Sports

Kwara, Bayelsa Govts Hail Obaseki’s Investment In Sports Sector

Published

4 years ago

April 11, 2021

NewTimes

Obaseki Appoints 2 Special Advisers, Forwards List of 11 Commissioner-nominees Of Edo Assembly

The Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Kayode Alabi and the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Daniel Igali have hailed Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his administration’s investment in the sports sector and rebuilding the Samuel Ogbemudia Sports complex.

Addressing journalists after touring sports facilities in Benin, Alabi described the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as the best in Nigeria.

He commended Governor Obaseki for empowering the people of Edo through sports, noting, “I want to state it categorically clear that Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is the best stadium in Nigeria. I have gone round the stadium, from the tennis courts to the badminton court, the squash court, the gymnastics hall and swimming pool, all I can say is that the state government invested hugely in the sports sector.

“With the facilities on ground, Edo can host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), African Games and the Olympics.”

“Governor Godwin Obaseki is doing well in the area of engaging the youths through sports and I know in the nearest future, Edo will become a force to reckon with in the sports industry,” Alabi said.

He disclosed that Kwara would study the model of the refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to ensure that his state hosts national competitions in the nearest future.

On his part, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Daniel Igali lauded Obaseki for building world-class sporting facilities across the state.

“I am so proud of the Edo State Government for putting up wonderful facilities across the state in a COVID-19 ravaged society at a time where there were so many restrictions. It is not just here at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. I have been to virtually all sporting facilities here. Everywhere I have been to is fantastic.

“Compared to what we have had in the last couple of festivals, this, I think, ranks among some of the best that we have had. I want to on behalf of Bayelsa State, appreciate the government of Edo for putting up such a fantastic tournament.”

Read more authentic news on our social media platforms

Sports

Manchester United Axe Ten Hag

Published

3 months ago

October 28, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael

Manchester United on Monday announced the departure of Erik ten Hag as the club’s head coach.

The former Ajax boss leaves the English side in fourteenth position after nine games.

While making the announcement in a statement, the club stated that former player, Ruud van Nistelrooy, would take charge as the interim coach.

It reads: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”

Sports

FG Approves January For National Sports Festival

Published

8 months ago

May 25, 2024

NewTimes

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun

The Federal Government has approved January, 2025 as the official date for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games, Ogun 2024.”

In a communique released after the first National Council on Sports, held at the Old Government Lodge, Abakaliki Road, Enugu, Enugu State, the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh extolled the government of Ogun State for its commitment to the successful hosting of the festival.

He noted that the National Sports Festival plays a vital role in national unity, as it would also increase the socio-economic growth for the sustainable development of the state and the country in general.

The minister also urged the federal and state governments to bid and host national and international sports competitions to fast-track the growth of sports in the country.

He urged all key stakeholders to play active roles towards the successful hosting of the Gateway Games, saying the Council of Sports is in support of the establishment of Sports Development and Investment Fund (NSIDF) with its attendant benefits for driving sports development in Nigeria.

While fielding questions from journalists shortly after the meeting, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka revealed that the state government is ready to host the National Sports Festival.

He submitted that the NSF has the ability to bring people together, to foster teamwork and cooperation and instil values of discipline and perseverance in humans, and encourage the vast youthful population in the state to embrace the power of sports in community development.

He stated further that targeted funding and incentives are crucial for driving grassroots sports engagements and ensuring the sustainability of sports programmes in the state.

“Through the power of sports, we have the opportunity to come together, forge connections, and celebrate our shared humanity. We are leveraging the Building Our Future Together Agenda, of the Governor, to develop sports at the grassroots,” he said.

Sports

Barcelona Shows Xabi The Exit Door

Published

8 months ago

May 24, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

Spanish football giant, Barcelona has relieved Xavi Hernandez of his role as the head coach of the club.

This was revealed by the club via its official website on Friday.

The statement reads in part: “Today Friday, FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season.

READ ALSO: Ten Times Barcelona Suffered Heavy Defeats In Champions League Since 2017

“FC Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi for his work as coach, as well as for his inimitable career as a player and as team captain, and wishes him every future success in the world.

“Xavi Hernández will be coaching the team for the last time in Sunday’s game away to Sevilla.”