Channel 2 Group appointed as ICC’s audio rights partner for all events from 2016-2023

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced that Channel 2 Group has been appointed as its global audio rights partner after it acquired exclusive audio rights for all ICC events from 2016 to 2023.

Under the terms of the agreement, Channel 2 Group will have global FM and AM rights, including exclusive distribution and sub-licensing rights for all the 17 ICC Events in the 2016-2023 period, starting with this month’s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh through to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

As part of ICC’s strategy to promote, popularise and expand the reach of its tournaments, the English transmission of its licensees will also be available on ICC’s website and mobile application.

The 17 ICC Events to be staged over the eight-year period include ICC World Twenty20 2016 and 2020, ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and 2021, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and 2023, ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 and 2021, standalone ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2018 and 2022, ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 and 2020, ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2019 and ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.

Under the agreement, Channel 2 Group will provide live audio commentary at the ICC World Twenty20, ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Cricket World Cup via its sub-licensees in key cricket territories. For all other events, the coverage will be a mix of live commentary for select matches and regular live updates.

Commenting on the partnership, ICC General Manager – Commercial, Campbell Jamieson, said: “This newest partnership will ensure expanded reach of ICC events, especially in territories where radio broadcasts are still popular.”

“Channel 2 Group has been involved in cricket for a long time during which it has provided excellent live coverage. Its proven record means fans following the ICC events over ICC’s digital platforms or radio channels can continue to enjoy and remain an active part of the spectacle even if they are not at the ground or in front of their television screens.

“The fact that this is an eight-year partnership also means there will be a greater degree of consistency across all our major events, which is in keeping with the ICC commercial philosophy of generating product quality and commercial value over a longer time period.”

Ajay Sethi, Chairman of Channel 2 Group Corporation, said: “We are delighted that through this partnership our group can reach out to millions of cricket lovers. We are dedicated to growing the game and this partnership is a step in that direction.

“Over the last eight years, Cricket Radio has strengthened its position as a world class provider of live audio coverage and this long term partnership will help us build on that success. As fans of the game, we really want to use the medium to drive the game to the masses and beyond, especially through our digital offering.”

FEI WORLD CUP™ DRIVING 2015/2016: VOUTAZ CAUSES SWISS SENSATION IN LEIPZIG, BUT EXELL CAN’T BE BEATEN

After an amazing competition in which all odds were open, Swiss driver Jérôme Voutaz caused a huge sensation by finishing second behind Boyd Exell (AUS) in the seventh and last Leg of the FEI World Cup™ Driving in Leipzig. The result saw Voutaz claim a last-minute qualifying spot for the Final in Bordeaux, France on 6 and 7 February.

Exell was in top form again in Leipzig where the crowd were simply amazing. Germany’s Dr. Wolfgang Asendorf had laid out a technical and fast course in which he ensured that the slippery bridge of the first competition on Friday evening was amended to secure the safety of the horses and the drivers. “I have watched the events that I didn’t attend on television, and I knew that the teams were all very fit. Eight out of the ten World Cup drivers competed here and I wanted to bring a bit more technicality into the course as well as speed to please the spectators,” said Asendorf.

Christian Ahlmann of the Driving

Exell flew through the course and put down two excellent clear rounds, securing his fifth win of this season. He has competed in six of the seven legs and has won five of them, which puts him in the box seat for Bordeaux. Exell is sometimes called the ‘Christian Ahlmann of the Driving’ as he wins very often, just like the Germany showjumping rider.

He won a Longines watch for the first time in his career today. “This is the first watch I have ever won in the 15 years that I am competing, I really happy with it!,” said the Australian who actually did not want to go so fast, but who said his horses forced him to.

“My horses accelerated so much, their speed was too high. I know from experience that I then better not interfere with them. Michael Freund always told me to let them run, but it does take years to get the confidence to do so from the start of the course”, Exell explained.

He gave his horses two weeks holiday after the last leg in Mechelen, Belgium and could feel that they were very fit again, both physically and mentally.

Clear goal

Jérôme Voutaz had a clear goal today. “I knew that I had a chance to enter the Top Six for the Final, but I never dreamt it would go like this. My goal in the first round was to drive fast and clear and I was very happy that it worked out, especially because it did not go so well for me in the first competition”, he said.

He drove his Swiss Freiberg horses very carefully in the first round, and qualified for the Winning Round with Exell and Germany’s Rainer Duen. So even before the winning round, Voutaz already knew he was qualified for the final, as Exell and Duen had wild cards and could not claim any points.

The difference between Voutaz and Duen was only 0,41 penalty points and Voutaz went for it, trying to put the pressure on the German. “Even though I knew I was in the Final already, I wanted to drive clear”, Voutaz said afterwards. The Swiss man, who is an amateur driver, left the arena with one knockdown, creating some more space for Duen.

Young team

Rainer Duen had already finished his World Cup season for points and competed in Leipzig with a wild card. The driver from Minden in Germany wanted to proove himself and went for it from the start. He nearly missed the Winning Round when he touched a ball on the last cones gate, but luckily the ball stayed on, much to the amusement and delight of the 7,500 spectators who witnessed the exciting competition.

In the Winning Round, Duen was unable to stay ahead of Voutaz when he knocked two balls down, but he was nevertheless pleased with his performance. “I am very happy, especially because this is a young team. One of my leader horses has not competed in World Cup competitions before this season, and I borrowed the wheeler horses. The first round went really well for me but I did feel the pressure in the Winning Round”, he admitted.

Boyd Exell on his way to secure his fifth victory of this season. Photo: FEI/Karl-Heinz Frieler)

All about speed

Germany’s Michael Brauchle finished fourth today in the sold out arena at Partner Pferd. The reigning European Champion only had to finish in the first round to secure his starting ticket for the Final. Dutch driver Koos de Ronde came fifth, but as Leipzig was his fourth competition for points, this was his drop score and this did not affect his starting spot for the Final.

Hungary’s József Dobrovitz jr. had a fair chance to enter the Top Six but had one knockdown and was not fast enough so he dropped to the sixth place, which wasn’t sufficient to make the cut for the Final. Unfortunately both father and son József Dobrovitz will therefore not start in Bordeaux this year.

Third wild card driver, Germany’s Georg von Stein, finished seventh to clinch the sixth and last place for the Final. However young Belgian driver Glenn Geerts finished eighth in Leipzig, and has not gathered enough points.

In the end, it was all about speed in Leipzig and this will be the case until 2023 as the Organizer signed an agreement with the Leipziger Messe to keep hosting the spectacular and immensely popular Driving competitions.

Transfer Round Up For January 18th 2016

Done deals:

– Norwich sign Switzerland defender Timm Klose from Wolfsburg on contract until summer of 2019.

– Atalanta have completed the signing of Albanian international Berat Djimsiti from FC Zurich.

– Watford have confirmed the signing of Nordin Amrabat from Malaga.

– Emiliano Insua joins Newell’s Old Boys on loan from Udinese.

Today’s reports and rumours:

– Wilfried Bony is not leaving Manchester City this month, according to his agent Francis Kacou.

Simon Mignolet, Liverpool FC Goalkeepr
photo credit: Dudek1337
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode

– Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet signs new contract until 2021.

– Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin says he is confident goalkeeper David de Gea is “fully committed” to the club.

– Napoli are reportedly close to sealing a deal for Atalanta midfielder Alberto Grassi.

– Newcastle are set to launch an £18 million bid for West Brom striker Saido Berahino,according to reports.

– Empoli sporting director Marcello Carli confirms Roma and Fiorentina are interested in Lorenzo Tonelli.

Ezequiel Lavezzi
photo credit: Football.ua
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode

– Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing PSG forward Ezequiel Lavezzi.

– Fiorentina directors are in Barcelona to finalise a loan move for Cristian Tello, according to reports.

– Wolfsburg will make a move to sign Schalke full-back Sead Kolasinac in the summer, according to Bild.

– Inter Milan have confirmed that they have reached a mutual agreement with Nemanja Vidic to terminate the Serbian centre-back’s contract.

– Sunderland winger Jeremain Lens has insisted he is going nowhere amid speculation that he could leave
the club this month.

– Jonathan Calleri’s father confirms the Boca Juniors striker won’t join Inter, but Palermo are an option.

– Watford in talks with Sunderland over deal to sign goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, according to Sky Sports Sources.

– AC Milan winger Alessio Cerci has reportedly been given the go-ahead to join Genoa, and will have a medical tomorrow.

– Leeds defender Sam Byram will not be joining Everton, according to reports.

– According to L’Équipe, Sunderland will make an offer for Marseille defensive midfielder Alaixys Romao today.

– According to reports, Reims, Lorient and Caen are all interested in signing Troyes’s winger Jimmy Cabot.

– Watford are in advanced negotiations for the signing of Rennes midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré, according to reports in France.

– Liverpool are weighing up a move to bring QPR goalkeeper Robert Green to Anfield, according to reports.

– Inter full-back Dodo has reportedly accepted a loan move to Sampdoria.

– The agent of Fiorentina striker Nikola Kalinic admits “since the winter break he hasn’t played like before”.

– Hull City manager Steve Bruce admits he is “desperate” to permanently sign Arsenal loanee Isaac Hayden.

– Torino President Urbano Cairo wants to hold on to Nikola Maksimovic “at least until the end of the season”.

– According to reports in Germany, Wolfsburg are interested in signing Juventus striker Simone Zaza.

– Roma made an approach for Inter defender Juan Jesus but were rejected, according to reports.

– Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has hinted that striker Andrej Kramaric could be heading out on loan this month.

– According to reports, Torino are close to signing Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.

Ramires
photo credit: Warrenfish – Operă proprie
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode

– Borussia Dortmund are reportedly interested in Chelsea midfielder Ramires.

– Arsenal have ended their interest in Dinamo Moscow forward Aleksandr Kokorin, according to the Russian club’s former sporting director.

– Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl has said he has no plan to leave amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester City.

– According to reports, Chelsea are considering a quick Alexandre Pato swoop after Diego Costa injury.

– Juventus striker Alvaro Morata will not be sold to Real Madrid, according to the Italian club’s director general Giuseppe Marotta.

Football tit bits:

– Chris Smalling feels Wayne Rooney’s revival at Manchester United owes much to Louis van Gaal’s decision to drop him against Stoke City.

– Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness is to be released from jail on February 29, 21 months into a three- and-a-half-year prison sentence for tax evasion.

Lionel Messi
credit: hy.wikipedia.org

– Barcelona have said tests on Lionel Messi’s injury he sustained at the weekend have come back with “great
news” regarding his fitness.

Barca said in a statement on Monday: “Medical tests on striker Lionel Messi this Monday morning have revealed great news. It turns out that the Argentinian has not got a hamstring injury and has just taken a bit of a knock. It is uncertain whether or not he will be available for future matches, but there is nothing major to worry about.”

– Colin Kazim-Richards has been suspended for two weeks by Feyenoord for threatening a journalist.

– Stoke City Chairman Peter Coates has condemned those Stoke City supporters who subjected Aaron Ramsey to shameful chants in relation to the broken leg the Arsenal midfielder suffered at the Britannia Stadium six years ago.

Paul Ayorinde

Lagos SWAN invites 27 players for All Stars friendly

The coaching crew of the Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has invited twenty seven players to camp for a friendly match against Lagos All Stars billed for Saturday January 23 at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Topping the list of the invited players are: Goalkeeper Ladi Egbedire (Silverbird TV), captain Wale Joseph (The Tribune), Raymond Nwaduba (SportsDay) Kalu Emmanuel (NTA), Wale Ajose (Complete Sports) Gift George (NTA), Femi Obong Daniel (Cool/Wazobia FM), Henry Esabunefe (SportsDay) and with Sean Amadi (Brila FM).

All players are to report from the two training sessions billed for Wednesday and Friday (8-10 am) at the SWAN Secretariat.

According to Coach Tobi Emmanuel (New Telegraph), all players are to confirm their availability for the match with the Team Manager, Ayo Bada (The Niche). New players are also welcomed.

Lagos SWAN Team

FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Ladi Egbedire (Silverbird TV), Kunle Shokoya (Complete Sports) and Shina Oludare (Goal.com), Dele Ojo (The Sun)

Defenders: Wale Joseph (The Tribune), Raymond Nwaduba (SportsDay) Kalu Emmanuel (NTA), Wale Ajose (Complete Sports), Bolarinwa (Cool/Waziobia), Jerome Obunita (SportsDay).

Midfielders: Gift George (NTA), Femi Obong Daniel (Cool/Wazobia FM), Babatunde Alao(Complete Sports), Johnny Edward(Complete Sports), Tunde Oyedele (eyeonthesports.com), Enitan Obadina (MasterSports), Eddy Archibong (Mitv), David Chukwu (NTA), Wole Opatola (Mudial Sports), Wale Sanusi (SuperSport), Austin Okon-Akpan (Channels TV).

Strikers: Henry Esabunefe (SportsDay) Sean Amadi (Brila FM), Kayode Ogundare (Complete Sports), Jimmie Akinsola (Beat 99.9 FM), Francis Ore SuperSport).

Classy Super Eagles Wallop Niger’s Menas in CHAN Opener

Chikatara Hat trick, And Okoro goal seals it for the eagles…,

Nigeria’s Super Eagles B’ Team got their CHAN 2016 campaign off to a flying start with a 3-1 mauling of the Mena ’s of Niger Republic. Nigeria’s Jamiu Alimi was booked in the 9th minute and Coach Sunday Oliseh made a tactical substitution in the 15 minute.

Nigeria’s enterprising winger Prince Aggrey who three players waiting in the 6 yard box decided to go for goal but his shot was saved by Niger goalkeeper.

The Super Eagles B team launched wave after wave of attacks through the flanks through Aggrey on the left and Okoro on the right but the Eagles kept on falling for the offside trap which was used effectively by the boys from Niger.

41st minute The Niger team finally with their first shot on target, calmly picked up by Nigerian Goalkeeper Ezenwa.

The second half ended all square. But Nigeria Coach Sunday Oliseh must have fired up his wards in the dressing room because barely 30 seconds into the second half Striker Tunde Adeniji pulled out a cross which was exquisitely finished off by number 17 jersey Moses Okoro.

Coach Sunday Oliseh made an inspired substitution in the 58th minute of the when he brought on Chisom Chikatara to replace Tunde Adeniji In the 58 minute.

Nigeria’s final substitution was made in the 70th minute when Muhammed Usman came on to replace Ibenegbu. Three minute after it was time for Impact sub Chisom Chikatara to score Nigeria’s 2nd goal and his first of the night in the 73rd minute with an assist from Moses Okoro.

The Mena’s of Niger came out fighting and Sub Zakari Adebayor scored a cracker of a shot from in the 80th minute to reduce the two goal advantage of the Super Eagles B. Barely were the Niger fans giving a chance to savour the Adebayor goal when Chisom Chikatara restored Nigeria’s 2 goal cushion with a another fine assist from Moses Okoro.

Chikatara once again went on rampage and after missing two chances the Abia Warriors man completed his hat trick in the 90th minute with help from sunshine Stars forward Prince Aggrey.

Chikatara named Orange MOTM @NGSuperEagles #Chikataratooktheball #CHAN2016 pic.twitter.com/VE30bal25y

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2016

Chikatara was voted Orange Man Of The Match and with his display it will be difficult for the coach to bench him when the Nigerians play Tunisia in the next Group C game on the 22nd of January.

Final Score Was Nigeria 4-1 Niger, earlier Tunisia and Guinea had played out a 2-2 draw also at the Stade De Kigali, Nigeria now top Group C with Tunisia and Guinea both tied in second place and Niger at the bottom of the Group C log.

Nigeria Starting XI : Ezenwa, Nasiru Jibril (C), Alimi, Eze, Etim, Ifeanyi, Ibenegbu, Onobi, Aggreh, Adeniji, Osas, Orji, Chikatara, Usman.

Despite Challenges, NFF Determined, Focused – Sanusi

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said on Monday that the Federation remains focused and determined to take Nigeria football to new heights despite a number of challenges, mostly financial.

The seasoned administrator celebrated 10 months in office as NFF General Secretary on Monday, and told thenff.com that, “though the road has been a little rough, our utmost determination and commitment to foisting a new, brilliant dawn on Nigeria football remains unshaken.”

In his 10 months in office, Sanusi has gladly received three major trophies, viz the African Youth Championship, FIFA U-17 World Cup and Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, as well as celebrated the U-23 team’s qualification for the Olympics and bronze medal at the All-Africa Games, the Super Eagles B’s qualification for the African Nations Championship, the U-20 girls’ qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the Super Eagles progress in the 2018 FIFA World Cup race.

“We have had so much to celebrate, thanks be to God Almighty. But we have also had a lot of challenges along the way.

“Most of the challenges have been financial. We have had relative peace to do our work, and everyone knows that peace facilitates progress.

“However, we must commend the Federal Government for its financial and moral support which has really helped us succeed in our programs. We appreciate that the Government has so many other key areas to expend resources on, such as infrastructure, roads, health, education, agriculture, safety and security, et cetera. So, several establishments have to find ways of improving their sources of funding.”

Sanusi explained that the need to increase revenue streams informed the NFF’s aggressive marketing approach and initiatives to attract corporate support.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi

“We cannot sit down and expect Government to do everything; that would be unwise. The NFF has gone into serious marketing in order to relief Government of a bit of the responsibilities.

“We are also proud of our efforts in helping to keep the young ones off the streets and away from social vices. Football provides an exciting platform and opportunities for the youth and this has blossomed under the Amaju Pinnick administration. The road may be rough, but we have robust determination and are well –prepared to confront and conquer all challenges.”

Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: US Based Nigerian doctors join Volunteer team

The February 6, 2016, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is not just attracting international elite marathoners, athlete managers and journalists, many Nigerians in diaspora are showing interest, and the latest are two Nigerian doctors practicing in the United States of America.

Dr. Blessing Fadaka and Dr. Nurudeen Lawal are coming to Lagos to work as volunteers during the Lagos City Marathon, first full marathon in Nigeria in 30 years.

Both Fadaka and Lawal believe that volunteering during the marathon is just one way of giving back to Nigeria, a country that gave them so much,

Said Lawal, “I’m a trained Nigerian physician in internal medicine and cardiology who happens to be working in the USA,

“My medical training in Nigeria was mostly tuition free and my goal in life is to take any opportunity to contribute to the development of Nigeria hence I offer my services where needed’’.

Dr Blessing Fadaka

Lawal who learnt about the marathon from Fadaka decided to volunteer because as a firm believer in physical fitness, he believed that contributing in any way to encourage the culture of running or fitness is good.

“A large program like this will attract people with varying degree of fitness. I hope to offer assistance in emergency health services especially as an advanced trainer and practitioner in cardio pulmonary resuscitation in an unlikely instance of such need arising. I will also make my services available in any form the organizing committee might deem it fit.’’ Said Lawal

Abia Warriors declare Obanor AWOL

Premier league hopefuls, Abia Warriors football club of Umuahia said one of its dependable players, Erhun Obanor has disappeared without any official permission from the club.

The Chairman of the club, Chief Emeka Inyama, who revealed this in Umuahia said the former Bendel Insurance of Benin defender has not been seen in Umuahia since the players resumed camping after the Christmas and New Year break while he has refused to pick his calls.

He said such an attitude was unbecomingly of a player who is still under a valid contract.

The chairman reminded clubs that may possibly be fraternizing with the former Nigeria U-23 captain of the consequences of their action insisting that the left-footed player is not for sale.

“Even if he wants to leave, the proper procedure for the transfer of players in the international market must be followed”, Inyama said.

Erhun Obanor

The chairman restated Abia Warriors’ willingness to go for the league title this season, pointing out that his management will not allow any member of staff, player or technical crew to derail this ambition.

Real Madrid Manager Zidane On Gareth Bale Injury: ‘Hope It Is A Small One’

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said he is “hopeful” Gareth Bale’s latest calf injury is not too serious after the Wales international scored but then limped out of Sunday’s 5-1 La Liga win over Sporting Gijon at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Gareth Bale opened the scoring with his 11th goal in his last eight games with a header just seven minutes in and was heavily involved as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both notched quick doubles as Madrid went 5-0 ahead before the break. The Wales international did not make it to out for the second half, however, as he appeared to suffer another calf muscle problem, while Benzema was also substituted during the second half after suffering a bang on his ankle in an accidental collision with teammate James Rodriguez.

Gareth Bale
photo credit: Football.ua
http:::creativecommons.org:licenses:by-sa:3.0:legalcode

Asked about the injuries at his postgame news conference, the Los Blancos coach said Benzema appeared to be fine but there was concern that the Welsh winger had suffered what would be a fifth calf muscle injury in his two-and-a-half years at Real Madrid.

“Karim is just a bang, thankfully. Gareth’s is a bit more difficult, calf muscle, on the
left, another problem. But we will see the scans tomorrow, and hope it is a small one.” Zidane said

EJIDIKE PLANS BIG FOR KARATE IN 2016 By Akeem Busari

The Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Ejidike Agu,has restated his commitment to the growth of Karate in the country. Speaking in a telephone chat, he was upbeat about the chances of the combat sport gaining more acceptance. “The Karate Federation of Nigeria, is seriously concerned about the fortunes of the sport, particularly, as the sport would not be involved in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games,” he explained.

According to the businessman cum philantropist,the board of the KFN,is coming up with new ideas and programmes aimed at developing the sport. “We have also mapped out strategies to develop the game, the athletes and officials particularly at the grassroots level” Ejidike, who also doubles as the chairman of Kogi Karate Association disclosed.

Chief Donatus Ejidike Agu

He went ahead to admonish the National Sports Commission to encourage every federation and also provide a level playing field for all sports to develop and thrive

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi Has ‘Small’ Strain; Jordi Alba Set To Be Out Of Action For 10 Days

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi picked up a “small strain” against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday while Jordi Alba has been ruled out for 10 days with a hamstring injury.

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique allayed fears about Messi’s fitness by insisting he took the Ballon d’Or winner off at half-time only as a precaution.

The Barcelona coach withdrew Messi, who scored the first of Barca’s six goals against the Basques by netting from the penalty spot, for Arda Turan at the end of the first half with a right hamstring strain, but he hinted that the forward could still feature against Athletic Bilbao in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey quarter final first leg at San Mamés stadium.

“Messi will have tests tomorrow, he has a small strain and had a little discomfort so we preferred not to take any risks,” Luis Enrique said in a news conference.

Lionel Messi
photo credit: Marc Puig i Perez
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/legalcode

“We spoke about it at half-time and with the scoreline as it was we did not want to take risks. I don’t like taking risks with any player, so imagine what it’s like with Messi.”

However, Barcelona confirmed on their official website that Jordi Alba, who pulled his hamstring in the 69th minute against Athletic Bilbao, is expected to be sidelined for 10 days.

Paul Ayorinde

Ahead 2016 ITTF World Team Championships: Nigeria Draws India, Four Others

Ahead of 2016 ITTF World Team Championships: Nigeria draws India, four others…

Nigeria men’s team has been drawn in Group F alongside India, Slovakia, Vietnam, Switzerland and Turkey at the 2016 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Team Championships holding in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Segun Toriola explaining a point to Nigerian teammates

At the draws made at the weekend, Nigeria will battle for the knockout stage against the highly-rated Indian team led by veteran Sharath Achanta, who has always been a turn in the flesh for the Nigerian team as well as Aruna Quadri’s conqueror at the 2015 World Championship in China, Soumyajit Ghosh.

India are the highest ranked team in the group followed by Slovakia, then Nigeria.

Just like their male counterparts, the Nigeria women’s also face a Herculean task as they have been pitched against India as well in Group G. Other teams in the group are Croatia, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Portugal.

The battle for promotion to the elite division for Nigeria will commence on February 28 as the matches will be played in a round robin format with the two top teams progressing to the knockout stage.

First Stage Draw

Division Two – Men
Group E: Brazil, Iran, Belgium, Netherlands, Thailand, Canada
Group F: India, Slovak Republic, Nigeria, Vietnam, Switzerland, Turkey
Group G: Hungary, Egypt, Slovenia, Argentina, Mexico, Norway
Group H: Spain, Serbia, Bulgaria, Australia, Latvia, Puerto Rico

Nigerian Women’s Team, at the 2015 ITTF-Africa Senior Championships

Division Two – Women
Group E: Serbia, England, Canada, Belgium, Turkey, New Zealand
Group F: Slovak Republic, Egypt, Lithuania, Italy, Switzerland, Mexico
Group G: Croatia, India, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Portugal
Group H: Luxembourg, Slovenia, Greece, Vietnam, Chile, Bulgaria