Other Sports
AISHA BUHARI HOSTS PARA POWERLIFTING WORLD CUP FLAG-OFF AT THE VILLA
The attention of Nigeria’s sports community will be focused on the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday evening as the First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari hosts the first major activity leading to next year’s Para Powerlifting World Cup, which will be held in Abuja.
With Mrs Buhari as the Chief Host, other distinguished personalities that will grace the unveiling of the tournament’s Main Organising Committee include the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bello; and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, all of who are Special Guests of Honour.
Also expected at the event that will mark the launch of the Games’ logo, mascot, e-Sport app and sports clothes are the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume; Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Managing Director FrieslandCampina WAMPCO Nigeria, Ben Langat; and his counterpart at Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo.
According to Queen Idris, President of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation, the other dignitaries to witness the event at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa include the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Hajia Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu; Minister of State for Transport, Senator Gbemisola Saraki; and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
The Main Organising Committee for Abuja 2020 World Cup, headed by the First Lady, Mrs Buhari, which will oversee the programmes of Abuja 2020 Para Powerlifting World Cup to be held in the Federal Capital Territory between February 5 and February 7, 2020.
The Federation President explained that the Nigerian First Lady agreed to host Abuja 2020 World Cup in demonstration of her passion for the less privileged and physically challenged “as exemplified by her pet project, “Future Assured”.
Nigeria’s para powerlifters, well known as “the Unstoppables”, had achieved incredible feats in global competitions. With only 11 athletes at the 2017 World Championship in Mexico City, the contingent returned home with six gold and three bronze medals. At the African Para Powerlifting Championship in Algeria last year, Nigeria won 11 gold and two silver medals.
Three months ago at the World Para Powerlifting Championship in Nur Sultan, Team Nigeria with a contingent of 14 athletes won three gold, three silver and two bronze medals. In addition, each of the gold medallists established a world record in their categories.
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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