SPORTS
NSSF Urges Governments to Intensify Efforts at Reviving Athletics in Schools
The Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) has urged governments at all levels to revive the athletics sport in secondary schools so as to develop future sports champions for the country.
Dickson Tinism, NSSF’s Vice President 1, made the call while speaking with journalists at the 2021 Maltina School Games on Thursday in Bauchi.
He said track and field sports, such as shot-put, high jump, running and long jump, among others, have been neglected in schools.
Tinism added that there was the need for governments at all levels to revive such sports by providing facilities and encouraging students to participate.
“The Maltina School Games has been an avenue for supporting an all-round development of young people through physical activities and sports across the country.
“We should be grateful to Maltina for organising such a competition to complement government efforts in sports activities.”
Tinism, who is also the Adamawa State Coordinator of NSSF, explained that the Maltina School Games platform was carefully designed to promote the development of children.
“From improving their social and leadership skills to bettering their well-being through sports, the Games have well designed.
“Sports and education have been veritable instruments of lifting millions out of poverty and for Maltina, with its School Games initiative, more people will enjoy the results.
“The platform is getting the needed attraction that will further aid the development of talents in the country,” he said.
On his part, Mikhail Adamu, a Director in the Bauchi State Ministry of Youth and Sports, commended the efforts of Maltina in encouraging the young students.
“Maltina has played its part by creating a talent expressive platform for young boys and girls to develop themselves.
“This is unlike in my days, when we only participated in inter-house sports and occasionally in invitational school relay races.
“This platform from Maltina is one that will open the doors for more opportunities for young athletes in the country, “ he said.
Chiamaka Kingsley, a student at Central Junior Secondary School Alkaleri, said the competition has motivated her and others to continue with sports.
“I got a medal from the 400 metres competition, and I am overwhelmed because this is my first time. This is the beginning and I will not relent,” she said.
Kingsley also called on government to provide school sports facilities and organise competitions among schools to get the best athletes among the young ones.
The overall best athletes of the Maltina School Games would be announced after compilation of the results.
Meanwhile, three schools emerged winners of the parade.
The first winners, Divine International School, got a cash prize of N500,000, and the second winners were Sa’adu Zungur Secondary School who got N300,000.
The third winners were Adamu Jumba Junior School who got N200,000.(NAN)
Nasarawa United Football Club of Lafia on Saturday defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 1-0 in a pulsating North Central derby.
The matchday 16 fixture of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premiere Football League (NPFL) was played at the Lafia Township Stadium, Nasarawa State capital.
The Makurdi side had adopted the Lafia Township Stadium as their home ground for the 2024/2025 NPFL season.
The only goal of the match was scored by Qamar Adegoke in the 12th minute of the match to give all three points to the Lafia side.
Adegoke’s goal, who joined the Lafia team recently, was his second in four matches.
The Nasarawa attacker capitalised on a defensive error by the opponent’s backline and hit the back of the net to give Nasarawa United the advantage.
In a post-match interview, Kabir Dogo, Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United, hailed his players for taking all three points.
He explained that his team had improved by scoring five goals in their last three matches and expressed optimism that they would do better in subsequent games.
“We had a problem in the area of goal scoring in the past, but this has changed in our last three games,” he said.
With the win, Nasarawa United climbed to 14th on the NPFL table, while Lobi Stars remain on 17th position. (NAN)
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is organising a two-day National Coaching Seminar, with the theme: “Leadership and Management Skills”.
The event will take place from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18, at the Additional Sports and Entertainment (ASEP) Pro Limited, in Mowe, Ogun State.
The seminar will enhance the capabilities of Nigerian table tennis coaches, with a particular emphasis on female coaches, aligning with the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF) Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Initiative.
A statement issued by the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, on Tuesday, said that the seminar was part of the one-week sports and leadership boot camp titled “Awaken the Giant, She Can 4.
0,” proudly supported by NTTF.“This seminar will also represent the third stage of the 2024 “My Gender, My Strength” programme, which has table tennis star Abosede Akinsete, as a beneficiary.
“NTTF President,Tikon Ishaku, Vice President, Adesoji Tayo, and other board members are dedicated to initiatives that support the development of coaches.
“Wahid Enitan-Oshodi, ITTF Executive Vice President, and President of ITTF-Africa, reaffirms his commitment to empowering women in sports, in line with the GEDI Initiative.
He explained that the seminar would feature people, who would speak on leadership and management skills, to enhance the abilities of coaches to identify and develop talents, as well as encourage the development of high-performance table tennis players capable of competing globally. (NAN)
Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt on Sunday returned to the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) summit as strong rivals Remo Stars FC faltered on Match Day 13.
Report says that Rivers United beat visiting Abia Warriors of Umuahia 1-0 after an Ndifreke Effiong 58th minute goal from the penalty kick spot.
Effiong’s goal in the match at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium helped them to move to 25 points from 13 matches, after seven wins, four draws and two losses.
Former leaders Remo Stars dropped to second with 23 points from 13 matches after seven wins, two draws and four losses, following a 0-2 loss to hosts Katsina United.
Plateau United of Jos beat visiting Nasarawa United of Lafia 2-0 to bolster their position.
Shooting Stars Sports Club also struggled to a 1-0 win over visiting Bayelsa United of Yenago.
A 15th minute goal by Anthony Okachi at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan gave them the win.
El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri had on Saturday beaten Akwa United of Uyo 1-0 to move into third place on the table with 22 points from 13 games.
Enyimba International of Aba remained in fourth place with 20 points from 12 matches, with their week 13 game against Sunshine Stars of Akure on hold.
Rangers International of Enugu are in fifth place with 20 points also, after a goalless draw with hosts Heartland FC ain Owerri on Saturday.
Bendel Insurance of Benin had also beaten Kwara United of Ilorin 3-1, while Lobi Stars of Makurdi drew 2-2 with visiting Kano Pillars in Lafia.
NAN reports that the league will enter Match Day 14 on Wednesday.(NAN)
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