Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2013 — 29
FCMB, others join Falilat Ogunkoya’s 400m show The Dipo Dina Stadium Ijebu Ode will be a beehive of activities when the 2013 Falilat Ogunkoye national 400 meters meet holds on October 24 and 26. The meet is unique as it is all about 400 metres race and the 4x 400 metres relay events which the initiator excelled in her active days. She still holds the African 400 m record. Other events are the medley
Iniesta closer to new deal
T
he negotiation process be tween Andrés Iniesta and Barcelona on the matter of the player’s contract renewal has moved a step closer. According to Catalunya Ràdio, a meeting was held on Monday lunchtime with the player ’s agent, Ramon Sostres, and Vice President of FC Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu. The two parties in the meeting on the Spaniard’s new deal – his contract currently finishes in 2015 – seemed to agree that a renewal was on the cards. Both the player and sources at the club had previously stated clearly that a deal would be reached.
p playoffs:
a will fall again ba. The boys played well and I thank God that their labour did not go in vain. It was a sweet victory for us and I thank the team for making this dream a reality”, said Keshi, who added that efforts were now on to ensure that the Eagles complete the job of beating Ethiopia in the reverse fixture on November 16, and with it book their ticket to Bra-
zil 2014. “Now that we have beaten them in their backyard, we have to ensure that we make it a double victory by defeating them in Calabar. With the way we are progressing, I believe that Ethiopia will again and our qualification to the World Cup would be guaranteed”, said the former Mali and Togo manager.
relay and kids demonstration races. Falilat was happy to announce yesterday that FCMB, Solid Work, La Casera are
Police wins Independence rugby tourney BY SOLOMON NWOKE The Police RFC of Lagos have dethroned defending champions, Cowries RFC of Lagos by 10 - 7 to win the Friends of Rugby Independence Rugby 7s invitational tournament. A total of 14 teams including four foreign teams from; Merlins RFC of the United Kingdom ( UK), Alexandria RFC of Egypt, IDA’S Sports RFC of Ghana, Villagers RFC of South Africa among others graced the tournament played at Onikan Stadium Lagos at the weekend. Speaking at the event, the managing Director of CMB
tephan El Shaarawy has revealed that he should be back and fit enough to face Barcelona on November 6. “Next week I’ll do an ultrasound on my foot,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. But I
the sponsoring firm of the Independence Rugby Tournament, Kelechukwu Mbagwu who is also the Chairman of the Friends of Rugby Organisation expressed joy that the whole concept of bringing in foreign teams to flavour to the championship was a success. Mbagwu said, “ bringing in foreign countries to this year’s tournament is something that add glamour to the tournament as Nigeria marked her 53rd Independence celebration. The tournament is okay, the organisation is brilliant. The truth is that the organisers were given a very short time for them to put this together. “
Port Harcourt Marathon:
Powa Pasta splashes N2m on winners
D
e United Foods Indus tries, makers of Powa Pasta spaghetti will splash N1 million each as prize money to male and female winners of its half marathon event in Port Harcourt. Mr Chinedu Wali, Human Resources Manager of the company, told sportswriters that the event would hold on Oct. 26. He said the marathon for male and female athletes would cover a total of 21.09 kilometres. Wali said the company decided to sponsor the race to help boost sports in Rivers State.
El Shaarawy: I’ll be back for Barca S
among the corporate bodies that are supporting the event which she said has the serious backing of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN.
should return for the game with Barcelona on November 6. “I’ve done some great things in a Milan shirt, but I’ve also done some bad things. I just want to be judged by what I do on the pitch though. “My mind is only on Milan. I have already stated on several occasions that I want to stay here.”
“We have been in operation in Rivers State for over 10 years and have observed closely the sports development in Rivers State. This is an event which we have actually organized in Lagos state. So, it’s necessary that we also do same in Port Harcourt. It will be an annual event here in Port Harcourt as you have seen from the top management here.” Wali stated that there would be other consolation prizes for runners up in the male and female categories of the event. Mr Praven Katarki, National brand Manager of De United Foods Industries, said the company sponsored the event to allow local athletes show their talents.