Solution FC of Anambra on Wednesday defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 in the ongoing Nigeria Federation/President Cup to end the Makurdi team journey in the competition.

The match played inside Enyimba International Stadium, Aba in Abia saw the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side exit the competition in the hand of Nigeria National League (NNL) team.

The first 45 minute ended goalless but Solution FC showed their intent to winning the match after the interval and their efforts was rewarded in the 51st minute through Emeka Oyuke.

Alexander Oche put the Makurdi team level in 78th minute, few minutes of his introduction to put smiles on the faces of their fans.

It was Solution FC that had the last laugh when Ahamefuna Chizoba restored the NNL team led on 85th minutes to send Lobi Stars packing.

Speaking after the match, Gabriel Ezema the Solution FC coach, said his team showed they are growing and that they can measure up in the NPFL.

The coach said the experience he acquired when he was with Rangers FC of Enugu for seven years help him a lot while playing against NPFL side.

Ezema said, “We have a good team and I just needed to transfer that experience and confidence in the players so that they can compete at the higher level.”

He said that Solution achieved something big by defeating Lobi Stars, describing the win as a good motivation for his team going into the second round of the NNL.

Speaking on their opponent NPFL position, he said that club performance in the match did not reflect their position on the league log.

“I think that Lobi Stars performance did not reflect their position in the ongoing Nigeria League because, they have a lot of experience, quality just that, things did not work out for them.

“Lobi had their moment in today’s match but they did not take it, just like we had ours and converted two, that is what football is all about,” Ezema said. (NAN)

No fewer than 350 golfers are set to slug it out for honours in the IBB International Golf and Country Club Lady Captain’s Cup 2025,  scheduled to hold from April 2 to April 6 in Abuja.

The Lady Captain’s Cup is a prestigious tournament that brings  high net worth individuals, business leaders, golf enthusiasts, and community supporters together.

The participants are expected to come together for a week of friendly competition, networking and extraordinary celebration of the achievements of the Ladies Golf Section under the leadership of the Lady Captain, Dame Julie Donli.

Donli told newsmen that the event would  offer an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate golfers, corporate and individual sponsors of the Ladies Golf Section and engage diverse audiences.

“It has been an incredible journey serving as the Lady Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club with our Theme for the Year : “Ladies Supporting Ladies .

“I have enjoyed the honour of leading an exceptional group of women who are committed to the advancement of golf and the well-being of our community.

“l am filed with gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared. Over the past year, we have accomplished so much together.

“We have hosted remarkable tournaments, expanding our membership, giving back to the community, developing infrastructure, and strengthening the legacy of the ladies Golf Section (LGS),” she said.

The lady captain noted that under her leadership, activities at the club had been vibrant and impactful with key highlights.

“Some of our highlights include a significant increase in the weekly Thursday Kitty participation, growing from 28 to over 190 players.

“Hosting of major tournaments, including the 26th IBB Ladies Amateur Golf Open Championship and 25th lBB Ladies Close Championship.

“Expansion of the Junior Open Championship, leading to two young Nigerian golfers earning World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).

“Completion of a four-unit toilet and storage facility at the Driving Range, enhancing club infrastructure.

“Sponsorship, mobilisation, strengthening financial sustainability as well as national and international engagements,” she said.

She expressed  appreciation to the sponsors, partners, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make the remarkable successes recorded in the committee possible.

She said their unwavering support had been instrumental to the success of the LGS 2024/2025 Committee.

She called on all participants to display the spirit of sportsmanship, adding that she would love to be remembered for being a lady captain who was committed to her job, dedicated, hardworking, and passionate.

“As we look forward to an exciting round of golf, championship Ball/Prize presentation for the next couple of days, I encourage all participants to embrace the spirit of fair play, friendship, and excellence.

“Together, we will continue to grow the game of golf and inspire even greater achievements as I look forward to a memorable event,” she said.

Omon Isemede, the Social Secretary, IBB Ladies Golf Section, said the LGS committee had lined up  series of exciting events for the week-long tournament.

“The first day which is April 2 is the Caddies Versus Ladies Competition because we intend to make it an  all-inclusive event, so we can’t leave out our caddies, including our pros, who will be playing on that day.

“We will also be having a CPR training for the caddies and ladies on that day because they are usually the first responders in the event of an emergency in the golf course.

“Thursday, April 3 will be the turn of the veterans /super veterans (men/ladies) competition as well as sickle cell anaemia enlightenment and awareness session.

“Category three  (men/ladies) 24.3 and above will be playing on Friday, while Saturday, April 5 will be the crremonial tee off with quite a number of dignitaries expected to grace the occasion.

“The ceremonial tee-off will be followed by category 2 players (men/ ladies) (handicap index (15.8-24.2) event.

“Sunday, April 6, which is the final day will see category 1 (0.5-15.7) players (men/ladies) as well as our sponsors slugging it out on the green with the dinner/ prize giving ceremony scheduled for 5:30 p.m.,” she said.

Isemede also revealed that the overall winner would be smiling home with a business class return ticket to London, courtesy of Air Peace.

The LGS committee  visited a motherless babies’ home in Gishiri,  shortly after the news  conference held at the club on Thursday (today).(NAN)

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has urged FCT athletes and coaches preparing for the 2025 National Sports Festival to strive for victory.

Wike made the call while receiving the Torch of Unity for the 22nd edition of the festival, scheduled for May 16 to May 30, 2025, in Ogun .

The symbolic torch was presented to the minister by  FCT athletes and officials of the National Sports Commission at his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

The presentation followed the official inauguration of the torch by President Bola Tinubu .

The minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Chidi Amadi, advised the athletes and coaches to train hard to achieve excellence and win many medals for the FCT.

He expressed the FCT Administration’s commitment to youths’ empowerment and the development of sports in the territory.

Wikw urged the athletes to go out there with   determination to excel.

“Go out there and come back with results.

“We will be here waiting to receive the laurels, as many as you can come back with,” he said.

Wike further encouraged the coaches to impart their knowledge and skills effectively to the athletes, promising that exceptional performances would be duly recognised.

The minister, while emphasising the role of the  festival in fostering national unity, commended the efforts of all stakeholders to make the festival a success.

He particularly commended Mr Abdullahi Ango, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Youth Development Secretariat and the members of the National Sports Commission, for the good work they had been  doing for a hitch-free sports festival.

The Director of Sports, FCTA, Luka Istifanus assured the minister of adequate preparation to ensure the success of  FCT athletes at the festival.

Isitianus also called on the athletes to strive for victory and bring pride to the FCT.

The Torch of Unity, a traditional symbol of the festival, representing Unity, strength and sportsmanship, will continue its journey from the FCT to all the 36 states of the federation.  (NAN)