Other Sports

Nigeria Taekwondo Federation Election: Olympians Gather Support for George Ashiru

Published

7 years ago

July 11, 2017

With fresh presidential election holding in the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation on Thursday, four of the five Nigerian taekwondo Olympians have signed up to endorse George Ashiru to continue as the president of the sports federation.

They are Isah Adam an athlete at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, Peter Emmanuel Oghenejobo, a Barcelona’92 Olympian, Princess Dudu and Martins Obiorah who featured at 2004 Olympics in Athens.

According to a release by the quartet, they cited the fact that Ashiru has had a hand in their success and that of other athletes. They also noted that Ashiru, who is seeking a second term, is vastly experienced in both technical and administrative areas of taekwondo.

According to them, “he has the respect of the vast majority of the taekwondo community as well as being the candidate with the longest history of proven leadership at all taekwondo levels”.

The rerun election was ordered following sundry of petitions including that of George Ashiru who was nominated as ex-officio member. At the presidential Election, he was told by the chairman of the electoral committee that his name was not on the list.

The Appeal Committee however upheld his appeal. The committee noted that the petitioner’s name was wrongly substituted, found merit in the appeal and consequently nullified the presidential election and directed that fresh election be held and reinstate George Ashiru as the Ex-officio/philanthropist/sponsor on the Board of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.

Another petitioner from the South West Zone, Temitayo Popoola also got a relief. The petition has it that the master list was not used in the conduct of the election.

The Committee noted that the petitioners’ name was wrongly substituted, found merit in the appeal and consequently nullified the South West zonal election and ordered a fresh one.

Other Sports

Teenager Inkosi Brou captures Nigeria’s first medal at International Fencing Championship

Published

2 months ago

September 23, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Nigeria made a remarkable entry into the global fencing scene-at the weekend with an impressive performance by 16-year-old Inkosi
Brou.

Inkosi secured Nigeria’s first-ever medal in the Sabre category at the
World Tournoi Satellite Cup in Iceland.

Competing against some of the world’s elite fencers at the Viking Cup
2024, a Senior World Cup Satellite Sabre Tournament, the world’s No. 67
ranked fencer, Inkosi, clinched a silver medal after a hard-fought 9-15
match against Iceland’s Andre Mateev.

As the No. 5 seed, Inkosi began his campaign in the Round of 16,
defeating Germany’s Magnus De Witt 15-9. He continued his winning streak
in the quarter-finals with a close 15-13 victory over Spain’s Oriol
Farre.

In the semifinals, Inkosi faced his biggest hurdle when he faced
No. 1 seed, Cristoher Cortez of Ecuador in a tactical and intense match,
ultimately advancing to the final with a 15-14 win.

Inkosi, the grandson of the late Dora Akinyuli, former NAFDAC Director
General, expressed his excitement and inspiration from his performance,
which fuels his ambition for a spot at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic
Games.

“Starting the fencing season with a silver medal at one of my first
senior FIE competitions is a great achievement.

“I am proud to represent Nigeria at this elite competition and continue my quest for a spot at LA 2028. I’d like to thank Akhi Spencer-El, Daryl Homer, Alex Fotiyev, and Tom Seitz for their support during the off-season,” Inkosi said.

Adeyinka Samuel, President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF),
praised Inkosi’s efforts and highlighted the significance of this
achievement for Nigerian fencing.

“We are thrilled with the progress in the sport as it aligns with our prediction to medal at the LA 2028 Olympics Games. Inkosi’s success motivates us to work harder towards having a Nigerian team well-represented at the 2028 Olympic Games.

“This first medal in an FIE event is truly inspiring, and we hope Inkosi
continues to gain experience and recognition globally,” Samuel stated.

Other Sports

Stolen Ferrari Recovered Almost 30 Years Later –

Published

9 months ago

March 5, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Stolen Ferrari Recovered Almost 30 Years Later -

A Ferrari Testarossa sports car stolen from Austrian Formula One driver Gerhard Berger during the 1995 San Marino Grand Prix weekend has been recovered by London police almost 29 years later.

The Metropolitan Police said on Monday the red F512M, worth some 350,000 pounds ($444,325.00), was tracked down in four days after Ferrari reported it was the one being sold through a British broker to a U.S. buyer.

Police enquiries found it was shipped to Japan shortly after being stolen from the Italian city of Imola and then arrived in Britain in late 2023.

The Organised Vehicle Crime Unit said enquiries were ongoing and no arrests had been made.

A second silver Ferrari F355 that belonged to Berger’s French former team mate Jean Alesi, which was stolen on the same weekend in the Italian city, remains missing.

Alesi finished second in the race won by Williams’ Damon Hill with Berger third, in the Ferrari drivers’ final season at the Italian team before the arrival of Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine.

Berger had caught the thief in the act of stealing his car but after jumping clear and then giving chase in a friend’s Volkswagen Golf, according to a news report at the time, was unable to prevent it from getting away.

-Reuters

Other Sports

Bayelsa State are National Para Games champions

Published

11 months ago

December 15, 2023

Kunle Solaja

The resounding success of the 2nd edition of the National Para Games culminated in an exhilarating and grand closing ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The week-long celebration of talent, resilience, and sportsmanship concluded on December 14th, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of para sports in Nigeria.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, lauded the remarkable display of talent and dexterity exhibited by the para athletes throughout the Games. Expressing his delight, he commended the spirit of competition and the dedication of all participants.

“The National Para Games have once again showcased the incredible abilities and unwavering spirit of our para athletes,” Senator Enoh said. “The level of talent and determination displayed by these athletes is truly inspiring. They embody the essence of sportsmanship and perseverance.”

“Through sports, we celebrate unity, resilience, and determination. The National Para Games have proven to be a platform that not only showcases exceptional talent but also fosters inclusivity and breaks barriers.”

From December 8th to 14th, the stadium played host to representatives from all 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The atmosphere was charged with excitement as athletes showcased their skills, determination, and unwavering spirit, captivating audiences and leaving spectators in awe.

Bayelsa State emerged as the champions of the Games, winning 30 gold, 24 silver and 20 bronze medals. Abia, Kano Lagos, and Oyo states completed the top five in that order. Their athletes’ dedication and outstanding performances solidified their position at the pinnacle of para sports excellence.

The closing ceremony was a spectacle of pomp and pageantry, featuring captivating performances, cultural displays, and heartfelt tributes to the athletes who epitomized perseverance and triumph over adversity.

As the curtains drew to a close on this momentous occasion, the legacy of the National Para Games continues to inspire a new era of inclusivity, empowerment, and recognition for para athletes across Nigeria.