Category: Sports

Soyoye Abel Wins 2017 International Strongbow Chess Tournament

Soyoye Abel has won the 2017 International Strongbow Chess Tournament in Ghana. The highly competitive tournament featured players from across West Africa with Soyoye Abel unbeaten throughout the seven rounds of the three-day tournament.

Soyoye Abel defeated the Ghanaian National Chess Champion, Adu Jnr Lionel and picked a draw in the final round against International Master, Anquandah Francis to win the tournament.

In the words of Abel:

 “I am very happy to win the Strongbow International Championship in Ghana. I just went there to try my luck and at the end of the day, I defeated all the players in the championship.It was not easy for me because I had to sponsor myself to the championship, but I thank God I won the tourney. Nigeria has a lot of talented chess players and all we need is full support from everybody.

My next target is to keep participating in more championships to sharpen my skills in chess.”

Odunayo Adekuoroye Is World No. 1 Female Wrestler – 55 kg [2017]

Nigerian female wrestler, Odunayo Adekuoroye, has emerged world number one at the 55 kg category following adjustment to re-align the rankings with entry lists for the August 21-26 world championships.

The feat was possible for the  2014 Commonwealth gold medalist as world champion Mayu Mukaida of Japan drops to 53 kg in the championship.

Adekuoroye, second-ranked last month at 55 kg, won the Golden Grand Prix Final last November in Baku and also claimed a gold medal at the 2017 African senior championships in April.

In the words of an elated Odunayo Adekuoroye:

“I’m amazed and perplexed about this current ranking. I want to thank my father in the Lord, Dr Daniel Olukoya who have always believed in me. I’m forever [grateful].”

IAAF Appoints Solomon Ogba As Chief Scrutineer [2017]

Former President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Ogba, has been appointed as Chief Scrutineer for the 51st IAAF Congress in London.

This was contained in a letter signed by the manager of Institutional Forums, in the Governance, Member & International Relations Department, Anne-Marie Garrigan of the IAAF which states that:

“It is a pleasure to inform you that during its meeting on 31st July 2017, the IAAF Council has nominated you as a Scruitneer during the [upcoming] 51st IAAF Congress on 3rd August 2017.”

Others Scrutineeers are Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, BAAA Chief, Rosamunde Carey, Mozambique Sarifa Fagilde, Kwan Kee from Hong Kong, Yoonis Yaqoob Issa Al Siyabi Timor Leste, Nijole Medvedeva from Lithuania, Israeli Jack Cohen, Canadia Gordon Orlikow, Linda Hammersley from New Zealand, Brian Roe from Australia, Mirian Cristina Ermacora from Argentina, and Manuel Bravo from Ecuador.

The 51st IAAF Congress in London took place at the venue of the World Championships. The 2017 IAAF World Championship is the 16th edition and will hold August 4-13. It is to be sprinter Usain Bolt’s and distance runner Mo Farah’s last.

 

Sodiq Taiwo & Yemisi Olatunji Win Zimbabwe Open Squash Championship [2017]

Sodiq Taiwo, has won Zimbabwe Open Squash Championship after beating compatriot Olanrewaju Abulrahaman 3-2 in a closely contested final at Suburbs Squash Club. Yemisi Olatunji beat Zimbabwean Yvonne Mubure 3-0 in the women’s final. Olatunji was awarded $750.

Continue reading Sodiq Taiwo & Yemisi Olatunji Win Zimbabwe Open Squash Championship [2017]

Team Nigeria Wins 11 Medals At 2017 Regional African Gymnastics Championship

Team Nigeria has emerged victorious at the 2-day 2017 Regional African Gymnastics Championship with a total of 11 medals; 2 gold and 9 bronze.

The level 4-9 regional tournament was held in South Africa between August 4th and 5th [2017].

Lara Anot, (five years old) who is the youngest gymnast in the tournament won Nigeria first medal, a bronze with other gymnasts including Gabriella Asemota, Nfonmma Bassey and Elger Orese also among the medal winners.

According to the Technical Representative, Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria, Coach Anthony Asuquo:

“We finished the first phase of the level four and five today (Friday). Nigeria have gotten four bronze medals as at today, tomorrow Saturday is the high levels and Olympic level. That’s is where we want to send a signal to Africa that Nigeria is also a force to reckon with.

We have the only boy Uche Eke. He came all the way from the United States to represent Nigeria, he is in the Olympic level already. I’m optimistic he’ll bring his wealth of experience into play when the stage is set”.

First Bank Basketball Club Wins Zenith Women Basketball League [2017]

First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos claimed their eighth Zenith Bank Women Basketball League after beating First Deepwater 84-53 on July 29, 2017.

The Elephant girls have now their eyes set on this year’s FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women (ACCW), which will take place in November [2017].

According to the First Bank coach Peter Ahmedu:

“We knew what our target was and didn’t at any point in time joked with our games because in basketball you cannot underrate any team. We kept our focus and we thank God we won.”

This is not the end of the story for us but just the beginning because we would still go for the zonal qualifier as well as the Final Round. Last year we claimed a Third-Place finish in Maputo, Mozambique, but I think we can achieve more”, the play caller explained.”

Magdalene Ukato who led the way for First Bank with a team-best 20 points, was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2017 Nigeria League.