting vibes at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos alive.

Phenomenal (Delta) Kayode Alabi emerge the winner of class 6 Men's singles, while Bolawa Akingbemisilu beat his counterpart Nasiru Sule to claim gold in class 5 as Soremekun Atinuke shine to gold in class 8 Women singles.

Similarly, In the Women class 1 to 3 match-up, Rukayat Lawal (Lagos) prodigy, dig deep to victory against Delta rival in a 3-1 cracker. Also, responding to that is Gbemisola Taiwo who beat her Kano opponent during the class 4 category.

However, there are many surprises, euphoria, fascinating, upsetting and record breaking moment that everyone will certainly witness in the championship.

The popular (Table Tennis) game that began 1951, also know as NTTF is an annual tournaments for disable athletes competing at different level.

Meanwhile, the glamor filled and thrilling sports is powered by Value-Jet  and organized by Lagos State Sports Commission in a very likable and enjoyable manner.

Amazingly, in respective of their physical impair challenges they remain resolute, vibrant, energetic, committed, focus to be useful in the society; rather than seeking for arms.

In summary, one can ascertain that once they have the necessary support and incentives; spiking their innate ability to succeed in their career will be a recurring decimal. 

#CelebratingGreatness
#AbilityInDiabilty
#ValueJetParaTableTennis

By Sunny Canto

Remarkable and colorful day for Aquatic Federation of Nigeria as Chief of Naval Staff declared the 10th CNS (Chief of Naval Staff), annual National Swimming Championship open at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

However, the swimming championship which is witnessing participants from Military, Para-military Service, Clubs and State government is featuring hundreds of athletes across the Nation.

In a chat with Press men, Chief (Mrs.) Chineye Aliu Dafe, (Aquatic Federation President), said "I'm elated we have such an Olympic and standard facility, built by Delta State Government; thanks to Okowa for this laudable achievement"

"CNS Swimming event, created and sponsor by the Navy since inception in 2012 has raised National and International champions but we want to be camping athletes like One months and train them for the task ahead" 

Adding, "Our plans is to give the successful athletes enabling platform so as to represent us abroad, learn more, make history by breaking records and setting new ones in their careers" Dafe summarized.

While, Naval representative, Vice Real Admiral Gambo declared the three days tournament open as successful participants were given medals. Also, Chief Patrick Ukah (Delta State Secretary-General) and other government officiers graced the event.

Amazingly, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa received a special award from the Aquatic Federation,  including Mr. Fatai Willams (former) President, Chief Solomon Ogba (LOC/MOC) adviser for immense contribution to Sports.

Excited and massive spectators that flock the venue, were thrill during the Butterfly, Individual Medley, Breast Stroke, Freestyle, Back Stroke swimming event.

Sensational Doutimi Gagbe, Ifeakachukwu Nmor, Yellow Yeiyah, Peremobere Kenekiaghm, Docas Oka, Nwachukwu Elliot, Chukwunalu andObi (siblings) Collins, Oluchi won Gold medals while team Delta, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC all emerge victorious at day one.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, renown and outstanding swimming champion: Ifeakachukwu Nmor, thanked the Chief  of Naval Staffs for fostering talents and innate ability of the swimmers through his inimitable ideas; promise they will make them proud as always in future.

In a nutshell, if the two hundred participants that converge in Delta State capital remain focus and determine, nothing will be short than a brighter future for the Nation as far swimming sport is concern.

#CNS2022
#AquaticFederationNigeria
#Asaba

By Sunny Canto

Astonishing and euphoria moment at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State Nigeria; where fireworks, music performances, cultural display, match past, athletics stars thrilled crowd of fans across the globe.

However, 'Big Heart' state won the National Sports Festival for a record of 7th consecutive time, apart from 3 months preparations in camp with incentives given to thousand athletes.

The Champions maintaining the lead as overall winner of the sports fiesta with 649 medals (320 gold, 200 silver  and 120 bronze) at the just concluded 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.

While Bayelsa clinched the second position with 337 medals (132 gold, 115 silver, 90 bronze) as Edo finished third with 339 medals  (78 gold, 94 silver, 167 bronze) thereby proving all bookmakers wrong. 

Featuring 38 sporting events that serves as readiness for Paris 2024, therefore giving the participants avenue to showcase their bravery skills, talents among foreign counterparts.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Youths and Sports Development, said "For two weeks, Nigeria's best athletes have gathered here to compete for laurels, and our Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for sports to grow in Nigeria" Dare assure.

He add, "We have to work together as one big happy family; remember making it to this level, you are all winners" Sunday Dare told.

Amazingly, this year edition recorded incredible performance from Ayomide Bello, Mitelewon Feirrie, Esther Toko of Rowling/Canoe/Kayak events as Deborah Opochini, Ifiezibe Gagbe in Swimming plus 15 year old Cyclist: Miss Godwin, Samuel John for Handball, 17 years old 10,000 runner, 8 years old gymnast among other successful ones. 

According to Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of the State during the extraordinary meeting of National Council on Sports, "In Delta, anything we want to do, we do it to the satisfaction of everyone" he said.

Notwithstanding, the NSF is aim at talents building, promote National Unity, develop sports at grassroots level, to curb age cheating, encourage early participation, enhance culture and education; also Ogun State will host 2024 edition.

#Asaba2022
#NSF2022
#RoadToOlympic

The 'Big Heart' state, team Delta contingents and highly motived athletes maintain top position aftermath a week of competitive outing in the remarkable Nation sporting fiesta. 

Unprecedented feat has been achieved and thrilled spectators are viewing the games live in various venues; thereby adding glitz and glamor to the 21st National Sports Festival ongoing in the (South-South) Oil rich region.

Amazingly, team Delta (six times consecutive) champions, began their 2022 quest in a trending manner, having amass totally of 303 medals with 159 gold, 88 silver, 56 bronze as neighboring Bayelsa follow suit with 44 gold, 27 silver, 44 bronze while Edo recorded 32 gold, 45 silver, 68 bronze.

Shockingly, team Zamfara is yet to win medal as they seat below the table log with Gombe and Adamawa; but one can't possibly give up on them so long the events are still on.

Interestingly, scouts, pundits, fans have visited the games from US, Africa countries, Europe, Asia and far abroad just to witness the live coverage actions and foster talents.

Without iota of doubt, His excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the executive Governor of the State and (MOC, Delta Sports Commission chairman), Chief Tonobok Okowa adminstration has brought a lot of innovations, incentives and enviable height to Sports in recent times.

However, the 39 sporting activities includes: Cycling, Badminton, Football, Demba, Tennis, Kokowa, Weightlifting, Chess, Karate, Gymnastics, Hockey, Athletics, Volleyball, Scrabble, Golf, Wresting, Swimming, Dart, Canoe N Rowing, Handball, Judo, Ayo, Cricket, Taekwondo among others.

Incredibly, the newly built facilities are not just topnotch, but daily hospitality has convince everyone that Delta is a State to reckon with. Besides, watching, monitoring the events, the Sports Minister: Sunday Dare even journalists, VIPs and fanatics seems satisfy with Okowa's legacy.

In a nutshell, one can ascertain through Sports, the Nation GDP will grow, talents and skills can be discover, National unity can be enhance, cultural integration will be achieve as poverty can be alleviated while lifestyle can change drastically. 


#Asaba2022
#NSF
#RoadToOlympics

By Sunny Canto

By Sunny Canto

Incredibly, team Delta contingents has proved their worth after a week of participating in different sporting activities at the ongoing 21st National Sports Festival in Asaba, the capital city.

However, the defending champions at Edo 2020 and Abuja 2018, have won eight editions at of the ten festivals hosted so far. Besides, they remain unstoppable at the National Youths Games level too.

Chief Tonobok Okowa, who double as LOC and Delta State Sports Commission chairman, have been working around the clock to ensure hiccup free championship as their highly motivated athletes, coaches, officials are gearing up for more victories.

"Delta State is not just a home of Sports, we set standard for others to follow because we also have the capacity to win anywhere; having lay a solid foundation" he told.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Athletics Federation President affirm, "We have a strong template, invest so much in Sport; its all about doing the right thing by monitoring your work" he disclosed.

The renown and successful sports administrator, alongside his MOC, LOC committees has put so much modalities in place to ensure everyone is enjoying the mouthwatering events.

Obviously, they're the 'Big Heart' having won total of 127 medals; 69 gold, 33 silver, 25 bronze as at the end of (Day 5) fixtures.

Nevertheless, the intensity is high as thirty-eight sporting activity is been competed for by thousands of athlevtes from across the nation. Also, the games will be rounding up by this weekend as Bayelsa, Ogun, Abia, Oyo, Edo are also giving a good account of themselves.

In summary, the Nigeria Olympics sporting fiesta is not just thrilling spectators, but topnotch, historical, educating, fascinating and intriguing; while the host team are building a lasting legacy that everyone should emulate.

#Asaba2022
#NSF
#RoadToOlympics

The Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Nasarawa State, Amb. Lucky Yargwa has expressed confidence that the North-central State's athletes taking part in the 21st Edition of the National Sport Festival in Asaba, the Delta State capital, will finish tops in the fiesta.

Yargwa, during a briefing with journalists covering the festival, on Saturday evening at the media centre of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, stated that the team was participating in 29 sporting events and had won three medals

"So far, Team Nasarawa has won three medals - one Silver from Para Table Tennis and two Bronze from from Taekwondo events.

" There are many other sporting events we are yet to commence participation in.

"But i want to assure you that before the end of the festival, Team Nasarawa will be among the top ten highest medal winning States."

He further stated that the State Governor supported the contigents adequately both financially and morally in order to excel at the event, noting that Gov. Abdullahi Sule had redeemed his 16.5 million naira pledge to athletes who won medals at the 2021 National Sports Festival held in Benin, Edo State.

Speaking on the stadium's facilities, the commissioner said that, facilities were wonderful and the coordination was welcoming, and the hostel accommodation especially was excellent . He concluded by promising  to handsomely reward the athletes and their coaches who will win any medal at the festival.

By Sunny Canto

A radiating and glowing event that was packaged by the host oil rich, southern region, Delta State had so many fascinating moment in the capital city of Asaba.

Excitedly, Uzor the mascot came with hilarious exhibition alongside the colorful match past from all the contingents, happily waving at the fans, VIPs, officials as they dance to the tune of DJ mix in a likable manner.

While, the former host: Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki accompany by his wife cheered their team, Sokoto popular leader did likewise as FCT woo everyone in their traditional attire and smiles.

However, the 21st edition of biennial multi-sport event was declared opened by the honorable Minister of Youths and Sports Development, who ably represented the GCFR and President of the Nation.

Massive and astonishing crowd at Stephen Keshi Stadium, the sporting fiesta that is billed for November 28th to 10th December, will have participants from 36 States, plus FCT also, feature thirty-seven events as several venues, people will experience euphoria moment.

The electrifying musical performance from entertainers like: Ruger, Bella Shmurda, famous Delta origin artist: Harry Song is the icing to the cake.

Surprisingly, team Delta has won 8 out of 10 times at the National Sports Festival since inception from 1973 and looking forward to dominate at this year edition with so much preparation.

However, the cultural display, calisthenics dance, trumpeters performance, stunts and hip-hop demostration gave the spectators a thrill and memorable day.

Amazingly, the 'Big Heart' State has emerged victorious in her five National Youths Games outing also, foster many talents, increased athletes profile, given highest incentives in recent years; making it a enviable legacy worthy of emulation. 


#Asaba22
#TeamFCT
#RoadToOlympics