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The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Distinguished Senator Obinna Ogba and the NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi were at the NFF Secretariat on Thursday to pay tributes to the slain NFF Head of Protocol, Ibrahim Abubakar.
Ogba, a one–time Acting Vice President of the NFF and also a club financier, said: “Death is a necessary end, and it is a debt that each and everyone of us must pay. But it is very painful that such a jovial, ebullient young man like ‘Ibro’ should go that way.
“On behalf of the President of the Senate and the Sports Committee of the Senate, I commiserate with you on this unfortunate incident. We pray that God will grant his family and the NFF the fortitude to bear the loss, and to sustain his wife and children. God tells us that in every situation, we should give thanks. What I know for sure is that the perpetrators of this dastard act shall not go unpunished.”
Responding, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi thanked Ogba for the call and assured that the NFF will continue to work harmoniously with the Senate Committee on Sports to take Nigeria football to new heights. He praised Ogba’s contributions to Nigeria football development, both as a former NFF Board Member and as a club financier.
NFF 1st Vice President Akinwunmi, who returned to the country from an overseas trip on Wednesday evening, said the late Abubakar was a dedicated member of Staff.
Chairman Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba with NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi
“I was rooted to the aircraft seat after switching on my phone and the message of his killing was the first one that came on. It is devastating, to say the least. I pray that God Almighty will give him eternal rest and also grant his family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students also came to the Glass House to mourn with the NFF leadership on the death of Ibrahim Abubakar.
The chief organizer of the annual COPA Lagos Invitational Beach Soccer Tournament, Samson Adamu, on Thursday praised the Nigeria Football Federation for its huge support that has sustained the event for the past five years.
“I am really grateful for your very big support which has been huge in determining the success and growth of the COPA Lagos thus far. Without the NFF’s support, we would not have gotten anywhere.
“I am here to express deep appreciation for not only your support, but the physical presence of the NFF leadership at each edition over the past five years, which always gives us a great boost.”
Receiving the chief organizer, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi pledged that the Federation will continue to support the tournament in line with the present administration’s mission to develop all areas of the nation’s football sector.
Samson Adamu with NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi
“What you are doing is a noble thing. The present NFF administration wants to, more than ever before, use football to fight social vices by taking kids off the streets.
“The COPA Lagos event is an excellent innovation for beach soccer in this country and you have done a great job in sustaining it. We appreciate your efforts.”
* Belgium remain top of the table in the first FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking of 2016, while Argentina and Spain have also held onto their respective second and third positions.
* No team moved in or out of the top ten ranking this month.
* The biggest mover by points this month is Saudi Arabia (up 42 points)
* The biggest mover by ranks this month is Thailand (up 12 ranks)
* Cuba made the biggest drop by points and ranks this month (down 118 points, drop down 45 ranks)
1 Belgium 1494 points
2 Argentina 1455 points
3 Spain 1370 points
4 Germany 1347 points
5 Chile 1273 points
6 Brazil 1251 points
7 Portugal 1219 points
8 Colombia 1211 points
9 England 1106 points
10 Austria 1091 points
11 Uruguay 1074 points
12 Switzerland 1050 points
13 Ecuador 1040 points
14 Netherlands 994 points
15 Italy 991 points
16 Romania 980 points
17 Wales 974 points
18 Croatia 958 points
19 Côte d’Ivoire 950 points
20 Hungary 945 points
Top Ten African teams in World Ranking;
1. Côte d’Ivoire (19) 950 points
2. Algeria (28) 845 points
3. Ghana (33) 778 points
4. Cape Verde (39) 745 points
5. Tunisia (40) 711 points
6. Senegal (45) 661 points
7. Republic of Congo (48) 638 points
8. Guinea (49) 624 points
9. Cameroon (57) 586 points
10. Egypt (58) 585 points
* Nigeria did not make any move on the rankings this month. The Super Eagles are still ranked 66th in the world ranking and 14th in the CAF ranking.
The draw for the Perfect 2016 World Team Table Tennis Championships is set to take place at 15:00 local time on 16 January 2016 at the Dorsett Subang Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The 24 men’s and women’s Championship Division teams will be drawn into four groups of six teams for the first stage of the biggest table tennis event on earth which begins on 28 February.
Defending champions China has been seeded number one in both the men’s and women’s events, with Germany being second in the men’s and Japan in the women’s. Both these teams will be looking to topple the mighty Chinese team and become the World Team Champions on 6 March at the Malawati Stadium.
China will find out who they have to play first up at the 2016 WTTTC at the draw on 16 January!
94 men’s teams and 84 women’s teams will make the trip to Kuala Lumpur to compete across four divisions in the 54th edition of the World Table Tennis Championships.
The draw for divisions two & three will take place on 16 February 2016, and division four on 26 February 2016.
One of Nigeria’s leading road runners, Deborah Pam has promised to give a good account of herself at the fast-approaching Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.
Pam who ended the year 2015 on a low with an injury cupped in training back in November while preparing for the last Aba Half Marathon said she has chosen to work extra hard not just to be fit to compete at the Lagos City Marathon but more importantly to give a credible performance like she has been synonymous to in the long distance races.
“I had a small knock on my knee while preparing for the Aba half marathon, but I am much more better now, I am aware of the Lagos Marathon and I am already preparing for it “ Pam stated form her Jos, Plateau State base.
With a long list of honours from the Obudu Mountain Race, Okpepe Road Race and the Splash FM Integrity Full Marathon race which is staged annually in Ibadan among others, Pam said she is positive she could add the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon to her laurels.
“It feels great to be a champion all the time, I know I am already popular here in Nigeria as I always finish ahead of other local athletes but I will be more fulfilled to outrun the international athletes coming from Kenya and across the world very soon”
Pam, who emerged the best Nigerian woman during the last two editions of Okpekpe road race, won the last 42km Ibadan marathon in a record time of 3hrs, 3mins and 23secs; bettering the 3:06:51 she set to win the 42km marathon in 2013.
Already organisers have announced that the winners of both the men and women’s events at the maiden edition of the Lagos City Marathon will go home with $50 000 each, while second and third place finishers will take $40 000 and $30 000 respectively.
The top 20 Nigerians will also be rewarded win cash prizes starting from N1 million, while the second and third positions will settle for N750 000 and N500 000 respectively.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is scheduled for February 6, 2016 at 7am. The start point is National Stadium, Lagos and the finish point Eko Atlantics.
While the football transfer window is wash with stories of players making big money moves from one club to the other, a couple of football clubs in France have devised a new way to raise fund to enable them compete in the football transfer window. A site giveinsport.com has been set up to help football clubs raise money so they can compete with their more illustrious rivals.
The crowdfunding website is dedicated solely towards helping football clubs raise money to acquire the players they would need while encouraging them to keep their own brightest talent.
In an era that’s got rich billionaires with deep pockets buying up clubs and funding same clubs, giveinsport.com should be supported so it can deliver on its promise of “helping the clubs which do not have unlimited resources to strengthen and become more competitive so that they can more easily meet or even surpass their sporting goals and compete with the richest clubs”
AC Ajaccio plying their trade in the French Ligue 2, are currently on top of the the giveinsport.com funding table, some of the other clubs with crowd funding accounts on giveinsport.com are: Racing Club de Lens, Nîmes Olympique, Red Star FC, AJ Auxerre, Valenciennes FC.
So if you want to support any of the clubs listed above or simply want to do same for your own favourite club, please visit https://www.giveinsport.com for more information on how you can help your club.
A panel of the IAAF Ethics Board (formerly Commission) has today delivered its decision concerning four persons, namely: Papa Massata Diack, former marketing consultant to the IAAF, Valentin Balakhnichev, former President of the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF), Alexei Melnikov, former Chief ARAF Coach for long distance walkers and runners, and Gabriel Dollé, former Director of the IAAF’s Anti-Doping Department, for various breaches of the IAAF Code of Ethics.
This investigation commenced in April 2014 upon referral of a complaint to the Ethics Board by a member of the IAAF staff.
The IAAF is angered to see that individuals have in the panel’s finding “conspired to extort what were in substance bribes from the athlete by acts of blackmail.” This is all the more so because these breaches are related to one doping case which, among others, was identified and pursued by the IAAF Anti-Doping Department. Ultimately, the Department was able to ensure that the athlete concerned received a lengthy ban, but the four individuals’ activities delayed that outcome. The IAAF has already introduced corrective measures to make sure this sort of interference can’t happen again.
These four individuals who have been found guilty and sanctioned are no longer associated with the IAAF in any capacity. The IAAF is reassured that the panel of the Ethics Board has seen no evidence implicating any other members of the IAAF Anti-Doping Department who continue their ground-breaking work on the Athlete Biological Passport programme with WADA.
IAAF President Sebastian Coe commented: “I’d like to thank the independent IAAF Ethics Board for their diligent and detailed investigation. The life bans announced today could not send a stronger message that those who attempt to corrupt or subvert the sport of athletics will be brought to justice. We continue to work with the French authorities’ investigation and the WADA’s Independent Commission.”
The International Cricket Council today announced that tender documents for Digital Clips Licensee position for ICC Events 2016-2019 are available on application from interested parties.
On offer are a digital clip rights licence for the USA and Canada. Interested parties are invited to bid for the digital clip rights on an exclusive and non-exclusive basis.
Rights are available for the following ICC Events:
ICC World Twenty20 2016 India
ICC Champions Trophy 2017 England & Wales
ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 England
ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 Bangladesh
ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2018 New Zealand
ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2018 West Indies
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 England & Wales
Interested parties are expected to: (a) have a well-established, reputable fixed line and/or mobile telecommunications network/service; and/or (b) have appropriate and relevant experience in the distribution of digital video content by means of mobile technology; and (c) have sufficient infrastructure, staffing, resources, capability and financial standing to acquire and exploit the rights on offer.
Applications from consortia or joint applications will not be entertained.
All interested companies should submit, by email to digitalrights.itt@icc-cricket.com the following:
– full corporate legal name and registered address; and
– other relevant contact information,
as soon as possible and in any event by no later than 1200 (Dubai time) on 15 January 2016. On receipt of the above by the ICC, interested parties will receive a confidentiality agreement for countersignature and return, together with further instructions, before being issued with any of the tender documents.
Submissions will be due on Thursday 21 January 2016.
John Higgins realises he needs to sharpen up his game before he heads to snooker’s Dafabet Masters next week for a tough opening match against in-form Liang Wenbo.
Four-time World Champion Higgins admits he barely picked up his cue over the Christmas break, and he finished second-bottom of his group at the Championship League this week after losing four of his six matches.
The Wizard of Wishaw is now looking ahead to the prestigious Masters, which starts on Sunday at Alexandra Palace in London. On Wednesday January 13 at 1pm he’ll be up against China’s Liang, who enjoyed a brilliant run to the final of the UK Championship last month to earn a Masters debut.
“I only practised for half an hour over Christmas,” said Higgins, who won the Masters in 1999 and 2006. “It’s a chance to spend time with the family so I barely played. That’s why I played in the Championship League this week, but as it turns out I spent most of the time watching the other players pot balls. So I’ll be back at home now with four or five days practice to get ready for the Masters.
“Liang did so well to get to the UK Championship final and get a place in the Masters for the first time so he’ll be full of confidence. They are all great players in this event so it’s always tough. Liang has become a much more rounded player this season, he proved that in the UK and he put up a good battle against Neil Robertson in the final. He’s a fighter but also a good guy who plays with a smile on his face.”
Higgins, age 40, enjoyed an excellent year in 2015, winning three ranking events to bring his career tally to 28. “It was one of my best years for a long time and I played my best snooker since winning my last world title in 2011,” he said. “I feel very happy with my game. I’ve never been one for setting targets and I’m not going to start doing that now, but this year I just want to keep putting the work in, keep my game at a decent level and see where that takes me.”
The Masters will see the return to action of Ronnie O’Sullivan, playing his first televised event of the season. “It might not be good for the other players to have him back as he’ll be one of the favourites, but it’s great for the sponsors and the fans because he helps add to the razzmatazz of the event,” said Higgins.
John Higgins
Scotland’s Higgins received an MBE in 2008 and believes the OBE awarded to O’Sullivan in the recent New Year honours was not before time. “It was certainly overdue,” said Higgins. “He has done more than most in snooker and if these awards are going to be given to people in sport then Ronnie definitely deserves it.”
The Dafabet Masters runs from January 10 to 17 with the world’s top 16 players battling for the famous trophy and £200,000 top prize.
Tickets are still available and fans are strongly urged to BOOK FAST as many sessions are close to selling out. For ticket details visit http://www.worldsnooker.com/tickets
Nigeria’s U-17 girls begin another World Cup qualification journey on Saturday when they take on the Baby Gladiators of Namibia in a second round, first leg match at the National Stadium Complex, Abuja.
Namibia’s 26-man delegation to Saturday’s encounter, led by Mr. Timotheus Tjongarero, arrived in Lagos in the early hours of Thursday and flew to Abuja, arriving at 8am. The delegation is accommodated at the Chida Hotel in the Federal Capital Territory.
Also on Thursday morning, match officials from Morocco, led by Referee Lamyaa Lourarhi, arrived in Abuja. The team includes Karima Khadiri (assistant referee 1), Zahra Jalal (assistant referee 2) and Bouchra Karboubi (reserve referee). They are accommodated at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
The match commissioner, Florence Marie Aimee Biagui from Senegal, was also being expected in Abuja on Thursday afternoon.
The Flamingos, under the watchful eyes of Coach Bala Nikyu and his assistants, have been in camp for a number of weeks, and are expected to go full throttle against the Baby Gladiators, who reached this round after eliminating fellow Southern Africans, Botswana.
flamingoes celebrate victory in a previous match
Among the players Bala Nikyu is working with to do Nigeria proud on Saturday are midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade and Joy Duru, as well as Cynthia Aku and Juliet Godman.
The Flamingos have participated at every edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup since the first tournament in New Zealand in 2008.
The return leg has been scheduled to take place at the Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek on Friday, January 22.
– Cristiano Ronaldo is still expected to leave Real Madrid in the summer despite Zinedine Zidane coming in to replace Rafa Benitez, according to reports in England.
– Liverpool have reportedly asked after Inter centre-back Andrea Ranocchia after he rejected Norwich City.
– Hannover are interested in former Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios, according to reports in Germany.
– Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa says he has no intention of leaving when “genius” coach Pep Guardiola leaves at the end of the season.
– According to reports in Germany, Dutch striker Bas Dost is considering leaving Wolfsburg as he is frustrated by his lack of playing time.
– Schalke sporting executive Horst Heldt has said there has been “no offer” for reported Manchester City target Leroy Sane.
– Arsenal officials have flown to Switzerland to tie up the move for Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny, according to ESPN Soccernet sources.
– Former West Ham midfielder Morgan Amalfitano is close to sealing a move to Lille, according to reports in France.
– Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta says that he doubts Borussia Dortmund would consider selling llkay Gundogan
– According to L’Equipe, Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette is not interested in a move to Newcastle, who are willing to offer more than €25 million for the French striker.
– According to reports in England, Felipe Anderson’s agent was in England yesterday to meet officials from Manchester United. No official bid made yet.
– Roma sporting director Walter Sabbatini wants to hold talks with Arsenal in the next few days to try to extend Wojciech Szczesny’s loan deal for another season, according to Sky Sports Italia.
– Liverpool are tracking Lorient left-back Raphael Guerriero, according to reports in France.
– Everton are planning to send Darron Gibson and Aiden McGeady out on loan this month, according to reports
– Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero insists anyone who wants Roberto Soriano must pay his release clause.
– Slaven Bilic says he is “99 per cent” certain West Ham will not be making any signings during the January transfer window because he is happy with his squad.
– Bournemouth have made a loan bid for AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy, according to Sky Sports Italia.
– Everton are close to finalising the signing of Shani Tarashaj from Grasshoppers for a fee of around £3million, according to Sky Sports sources.
– Manchester United have asked Borussia Dortmund to cancel Adnan Januzaj loan owing to lack of playing time, according to reports.
– Malaga midfielder Fernando Tissone is a target for Lazio and Bologna, according to the player’s agent.
– Napoli are reportedly lining up a deal for Bologna midfielder Amadou Diawara, according to reports.
– Juventus representatives have been in England to watch Manchester United’s Ander Herrera, according to reports.
– Aston Villa have made an offer for transfer-listed Lyon attacker Claudio Beauvue, according to reports.
– According to reports, Crystal Palace are the latest club to have shown an interest in Southampton defender Steven Caulker, with Bournemouth also monitoring his situation.
Football tit bits:
Didier Drogba
– According to L’Équipe, who cite Canadian sources, Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba has informed MLS side Impact Montreal’s president of his decision to retire from professional football. Drogba will join Guus Hiddink’s coaching staff at Chelsea imminently after reaching an agreement with Roman Abramovich.
– Real Madrid’s decision to appoint Zinedine Zidane as they new manager has been labelled “demented” by
former Bayern Munich boss Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Eva Carneiro
– The former Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro will continue her legal battle against the club after failing to reach a
settlement at the first hearing in her constructive dismissal case.
– Samuel Eto’o has ended his short-term stint as interim player-manager at Antalyaspor and has been replaced by ex-Chelsea assistant boss Jose Morais. The 34-year-old Cameroonian striker will stay at Antalyaspor and continue as a player.
African giants Tunisia and Egypt were drawn together in Pool A of Men’s African Olympic qualification tournament due to start in Brazzaville, Congo on Thursday.
The heavy favourites will also line up against a third great team which is host Congo Brazzaville, the 2015 All Africa Games silver medallists.
Tunisian team
Pool B includes emerging Algeria along with Cameroon, Congo RD and Nigeria.
The drawing of lots was held on Wednesday in presence of CAVB President Dr Amr Elwani and Local Organising Committee President Jean Mopita.
The opening day features Tunisia against Congo in Pool A, while Cameroon face Congo RD and Algeria meet Nigeria in Pool B
Pools Pool A: Tunisia- Egypt- Congo Brazzaville Pool B: Cameroon- Algeria- Congo RD- Nigeria
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