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African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship: Nigeria Sets Record with 21 Clubs

by Women Times on

Nigeria has achieved a remarkable milestone by attracting a record 21 clubs for the upcoming African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, according to Engr. Musa Nimrod, President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF). This announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the President Beach Volleyball Championship held at Murtala Mohammed Square in Kaduna recently.

Nimrod expressed his optimism, stating, “This is a significant achievement for us. We hope that all the clubs will participate, but we have already set a record.”

The Nigerian Customs team, representing Nigeria, is currently in training camp in preparation for the championship, which is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2025. Nimrod confirmed, “The Customs team and other participants will continue their training as we approach the start of the African Women’s Club Championship.”

Regarding the recently concluded President Beach Volleyball Championship, Nimrod hailed it as a tremendous success, thanking the Kaduna State Government for providing the Murtala Square venue, which helped draw large crowds to the event. He emphasized the NVBF’s commitment to grassroots development by engaging local schools to encourage youth participation in volleyball.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s position as the top-ranked female volleyball team in Africa, noting that players like Esther and Panela have become inspirations for younger athletes. “Our players have traveled globally, and now everyone aspires to follow in their footsteps,” he said.

Looking ahead, Nimrod mentioned that the NVBF is actively preparing for the qualification of the Olympic Youth Games in 2026, which will be hosted in Senegal. “As the current number one ranked country in Africa for women’s volleyball, we are determined to secure our place in the tournament,” he concluded.

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Sport

Chiney Ogwumike Named Basketball Africa League Ambassador

by Women Times on

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) named two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN analyst, Chiney Ogwumike as the First Female BAL Ambassador. The announcement was made by BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall during the Africa Luncheon at All-Star Weekend in San Francisco.

Ogwumike is a passionate advocate for gender equity in sports and the sustainable development of basketball. Through her work, she aims to inspire young girls and women to take charge of their future and promote inclusive opportunities for all.

As a BAL Ambassador, Ogwumike will take an active role in the league’s initiatives across Africa, with a focus on engaging and empowering women and girls on the continent. She will also lead various events as well as clinics throughout the season, beginning with the Kalahari Conference, which tips off on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

Ogwumike joins several African NBA legends who are serving as BAL Ambassadors and helping to promote the league in Africa and around the world: 2011 NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks Ian Mahinmi (Benin), two-time NBA All-Star Joakim Noah (Cameroon), two-time NBA All-Star and South Sudan Basketball Federation President Luol Deng, and former NBA player and G League executive Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Ghana).

“I am grateful for this tremendous opportunity to continue to inspire, uplift, and help grow the game across the continent, especially for young women and girls,” said Ogwumike. “Basketball has given me so much, and now, I get to give back in a way that creates real impact and celebrates my sisters on the continent. The future of basketball in Africa is limitless, and I can’t wait to be part of this journey.”

Ogwumike’s appointment marks a significant step in elevating women’s representation within the BAL and expanding the league’s influence across the continent.

Since its inception, the BAL has been a driving force for basketball development across the continent, providing meaningful opportunities for communities to engage with the sport. With Ogwumike’s leadership and advocacy, the BAL aims to expand its reach and impact, further inspiring the next generation of players and fans across Africa.

 

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Sport

Historic Victory: Nigeria’s U-19 Women’s Cricket Team Claims First ICC T20 World Cup Win

by Women Times on

Nigeria’s U-19 Women’s Cricket Team achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup win in Malaysia against New Zealand.

After batting first and managing a score of 65 for 6 in 13 overs, the Nigerian team’s bowlers and fielders put on a stellar performance, restricting New Zealand to 63 for 6 in their 13 overs.

Key players like Rukayat Abdul-Azeez and Esther Sandy excelled, both with the bat and ball, contributing significantly to this victory. This win is not just a game result; it’s a beacon of inspiration for Nigerian women in sports, showcasing the potential for cricket in a football-dominated country. It brings global attention to Nigerian women’s cricket, likely fostering more investment, training, and opportunities for young talents.

This success could lead to more international exposure and participation in future tournaments, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative of sports in Nigeria.

 

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Sport

Black Tito, Olowu, Iwatt to Headline GOtv Boxing Night 30

by Women Times on

The 30th edition of the premier boxing event, GOtv Boxing Night, will take place on Tuesday, December 26, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Victoria Island, Lagos, with a sub-regional and national title bouts listed among the six scheduled for the night.  

 

In the big bouts of the night, national female cruiserweight champion, Bolatito “Black Tito” Oluwole, will square up against Blessing Abisoye in a national challenge bout. The fierce ‘Black Tito’ won the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy awarded to the best boxer at GOtv Boxing 29 in September.

 

Another big name in action on the night is Taiwo “Gentle Boy” Olowu, who will be defending his West African Boxing Union (WABU) super welterweight title against top Ghanaian boxer, Michael Ansah. In the other title fight, swift puncher, Sifon “Best” Iwatt, will battle Saheed Azeez, for the national super flyweight title.

 

According to the event organisers, Flykite Productions, the festive edition will also feature live music performances by A-list Afrobeats artists. “The December editions of GOtv Boxing Night have always been a carnival of music and Boxing. This year won’t be an exception, as we will be having musical performances by some top afrobeats artists at the venue. The artists will be announced once the deals are sealed,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona.

 

Also scheduled for the night is a national bantamweight challenge bout between Arabambi Ojo and Ibrahim “Golden Boy” Opeyemi. In the national light welterweight category, Ayanfe Adeoye will face Ahmed Ganiyu, while Abdulafeez “Big Name” Osoba and Christopher Ucheji, will trade punches in a national super welterweight challenge fight.

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Sport

FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour is ‘Going Beyond’ to Inspire Global Excitement

by Women Times on

The FIFA (www.FIFA.com) Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour begins this month and will visit all 32 of the tournament’s participating nations – more countries than ever before; The tour is ‘Going Beyond’ to inspire people of all ages to get excited about the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™; The tour’s Skills Drills will encourage women and girls worldwide to join the celebration by showcasing their footballing ability and creativity

The biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour will embark on a game-changing global journey this month, stoking excitement across the planet ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

The tour will take the iconic Trophy to all 32 of the tournament’s participating nations – more countries than ever before – and will inspire people of all ages by ‘Going Beyond’ to celebrate the rocketing popularity of the women’s game. At the heart of this mission will be a unique opportunity for members of the public to get creative and showcase their footballing ability to a global audience.

Skills Drills will give willing participants worldwide the chance to try out fun football challenges that become tougher over time and then share their imaginative efforts on TikTok.

As the Trophy travels from stop to stop, selected women and girls who have participated in Skills Drills will join FIFA Legends, local national team stars and other famous faces to highlight the game’s emerging talent and increase the buzz around the Women’s World Cup.

As the campaign’s dedicated skills coach, Female Football Freestyle world champion Lia Lewis will set the challenges to her more than 3.9 million followers on TikTok, as well as across FIFA’s social media and FIFA+. She will also pass on her tips to youngsters at a send-off event on 18 February in Melbourne / Naarm, Australia before the tour’s first official stop in Japan on 25-26 February.

The Trophy will crisscross the globe by visiting Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Europe before landing in all nine Women’s World Cup host cities in the final weeks before the start of a tournament on 20 July that promises to go Beyond Greatness™.

Key dates on the tour schedule include stops in China PR on 9-11 March, South Africa on 22-23 March, Brazil on 29-30 March, USA on 10-14 April, Canada on 19-20 April, Germany on 2-3 May, England on 13-14 May and France on 20-21 May.

Several countries will also be part of the tour for the first time ever, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Morocco, the Philippines, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Vietnam and Zambia.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour is a spectacular global celebration of the women’s game, giving fans, families and future football enthusiasts an opportunity to be inspired and become part of a truly special journey,” FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura says.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the most coveted prize in women’s football in person and hear from the game’s legends. The tour will inspire people worldwide by shining a spotlight on the skills and creativity that demonstrate why women’s football has such a bright future.”

The full route of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Trophy Tour is as follows:

*schedule subject to change

Dates  Member Association  Dates  Member Association 
25-26 Feb Japan 4 May Denmark
27 Feb Korea Republic 6-7 May Sweden
1-2 Mar Philippines 8 May Norway
4-5 Mar Vietnam 10 May Republic of Ireland
9-11 Mar China PR 13-14 May England
20 Mar Morocco 16 May Italy
22-23 Mar South Africa 18 May Netherlands
24 Mar Zambia 20-21 May France
26 Mar Nigeria 22 May Spain
29-30 Mar Brazil 2-4 June Auckland, NZ
31 Mar Argentina 7-12 June Sydney, AUS
3 Apr Colombia 14-16 June Melbourne, AUS
7 Apr Costa Rica 17-20 June Hamilton, NZ
10-14 Apr USA 22-25 June Dunedin, NZ
16 Apr Jamaica 28-1 Jun/Jul Brisbane, AUS
19-20 Apr Canada 2-4 July Adelaide, AUS
29-1 Apr/May Switzerland 7-10 July Perth, AUS
2-3 May Germany 12-14 July Wellington, NZ

The dates of the stops in the final three countries to qualify via the Play-off tournament will be integrated following their confirmation.

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Sport

Kwara Falcons, First Bank Win Bullet b’ball Tourney

by Women Times on

The second Bullet Basketball Tournament ended in Lagos on Sunday with Kwara Falcons and First Bank emerging the winners of the men and women’s categories respectively.

The Falcons, who were trailing with eight points with less than two minutes to go, recovered well to beat War Lords 69-67.

First Bank had to bend backwards to overcome MFM Ladies 52-50. Both games gave the spectators first-class entertainment, with both winners emerging just before the final buzzer.

The Elephant Girls took the first quarter 13-4, but the praying ladies from the MFM mountain recovered to win the second quarter 22-14. National champions First Bank took the third 13-8, but MFM rallied to win the last 16-12 but their poor start meant they could not catch up with the bankers at the end.

A day before the match MFM coach Ochuko Owolabi said her team could beat First Bank if only they were able to overcome fear tied around the historical achievements of First Bank.

In the men’s event, Falcons had to throw in all they had in their reserves to beat a younger War Lords side. They rounded off the Bullet Tournament powered by the Sam Oguche Foundation with the trophy to start the NBBF Final-8 playoffs in Lagos on Monday.

War Lords coach Akindele Peter said the inexperience of his players took a toll on them.

Credit: Punch

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SportLifestyle

Nwokocha Suspended Over Use of Prohibited Substances

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By Prosper Mene

Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha, a Nigerian sprinter who ran the anchor leg in Birmingham earlier in August beating England and Jamaica to win Gold medal has been Provisionally suspended by Athletic Integrity Unit (AIU) over the use of banned substances.

It was made known on Saturday In a statement by the body on Twitter.

“The AIU has provisionally suspended Nigerian runner, Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha, for the Presence/Use of Prohibited Substances (Ostarine & Ligandrol) (Article 2.1 and Article 2.2),” The tweet read.

A provisional suspension means she is temporarily banned from competing until a final decision is made at a hearing that will be conducted under World Anti Doping Agency rules as the substances Ostarine and Ligandro found in her system are anabolic substances prohibited by WADA.

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Sport

CWG:Tobi Amusan Wins 100m Hurdles Gold

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Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has won the gold medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

The world champion successfully defended her title at the Alexander Stadium on Sunday in the women’s 100m hurdles final.

Amusan was able to run a Games record of 12.30s, setting other records as well, and becoming the first world champion to win gold and the first Nigerian athlete to do the same.

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SportLifestyle

World Athletics Championships: Tobi Amosun Becomes First Nigerian Athlete to Win Gold Medal

by Women Times on

In a record breaking victory, Tobi Amosun emerged  the first Nigerian athlete to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships when she won the women’s 100m hurdles in Oregon on Sunday.

She overthrew the world record in a stunning semi-final where he clocked 12.12 seconds, crossed the line at Hayward Field in 12.06 seconds.

“To be honest, I’m confident in my abilities but I didn’t expect a world record at these championships,” Amosun said after her eventual victory.

“The aim is always just to do well and get the win. So the world record is a bonus. I knew it was in me but when I saw it on the screen after the semi-final, I couldn’t believe it.

“Before the final, I just tried to stay calm and do my best. I took a deep breath knowing I had a goal and it worked out great. I knew it was fast. But not that fast,” she added.

Congratulating her for the victory, President Muhammadu Buhari said Amusan’s career would continue to inspire upcoming generations in the country.

According to a release by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari expressed heartfelt congratulations to the world champion for winning the women’s 100m Hurdles at the World Athletics Championship 2022, setting a new world record in the semifinals of the athletic event and becoming the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at a World Championship.

He joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the outstanding feat by a compatriot and two-time African Games champion, who in one night stunned the athletics world with her superlative and stellar performance.

The President thanked the track superstar for making the Nigerian national anthem resonate again from the international podium, leaving the nation with the excitement and unforgettable memories of tears of joy and triumph; hope and victory; incredulity and belief.

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SportLifestyle

Women’s World Cup 2022: Draw Reveals Pathway To Glory For African Team

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Star-studded draw reveals groups for 16 of the world’s best youth teams; FIFA (www.FIFA.com) U-20 Women’s World Cup™ 2022 to take place in Costa Rica from 10 to 28 August; Register at FIFA.com/tickets for the latest ticketing news and information

The Draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2022™ was held today at the Teatro Nacional in San José, revealing the pathway to glory for the 16 participating teams and fans around the world.

With the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ (https://fifa.fans/38YUQRS) fast approaching, some of the world’s best young players and future superstars of the women’s game will take to the field at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ in Costa Rica from 10 to 28 August 2022.

Hosts Costa Rica will kick off their campaign and the tournament against FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 co-hosts, Australia, and will be joined by Brazil and Spain in Group A. Reigning champions, Japan, were drawn in Group D together with Netherlands, Ghana and USA.

As the first FIFA draw to be live-streamed on FIFA+ (https://fifa.fans/3sisZmF), the star-studded event featured a celebration of women’s football and Costa Rican culture, as well as messages from President of the Republic of Costa Rica, Mr Carlos Alvarado Quesada, FEDEFUTBOL President, Rodolfo Villalobos, and FIFA President, Gianni Infantino.

Athlete and TV presenter Johanna Solano, presented the draw and was joined by Costa Rican football icons Shirley Cruz and Paulo César Wanchope along with draw conductor Jaime Yarza, FIFA’s Director of Tournaments.

To receive the latest updates about ticketing in relation to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2022, register at FIFA.com/tickets.

For the latest news and update on the tournament, visit https://fifa.fans/3KMUGKL and follow the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ social media channels on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3kQq5kM), Facebook (https://bit.ly/3l3xdL7) and Instagram (https://bit.ly/3LR2GMd).

 

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