Other Sports
ENCOMIUMS ON WIKE FOR NATIONAL SWIMMING CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Notable sports related personalities have poured encomiums on Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for his various sports initiatives, the latest being his accepting to have the national Swimming Centre of Excellence in Port Harcourt.
He is also playing hosts to the African Wrestling Championship which will run for a week starting from this weekend.
Among those commending the governor is Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the proprietor of the defunct Iwuanyanwu Nationale which has since transformed to Heartland FC of Owerri.
Also commending the governor is the African queen of the track, Mary Onyali According to Chief Iwuanyanwu who incidentally is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Sports Development Fund Inc (NSDFI), “that is a decision that takes that state into the future if only you can see what I am seeing. That is one project that will give many people, children especially from poor homes, those who live around the three swimming pools already have a career.”
“Honestly, that is one governor whose conducts I have variously admired and appreciated. For this one he has done for the children and youths of Rivers State, I will have to visit the state myself especially when the first generation of the athletes will be training. Governor Wike, may God bless you and make your heart desires thrive. This is like a personal gift to me,” said the proprietor of Champion Newspaper.
“When I read of the development, the kind of celebration I had most likely was more than any one I had when I win medals for the country. I jumped for joy until I lost my voice. I was overjoyed. Governor Wike has given me my best gift in 2018,” said the first Nigerian to do five Olympics in a straight row.
Chief Onyali is the Executive Director (Technical) for the Basic Olive Opportunity Sports Training (BOOST) which is housing the National Swimming Centre of Excellence.
“I am so tripped with the timing. With this, I can tell you that our medal prospects for the 2024 Olympics will come from here. Governor Wike’s name will be boldly written in the lives of the children who will be in this project.”
President of the Aquatics Federation, Fatayi Babatunde-Williams said on telephone, “we as a federation are so appreciative of Governor Nyesom Wike for this wonderful initiative. This may be the biggest support that Swimming will be having. I am so happy for the children of the state.”
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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