Other Sports
ITTF Africa Cup: More Threats Than Just Omar Assar, Says Quadri
Africa’s highest ranked player in the world, Aruna Quadri, said that he would not be focusing only on Egypt’s Omar Assar when the 2017 ITTF Africa Cup serves off in Agadir, Morocco on Saturday.
According to him, there are more threats to his dream than just focusing solely on the Egyptian.
Also, Italy-based Olajide Omotayo has replaced Segun Toriola as the second Nigerian campaigning alongside Aruna Quadri in the men’s singles event while Olufunke Oshonaike and Edem Offiong will hoist Nigeria’s flag in the women’s singles event of the competition.
Quadri, who has been listed among the foreign legion competing at the maiden Ultimate Table Tennis Championships in India and at the moment representing Egypt’s Al Ahly in the ongoing African Club Championships, believes he has more competitors than Assar to battle against in the Africa Cup.
“ITTF Africa Cup is another challenge that I am looking forward to and I am preparing very well for it.
“I know it is not going to be easy and I know it is very possible to win again in Morocco having won my first continental title in 2009 in same Morocco.
“Since I have finished with my club in the French league, I have enough time to prepare well in training.
“I am training now more than before and I believe it is going to be a very fantastic tournament. I am eagerly looking forward to give my best and represent Nigeria very well,” the 2016 ITTF Africa Top 16 Cup winner said.
Continuing, he remarked: “The greatest threat to my ambition in Morocco is not only Omar Assar because there is always quarterfinal, semi final and final.
“I think all the Egyptian players constitute threats to my ambition in Morocco and I am going to look forward to match after match,” Aruna Quadri explained.
“All these players are very important to me and giving all the attention to Omar Assar alone will not allow me to focus on other players. I must remain focus and consider other participants as well.
“This is more important to me as I am getting ready for all the participants in the competition,” he added.
It would be recalled that it was in Rabat, Morocco in 2009 that Aruna Quadri claimed his first continental title to make his debut at the ITTF World Cup in Moscow, Russia.
But his second return to the North African nation was not a smooth ride when he narrowly lost the men’s singles title to Egypt’s Omar Assar in the final of the 2016 ITTF African Championship.
History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
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