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Chess Foundation inducts former Chief of Naval Staff Ayinla into hall of fame

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Vice Admiral Jubril Ayinla plays with 9-year-old Michelle Nwankwo

Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) on Monday honoured one of the pioneers of the game in Nigeria, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jubril Ayinla rtd.

into the federation’s Hall of Fame.

The award, which held in Lekki, Lagos State, was part of activities marking the 2023 Nigeria National Chess Championships.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ayinla was inducted alongside other chess greats such as Mr Emmanuel Omuku, Mrs Etokowo Ime, Mr Obafunmilayo Agusto, Mr Tajudeen Oyeneyin and the founder of Chess Federation in Nigeria, Dr Sylvanus Ebigwe.

Responding, Ayinla, former Minister of Health and former Minister of Commerce Trade and Tourism described chess as his life.
“Chess is my life, and I still played chess before coming to the ceremony today. We started playing chess from a basement where there was no light. Chess is a passion and part of life.
“I left chess sometimes because my boss, the then Head of State, thought I was paying more attention to chess than my military assignments. Otherwise, I couldn’t have become a Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
“I know of my colleague who spent eight years in the university instead of four. I also taught all my children chess but my wife stopped them from playing because of me,” he said.
Ayinla said playing chess had contributed much to his progress and endeavours in life, and advised that chess should be made a compulsory subject in schools.
“Chess has been my life and has affected everything I do in life. So, kudos to those that have chess clubs in their schools.
“Chess is maths, science and art all rolled into one. So, what we learnt in chess, no one can teach. The aspect of life chess introduces is much to be desired.
“Some of the successes in my career were due to the fact that I played chess, it shows in the way I used to plan my war games and other aspects of military life.
“I will recommend chess to all parents, infact, chess should be taught in all schools especially primary and secondary schools. I will continue to give part of my life to chess sponsorships,” he said.
NAN reports that the event also had in attendance former champions such as Mr Fola Akintola, Arc Theophilus Caiafas, Mr Rotimi Dasaolu, Mrs Bunmi Olape and Odion Aikhoje.
The dignitaries at the event included the President of NCF, DIG Sani Usman rtd, Vice President, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Secretary, Mrs Olabowale Alebiosu and Technical Director, Mr Bode Durotoye.
NAN also reports that the 2023 Nigeria National Chess Championships will feature 12 players. (NAN)

SPORTS

Tinubu Hails Super Falcons for Winning 10th WAFCON Title

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons on their triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they clinched a record 10th continental title.The Nigerian team staged a dramatic comeback on Saturday night in Rabat, Morocco, defeating the hosts 3-2 in front of a passionate home crowd to lift the trophy.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the team’s performance as a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of Nigerians.

Tinubu said, “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.

”“With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you,” he added.

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Okoye Banned over Betting Scandal

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Udinese and Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month ban by the Italian Football Federation following a high-profile betting scandal linked to a match against Lazio during the 2023/2024 season.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper was found guilty of sporting misconduct after allegations emerged that he deliberately sought a yellow card during the league match against Lazio.

The suspicious booking triggered an investigation into abnormal betting patterns related to that specific incident.

According to a statement from the FIGC, Okoye was accused of intentionally committing an act that led to his caution in order to influence betting outcomes.

The case has raised fresh concerns over the integrity of players’ conduct and the growing influence of illegal betting syndicates on professional football.

Following a thorough disciplinary inquiry, the FIGC’s National Federal Tribunal officially confirmed its decision on Tuesday, announcing that Okoye would serve a two-month ban from all official matches.

The ban will commence from the first official game of the 2025/2026 season.

The court statement, issued by the Disciplinary Section of the National Federal Tribunal, read, “The National Federal Tribunal, Disciplinary Section, definitively ruling, imposes on Emil Maduka Okoye the sanction of two (2) months of disqualification in official matches, starting from the beginning of the first official competition of the 2025/2026 sporting season.”

This ruling means Okoye will miss six competitive matches, including Udinese’s season opener in the Coppa Italia against Carrarese on August 18, as well as the first five Serie A fixtures.

He will become eligible for selection again from October 19 when Udinese face newly promoted Cremonese away from home.

The outcome has sparked debate across both Italy and Nigeria, especially given Okoye’s national team status.

It also adds to growing scrutiny on the actions of players involved in controversial betting-related misconduct in recent years.

Okoye, who previously served as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and played at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, has not yet publicly commented on the ruling.

He has struggled to regain his top form since that tournament and faced criticism for inconsistent performances. The suspension now places further doubt on his chances of reclaiming a regular starting role at both club and international level.

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Ayra Starr, NBA Star for Giants of Africa Festival

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Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr and LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard have been added to the list of stars for the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2.

Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment.

Ayra Starr will perform at the festival’s closing concert on August 2, joining a powerhouse line-up that includes Afrobeats stars Kizz Daniel and Timaya.

Additionally, local Rwandan artist Alyn Sano is now set to perform at the festival’s inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show on July 31.

Launching a week of unforgettable music moments, the festival’s exhilarating opening show on July 27 will feature performances by South African DJ phenomenon Uncle Waffles and MTV VMA-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver. Rwandan stars Kevin Kade, Ruti Joël, Boukuru and Chriss Easy will also perform on the opening weekend.

Two-time NBA champion Leonard has also been added to the Giants of Africa Festival 2025’s all-star line-up.

The LA Clippers forward will mentor youth campers, open a new basketball court in partnership with Giants of Africa at St Ignatius School, and host a special clinic for 50 local youth at Club Rafiki in one of Kigali’s most underserved districts.

Additional celebrity guests appearing throughout the week include Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe, and more.

Giants of Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, founded by basketball executive and former player Masai Ujiri.

Ujiri recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America to discuss how the festival unites communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.

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