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Sport News
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 NEW TELEGRAPH
Galatasaray keep tabs on Mikel
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helsea of England midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has again come under the periscope of Turkish Super Lig giants, Galatasaray, with reports now hinting that he could be on his way to the Istanbul-based side this winter. The Super Eagles midfielder has become a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge, having made just nine appearances this season. Mikel also made just six
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resident of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba, on Tuesday commended the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for reviving full marathon in Lagos, with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. He also commended sponsors of the race, Access Bank for keying into a project that will showcase Lagos landmarks to a global audience, boost local business, generate employment, enhance a healthy lifestyle and create fun for the family. The last time Lagos had a full marathon was 1985, 30 years ago. Ogba recalled that the AFN made attempts to sell the idea of a full marathon to past governments, but such appeals were turned down. Ogba said: “We thank Gov-
Dapo Sotuminu
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ernor Ambode who not only embraced the idea but is working round the clock to ensure its success. “Marathon is not about a Nigerian winning or not, though I would be delighted if a Nigerian wins in Lagos but it is more than that. New York, Dubai, Berlin, Boston, Paris, Durban, Accra and several other marathons are not won by their citizens, but the one day event generates thousands of jobs in the host cities, millions of dollars are made.’’ Babatunde Adewale, an engineer who has taken part in some road races and marathon around the world, is delighted that Lagos will host a marathon. “I have done marathon around the world, I was not born in 1985 when Lagos, hosted marathon, so I thank governor Ambode for giving me the opportunity to witness one in my city, I will run for the fun,” he said.
Mikel
FIFA agent signs on six Uplift players
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ix Uplift Football team players that benefited from the UPLIFTing Under-15 Grassroots Football programme organised by the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, in 2013 have been signed on by a FIFA authorised agent. The authorised agent, Miljan Stevanovic, is expected to scout for a club that offers the best terms and conditions for the players. The contract of mandate with the agent was signed in Miren, Slovenia, with the aim of placing them in top European clubs that have shown interest in them since 2013. Speaking after the signing of the agreement, Mrs. Amosun, who is also the
he Chairman Local Organising Committee of the Sixth Nigeria Private Universities Games, Dr. Gboyega Afe Babalola, has declared that as host, his target is to win the overall title of the Games and already the athletes of Team ABUAD have started working towards achieving this dream. “The first time ABUAD participated in the Games, the school finished in second place, this was at the last edition of the Games, and we are at home backed up by massive home supports, the sky is our limit,” he said. “We are not scared of the intimidating record of the Benson Idahosa University, whose athletes won all five previous editions of the Games, we are focused and determined to make this dream come true.” Gboyega, who is the son of the legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, applauded the standard of competition at the Games which he said has been very high. In the men’s basketball event, Lead City University, Ibadan, On Tuesday (yesterday) defeated Bowen University 34-31 to qualify for the quarter finals topping Group D with six points.
league starts in Chelsea’s titlewinning campaign last year due to the form of first-choice defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic. According to Takvim, Galatatasary are now planning to make contact with Chelsea in the coming days to try and agree a fee for the 28-year-old. Mikel’s current deal with the Blues runs until 2017 but the club is unlikely to offer him a new one and could take advantage of Galatasaray’s interest next month.
Ogba, bank commend Ambode for marathon revival Charles Ogundiya
NPUGA: Afe Babalola targets overall title
Founder and President of Uplift Development Foundation, was excited about the project. “It’s a landmark event for the players. It’s a new beginning in their lives and their football careers. We have just authorised a FIFA agent to look for opportunities on behalf of the players. Beyond this, in the course of the week, the
players will be playing for scouts from different clubs like Juventus, Inter Milan and others to watch them in action, with the aim of signing them permanently,” she said. The Uplift Development Foundation had in 2013 spotted the players’ talents during an U-15 state-wide grassroots football camp in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (middle) with the players and FIFA agents
Falode thanks S’ South Congress, hails NFF F
oremost sports journalist and Women’s Sports Development icon, Aisha Falode, has sent her words of thanks and encouragement to the South South Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation, following the body’s endorsement of her as the candidate for the NFF Women’s League leadership. Falode, said the body headed by Rivers FA Chairman and Chairman of NFF Committees, Chris Green, is an outstanding body for choosing her to run for such position. “Seriously, I am short of words, humbled and will like to thank my kins in the South South for this trust bestowed on me. I promise that when the time is ripe I will again officially thank them,” she said. Falode declared that after she has been endorsed by the NFF South South Congress, she was now waiting for the rules of the elections to the rolled out before she throws her hat into the ring. In another breath, she congratu-
Falode
lated the leadership of the NFF, led by Amaju Pinnick for the huge strides in has made in recent times and hopes the NFF Congress that meets in Abuja this Wednesday will give the NFF Executive Committee a pat on the back.
COPA Lagos: Barca send warning signals to Pillars, 3SC
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arcelona on Sunday sent a serious warning signal to other teams taking part in the forthcoming COPA Lagos Challenge by winning the Beach Soccer Club World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Shooting Stars, Kano Pillars and Pepsi Academy beach soccer teams are expected to compete with the Barca team in the Copa Lagos Challenge billed to start this weekend. However, the Catalans beach team came from 4 - 1 down to draw level 4 - 4 at the end of the last quarter before
eventually coming tops 3 - 2 against hosts, Vasco Dagama, in a hostile environment. Vasco Dagama’s Bokinho drew the first blood to put his team ahead of the Spanish side, while Catarino made it two, Datinho of Barcelona reduced tally by one at half time, Marco Leon and Bokinho stretched the lead by two more goals for the tournament hosts. Coach and captain of FC Barcelona, Romiro Amarelle and Lioren brought the game to level scores with three goals in between them
in the second and third quarters to take the beach soccer club finals beyond regulation time into penalty kicks before winning the coveted trophy 3 -2. FC Barcelona defeated beach soccer clubs such as Levante 3 -2, Ahli 4-3, Sporting Lisbon 8-6 and Ah-Ahly 3-2 in the semifinals before defeating Vasco Dagama in a stern contest to emerge champions of the 4th Beach Soccer World Club Championship. FC Barcelona player, Ozu, was voted tournaments Most Valuable Player.