SPORTS
Traditional Sports : President Commends Wrestlers for Placing Third in Senegal ECOWAS Tourney
Olomo Agbadabina, the president of Nigeria Traditional sports Federation, has commended five wrestlers of the federation, who represented the country at the 9th edition of the ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament in Dakar, Senegal.
Agbadabina told newsmen that, Nigeria finished third out of the 14 ECOWAS countries that participated in the tournament.
According to him, the federation chose the best wrestlers from all the six geopolitical zones, to represent the country in the three-day tournament.
” I’m very happy for the outstanding performance of our wrestlers, we came third position out of 14 ECOWAS countries that participated in the tournament.
“The invitation was very short, we thank God we came out successful, it was a three-day event, we went with five wrestlers and they all did well”, he said.
Agbadabina said they would strive to perform better in the next edition in 2022.
“It is an annual championship, we don’t know which country will host next year, the organizer from ECOWAS will inform us about the country that will host the next edition.
“Our wrestlers will do better than this position in the next edition in 2022, ” he said
He named the five wrestlers as : Bolton Sinivie, Progress Benson, Ekenekeme Agiomor, Usman Maharazu and Shafiu Lawal.
He noted that the organisation of the tournament was perfect, but that the major challenge they faced was communication because the country was French speaking.
The president added that they will organise more competitions at the zonal level and national championship to keep the wrestlers fit and ready for any International tournament.
NAN reports that the 9th edition of ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament, better known as TOLAC throughout the sub-region, was held in Dakar, Senegal, from Nov.3 to Nov.7.
The tournament, which was organised by the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC), was first adopted in November 986 by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
The first edition of the tournament was held in Niamey, Niger, in 2001, with the participation of three countries : Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. (NAN)
SPORTS
Alcohol, Animals, Others prohibited inside AFCON 2025 Stadiums
As anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football has released a list of items prohibited across all tournament stadiums.
According to the guidelines cited on CAF’s website on Monday, the rules are aimed at ensuring fan safety throughout the competition.
Fans attending AFCON 2025 matches in Morocco will be subjected to security screening.
They are advised not to bring prohibited items into stadiums to ensure safety, order and a smooth match-day experience.
Below is the list of items fans are advised to leave at home before entering AFCON stadiums:
Alcoholic beverages, Illegal substances and drugs, Weapons and sharp objects, Fireworks and pyrotechnics, Glass bottles or containers, Flammable materials, Racist, violent or discriminatory banners, Unauthorised political, religious or commercial signs, Drones and animals, Large umbrellas and oversized hats, Professional cameras and recording equipment, Musical instruments and loud horns, Radio-emitting devices (except mobile phones) and Heavy or large bags.
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SPORTS
Man City Still Work in Progress –Guardiola
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has disclosed that the team are still a work in progress following his expensive overhaul of the squad since last season.
The Spanish tactician made this known after the Citizens thrashed Crystal Palace 3-0 in Sunday’s Premier League game.
In a chat with the club’s website, Guardiola stated that the team are in a better position than last season.
“Many things we have to improve.
Madrid gave me a lot of things, that still we are not ready, not in mentality but in how to approach certain games. They are young some of the players. But 3-0 here is a big statement for us.“When you win in the past, you believe the past was perfect, always brilliant, always the red carpet.
When we won with 100 points, all the things we achieved, we had a lot of games like today. The resilience was part of that.“There are moments that you struggle. Madrid was not the perfect game, but it was a step. We fought unbelievably to achieve that.
“We are in a better position than last season. We are close in the competitions we are in.”
SPORTS
Palmer out for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup Quarter-final, Says Maresca
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer will not feature in the Blues’ Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City, head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
The match is set for Tuesday at 8 pm in the Welsh capital, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Palmer recently returned to action after a spell out with groin and toe injuries and scored in Chelsea’s weekend victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
However, Maresca, in his press conference on Monday, explained that the young forward is being carefully managed to avoid overexertion.
“I’ve already said many times in press conferences that we have many players who need to be protected. Cole is one of the players who deserves to be protected right now.
In this moment, he’s not available to play two games in three days. So, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game, but should be fine for the weekend,” Maresca said.The Chelsea coach also praised Cardiff City and their manager, Brian Murphy, highlighting the challenge the Blues will face:
“They are top of the league, playing nice football and winning games. I know Brian and know he is doing a good job. This will be a dangerous game for us, and we need to pay attention and be careful tomorrow. We have the opportunity to achieve something important, which is to reach the semi-final of this competition.”
Chelsea will hope to progress to the last four while keeping key players fresh for the Premier League schedule.

