Tag Archives: ARIK Air

NFF Rates ARIK High, Says Plane Engine Not Lost

The Nigeria Football Federation has declared that ARIK Air remains one of the best airlines in the world, and that it would continue to patronize the airline for its efficiency and excellent safety record.

Just as ARIK Air came out on Sunday night to explain that its plane conveying the Nigeria U-23 team to The Gambia for a training camp did not lose an engine, NFF President Amaju Pinnick on Monday regretted the misunderstanding that led to panic reports of ‘lost engine’ and ‘near plane crash.’

Pinnick stated: “I was contacted immediately after the incident and I know that the airplane was not in any serious problem. When these things happen, the tendency is for people to sensationalise.

“ARIK Air has remained one of the safest and best airlines, and we will continue to patronize them. They have provided us excellent services in recent times, flying the Super Eagles to and from Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Swaziland, without any untoward incident.”

Pinnick commended the aircraft in ARIK’s fleet and said the airline’s safety precautions are marvelous.

“They have flown us with their excellent Boeing 737-800 and the Bombardier Jet in recent times, and players and officials have never had any reason to complain.” ARIK flew the Super Eagles to and from Tanzania for a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September, flew the Eagles B delegation to and from Burkina Faso for a 2016 African Nations Championship qualifier in October and also flew the Super Eagles to and from Swaziland for a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier last week.

The NFF on Monday reiterated the statement by ARIK Air’s public relations and communications manager, Banji Ola, that “the captain saw an indication light and as a precautionary measure, he had to make an air return. It was not a case of lost engine.

“There was no case of lost engine. It is true that the one that flew the team from Lagos lost one tyre while landing in Accra. As for the other airplane, the pilot only saw an indication light and made an air return as a precautionary measure.

“ARIK immediately made arrangement for another aircraft to fly the team to The Gambia.”

The Nigeria U-23 delegation has since arrived and settled down in The Gambia, where the team is undergoing a 10 –day training program ahead of the 2nd Africa U-23 Cup of Nations starting in Senegal on November 28.

Nigeria’s Two Best Boxers Fly In To Meet The President

Former World Title Challenger, Olusegun Ajose, and undefeated Welterweight sensation, Larry Ekundayo, (who are presently Nigeria’s two best boxers) have been flown in to Nigeria to meet President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa to discuss how the new Government’s Change Agenda can help Nigerian youths and deliver sporting glory for the country at the Diaspora Day in Abuja, on the 25th of August 2015.

Nigeria has a long and proud history of boxing, and with the many benefits the sport can offer the country in terms of self-discipline and health for the youth, it is hoped that keen disciplinarian President Buhari will support the initiative to deliver the country a new era of World Champions. A detailed plan has been put together, which the boxers will deliver to The President, that aims to deliver Nigeria boxing World Champions in the next 18 months.

Nigeria's Larry Ekundayo knocks out Great Britain's Dale in a bout
Nigeria’s Larry Ekundayo knocks out Great Britains Dale in a bout

The specific aim is to deliver the country’s World Champions to kick start a sporting legacy for the youth of Nigeria, which the whole country can be proud of, help national unity and bring sporting glory to the country, whilst also improving the country’s image internationally.

The boxers manager Ben Gray said: “It’s an unfortunate fact that these two fine Nigerians would be World Champions by now had they been American or British. However, as they are Nigerians they have suffered both a lack of support from previous Governments and faced horrendous racism overseas. With the new Government, and the Nigerian Change Agenda in place, we hope we can deliver the country great sporting success and deliver a plan for increased health and self-respect for Nigeria’s Youth.

The ‘Diaspora Day’ is an annual event supported by the government of Nigeria to celebrate the Diaspora’s contribution to National development. This year’s event is the 7th event and several Nigerian experts in Medicine, Youths and Sports and Education including the boxers and other achievers from the Diaspora will dialog on ways and means of repatriating expertise, Nigerian brains and skills scattered all over the world.

 L-R Promoter of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit and former Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK, Chief Bimbo Roberts Folayan, Former World Title Challenger, Olusegun Ajose, undefeated Welterweight sensation, Larry Ekundayo and the Boxer’s Manager Ben Gray
L-R Promoter of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit and former Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK, Chief Bimbo Roberts Folayan, Former World Title Challenger, Olusegun Ajose, undefeated Welterweight sensation, Larry Ekundayo and the Boxer’s Manager Ben Gray

The boxers and their team have flown in by Arik Air and yesterday held a world Press Conference at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Ajose and Ekundayo and their Manager were in the company of their Special Advisor, Promoter of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit and former Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK, Chief Bimbo Roberts Folayan, Who Spoke extensively about the impact the success of the Two Boxers have had on the image of Nigeria abroad.

Former number one contender for the World Title Segun Ajose Promised to visit the camp of the Nigerian Boxing team who are presently camped in Lagos in a bid to motivate them to go all out at the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. Ajose Called on Administrators to always be proactive in preparing athletes for tournaments as this will go a long way to help the Athletes excel.

undefeated Welterweight sensation, Larry "The Natural" Ekundayo
undefeated Welterweight sensation, Larry “The Natural” Ekundayo

London Based Nigerian Boxer Larry Ekundayo thanked his Sponsors ARIKAIR and Union Bank UK for the immense support but also called on other Corporate bodies and institutions to support their dream of bringing back the glory of Boxing by Producing a Nigerian World Boxing Champion.