I Want To Be A Boxing Icon – Fijabi

Rising Light welterweight boxing star and winner of GOtv Boxing Night Best Boxer Award, Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, says he aims to be a world champion and an iconic figure

Why did you choose boxing?

Actually, I never liked boxing not until a particular day when a friend bullied me. I got home and my parents chastised me. I was then forced to learn how to box and to the glory of God, I’m now a professional boxer.

Did your parents support your decision to go into boxing?

No, they didn’t.

At what stage did it dawn you that you will become a professional boxer?

As an amateur boxer, I was national champion three times. I also won eight gold medals at the National Sports Festivals. I was convinced that I had seen it all at that level and I decided to turn professional. I was a gold medalist in 2007 and 2008, but the funniest thing was that I was never picked to represent Nigeria. I thought the coaches were not comfortable with me, so I decided to turn professional.

Why do you think you were not picked to represent the country?

I don’t know. I ruled the amateur cadre for a decade and no boxer ever defeated me. I remain the undisputed champion. You can go and check the records. No boxer in my weight category ever defeated me.

Why did it take you so long to turn professional?

I never thought of turning professional if not for the coming of GOtv Boxing Night and Flykite. I said so because when I saw the way boxers before me were living hand to mouth, I thought it was better to remain an amateur because I don’t want to live like them. When my coaches told me of the package the GOtv Boxing Night was offering, it was impossible to reject it.

Two professional fights and two wins, how will you rate yourself?

I don’t want to see myself as a champion yet because there is still more to come. My ambition, however, is to be a world champion in my category and I will be.

Olaide Fijabi, winner of a trophy and One Million Naira during 3rd GOtv Boxing Night held at the Indoor Sports Hall of National Stadium Surulere, Lagos.

You were adjudged the best boxer on your debut at the second edition of the GOtv Boxing Night. How did you feel?

I felt good because I never knew I would be selected as the boxer of the night

In your second fight at the GOtv Boxing Night, you also emerged the best boxer and got a prize of N1 million. How did you spend it?

I spent it judiciously. I bought myself some training kits and did some donations to some people that are less privileged. The rest was used to cater for some other things.

What should your fans look out for when you fight at the next edition of the GOtv Boxing Night in December?

It is the same message I always have for my fans: I will win. For my opponent: He should be prepared for more beating. Whoever my opponent is next month will see fire.

Who is your role model?

My role model is nobody but Floyd Mayweather Jnr. I love the way he fights in the ring and I enjoy watching his fight and I learn some boxing skills from him.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR
photo credit: PrizeFights.com
https://www.flickr.com/photos/prizefights/16166145214/

What message do you have for boxing lovers?

I don’t want them to see boxers as thugs or street urchins. I also want them to come out in their numbers to come and watch the best of boxing in the next edition of the GOtv Boxing Night at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Lagos State.

How many are you in your family?
I really don’t want to comment on that. The family name is what I strive everyday to make ensure it becomes bigger.

Guinea 2016: Falconets through to final round

The U-20 Women National Team, Falconets, have qualified for the final round of the African qualifying series for the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, courtesy of a 4-1 aggregate defeat of their counterparts from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup top goalscorer Chinwendu Ihezuo was the heroine of the two legs, scoring both goals in Abuja on Saturday, to add to her goal in Kinshasa two weeks ago, when Nigeria beat the hosts 2-1.

Ihezuo scored her first after only seven minutes at the National Stadium, Abuja, when she capitalized on a defensive mistake by the Congolese and raced unchallenged to slot the ball past goalkeeper Kashala Khonde.

The Congolese refused to be deterred, and played impressively with the petite Salu Lengi, Monique Kipoy and Joelle Muadi showing good skills.

However, the game was all but over after only five minutes into the second half, when Ihezuo again capitalized on a defensive error by the Congolese off a long ball, and held on to secure her brace.

The Falconets, runner-up of the last edition of the competition, will now take on the winner of the fixture between South Africa and Zambia, for a place at the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Papua New Guinea.

Christian Ogar Is Emerges Best Rugby Player As CowryRFC Win South West Rugby League

Star boy of Nigeria rugby, Christian Ogar was on Saturday voted as the most valuable player and he also emerged as the highest point scorer of the South West Rugby league sponsored by CMB Building and Investment Company at the final day of the league which was held at the main bowl of the National stadium, Lagos.

Christain Ogar of Cowrie on the move

The national team player who plies his trade with Cowrie RFC of Lagos was consistent all through the season as he masterminded his team’s unbeaten run in the 2014/2015 rugby league with 36 tries, 1 try conversion and 3 penalty conversions recording a cumulative of 193 points.

Even though Cowrie RFC won the league before the league finals with accumulated points, the final against police was crucial in their quest to defend their 7 years 15’s unbeating run which was achieved with ease.

At the well-attended final league game sponsored by CMB Building and Inv. Co. Ltd, 3rd placed, Police RFC were awarded the fair play award despite losing to the champions, Cowrie RFC 22-0 in a match which could be described as fast and furious as both teams came out for the maximum points.

Ramon Bakare Police Captain being presented with the Fair play award by the MD CEO of CMB Building Maintenance & Inv Co Ltd Mr Kelechukwu Mbagwu

In the game which was characterised with mazy runs, pin point tackles and incisive passes, Sammy Ekpo bagged 2 tries while Dipo Olawale and Christian Ogar registered 1 try each and a conversion by Tunji Oduntan was all that was needed by Cowrie RFC to show their superiority against a very physical Police RFC side.

Meanwhile, in the first game of the day, spectators and invited guests were treated to a display of good game of rugby with both teams putting up a classy display, but the young and less experienced Royal Stallions of Ilorin side lost to Racing RFC 50-0, Racing RFC now claims the second spot on the league table and also a slot in the national playoff as the runners up of the South West Rugby Union League.

Mr Kelechukwu Mbagwu the MD/CEO of the league sponsor CMB Building and Ind. Co. Ltd, and the Vice President/Technical Director of Nigeria Rugby Football Federation Fasimoye Olatunji were present at the event for the award presentation.

Azeez Ladipo Cowrie Captain being presented with the throphy as champions of the SWL by the MD CEO of CMB Building Maintenance & Inv Co Ltd Mr Kelechukwu Mbagwu

Curtain Falls On South West Rugby League As Organisers Plans Award Ceremony

The last round of matches of the 2014/2015 South West Rugby league season sponsored by CMB Building will take place on Saturday, 29th of August at the mainbowl of the Lagos National stadium, Lagos.

According to the fixtures, 2nd placed Racing RFC will be looking at grabbing the maximum point as to consolidate their position on the log and book a place at the national playoff when they take on Royal Stallions of Ilorin who have already secured their top flight status next season.

The main battle of the day will be against a motivated Cowrie RFC side against 3rd placed Police RFC who will be desperate to win and hope that Racing will slip up in the race for the 2nd place.

SOUTH WEST RUGBY LEAGUE

Speaking ahead of the match, head coach of Cowrie RFC, Joseph Ofoha says despite having already emerged as the league champions, a victory against Police will be an icing on an already sweet cake and an avenue to avenge their 2013 final loss to Police at the Independence Sevens tournament.

The organizers while revealing the last match day schedule also revealed that immediately after the last match, there will be a brief award ceremony where cash rewards will be presented to the League winner, Most Valuable Player of the league, highest point scorer and fairplay award for the deserving team.

Super Eagles, Tanzania Match To Start 2.30pm Nigeria Time

The Tanzania Football Federation has confirmed that the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Taifa Stars and Super Eagles of Nigeria will come up at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Saturday, September 5.

A mail from TFF President Jamal Malinzi also confirmed that the National Stadium has natural grass, and that the match will kick off at 4.30pm Tanzania time (2.30pm in Nigeria).

Nigeria’ Super Eagles share joint top –place with the Pharaohs of Egypt in Group G of the qualifying series, having beaten Chad 2-0 in Kaduna in June’s Matchday 1, but the North Africans have one goal advantage having beaten the Taifa Stars 3-0 the same weekend.

Coach Sunday Oliseh has 19 home –based professionals in camp in Abuja, and has also called 18 overseas –based players, led by Eagles’goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama.

The Nigeria Football Federation has also confirmed that it has finalized all arrangements with regards to the Super Eagles’ movement into and out of Dar es Salaam, as well as accommodation for the delegation in the Tanzanian capital.

Sources further confirmed that while the delegation will fly out from Abuja, the chartered aircraft will fly the delegation to Port Harcourt on return, where the Super Eagles tackle the Mena of Niger Republic in an international friendly on Tuesday, September 8.

Cowrie RFC Crowned 2014/2015 Southwest Rugby League Champions…

Defending champion, Cowrie RFC needed just a draw to retain their title for the 4th consecutive year with Gosar RFC standing between them and the 2014/2015 South West Rugby league title, but it only took Sam Ekpo 14th minutes to register their intention as he evaded all opponents to open scoring with Azeez Ladipo converting the resulting kick to open a 7 point lead in the league sponsored by CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Co. Ltd.

Former national team captain who doubles as a player/coach for Gosar RFC scored a brilliant penalty kick from just a little way off the half way line in the 32nd minute to reduce the deficit to 4 point, Nigerian international, Onor Jato scored another try for Cowrie RFC with usual suspect Azeez Ladipo adding another 2 points to take the scores to 14 points to 3 heading into half time.

Christain Ogar of Cowrie Rugby Club in Action

The second half was all about Nigeria Rugby speed sensation, Christian Ogar who scored 2 trys, ani Halilu and Afeez Ayinla also weighed in with a try each with Azeez Ladipo coverting 3 try conversions to ensure that the game ended 40 points to 3 in Cowrie RFC’s favor. The result sealed Cowrie RFC’s as 2014/2015 South West Rugby league champions.

In the 2nd match of the day between relegation threatened Eco II and Royal Stallions of Ilorin, the game started well as both sides settled down to play their individual patterns and it was Eco II who drew the 1st blood despite Royal Stallions dictating the play through Samson Okeowo who scored a try and registered the conversion to open up a 7 points lead for his team.

The lead never lasted for long with Royal Stallions bouncing back with a try of their own through Sunday Olawale and Ife Ibitaye converted the kick to tie the score, Samson Okeowo again scored a penalty kick for his team to give the relegation threatened Eco II a lifeline.

With little time to play in the 1st half, Samson Olawale registered his second try of the game.

Eco II RFC

Eco II’s relegation status from the CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Co. Ltd league was confirmed with just 6 minutes into the 2nd half, as Sunday Olawale registred his 3rd try to extended their lead to 17 points to 10 with their opponents struggling to find their bearing under the light rain.

A new record was set in the South West Rugby league in the 3rd game of the day between Police RFC and Racing RFC, the game ended 0-0, the match had so much at stake with both teams battling for 2nd spot and a place in the national final playoffs.

Despite the game turning out to be interesting and tough, both sides failed to make any try or penalty conversion in the tension soaked match, this result means Police RFC still occupies the 2nd spot and Racing in 3rd, heading into the last game of the league sponsored CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Co. Ltd

Similarly, on Saturday, Zaria RFC hosted the famous Lilliker tournament with 4 teams competing in the 1 day championship.

In the 1st game, host Zaria RFC defeated Sabon Gari RFC by 3nil to book their place in the finals while Barewa RFC made mince of Kaduna RFC by 7 unreplied points in the second game of the championship that has witnessed a lot of improvements regarding players’ attitude and officiating.

With most people tipping Zaria RFC to win this year’s tournament as the host, it was a different ball game as Barewa RFC defeated the host 3nil to emerge the 2015 champion in front of an impressive crowd and some board members of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation

NNPC/Chevron Holiday Clinic sharpens Nigerian players ahead ITF tourneys

The 2015 NNPC/Chevron Tennis Clinic enters its fourth day at the National Stadium, Lagos on Thursday with some of the Nigeria junior national players showing lots of improvements ahead of their busy schedule for the country in the coming weeks.

Mathew Abamu, Michael Ayoola, Michael Osewa and Angel Mcleod -all of whom are bound to take part in international tournaments for Nigeria in Morocco and Togo between August and September – were among the players that have their playing skills sharpened under the watch of Mr. Chris Enahoro, the coordinator of the programme which is attracting about 80 players.

Enahoro expressed delight in the constant progress being made by some of the players with conviction that the future of the game in Nigeria is bright.

Engr. Sani Ndanusa, President Nigeria Tennis Federation

NTF president Engr Sani Ndanusa commended the programme which he pointed has helped in no small measure in producing some of the country’s junior players.

In some of the warm up matches played to wrap up the day’s training session which saw players mostly put through their serving skills, Abamu defeated his Morocco-bound compatriot, Mcleod 7-5 while Olumide Ayoola also beat Emmanuel Jebutu 7-4. The matches were in played in tie-breaks.

The clinic which will end on August 29 is a prelude to the tournament proper billed for 4-10th of October in Lagos.

Cowrie RFC Are One Point Away From Retaining Title As Police, Racing Battle For Second Spot

Runaway South West Rugby League winner, Cowrie RFC will be crowned as the 2014/2015 season champion of CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Company Limited sponsored league this weekend if they win Gosar RFC as actions resume at the mainbowl of the National stadium.

Gosar currently forth on the table after 11 games have 29 points with 5 wins and 6 losses will provide a formidable opposition for Cowrie who will definitely be crowned league champions on Saturday if they secure a win, draw or loose within seven points as they need just a single point to seal their title for the fourth straight season.

In the second match of the day, Royal Stallions RFC of Ilorin stand a good chance of winning their second match of the season when they face Eco II RFC who are still searching for their first win of the season after 11 games. With just 6 points separating the two teams at the bottom of the table and only 2 games to go, both teams will be going for broke if they are to stand any chance of escaping relegation.

Christain Ogar of Cowrie on the move

The highlight of match day 11 will definitely be between second placed Police RFC and third placed Racing RFC starting by 3:30pm, the match which will see the winner move to the second spot and brighten their chances of sealing a spot in the national playoffs holding in Abuja or Lagos later this year.

Police RFC still basking in the euphoria of their 97-0 dominant victory over Eco II RFC on match day 10 will certainly not find their opponent who are still reeling from the narrow loss to Cowrie RFC an easy nut to crack.

At the end of match day 10, Cowrie RFC winger, Christian Ogar leads the league’s scorer chart with 34 tries, 1 conversion, 2 penalty conversions, penning down 178 points in the process while Oyebola Sulymon of Police RFC is in second position with 8 tries, 33 conversions, and 4 penalty conversions penning down 118 points.

National team and Cowrie RFC captain, Azeez Ladipo is in the 3rd spot with 105 points.

South West League: Police RFC Climb To Second Place…,

The tension of a derby and top of the table clash between two Victoria Island based teams; Cowrie RFC and Racing RFC provided a fascinating game of rugby, one that at a stage could have gone either way at the main bowl of the National stadium, Lagos on Saturday.

It took just 10 minutes for Onor Jatto to open the scoring for Cowrie as Christian Ogar took the responsibility of converting the kicks in the absence of inspirational captain, Azeez Ladipo who was not fielded. In what turned out to be a fast and furious game, racing responded almost immediately when centre, Festus Nwasor took advantage of a John Sylvanus error in the 27th minute and raced 50 yards for a try.

Sodiq Oduola of Cowrie RFC makes a tackle

After starting out slowly, Cowries’ speed star, Christian Ogar turned the heat on Racing RFC with two tries which prompted racing to make 2 substitutions- Chike Nwagbogu came out for Stephen Israel and veteran; Taleeb Adeniyi replaced Imeh Okon on the wing with little time remaining in the first half.

The grudge match that was described as the most tactical, exciting and “neatest” game of the day by fans and observers, resumed in the second half with the same urgency from both teams who were desperate to earn the bragging right. Christian Ogar kicked over a penalty early in the second half before Denis Clement who was a former Cowrie player replied Christian Ogar with a penalty conversion of his own.

Clement Denis scored another penalty and a drop kick point to take Racing points to 16 and his territorial kicking created a lot of problems and put Cowrie on the back foot towards the end. Cowrie defended well and held on for the double against Racing this season.

In the opening match of the day, Police RFC showed their superiority over Eco II with a 97-0 emphatic win.
Speaking after the game, captain of Police RFC, Rahmon Bakare said they actually came out for the game to overrun Eco II, but due to some silly mistakes, they could not score more as he promised that they will go back to the drawing board to perfect their tactics.

A dejected Captain of Eco II RFC, Kazeem Busari, said “We tried our best, but obviously our best was not enough due to the caliber of players at our disposal”

Meanwhile it took 18 minutes for the deadlock to be broken in the second match between Royal Stallions of Ilorin and Gosar RFC of Lagos.

It was Gosar RFC who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a breakaway try by Ezekiel Tom. Gosar further took a 12 point advantage with Dare Salami scoring another try before Sadiq Akanni redeemed himself scoring the resultant conversion after missing the first opportunity. Ife Ibiteye reduced the deficit scoring 3 points for Royal Stallions of Ilorin courtesy of a penalty kick.

Cowrie RFC in a defensive line

With the resumption of action in the second half, Salami Felix made a try for Gosar RFC in the 48th minute despite Royal Stallions proving a hard nut to crack and Sodiq Akanni scored the resulting kick as the match ended 19 points to 3 against Royal Stallions RFC.

Olatunbosun Plays Up Cowrie/Racing Rugby Football Club Rivalry

Ahead of this weekend’s clash between Racing Rugby Football Club and Cowrie RFC in the CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Company Limited/ South West Rugby league, Head coach of Racing, Ayo Olatunbosun Johnson has boasted that his team is always ready to come against any team.

Speaking after their evening training session on Wednesday, the ex-coaching coordinator for grassroots development, Lagos said Racing has a reputation to protect because they are the best rugby club in the country despite Cowries doing very well with couple of points clear on top of the South West league table after an impressive start to the season.

“I believe that with the spirit in camp plus our recent game pattern and records, we should be able to get a surprise win against Cowrie RFC on Saturday.”

Although many people describe our recent form as “medicine after death” but we want to maintain our second spot on the table and play in the national finals taking place in Abuja later this year.

He lamented the elongation of the 2014 league calendar which spilled into 2015 due to the breaks that normally comes in with mixing up international events with the domestic ones but acknowledged that the board is doing a great job.

Racing Fly half; Ekpo Williams in action during a South West Rugby league game

“I must give thumbs up to the NRFF Technical Director Tunji Fasimoye for the great job he is doing as per the South West Rugby league, and I think he is doing exceptionally well”

In other matches to be played on Saturday, third placed team, Police RFC will take on Eco II RFC while fourth placed Gosar RFC of Ajegunle will hope to fend off the surge of fifth placed Royal Stallions RFC of Ilorin.

GOtv To Give Ailing Boxing Legend, Dele Jonathan, Financial Assistance

Ailing former Commonwealth Lightweight boxing champion, Mr. Dele Jonathan, is to receive financial assistance from GOtv, headline sponsors of the GOtv Boxing Night.

An announcement to this effect was made at the third edition of the GOtv Boxing Night, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, on Sunday.

According to the sponsors, the 68-year old Jonathan, who is suffering from bladder and prostate enlargement and requires surgery, will be given 25 per cent of gate takings from the well attended event.

L-R: Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Chairman MultiChoice Nigeria; Olaide Fijabi, winner of a trophy and One Million Naira; Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director, Flykite Productions; John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria and Felix Awogu, General Manager, SuperSport during 3rd GOtv Boxing Night held at the Indoor Sports Hall of National Stadium Surulere, Lagos Sunday 26th of July, 2015

“Mr. Dele Jonathan deserves every help he can use. He brought great honour to the country through boxing and there is a need to ensure that he regains his health,” said Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite Productions, promoters of the GOtv Boxing Night, a competition conceived to revive the sport in the country.

A bold sign of revival was visible at the third edition of the event, with Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, a Light Welterweight boxer, winning the N1million cash prize for the competition’s best boxer award.

Fijabi also won the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy. He defeated Kazeem “Iberu” Ariyo in their eight-round duel. Also on the night, Sule “Tyson” Olagbade, National Light Middleweight champion, retained his title by defeating his challenger, Rasheed “Afonja Warrior” Abolaji in their closely-contested 12-round title bout.

In the Lightweight division, Prince Nurudeen Fatai defeated Chibuzor “T-Boy” Obi, while Sunday “Golden Child” Ajuwa saw off the challenge of Femi “Easywhite” Ajayi in an eight-round Cruiserweight challenge.

In the Heavyweight category, Onoriode “Onos” Ehwarieme knocked out Adewale “Masevex” Masebinu in the second of their six-round challenge bout.

Onoriode used the opportunity to announce his readiness to take on National Heavyweight champion, Adewale “Tiger’ Abbey, who he boasted would be dethroned when they meet.

The event featured an international female bout between Nigeria’s Helen “Iron Lady” Johnson and Ghana’s Gifty “Tiger” Ankrah. The former won by unanimous decision.

GOtv Boxing Night is supported by MultiChoice, SuperSport, KSquare Security, Newsbreak.ng, Complete Sports, Brilla FM and Paragonis Multimedia Limited.

QUARTER-FINAL AND SEMI-FINAL PAIRINGS FOR WINNERS GOLDEN BET/LAGOS SWAN CUP 2015 ANNOUNCED

Following the conclusion of all matches in the group Stages of this years Winner Golden Bet/Lagos SWAN Cup 2015 #LagosSWANCup the Quarter-finalist have now emerged and the Quarter-Final matches promises to be interesting.

Group A Leaders Voice Of Nigeria will battle Group C Second place Qualifiers NTA, the Second match of the day will see The Nation/Sportinglife Crew face-off against A Jonathan Akpoborie inspired Supersports.

Group B Table Toppers Cool FM will trade tackles with former champions Completesports while Defending Champions Sportsday will lock horns with Sportsvision captained Deji Tinubu.

All Matches will be played at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium in Surulere with the first match expected to kick off at 11:00am prompt.

The Semi-Final matches will also be played immediately after the last set of Quarter-Finals matches.

Wednesday the 29th of July 2015 is observed as a “Match free day” and All members of Lagos SWAN are expected to turn up for the Lagos SWAN Annual Seminar, the Venue is the Lagos SWAN Secretariat, Time is 11am and the Theme for this year’s Seminar is “The future of our sports” and the first speaker will be the DG, National Sports Commission Mallan Al-hassan Yakmut, who will speak on “Funding sports in Nigeria”.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick will deliver a paper Titled “Globalising Nigerian sports: A challenge for the Nigerian media” this will be followed by a brief presentation by Colin Udoh on the “Effective Use Of Social Media”

A medical team will be on hand to conduct health checks and also advise Lagos SWAN Members and guest on “healthy living”

DAY 4 30/07/2015

QUARTER-FINALS AND SEMI-FINALS

QUARTER FINALS

29, VON VS RUNNER UP NTA

30, NATION/SPORTINGLIFE VS SUPERSPORT

31, COOL FM VS COMPLETESPORTS

32, SPORTSDAY VS SPORTSVISION

SEMI FINALS

33, WINNER GAME 29 VS WINNER GAME 31

34, WINNER GAME 30 VS WINNER 32

DAY 5 31/07/2015

3:00 PM – 3:45 TUG OF WAR TOURNAMENT

4:00PM LOSERS FINAL

35, LOSER GAME GAME 33 VS LOSER GAME 34

5:00PM FINAL MATCH