Other Sports
24 NIGERIANS GET NETBALL CERTIFICATION
After four days of hard labour, twenty-four Nigerians recently received their netball certification from INF (International Netball Federation) Instructor, Mary Waya.
This first of it’s kind netball seminar was organised by CSED (Community Sport and Educational Development) Initiative, who were supported by three Edo State agencies (Ministry of Education, Edo State Sports Commission and Edojobs Agency).
Lord’s Taverners and Kits for the World supported with some of the kits that were used for the seminar; while Foundation for a Drug Free World, provided the free four thousand drug education brochures that were distributed to the seminar attendees.
The Management and demonstration athletes of IDPs Camp Uhogua played a major role in the success of this seminar, as their newly built netball court was used for the three-day practical aspect of this seminar.
To crown it all, one of the demonstration athletes, Bethel Omigie received a bronze certification for her participation in the training course and for her leadership qualities in leading the core thirty girls at the IDPs Camp, who now play netball on a daily basis.
Six of the new netball coaches received certification in the African Level 1 category. These new coaches are: Izedomwen Kelvin Osazee, Dr Grace Ataha, Tidah Gabriel Kwedu, Bridget Anum, Okeke Chika Onyebuchi and Edith Anum Oku.
The other coaches/umpires were certified in the gold, silver and bronze categories. These new coaches are teachers from primary and secondary school in Edo and Lagos States, as well as from Abuja.
Dr Grace Ataha (University of Uyo) is the only university Lecturer that attended this free seminar in which the attendees and demonstration athletes were provided with free lunch.
Four of the new coaches were nominated by the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) and one of the new coach represented Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF).
At the end of the seminar, some of the attendees had expressed gratitude to INF Instructor, Mary Waya for going beyond the call of duty to ensure that they grasp the fundamental of netball; which they feel would equip them with the knowledge to discover and develop future netball stars for Nigeria.
The attendees also commended CSED National Coordinator, Edema Fuludu for the opportunity to attend this seminar and for the hospitality of the Trustees of CSED Initiative, who bankrolled this international seminar.
CSED founder, Cornelius Ehimiaghe was quoted as saying: “CSED decided to hold this seminar because we cannot continue to stomach the inaction of individuals who call themselves the Board Members of the Nigeria Netball Federation (NNF), as this “do nothing” Board Members who were “illegally” imposed on Nigerians by Hellen Manufor has nothing to show for their current illegal existence.
Furthermore, Hellen Manufor who has claimed she is the General Secretary of the NNF is based in London. The one million dollar question is: who elected, selected or appointed Hellen Manufor as General Secretary of NNF?”
“If Hellen Manufor cannot answer the above question, how come the hierarchy of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports and their Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) counterpart, have allowed Hellen Manufor to inflict mortal damage on the Nigerian netball ecosystem, while other former netball players like Mary Waya (Malawi), Dumisani Chauke and Cecilia Molokwane (South Africa) are developing talent and inspiring girls; our own fellow Nigerian (Hellen Manufor) continues to use the power she does not have to block the development of netball in Nigeria.”
“Last year, as part of the INF Global Development Programme, their Team had already packed their bags ready with a view to visit Nigeria; only for Helen Manufor to deceive INF officials that she is planning a similar course in Nigeria.”
True to her colour; “we no see Helen Manufor, we no see netball.” “This is the pathetic story of Nigerian netball, under Hellen Manufor, who has not bothered to arrange one single official netball match in almost eight years that she has occupied the position of the General Secretary of NNF, even when she did not complete the compulsory one year NYSC programme that every Nigerian graduate has to do in order to work in a graduate level job.”
God save Nigerian girls and women from this “Manufor virus.” Sunday Dare the Minister of Youths and Sports) is expected to come to judgement within the next few weeks or Nigeria will fail to meet it’s commitment to achieving SDG Number 5, which involves using sports to promote gender equality.
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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