Flowerbud News

Category: Sports

  • Meet woman, Saudi Arabia princess, who has made history by becoming the first….; her name is…

    Meet woman, Saudi Arabia princess, who has made history by becoming the first….; her name is…

     

    By Sumaila Zaman

    Princess Mashael Bint Faisal Al Saud will represent Saudi Arabia in the Asian Yoga Sports Federation while also serving as the president of the committee dedicated to the protection of women and children.

    Yoga is a holistic practice that benefits both the body and mind. It enhances flexibility, strength, and posture while promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Regular yoga improves mental clarity, boosts immunity, and supports better sleep.

    India, renowned as the birthplace of yoga, continues to inspire the world with this ancient practice.

    However, influential figures from around the globe are also contributing to the field. Among them is Princess Mashael Bint Faisal Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who has made history by becoming the first member from her country to join the board of the Asian Yoga Sports Federation.

    Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Saudi Yoga Committee congratulated her.

    “The Saudi Yoga Committee extends its heartfelt congratulations to Her Highness Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al Saud on her appointment as a Board Member of the Asian Yogasana Sports Federation (AYSF), representing Saudi Arabia, and as the President of the Women & Children’s Safeguarding Committee.

    ”We wish Her Highness every success in advancing the role of women and children in sports and promoting the values of safety and empowerment in the athletic community @Mishael_Faisal1,” wrote the Saudi Yoga Committee.

    The Saudi Yoga Committee extends its heartfelt congratulations to Her Highness Princess Mashael bint Faisal Al Saud on her appointment as a Board Member of the Asian Yogasana Sports Federation (AYSF), representing Saudi Arabia, and as the President of the Women & Children’s… pic.twitter.com/V9uM0nuLU0

    — اللجنة السعودية لليوغا|Saudi Yog Committee (@yoga_ksa) January

    Princess Mashael Bint Faisal Al Saud will represent Saudi Arabia in the Asian Yoga Sports Federation while also serving as the president of the committee dedicated to the protection of women and children.

    With over 15 years of yoga practice, including Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, the Himalayan tradition of meditation, and yoga therapy, Mashael Bint Faisal Al Saud is a true yogi.

    In addition to her yoga accomplishments, Mashael is a passionate advocate for women and youth in sports. She owns and runs a sports NGO and as President of the Arab Cycling Federation’s Women Committee and the former President of the Saudi Cycling Federation’s Women Committee.

  • Light Moon Academy wins 2024 Ibadan football scouting tournament

    Light Moon Academy wins 2024 Ibadan football scouting tournament

    Light Moon Academy wins 2024 Ibadan football scouting tournament

     

    By Olatunde Ajayi

     

    Light Moon Football Academy, on Sunday defeated Vision Football Academy Ibadan, 6-5, in penalty shootouts, to win the maiden edition of an under 18 football scouting tournament in Ibadan.

     

    The football tournament which was organised by ScoutPro Sports Academy Limited, had the aim to discover and support young football talents across grassroots football teams and academies in Nigeria.

     

     

    The final entered penalty shootouts after regulated minutes of exciting skills display with 1-1 draw.

     

     

    Kamal Olojede opened the scoreline at 16th minute with a sublime strike to give Vision Football Academy an early lead against Light Moon Football Academy.

     

    Aro Ajibowu’s 56th minute equaliser helped Light Moon Football Academy to get an important goal to regain their morale in the final match.

     

    Speaking on the tournament, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Scoutpro Sports Academy Limited, Edward Agbaje, said that the goal of the tournament was to identify and recruit top young talents for potential opportunities to play abroad, particularly in Europe.

     

    Agbaje added that the academy also aims to establish the tournament as a regular event across other states so as to provide opportunities for youth players to showcase their skills and gain international exposure.

     

    “If they are successful abroad some of them will definitely come back home to invest their resources in Nigeria which will bring more development to our economy.

     

     

    “Also, sports and security are kind of interwoven because when kids are engaged in sports, most vices will be eradicated, “he said.

     

    He urged the government to revitalise decaying sports facilities and encourage school sports including Principals Cup and other school competitions that would lead to early discovery of raw sports talents.

     

    Agbaje called on both government and other stakeholders to invest more in sports development noting that sport has power to unite the country irrespective of tribe, religion or colour of the citizens.

     

    Speaking also, the Shooting Stars Sports Club(3SC) goalkeeper trainer, said that the tournament came at the right time when young talents in football and other areas of sports that unite the country need support.

     

     

    He noted that a great percentage of great players all over the world and generations of past legends, were products of grassroots sports development programmes.

     

    It would recalled that Champion Galaxy FC beat World Football Academy 3- 2 in the third-place playoff of the tournament that featured four teams.

     

    It would be also recalled that Champion Galaxy FC lost to Light Moon FA while fourth position World Football Academy also lost to Vision Football Academy through penalty shootouts at the preliminary stages of the tournament on Saturday.

     

  • Dogara wins 2nd NESI golf tourney, seeks investment in golf

    Dogara wins 2nd NESI golf tourney, seeks investment in golf

    Flowerbud News

    Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has emerged champion of the 2nd Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) golf tournament held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 160 golfers from the electricity industry participated in the tournament aimed at  strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and promote efficient service delivery.
    Dogara returned an aggregate score of 62 net to emerge the overall winner of the one-day scintillating event.
    An elated Dogara told NAN at the gala night for participants on Saturday that luck might have played a part in his victory, but he was more excited about participating in the tournament.
    “I am excited not because I have won, but because I participated.
    “The joy of golf is not  just participating, if you are not going to win anything, you take the benefits of the exercise, benefits of the vitamin D if you are playing early in the morning.
    “I will say you cannot dismiss the role of luck in sports, I have been playing for some time, the first edition I came second and am happy winning today,” he said.
    Dogara however stressed the need for more investment in the development of golf across the country in line with international best practices.
    He specifically urged the Federal Government to put in place regulations that will mandate corporate organisations to develop and maintain strategic facilities like the IBB golf course.
    “I am not saying government should budget to fix this golf club, but there are companies doing businesses in Nigeria, making returns in terms of profits in hundreds of billions.
    “It’s not going to be too much for government to say since you have Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
    “So we can beautify this place (IBB golf course), we can raise the status of this place to be like St’ Andrews, the mother of golf in the world.
    “So that anybody who comes here, or any golfer who visits this place will know we are a serious people. We are a committed people and that Nigeria has really changed for good,” he said.
    The former Speaker said the tournament also served as a relaxed platform for stakeholders to discuss how to find a lasting solution to the lingering power crises in the country.
    Earlier, Adetunji Adeyeye, Coordinator of the tournament told NAN that the well attended tournament afforded electricity stakeholders to further synergise.
    “The golf tournament is a forum and a platform to bring all stakeholders with the Nigerian power sector to have conversations, strategize and engage informally,” he said.
    NAN reports that high point of the gala night was the presentation of awards to winners and participants in different categories.
    NAN
  • Manchester United appoint Amorim as head coach

    Manchester United appoint Amorim as head coach

    Flowerbud News

    Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and will take charge of the Premier League club on Nov. 11.

    Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday following Sunday’s loss at West Ham continued.

    United set their sights on highly-rated Sporting Lisbon head coach Amorim and have now confirmed a deal has been struck.

    The deal will last until June 2027, with an option for a further year.

    The 39-year-old will start work with the Red Devils on Nov.11, having overseen the Portuguese champions’ three remaining matches before the international break.

    United confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue as interim manager until Amorim’s arrival.

    “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements.

    “He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club.

    “Ruben is one of European football’s most exciting and highly rated young coaches.

    “Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.”

    dpa/NAN

  • N-HYPPADEC celebrates diversity, talent through maiden sports tourney

    N-HYPPADEC celebrates diversity, talent through maiden sports tourney

    By Mohammed Baba-Busu

    The National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has commenced
    a four-day maiden staff interstate sports competition to celebrate diversity and showcase talents.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that staff from Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, Benue, Plateau and Kwara are participating.

    During the opening ceremony of the competition in Minna, the commission’s Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, said it is aimed at fostering unity, team-work and spirit of healthy competition among staff.

    Represented by the Director, Finance and Administration, Jimoh Haruna-Gabi, Sadiq-Yelwa said that “the competition is a celebration of the commission’s diversity to showcase talents.”

    He, therefore, encouraged the staff to exhibit sportsmanship and enthusiasm for participation in the spirit of togetherness, while urging them
    to engage in constant training to sustain their stamina.

    He appreciated the organising committee for hard work and dedication to ensure the success of the competition.

    He maintained that the commission prioritised welfare, wellbeing and unity of staff by sharing bond and aspirations, and encouraged them to use the event to create friendship.

    He expressed satisfaction with the competition, applauded the foresight of the commission toward building strong relationship among staff.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports and Youths Development, Yahaya Ibrahim, represented by Olusegun Samson, a staff of the ministry, commended the efforts of the commission in various interventions, noting that “sports is one of the best ways to ensure unity among people, and should be sustained.”

    The opening football competition was between the Headquarters and Kogi All Stars, which ended 5-3 in favour of Kogi.

    Participating states will be competing in football, badminton, among others.

    NAN

  • CAF 2025 Qualifier: Super Eagles play Rwanda Nov. 18

    CAF 2025 Qualifier: Super Eagles play Rwanda Nov. 18

    Flowerbud News

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has picked Nov. 18 for Nigeria’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda.

    The match is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

    This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by Nigeria Football Federations (NFF).

    The Matchday 6 encounter will draw the curtain on the race from Group D for slots at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals to be held in Morocco.

    The competition kicks off in December 2025/January 2026.

    CAF has also appointed Moroccan match officials for the game, with Samir Guezzaz in the role of referee for the encounter, expected to kick off at 5 p.m.

    His compatriots Zakaria Brinsi, Abdessamad Abertoune and Kech Chaf Mustapha will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official, respectively.

    Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana will be the commissioner while Somalian Ali Mohamed Ahmed will be in the referee assessor.

    For the Matchday 5 clash with Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Nov. 14, which will kick off at 8 p.m., Nigeria time, CAF has appointed officials from Senegal to superintend.

    Issa Sy will be the referee, his compatriots Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura and El Hadji Amadou Sy will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official, respectively.

    Rene Williams Sere from Cote d’ Voire will be the commissioner while Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be referee assessor.

    NAN

  • Oshodi’s ATTF presidency means so much for Nigeria’s table tennis, says Bankole

    Oshodi’s ATTF presidency means so much for Nigeria’s table tennis, says Bankole

    Oshodi’s ATTF presidency means so much for Nigeria’s table tennis, says Bankole

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

    Anderson Bankole, the Chairman of African Para Table Tennis Commission, has that Wahid Oshodi’s election as President of African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) means a lot for Nigeria.

    Bankole on telephone interview from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, said that Oshodi’s presidency means so much for further development of table tennis in Nigeria.

    “Oshodi is more than qualified to hold the position, because he’s a seasoned sports administrator who has served in several capacities over the years and knows his onions.

    “His records as a past President of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) can’t be over-emphasised.

    “He helped in repositioning table tennis in the country and the country’s players have been attending several competitions.

    “He was also the Commissioner for Sports in Lagos at the time and he used his office to help support table tennis.

    “I am sure without doubt that Oshodi will make more remarkable landmarks in Nigerian table tennis history with this,” the former Commissioner of Police said.

    “He knows what the country’s table tennis players and administrators need to further improve the sport, and I believe in his capabilities that he’ll look into them,” he added.

    NAN reports that Oshodi emerged as President on Tuesday during the 2024 ATTF Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    Oshodi’s victory marks a significant milestone as he becomes the second Nigerian to ever hold this prestigious position.

    He followed in the footsteps of Segun George as a former president of the ATTF.

    With a distinguished background in sports administration, Oshodi has previously served as the Executive Vice-President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

    Also, he was the Deputy President of the ATTF.

    His leadership experience also extends to being the Chairman of the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA)

  • Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong reacts to ill-treatment by Libyan Airport authorities

    Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong reacts to ill-treatment by Libyan Airport authorities

    Flowerbud News

    Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has reacted to the ill-treatment meted on the team by Libyan Airport authorities ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Benina.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles were held hostage by Libyan authorities at the Al-Abaq Airport on Sunday night for over 12 hours.

    The team were billed to play hosts Libya on Tuesday in the return leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    Nigeria had pipped Libya 1-0 in the first leg in Uyo on Saturday to maintain leadership of Group D, after Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s 86th minute strike off a cross from Moses Simon.

    The team have now resolved to boycott the return leg of the AFCON qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

    This the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) explained was as a result of the obvious maltreatment by the Libyan government officials who kept and refused to clear the entire Nigerian team at the Al Abaq airport.

    Meanwhile, reactions to the inhumane treatment by the Libyan authority have continued to generate reactions from Nigerians with the topic dominating different social media spaces.

    The Super Eagles captain who could not hold his frustration about the situation after no end in sight for over 12 hours, bore his thought on the mind games being played by the host, via his X handle.

    ” 12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Libya after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Libya government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason.

    “They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games.

    “I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before”.

    ” At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow it.”

    ” This kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued”.

    “We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen, but these things on purpose have nothing to do with international football,” he said.

    Nigeria were billed to face Libya on Tuesday from 8 p.m. in Benina, a journey of about four hours by road from the Al-Abaq Airport.

    NAN

  • Siasia urges stakeholders’ investment in Nasarawa grassroots sports development

    Siasia urges stakeholders’ investment in Nasarawa grassroots sports development

    Flowerbud News

    Siasia made the call at the kickoff of the 2024 Mailafia Peace and Unity football tournament on Saturday in Deddere, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    The ex international, applauded Yakubu Mailafia, the sponsor, for consistently organising the grassroots football tournament for the past eight years.

    He noted that such investment would go a long way to discover great footballing talents from the rural communities and enable them to fulfil their dreams.

    Siasia added that the venture would also address youth restiveness in the communities and they would be positively engaged.

    He, therefore, urged spirited individual and corporate organisations in the state to emulate Mailafia by investing in grassroots sports.

    “We will support him and the players that were discovered to become exceptional and to pursue their dreams to become professional footballers,” he said.

    Also, Salisu Galadima, Chairman of Nasarawa State Football Association, commended the organiser for the initiative aimed at engaging the youths to make them unavailable for crimes.

    Galadima, therefore, promised that the football association under his leadership would partner with the sponsor as well as others interested in promoting football.

    On his part, Mailafia, said that his passion for football motivated him to start the tournament in 2016, saying the current was the eighth edition.

    “We started the competition in 2016 with just eight clubs, but the 2024 edition has 32 clubs from Nasarawa South and Nasarawa North Senatorial Districts.

    “We have a lot of plans for players who displayed exceptional talents at the competition to promote their football career,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Esson Mairiga, a lawmaker representing  Lafia North constituency at the State House of Assembly, said that his constituency had presented three clubs at the tournament.

    Mairiga expressed delight with the massive investment in the youths through football and promised to support the organiser to achieve the essence of tournament.

    Meanwhile, in opening match of the tournament, Thunder Football Club of Agyaragu and the defending champions, defeated Harland FC of Shabu 1-0 in the first game of the 2024 edition.

    Mamuda Mohammed of  Thunder FC, wearing jersey number 8, scored the only goal of the match 10 minutes into the first half from the first corner kick of the game.

    NAN