Other Sports
THERE’S A SPORTS ‘REVOLUTION’ IN NIGERIA, SAYS SPORTS MINISTER, DALUNG
Solomon Dalung, Nigeria’s sports minister has announced that there is a sports revolution currently ongoing in Nigeria.
He made the remark after Nigeria’s wrestling team retained its title as African champion at the just concluded African Senior Wrestling Championship held at the weekend in Hammamet, Tunisia.
Nigeria won six gold, two silver and four bronze medals to retain their title and were also adjudged the best women’s wrestling team in Africa.
The 2014 Commonwealth gold medalist, Odunayo Adekuoroye was also named best female wrestler.
Dalung who expressed delight in their outing also praised the wrestling ederation for always making Nigeria proud.
“I congratulate the wrestlers and the federation especially, for all your hard work. I thank you all for your perseverance in the face of serious financial challenges as you did not allow that to deter your performance. Your individual efforts will not go unnoticed.
“I also commend Daniel Igali for ensuring that the Nigerian flag is always hoisted at local and international competitions whenever there is a wrestling competition.
“This goes to show the ongoing revolution in sports in the country, both administratively and in the output of athletes. In no distant time, Nigeria will be a force to reckon with, not only in Africa but globally. However, funding is still a great challenge to sports.
“We appeal to the National Assembly to make adequate budgetary allocations to sports. Sport is no longer a pursuit of leisure but a benchmark for social change and for industrial innovation.
“This year is a very busy year. We have the African Games in Morocco, Basketball World Cup in China, 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualifiers, the Women’s World Cup in France , the Africa Cup of Nations and so many more.
“All these need heavy funding. We are appealing to NASS to appropriate adequate funds for Nigeria’s sportsmen and women to compete without hindrance in these upcoming competitions,” Dalung said.
The team is expected back on Tuesday evening aboard Turkish airlines. The Ministry of Youth and Sports will also hold a reception for the team at a date to be announced soon.
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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