Other Sports
NIGERIA’S SPORTS MINISTRY HOSTS U-19 CRICKET TEAM
The Youth and Sports Minister on Tuesday hosted the Junior Yellow Greens of Nigeria for qualifying for next year’s ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup.
At a modest reception organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the National U- 19 Cricket team, Solomon Dalung praised the team and leadership of the Nigeria Cricket Federation for making another historic record.
“The success of the National U-19 Cricket team coming at this transition period of this administration is one of the greatest packages I have received as a Minister in this Ministry.
“The face of sports has changed within three and half years despite those who have inundated the social media, trying to contradict the narrative that sports in Nigeria has taken its proper place globally. This is another historic feat in 100 years.
“After the D’Tigress made history by being the first African team to qualify for the World Cup quarter finals in 100 years, the Junior Yellow Greens have beaten another 100 year- record by qualifying for the ICC U-19 World Cup since 1904. Nothing would have brought this kind of revolution in sports apart from the democratization of the National Sports Federations.”
Dalung recalled that in three and half years, Nigerian athletes have won over 700 medals. He however stated that funding has been the bane of Sports in the country.
“The Ministry has not enjoyed good funding. I know what the team went through but this glory comes to Nigeria. We must invest much funds in sports to create hope for our young people. Government must take sports more seriously and the National Assembly must budget money for sports because budgeting money for sports is budgeting money for youth development.”
Dalung also congratulated the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation Prof Yahaya Ukwenya for providing good leadership and urged the athletes to be determined and focused while thanking them for making the country proud.
In his remarks, the NCF President thanked the Ministry for receiving the players who he described as heroes.
“Nigeria has played Cricket for over 100 years and if we won any tournament, it was mostly in West Africa. We found it difficult to cope with the quality of cricket from the Southern and Eastern parts of the continent.
“What these young men have done is to open the door for us to say yes, we can play. Parents can now allow their wards to go out and learn to play cricket and schools that rejected us before will now pay attention to the game of cricket”.
Prof Ukwenya promised that this kind of performance will not be the last as the Junior Yellow Greens will be going to the World Cup to make a statement and defend the integrity of the nation.
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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