Other Sports
NATIONAL STADIUM SWIMMING POOL FOR RECOMMISSIONING
The renovated National Stadium swimming pool will be recommissioned on Friday by the Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung. The facility is part of the stadium complex commissioned on December 4, 1972 by the then Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon.
The swimming pool was fully renovated after 18 years of abandonment by successive governments.
According to a press release form the Ministry of Sports, the minister who will be in Lagos for the landmark occasion will be using the ceremony to declare open the Second West and Central African CANA Zone 2 Junior Swimming Championship at the renovated Olympic size swimming pool complex.
Dalung praised the contractor, Joseph Odobeatu popularly known as O’Jez for his commitment and determination to execute the project at a time when the Federal Government could not immediately meet up with its own end of the bargain in realizing funds on time for the project.
“I am indeed overwhelmed by the pace of work recorded since I assumed office. We are very happy that a national facility which was abandoned for 18 years has been completely renovated and now ready to be used for national and international competitions.
The contractor Joseph Odobeatu has lived up to expectation and has defended his integrity. He may not have made monetary profit but money cannot buy the name he has made here,” Dalung said.
The swimming complex which was in a dilapidated state for 18 years and rehabilitated comprises a state box, press gallery, changing rooms, warm up swimming pool, pumping and treatment machines, spectators stand and an entertainment stage.
The Minister said the project will be counted as one of the achievements to mark President Muhammadu Buhari’s two years in office.
Meanwhile, Dalung has charged the leadership of the Nigeria Aquatic Federation under Babatunde Williams to take full advantage of the world class facility to groom local talents to international stardom ahead of the 2020 Olympic in Tokyo.
“Now, the Aquatic Federation will have no excuse when we ask them for updates about their activities towards presenting athletes for the 2020 Olympic Games. The world class facility is now at their beck and call for them to make use of. All they need is little logistics to organize local and national events where talents will be discovered and nurtured.”
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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