SPORTS
Sports Veterans Mourn Ojeagbase, Lanipekun
By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja
Sports Veterans Association of Nigeria (SVAN), have joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the passing of two sports stalwarts Sunny Ojeagbase and Fabio Lanipekun.
President of Sports Veterans Association of Nigeria (SVAN), Chief Jonathan Ogufere, in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday, said, “We join millions of Nigerians to mourn the passing of Sunny Ojeagbase and Fabio Lanipekun, two sports stalwarts whose contributions to Nigerian sports defy description”
“The news of Mr.
Ojeagbase’s death hit us like a thunderbolt. He died at a time Nigeria needed him most, at a time our sports is undergoing various trials and temptations especially at association levels.“Founder of Complete Sports Newspapers (1995), Complete Football Magazine, Complete Football International and International Soccer Review, a sports journalist par excellence, has over the years used his authoritative media to inform, educate and entertain the Nigerian Sports Community to greater heights.
“A self-made man who was ordained a Pastor in 2003, this detribalized Nigerians will be remembered by hundreds of young Nigerian entrepreneurs, especially those he empowered and impacted through his Success Digest Series on how to “…build your wealth from ground floor up.”
The statement, which signed by the Secretary General, Elder Paul Bassey, the Veterans also mourned the passing of their pioneer member, veteran broadcaster, Fabio Lanipekun, barely four days after the celebration of his 80th birthday.
“Fabio was an institution in the Nigerian Broadcasting Industry with special bias for sports. Mention any major world sports event and Fabio would have covered it, from World Cups, Olympic Games, All Africa Games to mention but a few.
“His analytical mind, knowledge and retentive memory as regards major sports events and personae made his broadcast a delight to listen to.
“His death opened the floodgates of encomiums and tributes, especially from scores who benefitted from his tutelage and mentorship.
“Not many remember that he had stints with the print media, (was Group Sports Editor of Concord Newspapers) before venturing into electronic media, specifically Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) where he created waves and rose to the position of Manager, sports, before his retirement,” the statement added.
The Sports Veterans ended their tribute by praying God to give the Nigeria Sports Community and the bereaved families the fortitude to bear these “great losses.”
SPORTS
2028 Olympic Games Qualifier: Super Falcons to Discover Opponents Today
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will find out their opponents for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games women’s football qualifiers this week.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Tuesday that the draw for the African qualifying series will take place on Wednesday at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12 noon and will be streamed live on CAF TV.
A total of 35 national teams, including Super Falcons will participate in the qualifiers, which will be played over five rounds.
The other countries are; Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea.
Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe are the other countries that will take part in the qualifiers.
Two teams will earn Africa’s slots at the women’s football tournament of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Super Falcons and Copper Queens of Zambia represented the continent at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
SPORTS
LBHF Tournament Honours Edun at 70 with Thrilling Bouts
The Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) monthly tournament returns on Saturday, celebrating founder Wale Edun’s 70th birthday marked on Monday, April 20.
“This special edition honours our founder’s enduring legacy,” said Mr David Mohamed, LBHF Director, in a statement issued on Thursday.
The tournament will be held at Agege Stadium in Lagos State.
Founded in 2010 by Edun, LBHF is widely regarded as Nigeria’s and Africa’s longest-running amateur boxing tournament.
Until Tuesday, Edun was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, before resigning his post on health grounds.
“The initiative provides a platform for young boxers to train and gain exposure,” Mohamed said, noting its role in grassroots boxing development.
As a non-profit organisation, LBHF has nurtured talents who have achieved national and international success.
“This edition doubles as a tribute to Edun, whose vision has shaped many boxing careers,” Mohamed added.
Action begins with Fatade Juwon facing Abiodun Yusuf in the men’s 50kg category.
Tajudeen Yekini will then confront Adele Faruq in the 55kg division.
In the men’s 60kg category, Tajudeen Rasheed meets Ogunleye Aliazeem, while Mosuru Adedeji battles Innocent Prosper.
Exhibition bouts will feature Princess Adeola against Zainab Ibrahim in the women’s 28kg category, and Adeseye Kalid versus Saliu Razak in the men’s 34kg division.
The sole women’s main-card clash will see Oluwatoyin Amirat face Aminashaun Raheemo in the 48kg division.
Wahab Ramadan will meet Lawal Opeyemi in the men’s 70kg bout, before Makinde Mohamed faces Ibadiaro Idris in the 75kg category.
The event concludes with Lawal Mohammed against Oluwapo Oluwaseun in the men’s 80kg title bout.
Over the years, LBHF has developed talents like Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje, producing fighters who have represented Nigeria with distinction.
“This celebration reinforces our mission to sustain boxing as a pathway for young Nigerians,” Mohamed said.
SPORTS
Man City, Inter, Chelsea, Juventus Face Off in Hong Kong for Preseason
English and Italian football giants Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus will square up for pre-season friendlies in Hong Kong in August, the clubs announced yesterday.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, currently arm-wrestling Arsenal for the Premier League title, will take on Inter Milan on Saturday, August 1, spearheaded by their Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland.
The match will kick off the “Hong Kong Football Festival” at the city’s futuristic 50,000-seat Kai Tak stadium.
The gleaming arena opened a year ago, featuring a roof that can be closed and air-conditioning to combat the fierce summer heat and humidity in Hong Kong.
Chelsea will play Juventus on Wednesday August 5 to round off the mini-tournament.

