Other Sports
Heavyweight Battle as Okowa Confronts Mohammed in Weightlifting
BY KINGSLEY OYERO.
All eyes will be on the Nigeria Weightlifting elections in Abuja on Friday when Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Tony Okowa and Yahaya Mohammed battle for the top job in Weightlifting.
Mohammed is the incumbent Vice-President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, while Okowa is the former Chairman of Delta Force FC and a big advocate of grassroots sports development.
One of Okowa’s biggest fans is the Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, who endorsed him when he emerged as chairman, Delta State Sports Commission.
“Tony Okowa is the right choice for the job. We are all living witnesses to the marvellous job he did as Chairman of Delta Force. I strongly believe that he is going to build on the success attained by Delta State in sports generally,” Pinnick said.
A major stakeholder on condition of anonymity claims that Okowa will be a round peg in a round hole due to his experience as Delta State Sports Commissioner.
“We are happy that the Election tribunal nullified election, now we can do the right thing and elect Tony Okowa; who can get us private and corporate sponsorship and guarantee better welfare for weightlifters and coaches as seen in the good job he is doing in Delta state”
The Weightlifting election is scheduled for Friday at the National Stadium, Abuja after the Appeals Committee set up by the Ministry of Youth and Sports announced the nullification of the elections held on June 13 following a petition by Okowa.
“The petitioner protested against the result of the vice-presidential and presidential elections as a result of irregularities such as multiple registrations and voting by proxy.
“The Committee having noted the irregularities highlighted in the petition and having confirmed same from various sources came to the conclusion that the election be nullified and fresh elections ordered for the positions of vice-president and president.’’
Meanwhile, Mohammed feels the late release of funds by the Federal Government was one of the major problems faced by the previous administration.
“One major problem we have in Nigeria is lack or late release of funds, which leads to late preparation. This is a major problem that cuts across all the federations.” From all indications, Tony Okowa is set to win the elections.
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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