By: Sunny Canto

Following the week-long National Inter-Club Scrabble tournament that had over ten clubs in attendance at Hotel De Bently, Utako, Abuja; where many athletes showcased their prowess and bravery in style.

The event which is aimed at preparing athletes for the forthcoming World Scrabble Championship by summer, featured renown names likes: Wellington Jigere, Enoch Kwali, Moses Akpan, Priscilla Akhabue, Oghenekaro Paul Eta, John Aiyedun, Akeem Ogundokun among others. 

Eta Paul Oghenekaro who emerged overall winner by 20 +1048 as Enoch Nwali finished second with 19 +1781 while John Aiyedun settle for third position with 19 +985.

According to Toke Aka, (Nigeria Scrabble Federation President), "I must commend all the players for their relentless efforts, having conquer World and Africa, we're also trying to attract more followers to out beloved Sport" he told.

"Its an avenue for more victory as we prepare for World Scrabble Championship by July, also we will fully featured National School Scrabble program that starts from training the trainers and progress from intra state to zonal and then national finals"

Aka adding, "Our game is a household game in the past when family values were treasured and upheld, and the economy was friendly. This constant tournament will revamped when the economy improves and equipment become easily available for families to once more buy and participate regularly" he summarized.

Nigeria that is known as World champions since 2015 when Wellington Jigere broke the record, still remain dominant even in Africa soil, winning 13 out of 14 championship. 

Interestingly, Warri Scrabble Club captain: Eta Paul Oghenekaro has to wait for eighteen years to break into stardom as champion, plus winning longest ranked player award that comes with 300,000 Naria benefit, while best Club award goes to team Delta that won One million prize.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Olympic Committee President was ably represented, and their Patrons, board members alongside Mrs. Ejiro Thukson the Secretary, Mr. Curtis John Technical Director, friends and families of Scrabble all graced the glamorous gala night.


#NSF
#WSC

..……Yenegoa to host 2024 Invitational Volleyball Challenge 

The organiser of Abuja Invitational Volleyball Challenge 2023, Major General Taritimiye Gagariga has expressed delight over the number of young players identified by scouts of Nigeria Volleyball Premier League clubs as well as the National Teams.

Major General Gagariga stated this during an interview with newsmen at the end of the 2023 Abuja Invitational Volleyball Challenge on Friday.

Gagariga who doubles as the Chairman of Nigeria Park Volleyball Commission applauded coaches, referees and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for their support throughout the duration of the challenge.

He said, "I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to the Almighty God for AIVC 2023. We started from Kachia Invitational Volleyball Challenge (KIVC 2017) and are where we are now.

"I say with pride that we already have invites from our grassroots directly to the National Camp and Premiership Clubs. This is one step I wish to use to thank all the coaches for such a quantum leap in the young players' careers."

He said, "I want to thank the Nigeria Volleyball Coaches Association, Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association and the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for their support and cooperation. 

The Sports philanthropist revealed that Yenegoa, Bayelsa State will host the 2024 Invitational Volleyball Challenge.

He said, "We have come this far, and we hope to improve this annual tournament. To Trailblazers Volleyball Club, the planning starts now, and note the need for Quarter Finals Hard Court Male and Female. 

The ball is in your court;  do us proud, and let's have a most memorable Yenagoa Invitational Volleyball Challenge 2024 (YIVC 2024).

"I once again end by most, especially appreciating Engineer Musa Nimrod, President of the NVBF, the NVBF Secretariat and Medical Support, the AIVC 2023 Technical  Team Lead by our amiable Chief Martins Melandi, the Referees, led by Surveyor Timothy Emmanuel, the Coaches and AIVC 2023 Planning Team led by Coach Elishama Elam and Mr Dare 'Gattusso' Kuti who led another level media team", he added.

#NVBF
#2023AIVC
#Volleyball
#Abuja

​

Ultimately, the newly introduced game: Park Volleyball championship powered by Major-General Taritimiye Gagariga did witnessed an impressive performance from Kaduna based team G-Rank, who outshine all their opponents to win the trophy.

However, the 12th edition Volleyball competition that featured fifty teams in the men and women category, also, had a massive followers and turnout in a week-long event at MKO, Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Despite having twenty-one registered teams at Park Volleyball, the G-Rank emerged victorious as they edge Scorpion Spikers 3-2 in a kneel contested finals that finished thus: 25-20, 21-25, 22-25, 25-22, 18-16 while OVC of OFFA settled for third position having outclass KAF Ambassadors 25-23, 25-19, 25-18 in 3-0 encounter.

Kwara based Offa OVC men team, also, dominated the indoor events, thereby whitewashing the Abuja based Games Village Volleyball Club 25-22, 25-14, 25-22 in a 3-0 match to smile home with so much money as COAS women Spikers fall short 3-1 in the finals to Scorpion Spikers at 24-26, 25-18, 17-25, 19-25 game.

Interestingly, the highly motivated tournament, sponsored by renown Bayelsa origin Army officer, have fostered many talents and skillful players with mouth-watering incentives at various venues across the Nation.

Men: Best Spiker goes to John Bosco (Games Village VC), Best Blocker Destiny Mriah (Defence Spikers), Best Setter-Andrew Philip (Offa VC), Best Libero-Ibe Abraham (Offa VC), Kazeem Mutiu of (Offa VC) go home with MVP.

Women: Best Spiker goes to Charity Sylvester (COAS Spikers), Best Blocker-Chioma Samuel (G-Ranks Spikers), Best Setter-Martha Anebi (Scorpion Spikers), Best Libero-Christiana Belem (COAS Spikers) as Pamela Bawa (Scorpion Spikers) won MVP.

According to Engr. Musa Nimrod, NVBF President and CAVB Secretary, "I must commend the laudable fit by the organizers, because its a huge encouragement and we intend to develop more grassroot Volley-ballers" he summarized.

Nigeria Custom Service Coach and legendary Ex-international Sunday Akpason disclosed, "Honestly speaking, its the best thing that has happen to Nigeria Volleyball in recent years; seeing young players given ample time to showcase their gifts and replace aging ones" he told.

Meanwhile, apart from remarkable privileges given to participants, Education Trust Funds, trophies, souvenirs, laurels, medals and mind-blowing experience plus thrilling moment; one will only anticipate for another classic edition.

In summary, the initiative and legacy of Major-General: Taritimiye Gagariga has reunited, immensely enlighten officials, coaches, players as well as increased Volleyball fans in the country. 

#NVBF
#2023aivc 
#volleyball 
#abuja

By Sunny Canto

Noticeably, many have come to terms with the fact that truly, able and special athletes are in the same pedestal compare to the erroneous view in the past there's no hope for physical challenge ones.

Amazingly, the exuberant Sitting Volleyball players, from various clubs that converge at National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria for a week to compete, did proved book makers wrong with their outstanding performances.

Legacy team, who dominated the round-robbery fixtures and championship in the Men and Women category, played awesomely well till the blast of the final whistle; as a result of winning both category, they will stand a chance of competing at continental level in 2023 sporting Calender.

However, FCT Abuja Men, Women teams who came behind LAOMS of Zaria and South-West Babes as third placed while all sundry with their unique style of play, gave the championship a modern look. 

In a chat with news men, Sitting Volleyball President said, "The game is not that popular but we're here to give them relevance, create enabling platforms for them to showcase their talents" he told.

"Our plan is to engage them with many tournament, bring the best in them so as to represent us in the future; and take over Africa"

Kayode add, "Government has done so much for us but we also need cooperate and private individual to support us further, because Egypt is hosting the World Para Championship by 2023 and Paralympics games by 2024; so we need to develop our athletes" Ladele concluded.

According to Para-Volleyball West Africa President, Mr. Robinson Tumwesigwe while addressing Press men, "We can see National team players here because this tournament is a test run for our future plans in Nigeria and West-Africa" 

Adding, "We were not so sure of this amazing fit earlier because the coaches, athletes, officials couldn't do much but now its obvious Nigeria there's a brighter future; so me and the President will be visiting them from camp to camp, state to states till we build a global team" he summarized.

In summary, all the participating teams got several incentives, the winners also, received medals and trophies as Mr. Kayode Ladele motivated everyone.

#SittingVolleyball

 
By Sunny Canto

The apex of the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League, which climax at Moshood Abiola, Package B, Stadium, Abuja with Kada Kings locking horns with Kwara United clubs in the men's finals.

Despite a slow start that resulted to Coach Wole Gbadamosi team woeful loss of 13-25, 24-26 as they eventually picked their broken pieces by confidently winning the remaining three sets in a thrilling manner: (25-21, 25-21, 15-13), therefore hand their opponent only defeat since the competition dunked off.

Speaking, "Our victory is as a result of consistent training, also we've the youngest players in the tournament, but we shall reinforce for 2022 Premier League; expect the best from us" he assured.

Oke Adedayo (Kwara Skipper) add, "Though we came fully prepared, beating them (3-2) wasn't an easy ride, because we consult our drawing board and motivated ourselves to win the game" 

Earlier, Kada Kings during the (first phase) held in Bauchi State, finished with 21points, while JVC of Bauchi had 15points as host Kwara settled for third place with 13points.

In the women category, Zamfara Queens couldn't withstand the prowess displayed by Kwara Club as they overpowered them in a 25-17, 25-20, 25-23 encounter.

Elsewhere, the U-13 (forty-five) grassroot players, who displayed basic skills of the game, were presented each with a ball by Engr. Musa Nimrod, CABV Secretary-general and NVBF President.

The Adamawa origin and renown leader said, "The federation has done his best to host, but we earnestly look for sponsors, and our players have been profiled which will attract mutiple partners" 

Nimrod, "I'm delighted seeing young talents at the competition, also by year 2022 season, there will be many profiling for our league players as foreigners will be allow to play" he told.

However, the one weeklong event witnessed personalities, awards, trophies and incentives given to successful individuals and teams. 

Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare ably represented by his (Chief of Staff) Ahlaji Habba Yola, gave the vote of thanks while the National Antherm was recited to marked the mouthwatering closing award night.

#NVBFDivisionOne
#MusaNimrod
#CAVB
#FIVB

By Sunny Canto

Rome is not built in a day, gradually, the CENSPORTS annual festival is turning a global tournament as 2021, second edition held at CR-ITM pitch Ugep, ended in a successful note.

Previously, Ikom Local Government Area has played host to hundred of athletes in the 2020 maiden edition, amid Covid-19 outbreak.

Nevertheless, all PTF, Covid-19 protocols has been adhere to since the inception of this talents discovering sport program.

However, among the activities for 2021 program were: Football which was dominated by Ikom LGA, but Yakurr LGA, Obubra LGA,
ETUNG LGA all proved their worth in a competitive matchup.

Excitedly, in the boys athletics (100m) event, Obubra representative Innocent Marchi cliche gold, while Ewa Johnson won Silver for Ikom as Mofen Kennth of Yakurr settled for bronze medal.

In the girls category, Nchewi Egbala easily won gold for Yakurr as Ekem Goodness help Ikom record Silver while Ovat Queeneth of Obubara finished third place.

Interestingly, team Yakurr resilient see them edged past others to win gold in the mixed-relay, Obubara came second while Ikom occupied third position.

Incredibly, the same Innocent Marachi emerged first in boys Badminton while Eric Bernard won Silver for Ikom as double Bronze medalist are: Nicholas for Ikom and Gabriel David of ABI LGA.

Meanwhile, Precious Agube fought hard to claim gold for ABI LGA in girls event, Silver medal was completely won by Emame Erong for Obubra LGA; thereby living Double bronze medals for Ovat Queeneth and Kate Kabe of Yakurr respectively.

Shockingly, Obubra athletes sweep the boys and girls Volleyball activities, despite Yakurr and Ikom determine efforts which were truncated.

According to the chief-organislzer, Mrs. Queen Igut Ewong, "We've invested a lot of resources and time in bringing them under one platform to showcase their talents, because our aim is to help them realized their dreams" she told.

"Paucity of funds is our major challenge, that's why we're soliciting for more sporting investors, fanatics, stakeholders, pundits, cooperate organizations to partner with us" she appeal.

Finally, Obubra amassed 9 medals, Yakurr 5, Ikom and Abi 4 each as Etung couldn't win any before the wrap-up.

#CENTFEST2021TalentsHunts