SPORTS
SWAN says Media Deserves Better Working Conditions at 20th NSF

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has advised Nigeria’s sports authorities to always consider and treat the media as a key player in the development and promotion of sports.
SWAN, in the communique of its National Convention held in Benin on Thursday, decried the media working conditions at the ongoing festival and said they hampered its members’ work.
The convention was held on the sidelines of the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged “Edo 2020”.
The Association, an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), noted the deplorable condition of the festival’s Media Centre and said it could have been better.
The convention, presided over by the SWAN National President, Ahmed Aigbona, urged the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development to always insist on the provision of required facilities.
“It is important to ensure the required facilities are provided for the games as it relates to the media, because sports is a media event and the media is needed for both its development and promotion,” the communique added.
The Convention however commended the Edo government for its determination and efforts in ensuring that the 20th NSF is taking place in spite of the challenges it had encountered.
It particularly praised the state government for the excellent sports facilities put in place, and urged for more support for it to sustain the momentum of sports development in the state.
SWAN also applauded the Federal Government for its quick intervention in the financial crisis which was almost marring the NSF.
NAN reports that the 2021 National Convention had National Executive Council members, Chairmen and Secretaries of various state chapters and several association elders in attendance.
The Convention is a requirement of the SWAN Statutes and it is held at the venue of every NSF, with all available sports writers expected to attend.
Its communique was signed by Abdulwaheed Adubi, Lucky Isibor and Mike Oboh, the association’s Secretary-General.(NAN)
SPORTS
Tottenham Interested in Crystal Palace’s Eze

Tottenham FC are exploring a deal for Crystal Palace and England forward Eberechi Eze.
Thomas Frank is looking to bolster his options in the final third after attacking midfielder James Maddison was ruled out for the majority of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
South Korea forward Son Heung-min left the club after 10 years earlier this month having scored 173 goals in 454 appearances, while midfielder Dejan Kulusevski is still out after knee surgery.
Thus Eze has scored 14 goals across all competitions for Palace last season, including in their 1-0 win against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
The 27-year-old made his England debut in 2023 and has won 11 caps for the Three Lions, including three appearances at Euro 2024.
Tottenham are also in talks with Manchester City over a move for Savinhobut multiple sources have indicated that Eze is now emerging as a player of serious interest for Spurs.
There is no confirmation whether Tottenham will look to progress with deals for both Brazil winger Savinho and Eze.
Arsenal also have an interest in Eze but are currently looking at trying to move players on, with the likes of Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira set to leave.
However, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham’s active interest in Eze results in Arsenal accelerating a move for the England international.
Eze joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers in a deal worth £19.5m in 2020 and has scored 40 goals in 168 appearances.
His contract at Selhurst Park is due to expire in the summer of 2027.
ReplyReply allForwardAdd reaction |
SPORTS
Liverpool Stepping up bid to Sign Palace’s Guehi

Liverpool are stepping up their attempts to sign Crystal Palace and England center-back Marc Guehi.
Palace captain Guehi has a year left on his contract, but Chairman Steve Parish said earlier this week he could be sold this summer to avoid him moving on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.
Sources have said that Liverpool have held initial talks with a view to signing the 25-year-old before the summer transfer window shuts.
Liverpool are also trying to sign Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni.
The 18-year-old Italian is not seen as a potential rival for Guehi but more as one for the future.
Guehi was the subject of bids worth up to £65m from Newcastle last year.
The FA Cup winners are believed to want £40m for him now, but Liverpool want to pay less than that.
The Reds have already spent about £270m this summer, though they have recouped about £170m through player sales.
They have also had a £110m bid for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle, though sources have said the Swede remains determined to move to Anfield.
Signing Guehi and Isak would take Liverpool’s summer spending above £400m.
SPORTS
Finals of Gov. Peter Mbah Secondary Schools Games Begin in Enugu

The finals of Gov. Peter Mbah Secondary Schools Games, on Thursday began in Enugu with the arrival and accreditation of athletes at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu.
Dan Onwuegbuna, Director, Information, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Enugu State, said in a statement on Thursday that the games would be held between Aug.
7 and Aug. 10 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the Enugu State Sports Council.“The games is designed to help the state discover talents to represent the state at the forthcoming U15 National Youth Games scheduled to take place in Asaba, Delta, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 6,” he stated.
Onwuegbuna said that apart from representing the state at the Youth Games in Asaba, talented athletes discovered would represent the state in other competitions.
He quoted the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu as thanking Gov. Peter Mbah for approving the games.
Onwuegbuna said that the games was made possible following the collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the state Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB).
The games finals followed the outcome of the inter- Secondary Schools competitions held at the local government areas in the six Educational Zones in the State – Enugu, Agbani, Awgu, Udi, Nsukka and Udenu.
“The games will feature athletics, boxing, chess, basketball, volleyball, football, tennis and scrabble,” Onwuegbuna stated.