Other Sports
Taekwondo: Nigeria’s Otuadinma earns WTF Grand Prix Invitation
Nigeria’s Uzoamaka Otuadinma who is also the African Champion, has been invited by the world taekwondo body for the prestigious WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix, which is scheduled to hold in Rabat, Morocco.
The WT Grand Prix Series is a G-4 ranked prestigious event exclusively for the top ranked athletes in the world who compete for ranking points and prize money. Otuadinma’s strong performances in recent years have helped increase her world ranking. The Delta-born taekwondoin, who started taekwondo in 2011 and become National Champion in 2012, dramatically increased her world champion when she clinched the African title in 2015 at the 2015 All African Games in Congo.
Her semi-finals loss at the hands of Africa’s number one seed in the Female +67kg cost Otuadinma an Olympic slot in Rio 2016, but the African Champion had solid performance at the 2017 World Championships and Korea Opens, which earned her vital world ranking point and returned the odds in her favour.
At the World Championships, Otuadinma defeated Swaziland’s Munave Carlos 23 – 3 before losing to 10 – 26 to 2015 World Team Cup Gold Medallist, South Korea’s An Saebom. Otudinma followed up this performance by winning Silver medals at the WT G-2 ranked Korean International Opens in Chuncheon, South Korea, defeating South Korea, USA and Columbia before losing to China in the finals.
NTF President, Mrs Margaret Elizabeth Binga, secured the air tickets with which the official team was able to make the trip to South Korea to participate in the World Championships and Korea Opens. The team’s participation ensured they earned vital world ranking points.
Prior to Otuadinma’s invitation, Nigeria’s Chika Chukwumerije has been the only Nigerian ranked high enough to be invited to three Grand Prix series. Currently, Africa oppositions like Cote D’Ivoire, Tunisia, Egypt, Nigeria Republic, and Morocco all have highly ranked players that constantly attend the Grand Prix Series.
The WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix was introduced by the World Taekwondo Federation in 2013 to provide a homogeneous system for qualification to the Olympic taekwondo competitions with four competitions per year in each event.
History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
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