Governing Bodies
Nigerian sports veterans mourn Ojeagbase, Lanipekun
The Sports Veterans Association of Nigeria, a group of former sports administrators, players, coaches and journalists have sent their heart-felt condolences to the families of two departed journalists and their constituency.
“We join millions of Nigerians to mourn the passing of Sunny Ojeagbase and Fabio Lanipekun, two sports stalwarts whose contributions to Nigerian sports defies description” remarked Chief Jonathan Ogufere, President Sports Veterans Association of Nigeria (SVAN).
Chief Ogufere, a sports administrator of note and founder of the now defunct P&T Vasco da Gama Enugu is a also a former NFA member as well being a former President of the West African Football Union (WAFU).
“The news of Mr. Ojeagbase’s death hit us like a thunderbolt. He died at a time Nigeria needed him most, at a time our sports is undergoing various trials and temptations especially at association levels.
“Founder of Complete Sports Newspapers (1995), Complete Football Magazine, Complete Football International And International Soccer Review, a sports journalist par excellence, has over the years used his authoritative media to inform, educate and entertain the Nigerian Sports Community to greater heights.
“A self-made man who was ordained a Pastor in 2003, this detribalized Nigerians will be remembered by hundreds of young Nigerian entrepreneurs, especially those he empowered and impacted through his Success Digest Series on how to “…build your wealth from ground floor up.”
In a release signed by the Secretary General, Elder Paul Bassey, the Veterans also mourned the passing of their pioneer member, veteran broadcaster, Fabio Lanipekun, barely four days after the celebration of his 80th birthday.
“Fabio was an institution in the Nigerian Broadcasting Industry with special bias for sports. Mention any major world sports event and Fabio would have covered it, from World Cups, Olympic Games, All Africa Games to mention but a few.
“His analytical mind, knowledge and retentive memory as regards major sports events and personae made his broadcast a delight to listen to.
“His death opened the floodgates of encomiums and tributes, especially from scores who benefitted from his tutelage and mentorship.
“Not many remember that he had stints with the print media, (as he was a reporter with the now defunct Daily Express in Lagos before venturing into electronic media, specifically Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) where he created waves and rose to the position of Manager, sports, before his retirement.”
The Sports Veterans ended their tribute by praying God to give the Nigeria Sports Community and the bereaved families the fortitude to bear these “great losses.”
The president of the Confédération of African Football, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has announced five new CAF Vice Presidents. They are:
- CAF First Vice President: Mr Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco)
- CAF Second Vice President: Mr Kurt Okraku (Ghana)
- CAF Third Vice President: Mr Pierre-Alain Mounguengui (Gabon)
- CAF Fourth Vice President: Ms Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- CAF Fifth Vice President: Mr Feizal Sidat (Mozambique)
In addition, the CAF President has co-opted Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of Fédération Ivoirienne de football, into the CAF Executive Committee.
The CAF Executive Committee also approved the names to fill vacant positions on several CAF Committees.
Organising Committee for the African Nations Championship (CHAN)
- President: Pierre-Alain Mounguengui (Gabon)
CAF Technical and Development Committee
- President: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
- Vice President: Malouche Belhassen (Tunisia)
CAF Medical Committee:
- President: Dr. Mohammed Bouya (Mauritania)
- Vice President: Dr. Thulani Ngwenya (South Africa)
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Governing Bodies
Nigeria becoming an epicentre of global badminton as Francis Orbih enters the Badminton World Federation Council
Laurels on the courts and now glory in the boardroom sums up the mark that badminton is making in Nigeria.
The President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has been elected as a council member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The election took place during the BWF Annual General Meeting on Saturday in Xiamen, China.
Orbih emerged victorious over top contenders from other African countries.
He will join Cameroon’s Odette Assembe Engoulou on the council, while Chipo Zumburani (Zimbabwe) and Hadia ElSaid (Egypt) missed out.
An elated Orbih expressed his gratitude to fellow badminton presidents across the globe for their trust and support.
He said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by my peers across the badminton world.
“I look forward to quality representation, driving development initiatives, and strengthening badminton’s global reach over the next four years.”
Orbih also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly the National Sports Commission (NSC), which he said played a significant role in his successful bid.
“The Chairman and the Director General of the NSC monitored the entire process. I’m grateful for their involvement and confident Nigeria will benefit from this,” he stated.
He further appreciated the BFN board members and the Nigerian badminton community for their prayers and continued belief in his leadership.
“From the day I declared my intentions, the board members of BFN have been supportive, and I promise not to disappoint them,” Orbih concluded.
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A former member of the FIFA Council, Mamoutou Toure, has been released from jail in Mali after almost two years in detention for alleged corruption, Malian media reports said on Wednesday.
Toure, president of the Malian Football Federation since 2019, was released after 622 days in prison on Tuesday.
He served on the FIFA Council, world football’s all-powerful decision-making body, for four years until last month when he lost his seat after failing to contest new elections.
The 67-year-old was arrested in August 2023 on allegations of embezzling $28 million of public funds but was granted a provisional release order by the Malian courts, reports said.
He was accused of misconduct during his time as the National Assembly’s financial and administrative director from 2013-2019.
Toure denied all charges and, during his time in jail, was last August re-elected as Malian Football Federation president for a second consecutive term, with his supporters claiming he was a victim of a conspiracy fuelled by detractors.
While in jail, he received a letter of support from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. However, as of last month, Toure is no longer a member of the FIFA Council or the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee.
-Reuters
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