Marrakech to host 2024 CAF award 

The CAF award will be hosted in the tourist city of Marrakech, Morocco, on 16 December 2024, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced. This is the third time in a row Morocco is hosting the ceremony, after a glittering star-studded African fanfare last year. CAF will confirm the starting time of the CAFAwards24 in due course. The reigning African Footballer of the Year is Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen (men category), with his compatriot Asisat Oshoala also claiming the honours in the women’s category. The CAF Awards recognize exceptional performances in both club and national competitions, culminating in the prestigious titles of CAF African Player of the Year in both men’s and women’s categories.

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Algeria’s ‘Green Ladies’ storm Lagos, as Madugu looks forward to ‘masterclass’ outing

A 35-woman delegation of the Algeria senior women national football team has arrived in Lagos, ahead of the international friendly matches with nine-time African champions Nigeria on Saturday and Tuesday. The delegation members are staying at the Eko Hotel & Towers, Victoria Island. Both teams will clash at the Remo Stars’ Sports Complex, Ikenne from 3pm on Saturday, 26th October with the second match scheduled for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos on Tuesday, 29th October from 4pm. The ‘Green Ladies’, who have made five appearances at the Women Africa Cup of Nations, with their debut in 2004, were scheduled to train at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena at 5pm on Thursday. However, both the ‘Green Ladies’ and the Super Falcons will move to the Legacy Pitch inside the National Stadium, Surulere for their official training sessions, with the Algerians to take the pitch at 4pm. Head Coach Justine Madugu said on Thursday that he is expecting a masterclass performance from the Super Falcons, who impressed at last year’s FIFA World Cup finals in Down Under and made a return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament this summer after a 16-year absence. “We have been having useful sessions since we resumed on Monday. I am impressed with the discipline and sense of dedication of the players, and I am looking forward to a masterclass performance by the Super Falcons in both games. “We respect the Algerians just as we respect every team we play, but the truth is that we need to bounce back strongly from the below-par outing at the Olympics and restore our team’s confidence and positive spirit.” These two matches stir memories of the Aisha Buhari Women’s Tournament held in Lagos in September 2021, which is also the last time the Super Falcons played Grade A friendly matches on home soil. Madugu’s squad has a large contingent of home-based professionals, with only six overseas-based players invited.

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ITTF Africa, Ethiopian Airlines sign ground-breaking agreement

Just three days after taking office, the newly elected African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) Executive Council, led by President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has achieved a significant milestone in engaging the corporate sector. In a vibrant ceremony held at the Ethiopian Airlines Headquarters in Addis Ababa on Friday, October 18, the ATTF and Ethiopian Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), appointing Ethiopian Airlines as the Official Airline Partner of the continental body. The ATTF delegation, led by President Wahid Enitan Oshodi, included Mr. Tesfaye Bizane, Executive Vice President of Media and Public Relations, and Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Chief Operating Officer (COO). They were warmly received by Ethiopian Airlines representatives Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Head of ET-Holidays, and Mary Legesse, Senior Sales Manager of ET-Holidays. In his remarks, Oshodi expressed his gratitude to the airline’s management for their support of the 2024 ITTF Africa Senior Championships, which was held at the Ethiopian Sports Academy in Addis Ababa. “We want to express our sincere appreciation to the management of Ethiopian Airlines for their support of the 2024 Africa Senior Championships. We don’t take this for granted, and that is why we want to extend our partnership with the Pride of Africa. As a continental federation, we aim to become one of the leading sports in Africa and have decided to collaborate with the world’s leading airline by entering into this important partnership. We recognize the strength of the airline as a member of the Global Star Alliance, and for us at ATTF, we want to be identified with you. We hope and believe this will be a beneficial relationship for both parties,” Oshodi said. Firiehiwot Mekonnen, representing Ethiopian Airlines, expressed pride in the partnership and affirmed their support by offering attractive packages during major events for the continental body. “We are thrilled to collaborate with ATTF as the Official Airline Partner of the continental body. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline, dedicated to transporting thousands of people to more than 137 destinations worldwide.  “Our partnership with ATTF not only strengthens our connection with Africa but also aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering unity and celebrating excellence. As the Pride of Africa, we are committed to youth development through sports, and table tennis being a global sport, we are excited to support ATTF in its vision.  “We understand the crucial role sports play among our youths in Africa, and as an airline that prides itself as the gateway to Africa, we are willing to extend our partnership with ATTF by signing this MOU as a formal start to our long-lasting relationship.  “With the MOU, we have now made it official that we will be the partner airline for ATTF events within and beyond Africa,” she said. Tesfaye Bizane, who is also the President of the Ethiopia Table Tennis Federation (ETTF), described the MOU as a promising start for the new ATTF executive, with more corporate bodies expected to join soon. “We are excited to start on a positive note and will continue to seek partnerships with more corporate bodies so that our sport can compete favourably with other major sports in Africa,” Bizane said.

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Tinubu appoints Shehu Dikko as NSC boss

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Shehu Dikko as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission. This appointment comes after the president scraped the Ministry of Sports Development and had its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission in order to develop a vibrant sports economy. The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, was redeployed as the Minister of State for Trade and Investment. Dikko, the Kaduna State-born football administrator, was the Chairman of the League Management Company responsible for the management of the Nigerian Professional Football League. He previously served as a consultant for the Nigerian House of Representatives on Sports committee. Dikko contested for the President of the Nigeria Football Federation in 2022, but later stepped down for Ibrahim Gusau who emerged victorious. Also scrapped was the Ministry of Niger Delta which was replaced with Ministry of Regional Development to oversee the activities of all the Regional Development Commissions. Tinubu also merged the Federal Ministry of Tourism and the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture to become Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.

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Kano appoints Ahmed Musa Sports Ambassador 

Former Super Eagles’ skipper Ahmed Musa has been appointed as Sports Ambassador for Kano State.  The Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi in a letter on Wednesday congratulated the former Leicester City player on his appointment.  “It is my singular honour to formally convey to you that His Excellency, Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State has approved your appointment as Kano State Sports Ambassador with effect from 24th July, 2024.  “The decision to appoint you into this exalted position of trust and confidence was predicated upon your professional competence, track record of excellent performance, vast experience, dedication to the development of sporting activities and provision of humanitarian services in the State. It is hoped that you will bring these sterling qualities to bear on your new assignment.  “It is my ardent prayer that your appointment as Kano State Sports Administrator will assist the Government significantly in attaining the objective of promoting the overall sporting activities espadrilles it relates to our home based clubs and players.  “While congratulating you over this well-deserved appointment, it is my sincere hope that you will live above board and justify the confidence reposed in you by the Government. I pray that Gods in His infinite mercy accord you the wisdom and determination ti execute the assignment diligently and to the expectation of the administration.  “Accept my sincere congratulations on this well-deserved appointment and prayers of good will,” the Secretary to the Governor stated.  In his response Musa wrote; “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Sports Ambassador for Kano State! “This opportunity is a quite humbling, and I’m excited to work towards empowering the youth and promoting sports development across the state.  “Kano has a rich sporting heritage, and I can’t wait to contribute to building a brighter future for our athletes and communities. “Thank you to the Kano State Government ably led by @Kyusufabba for this incredible responsibility & opportunity.  “Together, we’ll inspire the next generation to achieve greatness both on and off the field.  “Let’s make history!”

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Bobrisky falls ill, rushed to hospital

Controversial crossdresser, Okuneye Idris, popularly known as Bobrisky, has reportedly fallen ill while in detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos. After spending the night in a police cell, Bobrisky was rushed to Falomo Police Hospital for medical attention. A source confirmed the development, stating that he was transferred from the FCID to the hospital for treatment. The source said, “Bobrisky complained of ‘breast’ pain and was rushed to the Police Hospital in the Falomo area of Lagos around 2:00 p.m. in an ambulance with the plate number LND 339L. He wore a black gown, covered his face with a shawl, and lay down in the ambulance.” Bobrisky was taken into custody on Monday night by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) following his arrest at the Seme border in Lagos during an alleged attempt to leave the country. There are indications that he may remain in detention as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest. The FCID is expected to obtain a remand order for his continued detention. A statement from the FCID regarding Bobrisky’s situation is expected later today. NIS spokesperson, Kenneth Udo, confirmed the arrest, describing Bobrisky as “a person of interest.” He further stated that the NIS had intercepted him at the Seme border as part of their efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders.

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NPFL: Ideye close to Rivers United move 

Rivers United manager, Finidi George has hinted that former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye is close to joining his team. Ideye was recently seen training with Rivers United and watching their games from the stands. In an interview with the media, Finidi said he is open to Ideye joining the NPFL club. “Yea, there is every likelihood that he will join us. He wants to give back. That is the most important thing. He has that hunger. We’ve seen that in Ahmed Musa. “If he is willing to do that, I think I will welcome him. He is giving back, We can’t pay him. “Brown is a player I’ve known for years, and his experience speaks for itself. We thought it would be beneficial for our players, especially the younger ones, to learn from someone who has competed at the highest level. “It wasn’t just about his skillset, but the professionalism and work ethic he brings to the table. That’s something every team needs, especially as we aim for greater success this season.” Finidi emphasised that the players are already benefiting from Ideye’s time at the club. “The impact has been immediate. You can see the younger players trying to impress, learning from his movement, his tactical awareness, and his ability to handle pressure. Brown is very approachable, and he’s been open to giving advice and sharing his experiences in Europe and with the national team.” Finidi added that Ideye’s ability to remain calm and focused under pressure has been one of the biggest takeaways for the squad. “It’s not every day that our younger players get to interact with someone who’s played in the Premier League and at the World Cup. “It’s crucial for Nigerian football. When players like Brown, who have had successful international careers, come back and stay involved with local teams, it raises the standard. It also shows the younger players that they can aspire to reach those heights. “This isn’t just about Rivers United; it’s about Nigerian football as a whole. The more veterans stay engaged, the more our domestic league grows in quality and competitiveness. “It sends a powerful message to the players when someone like Brown takes time out to not only train but also support them during a match,” George said.  “It shows them that they are worth watching that their progress matters. It’s a huge source of inspiration.” The striker once played for Ocean Boys of Bayelsa in the Nigerian league between 2006 and 2007, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances.

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Breaking: Tinubu scraps Niger Delta, Sports Ministries

President Tinubu and Federal Executive Council have scrapped Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of sports development.  According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, there will now be a ministry of regional development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission, North East Development Commission. The National Sports Commission will take over the role of the Ministry of Sports.  The FEC also approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy.  The decisions were taken today at the meeting of Federal Executive Council in Abuja.

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