Other Sports
Rio 2016 Vote Scandal, Frankie Fredericks Under Probe
African sprint legend, Frankie Fredericks of Namibia, is being investigated by the IOC ethics commission over allegation of bribe for votes in the award of hosting rights to Rio de Janeiro.
French newspaper, Le Monde, had made reports linking the former silver medallists in the 100 and 200 metres at both 1992 and 1996 Olympics to collecting money from Papa Massata Diack, the son of former IAAF president, Lamine Diack who has been banned for life.
Fredericks is a member of the International Olympic Committee and currently the head of the evaluation commission for the 2024 Olympics due to be awarded later this year. He was alleged to have been paid $299,300 through an offshore company linked to him.
According to Le Monde, the revelation emerged during the course of the criminal investigation into widespread corruption in world athletics, which also uncovered a $1.5 million payment made to former IAAF marketing consultant Diack jnr by a firm linked to a rich Brazilian businessman three days before the vote.
The $299,300 subsequently given by Diack to Fredericks was done via the former’s company, Pamodzi Sports Consulting, to a firm set up by the latter, Yemi Limited, in the offshore tax haven of the Seychelles.
The former Namibian sprinter who was one of those that scrutinised of the vote for the award of 2016 Olympics had turned himself up for investigation.
“The amount paid by Pamodzi Sports Consulting to Yemi Limited was paid pursuant to the terms of a contract dated 11 March 2007,” said Fredericks, part of the team led by now-IOC president Thomas Bach which scrutinised the vote for the 2016 Games.
“I had the idea to develop a Relay Championships. In addition I supported the IAAF Marketing Programme, the African Athletics Programme, the IAAF Continental Programme and the African Athletics Championships.
“My attendance at various events and promotional efforts are documented and accordingly these services can be substantiated by other evidence. Payment was in respect of services rendered in the period 2007 to 2011.
“The payment has nothing whatsoever to do with the Olympic Games. By the way, I was not an IAAF board member at the time, but an IAAF ambassador, and did not breach any regulation or rule of ethics.”
The $1.5m received by Diack jnr was said by Le Monde to be suspected by French prosecutors of being used to influence votes for the 2016 Games.
Diack jnr was banned for life from athletics last year for his part in Russian doping scandal and wanted for questioning in France, where his father is on bail over allegations he, too, profited from the scheme.
Diack jnr told Le Monde, “Good luck for your article!” while Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada said: “The elections were clean. Rio won by 66 votes against 32. It was a clear victory.”
The IOC announced Friday that Fredericks reported himself both to its ethics commission and the IAAF ethics board.
“The IOC trusts that Mr Fredericks will bring all the elements to prove his innocence against these allegations made by Le Monde,” said IOC spokesman Mark Adams.
“He turned to the IAAF ethics commission already yesterday. Immediately after a link was made between this contractual payment and the vote for the host city of the Olympic Games 2016, Mr Fredericks himself also turned to the IOC ethics commission, which is now following up on all the allegations in order to fully clarify this matter.”
The IAAF added in a statement: “The ethics board will carefully consider the information provided to it, including seeking any further information or clarification which it considers it needs, in order to determine whether these matters warrant the opening of a formal investigation.”
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has praised the growing involvement of Ibom Air in sports development, describing the airline as an exemplary corporate citizen whose contributions are helping to strengthen sports in the state.
Governor Eno gave the commendation on Saturday during activities marking the seventh anniversary of Ibom Air, following the final of a football tournament organised by the airline at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Represented by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, the governor applauded the airline’s increasing support for football, golf and tennis, noting that its intervention had positively impacted sports development in the state.
“It pleases me to know that you are not only riding the skies in aviation, but also distinguishing yourself as an exemplary corporate citizen,” the governor stated.
“Your intervention in golf, tennis and, most recently, football is worth commending.”
Governor Eno particularly highlighted the airline’s contribution to football and tennis in the state, stating that its sponsorship nearly helped Akwa United regain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
He also credited the airline’s support for the success of the Akwa Ibom tennis team at the recently concluded Niger Delta Games in Benin City, where the state won three of the five gold medals on offer in tennis.
While congratulating the airline on its seventh anniversary, Governor Eno described Ibom Air as a symbol of the Akwa Ibom spirit of excellence, professionalism and innovation in the aviation sector.
According to him, the airline’s operational standards and recent expansion into international routes within the West African sub-region have strengthened connectivity, boosted commerce and tourism, and contributed to the state’s economic growth.
“The achievements recorded within this relatively short period have stood out as an eloquent testament to the hard work and foresight of your airline’s dedicated leadership and focused workforce,” he said.
“This anniversary marks not only the celebration of years, but the celebration of vision, resilience, professionalism and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction.”
The football tournament organised to celebrate the airline’s anniversary lasted over two weeks and culminated in a dramatic final at the Uyo Township Stadium.
The Lagos team of Ibom Air emerged champions after defeating their Uyo counterparts 3-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time.
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The stage is set for the 3rd National Para Games, Nigeria’s largest and most prestigious para sports event, scheduled to hold from March 26 to April 3, 2026, in Abuja.
For nine days, the nation’s capital will host more than 3,000 athletes representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, competing across 15 different sports in what promises to be a vibrant celebration of resilience, excellence and inclusion. Organisers say champions will emerge, records will tumble, and new chapters will be written in Nigeria’s para sports history.
The Games are being organised by the National Sports Commission, which describes the event as a critical platform for talent discovery, national unity and the advancement of para sports development across the country.
Since its inception, the National Para Games has evolved into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s sporting calendar, spotlighting the remarkable abilities of athletes living with disabilities while reinforcing the country’s commitment to inclusive participation in sports.
Officials say the 2026 edition will surpass previous outings in scale, organisation and competitive intensity. With participation confirmed from every state of the federation and the FCT, the Games are expected to reveal the depth of talent spread nationwide and provide a pathway for standout performers to progress to continental and global competitions.
In a significant boost to preparations, the National Youth Service Corps has partnered with the Commission by releasing its Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, to serve as the official Games Village. The facility will accommodate athletes and officials throughout the competition, offering a secure and community-focused environment designed to foster camaraderie and peak performance.
The collaboration reflects a broader inter-agency commitment to empowering young Nigerians and promoting social integration through sport. It also underscores growing national recognition of para athletes as integral contributors to Nigeria’s sporting success.
With anticipation building and logistics nearing completion, Abuja is poised to welcome thousands of competitors and supporters for what promises to be a defining celebration of courage, competition and collective pride.
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By Keresifon Essien
Akwa Ibom State will parade a strong contingent of about 280 athletes and 44 officials at the 2026 Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 28.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the Curator of Keresy Sports Museum (KSM), Keresifon Essien, noting that Team Akwa Ibom will compete in 16 sporting events at the regional multi-sports fiesta.
According to Bassey, the sports in which the state will feature include football, basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, badminton, lawn tennis, boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, taekwondo, weightlifting, swimming and chess.
To ensure optimal preparation, the state government has constituted a five-man State Liaison Committee to oversee arrangements for the festival. The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey.
Other members of the committee are Coach Catherine Ewa Ekuta, Head of Technical; Guinness World Record holder George Essien; Edidiong Stephen, a member; and Mfon Bassey, who serves as Secretary.
Bassey explained that the committee has been mandated to fine-tune all preparations for the festival, beginning with the state trials scheduled for this weekend, and to ensure that the contingent arrives in Benin City fully prepared and ready to project Akwa Ibom State positively at the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
He expressed confidence that with proper planning and early preparations, Team Akwa Ibom will make a strong impression when the festival proper begins.
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