Africa Rugby Cup 1C: NRFF names team for tournament

NRFF technical team names a predominant home-based 22-man squad to hit closed camp ahead of the Africa Cup 1c Rugby Tournament to be held in Gaborone, Botswana where Nigeria’s “Black Stallions” will compete with Botswana, Morrocco, Zambia, Mauritius and Swaziland from the 13th– 22nd of June 2013. NRFF Technical Director, Fasimoye Olatunji insists that the “Black Stallions” will be motivated and believes the boys can go ahead to win the tournament in front of a tough crowd in Gaborone. “We have carefully selected our best hands based on merit. These players have proven themselves in the on-going South-West and Northern leagues and are fit enough for the task ahead.

The 2014 Africa Cup will be the fourteenth edition of the Africa Cup, an annual international rugby union tournament for African nations organised by the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR). This tournament, as well as the 2012 and 2013 editions of it, will serve as the qualifiers for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

FULL TEAM LIST NRFF

1 BASSEY SUNDAY COWRIE RFC, Lagos

2 SAMUEL OLATUNDE JOSEPH ROYAL STALLION RFC, Ilorin

3 MUSA IBRAHIM SUAIBU KADUNA RFC, Kaduna

4 OGBOLE FELIX GABRIEL KADUNA RFC, Kaduna

5 ALAETO OBINNA FESTUS COWRIE RFC, Lagos

6 SOLOMON FRIDAY ZARIA RFC, Kaduna

7 SANI ISAAC COWRIE RFC, Lagos

8 OLANREWAJU AZEEZ ABIODUN NIGERIA POLICE RFC

9 YAKUBU ABUBAKAR SABONGERI RFC, Kaduna

10 GODWIN EMMANUEL CHIBUNDU SABONGERI RFC, Kaduna

11 AYINLA HAFIS ADEDAMOLA COWRIE RFC, Lagos

12 ZARIA ISA A DRC PHOENIX, Gronegen, Holland

13 BAKARE RAMON ISHOLA NIGERIA POLICE RFC

14 PETER OKERE AMBROSE JOS RFC

15 LADIPO AZEEZ OLAITAN COWRIE RFC, Lagos

16 SAMSON YAHAYA DIDAM NIGERIA POLICE RFC

17 OYEYEMI YUSUF BOLATUNJI COWRIE RFC, Lagos

18 DINOBI CHIEDOZIE NZUBECHUKWUKA COBHAM RUGBY CLUB, UK

19 OGAR CHRISTIAN INNOCENT COWRIE RFC, Lagos

20 ENAJEROH ESEOGHENE WARRI RFC, Delta

21 OLAWALE OLADIPO MICHAEL COWRIE RFC, Lagos

22 OYEBOLA SULYMAN OLAWALE NIGERIA POLICE RFC

Black Stallion – Rugby

Africa Youth Games: Nigeria opens with victory

The Nigeria National U-15 team on Thursday defeated host Botswana 2-0 in the opening game of the football event at the 2014 Africa Youth Games in Gaborone, Botswana.

Two strikes from supporting striker Nasifi Yahaya, in the 4th and 90th minutes of the game ensured that the coach Danladi Nasidi led side silenced the huge crowed at the Botswana National stadium.

Assistant coach of the Nigeria team, Haruna Ilerika in a telephone conversation with team’s media officer Bunmi Haruna revealed that his team would not relent in their effort to win gold.

“Between you and me, Bunmi, Nigeria can win this tournament”o

In the other match of the day, Swaziland held South Africa to a 3-3 draw.

In a change of tournament format, all six teams participating in the football event will engage each other in a round-robin format, the two best placed teams on the table will then play each other in the final to determine who takes gold.

Six teams, Nigeria, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Mali registered for the football event of the 2014 Africa Youth Games, DR Congo and Gabon pulled out.

Nigeria’s next game will be against Mali on Friday.

HAKEEM OLAJUWON NAMED NBA AMBASSADOR TO AFRICA #DreamAfrica

— Hall-of-Famer and Two-Time NBA Champion—Will Help Grow and Celebrate the Game on the Continent —

Two-time NBA Champion and Basketball Hall-of-Famer Hakeem Olajuwon was today named NBA Ambassador to Africa and will play a prominent role in the development of basketball on the continent.

Olajuwon will work closely with the NBA Africa office, which is located in Johannesburg and led by Amadou Gallo Fall, NBA Vice President for Development in Africa. The Nigerian native will represent the NBA through a range of basketball development events and NBA Cares activities across the region to help grow the game, give back to communities in need, and bring attention to diplomacy through sport.

“Basketball has given me so much in life,” said Olajuwon. “In this new role I am looking forward to impacting young Africans and utilizing the power of sport to help change lives in what is an exciting new chapter in my career.”

“We are elated that one of the greatest to ever play the game, a son of Africa, and a legend of Hakeem’s stature will officially represent the NBA in Africa,” said Amadou Gallo Fall. “He truly embodies the values of the game, and will be a great ambassador for the league and a perfect role model for Africa’s youth.”

Olajuwon recently participated in the launch of “Power Forward,” the ExxonMobil, NBA and Africare’s development program launched in Abuja, Nigeria last November. Prior to that he visited South Africa last August and attended the Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day celebrations at the International Convention Centre and the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olajuwon was selected with the number one pick in the 1984 NBA Draft, becoming the first African player selected first overall. His playing highlights include: 12-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA Champion (1994, ‘95), NBA Most Valuable Player (’94), and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (’93, ’94). He is the only player in league history to be named MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season (1993-94).

The NBA has a long history in Africa with more than 30 players from the continent playing in the league since 1984. Basketball without Borders Africa has been held 11 times on the continent and the league opened its African office in Johannesburg in 2010.

Since 2003, the NBA has worked with community-based organizations to create 38 places to live, learn or play in Africa, including youth hostels, kitchens, sports complexes, health facilities, Habitat for Humanity homes, and basketball courts in Angola, Botswana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, Cameroon, South Sudan, and South Africa.

Photo Credit: NBA.com

NIGERIA RUGBY FOOTBALL FEDERATION PREPARES FOR 1C RUGBY TOURNAMENT IN BOTSWANA

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation’s Technical Director, Fasimoye Olatunji has announced dates for the National Team’s close camp on the 28th of May 2014 in Abuja . The close camp will feature players selected from the South-West League trials and the Northern trials which was held on the 3rd of May with over 250 players in attendance and selection was also done at the PRESIDENT VS THE REST 15’S trials held in Kaduna.

The National Team will be involved at the upcoming AFRICA CUP 1C tournament to be held in Garborone, Botswana. Nigeria will compete alongside Botswana, Morocco, Zambia, Mauritius and Swaziland. Nigeria’s “Black Stallions” will be promoted to a higher Division; CUP 1B if they emerge tournament winners. This will take us closer to the likes of Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe who are in CUP 1A.

Africa Youth Games: Nigeria face host Botswana, DR Congo and Tanzania in group A

Nigeria face Botswana, DR Congo and Tanzania in group A of the football event at the African Youth Games, Gaborone, 2014 which holds between May 22nd and May 31st in Botswana.

According to fixtures released by organizers Nigeria will trade tackles with U-15 team from host Botswana on May 22nd before battling DRC and Tanzania on 25th and 27th respectively.

Group B comprises Mali, South Africa and Swaziland, while the fourth team, Gabon has withdrawn from the event.

The Two top teams to emerge from the groups will proceed to the semifinals, while the Final of the event will be played at the Botswana National Stadium on May 31st.

Meanwhile, the Honorable Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo has assured the Nigeria U-15 National team of government support while also urging them to make the country proud in at the games.

The assurance came as the minister led a delegation of top sports administrators and NSC Directors which included the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Honorable Gbenga Elegbeleye and Secretary General of the NOC, Mr Tunde Popoola to visit the camp of the U-15 Boys at the Package B of the National Stadium Abuja.

“You should redouble your effort to win gold and bring honor to the country so that I can lead you to Mr. President and you know when the president shakes your hand, other things will follow.”

On his part, the Director General, National Sports Commission, NSC, Honorable Gbenga Elegbeleye, promised to enroll the team for the Dana football tournament coming up later in the year in Denmark if they emerge victorious in Gaborone.

“We will continue to support and expose this team to international matches, our plan is to enroll you for the Dana football tournament in Denmark if you win gold in Botswana.”

The National U-15 team secretary, Wale Adeyinka who responded on behave of the team assured the dignitaries of a good outing.
“We wish to thank you sir for your visit, it will really boost our moral and I can assure you that our target is to bring home the football gold.”

The National U-15 team have played several test matches including, a 4-1 win over Dream Land football academy, Abia state, 7-1 victory over Kuso Boys, Kaduna, 7-0 win against Samba Boys, Jos, 2-1 win versus Starlight academy, Kano. The Dalandi Nasidi led side had earlier defeated the Super Falcons 1-0, AB Football Academy, Jos 9-0 and Hearts Academy, Kano 2-1, all matches were played at the FIFA Goal Project Center of the Abuja National in Abuja.

National U-15 boys pip Super Falcons 1-0 in test game

The newly assembled Nigeria National U-15 team on Thursday defeated the Nigeria senior Women National team, Super Falcons 1-0 in a test match played at the package B of the Abuja National stadium.

A second half goal by substitute Sadiqu Mohammed ensured the U-15 boys recorded a win in their first test game since they resumed camp on Monday.

The U-15 boys are preparing for the maiden edition of the Africa Youth Games which will be hosted by Botswana next month, while the Super Falcons are fine-tuning strategies ahead of the Africa Women championship qualifying game against Rwanda.

After the game, chief coach of the National U-15 boys, Danladi Nasidi said he was satisfied with the display from his players.
“I’m very pleased with the performances of these boys today because, we have not stayed in camp for long and we were able to beat the Super Falcons, it’s encouraging.”

On his part the Chief Coach of the Super Falcons, Edwin Okon, attributed the loss to injuries suffered by his girls in previous games, but added that it was a nice experience.

“Today was simply not our day, you could see that my girls were very cautious in their approach, that was because a good number of them were carrying knocks. The doctors have however assured that they will be in good condition for our upcoming matches.” Okon said.

The game had in attendance top Nigeria Football Federation officials, including; Director of competition, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, Director technicals, Dr. Emmanuel Ekpeme, Chief technical officers, Siji Lagunju and Yusuf Rafiu among others.

Only thirty three U-15 players were invited to the Abuja camp, while players arrived on Monday, training only started the next day.
However, three players have already been dropped while the final list of 18 players to the Africa Youth Championship in May will be made public soon.

More local friendly matches have also been lined up for the team, including a test game against Kano based Hearts Academy scheduled for Saturday morning at the Package B of the Abuja National stadium.

National U-15 Line up vs Super Falcons.

Tajudeen abdul-Quwiyu (Gk)
Bello Mohammed
Izang Francis
Nambal Garuba
Ayinde Akin
Gidado Toheeb
Suleiman Mohammed
Okeke Chinaza
Mustapha Salisu
Nasifi Yahaya
Gero Ahmed Abdul

Substitutes.
Evis onyeze for Nasiyi
Ayosunkami Oso for Ayinde
Alli Musa for Bello Mohammed
Shrubak for Toheed
Feyi A. For Suleiman M.
Sadiqu Mohammed for Gero

We can become Africa champions at U-15 level………NNF

The Chief Technical officer of the Nigeria Football Federation, coach Siji Lagunju has revealed that the football house is working towards becoming Africa champions at the U-15 level through its youth development football programme.

Lagunju who made the statement in Abuja on Thursday after watching the National U-15 boys beat the Super Falcons 1-0 in a test game, said the NFF is putting everything in place to ensure victory at the upcoming Africa Youth championship in Botswana.

“The boys have barely spent 24 hours in camp and they have shown they can play football, we will be going to Botswana with the mind that we can become African champion at this level.

No doubt we still need to work on these boys in terms of their conditionings, techniques and by the time they spend three weeks in camp, you’ll see the Nigeria spirit in them.” Lagunju concluded.

Thirty three Nigeria National U-15 Team players are in camp in Abuja ahead of the Africa Youth championship billed for May in Botswana.

The NFF are also working towards having the boys relocated to Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, to allow for proper concentration ahead of the games.

The NFF youth development football programme has produced players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chidera Eze, among others who helped Nigeria to win gold at the 2013 FIFA U-17 championship in UAE.

Our challenges, gains at WTF Youth Olympics qualifiers, junior championships, by taekwondists

They left unannounced but when they got to Taipei City in Chinese Taipei, they wowed the whole world with their beautiful display despite their inexperience and lack of exposure.

The Team Nigeria nine-man team that featured at the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)-organised Youth Olympics Qualifiers as well as the World Junior Championships returned to the country at the weekend from the Asian country with a lot of gains as well as challenges that prevented them from fulfilling their potentials at the competitions.

The team tutored by the Coach Jin Beom Kim, would remain grateful to the National Sports Commission (NSC) as well as the Director General of the commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye for facilitating the trip despite the short time to prepare.

At the WTF Youth Olympics Qualifiers, none of them advanced beyond the first round but at the World Junior Championships some of them won their first round fights, which was an improvement for the team.

Although before the team embarked on the trip, Coach Jin Beom Kim never raised the hope of the team but he believed that the experience and exposure would count for the team in subsequent tournaments especially the forthcoming African Junior Championship holding in May in Botswana.

Impressed by the team’s performance after the world taekwondo ruling body discovered that the entire team was making their debut in an international competition, WTF was inspired to give Nigeria a wildcard for the 2014 Youth Olympics holding in August in Nanjing, China.

The taekwondists who spoke after their arrival at the weekend admitted that the trip has afforded them the opportunity to learn the new techniques in the sport.

Olushola Olowookere, who fought in the male -68kg of the World Youth Championships, said with the knowledge he acquired at the tourney, has boosted his morale

“Attending this competition alone was indeed a great experience for me. I gained a lot in terms of the new styles as well as new moves. Although, I lost my fight but I was able to watch other top athletes fight so that I can use what I picked up from there to help myself in subsequent competitions. I want to express our sincere gratitude to NSC, DG as well as the Korean coach for this rare opportunity given to some of us,” he said.

Abdullah Adegoke, who was one of the athletes that won his first round fight in the male -59kg, admitted that he was sure that going to Botswana in May, he has the wherewithal to clinch a medal.

Also, Adamu Abubakar Isa, who fought in the two events could not quantify the knowledge he gained from being part of the team, saying, “I think this would always remain with me and I look forward to breaking into the senior national team.”

Esther Godwin and Ogeh Ogochukwu who fought in the female events never believed they could wear the colours of Nigeria but their dream became reality in Taipei when they both featured in the two events.

“At least I was able to win one of my fights during the World Junior Championship and this alone has given me hope that with more training, I can conquer the continent in May before aiming to triumph over the world. I think my dream of winning medals for Nigeria in major competitions is getting closer,” Godwin proclaimed.

Like Godwin, Ogochukwu, believes her first appearance at the world tournament has ignited her passion to aim high in the sport. “I never expected that I will represent Nigeria but with what I witnessed in Taipei, I am now sure that with more hardwork, I am destined to be among the first set of female medalists for Nigeria at the Olympics,” Ogochukwu said.

However, two of the athletes are also expected to start their Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) on Monday March 31, as they spent at least three hours a day during the competition to study for the examinations.

Cameroon book the second African World Championship ticket

2014 Women’s World championship- Day 7 Pool T

Cameroon Women’s volleyball team booked the second African ticket to the 2014 World championship in Italy after they won they won African Pool T qualifier held at Harcha Hacène Hall in Alger, Algeria on Saturday.

Tunisia picked up the first Africa ticket last week after they won Pool U in Kenya.

Cameroon ladies who were in rest on the final day, were waiting for the result of the decisive game between host Algeria and Egypt where the only result to qualify them was the Algerian victory and that was happened when they pulled off a five set victory 3-2 (23-25, 25-15, 19-25, 29-27, 15-10)

With this result Cameroon won the tournament with a win- loss ratio of 4-1 (13 points), while Egypt came second with the same ratio and 12 points. Algeria finished also 4-1 and came third with 11 points.

In the other final day match Botswana clinched a straight sets victory over DR Congo (25-15, 25-19, 25-21). Botswana finished the competition at the fourth position with 2-3 (6 points), while DR Congo dropped to 1-4 (3 points). Nigeria came at the sixth and last position with 0-5.

Day 7 Results Mar. 1

16.00: Botswana- DR Congo 3-0

18:15: Algeria- Egypt

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YouTube: CAVB Video 2014 Women’s World Championship African qualifier page

Cameroon and Egypt compete for Women’s Volleyball World Championship Ticket as Nigeria Crashes out

2014 Women’s World championship- Day 6 Pool T

Cameroon women’s volleyball team continued their winning rhythm as they defeated the fourth win over Botswana 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-13) in their last match of the 2014 Women’s World championship qualifier African Pool T held at Harcha Hacène Hall in Alger, Algeria on Friday.

Cameroon led the 6 nation round robin tournament with a win- loss ratio of 4-1 (13 points), while Botswana suffered the first third defeat to drop to 1-3.

The tournament’s day 6 featured also a fourth in row victory for Egypt over Nigeria 3-0 (25-8, 25-11, 25-15). Now Egypt improved to 4-0 (11 points), while Nigeria dropped to 1-4

Algeria recovered from fifth day defeat with a third victory against DR Congo 3-0 (25-8, 25-12, 25-8). Algeria improved to 3-1 with 9 points but lost any hope to clinch the World Championship’s ticket. Congo dropped to 0-4.

Now Egypt plays Algeria in a world Championship ticket decider in the last day of the tournament with a second match between Congo and Botswana. If Egypt won they will clinch the World Championship ticket, while if they lose to Algeria, Cameroon who finished their matches will book their ticket to Italy 2014.

The winner of the six nation tournament will earn a ticket to the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Italy 2014, which will take place from September 23 to October 12.

Day 6 programme Feb 28
13:45: Cameroon – Botswana 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-13)
16:00: Egypt- Nigeria 3-0 (25-8, 25-11, 25-15)
18:15: Algeria – Congo 3-0 (25-8, 25-12, 25-8)

Day 7 Programme Mar. 1
16.00: DR Congo – Botswana
18:15: Egypt – Algeria

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YouTube: CAVB Video 2014 Women’s World Championship African qualifier page

Cameroon upset hosts Algeria to lead Volleyball World Championship qualifier as Nigeria secures first victory

2014 Women’s World championship- Day 5 Pool T

Cameroon Women’s volleyball team achieved a ground breaking victory over hosts Algeria in day 5 of the 2014 Women’s World championship qualifier African Pool T held at Harcha Hacène Hall in Alger, Algeria on Thursday,

Cameroon led the 6 nation round robin tournament with a win- loss ratio of 3-1 (10 points), while Algeria suffered the first defeat to drop to 2-1.

Nigeria obtained their first victory after three defeats after they overcame DR Congo 3-1 (25-21, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20) in 100 minutes. Nigeria’s record improved to 1-3, while Congo became the only winless team with 0-3

The 6 nation round robin tournament will feature 3 important matches on Today as Algeria face Congo, while Nigeria meet Egypt and Botswana play Cameroon.

The winner of the six nation tournament will earn a ticket to the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Italy 2014, which will take place from September 23 to October 12.

Day 5 Results Feb 27
DR Congo – Nigeria 1-3 (21-25, 21-25, 25-23, 20-25)
Cameroon – Algeria 3-1 (25-23, 25-22,21-25, 25-21)

Day 6 programme Feb 28
13:45: Botswana – Cameroon
16:00: Nigeria – Egypt
18:15: Algeria – Congo

Egypt wins again as Nigeria suffers second Loss at Volleyball World Championship qualifier

2014 Women’s World championship- Day 3 Pool T

Egypt women’s volleyball team continued their winning rhythm at 2014 Women’s World championship qualifier African Pool T as they beat Congo DR 3-0 (25-4, 25-20, 25-16) in the third day of the round robin tournament held at Harcha Hacène Hall in Alger, Algeria on Tuesday, while Botswana surprised Nigeria 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-21).

Egypt experienced opposite spiker Ingy El Shami led her team to overcome DR Congo 3-0 (25-4, 25-20, 25-16) in 59 minutes, Egypt improved to win- loss ratio of 3-0 to lead the 6 nation tournament with 2 remaining matches ahead. Congo dropped to 0-2. El Shami led her team scorers with 14 points.

Up and coming Botswana upset the experienced Nigerian team 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-21) after a great performance. Botswana improved their record to 1-1, while Nigeria dropped to 0-2

The winner of the six nation tournament will earn a ticket to the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Italy 2014, which will take place from September 23 to October 12.

Day 4 Programme Feb 26

16:00: Nigeria – Cameroon

18:15: Algeria – Botswana

Nigeria play Algeria as Egypt and Cameroon record fist win at Volleyball World Championship qualifiers

2014 Women’s World championship- Day 1 Pool T

Favourites Egypt and Cameroon start their 2014 Women’s World championship qualifier’s campaign as victorious in African Pool T held at Harcha Hacène Hall in Alger, Algeria on Sunday as they beat Botswana and DR Congo respectively on Day 1.

The final tournament which qualifies the winners for the 2014 Women’s World Championship in Italy was supposed to feature 7 national teams but due to the late arrival of Ghana, they withdraw making a six nation tournament.

Egypt women overcame Botswana in straight sets 25-21, 25-11, 25-17 in 81 minutes. The better reception and powerful attacks were the key factors to win the match.

2013 African Nations Championship silver medallists Cameroon flew past DR Congo 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-14) in 72 minutes to proof their consistency to clinch the world championship ticket

The second day will show a ground breaking encounter between Egypt v Cameroon, while hosts Algeria start their matches to meet Nigeria.