Sports

Nigeria’s Taekwondo Community Unites at 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup

Published

3 months ago

September 4, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nigeria’s Taekwondo Community Unites at 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup

By Ifeoma Ikem

The 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup, Nigeria’s premier civil-military sports event, has successfully concluded, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s taekwondo landscape. Held at the state-of-the-art HQ DAPT Multipurpose Indoor Gymnasium in Giri, FCT, Abuja, the two-day tournament brought together 187 athletes from 19 clubs across Nigeria, fostering unity, excellence and growth in the sport.

According to Ogunmuyiwa Gbolahan, Chairman of the Organising Committee, the event’s primary objective was to “bridge the technical gap between elite and amateur taekwondo athletes in Nigeria.” This goal was achieved through the provision of a platform for emerging poomsae and kyorugi athletes to hone their skills, thereby enhancing their competitiveness.

The tournament’s focus on technical development is particularly significant, given Nigeria’s growing presence in international taekwondo competitions. By nurturing homegrown talent, the country can increase its chances of producing world-class athletes.

The 2024 edition of the FCT Unity TKD Cup marked several significant milestones. Notably, adult competitors participated in the seniors category for the first time, expanding the tournament’s scope and providing a more comprehensive competitive experience.

The introduction of electronic taekwondo sparring for seniors, juniors and cadet competitors was another notable innovation. This technology enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of the competition, aligning Nigeria’s taekwondo events with global standards.

Other notable achievements included accommodation for referees and the Main Organising Committee on-site, ensuring seamless event management; and the utilisation of two courts throughout the tournament, streamlining the competition.

The event also celebrated 50 years of taekwondo in Nigeria (1974-2024), highlighting the sport’s growth and impact on the country’s athletic landscape. This milestone underscores the dedication and perseverance of Nigeria’s taekwondo community.

The participation of a university team, courtesy of GM Sirajo Yusuf, Director of Sports, Federal University Lokoja, marked another significant first. This development signals the expanding reach of taekwondo in Nigeria’s educational institutions.

Nigeria Army emerged the overall winner on the medals table with 7 gold medals. The tournament equally honoured outstanding athletes with prestigious awards. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards recognised exceptional performances in various categories.

In the kids category, Victor Martins and Crown Umeh emerged the top male and female; while Chijioke Kalu and Unique Umeh were top Teens. Others were Benjamin Okuomose and Eno Mfon James (Adults); as Ameh Emmanuella and Progress Kebonkwu emerged top Cadet and Junior Female for the Youths Empowerment Foundation Award.

The FCT TSCON Awards recognised outstanding contributions to taekwondo development such as Taekwondo Father of the Year: Pharm. Ameh S. Ameh;
Taekwondo Mother of the Year: Barr (Mrs) Idada; Taekwondo Boy of the Year: Daniel Gashinbaki; and Taekwondo Girl of the Year: Igweike Olisanyelu.

The event also recognised notable figures who have contributed to the growth of taekwondo in Nigeria, including: Gen CG Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt Gen TA Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Brig Gen AR Bello, Director of Army Physical Training, GM Dominic Bassey, most senior TKD Pioneer in Nigeria, GM Abdulmumin Yusuf, VP Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College and GM Abdullahi Saidu Baba, president, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.

The 3rd FCT Unity TKD Cup has set the stage for future taekwondo competitions in Nigeria, promoting unity, excellence and growth in the sport. As Nigeria’s taekwondo community continues to thrive, events like this tournament will play a vital role in shaping the country’s athletic future.

The tournament’s success is a testament to the dedication of Nigeria’s taekwondo community and the support of key stakeholders. As the sport continues to grow, Nigeria’s athletes will undoubtedly make their mark on the international stage.

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Cameroon star backs Lookman to win CAF Player award

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Cameroon star backs Lookman to win CAF Player award

As the celebration for the 2024 CAF Africa Player award gears up, Cameroon international Flavien Enzo Boyomo is confident that Nigeria international and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is the favourite to win the men’s best player award, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Lookman, who made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his club’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen last season, has been getting massive backing from teammates, stakeholders and fans since CAF announced the final shortlist for the award.

Boyomo is the latest to throw his weight behind the Nigerian to claim the honour when the winner will be announced at the CAF Awards 2024 on December 16.

Lookman faces competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Algeria’s Amine Gouiri, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.

Despite the stiff competition from other nominees, the Osasuna centre-back remains confident that the Atalanta man will win the award.

“I believe Lookman will win the African Ballon d’Or,” Boyomo was quoted saying by Actu Cameroon.

“He won the Europa League and he is the one who has the best chance of winning the trophy this year.”

Lookman’s nomination comes after a remarkable season that saw him emerge as Europe’s most productive attacking player in the latter stages of the 2023/24 campaign, registering 14 goal contributions (eight goals and six assists) from April onwards, more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues.

The former Everton striker’s stellar performances reached their pinnacle in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he netted a historic hat-trick to crown a season that saw him amass an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

The former Everton man has continued with his impressive form this campaign, with the Nigeria international already notching nine goals and five assists in just 16 appearances for La Dea.

Aside from his historic and remarkable Europa League exploits with Atalanta, Lookman emerged as the overwhelming favourite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award following his 14th-placed finish at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris in October where he was the only African player nominated for the award.

Sports

France Beat Nigeria 2 – 1 In Women’s International Friendly

Published

7 days ago

December 1, 2024

Sahara Weekly

France Beat Nigeria 2 - 1 In Women's International Friendly

Friendly: France Maintain Dominance Over Super Falcons After Securing 2-1 Win

Nigeria’s Super Falcons narrowly lost 2-1 to France in an international friendly game in Angers on Saturday.

It is now fourth wins in four games for France against the Super Falcons.

Eugenie Le Sommer and Amel Majri were the scorers for France while Ifeoma Onumunu got the Falcons ‘ goal.

Sommer broke the deadlock on 29th minute before Majri added the second in the 38th minute.

In three minutes of first half added time Onumonu pulled a goal back for the Falcons which was not enough to avoid defeat.

The Super Falcons welcome back Ashleigh Plumptre who missed the Paris Olympics due to injury.

Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale was sent off in the 97th minute after receiving her second booking.

In goal for the Falcons was Chiamaka Nnadozie while the likes of Christy Ucheibe, Gift Monday, Michelle Alozie, Jennifer Echiegini, Toni Payne, Rofiat Imuran featured for the Super Falcons.

Sports

Asisat Oshoala, Paul Onuachu Nominated For 2024 FIFA Best Awards (Full List)

Published

1 week ago

November 29, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Asisat Oshoala, Paul Onuachu Nominated For 2024 FIFA Best Awards (Full List)

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 nominees announced

Football fans from across the globe can now cast their votes in a host of categories, including The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11.

🔴Voting is now open for the ninth edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards™

🔴Fans can vote for The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11 for first time

🔴New FIFA Marta Award added to celebrate the best goal in women’s football

FIFA has announced the shortlist of nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2024, which will recognise the leading lights in another thrilling year of women’s and men’s football at both club and national-team levels.

Voting is now open on FIFA.com across a number of award categories, with fans set to play a key role in choosing the winners. Voting for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper will be equally weighted between fans, the current captains and coaches of all women’s/men’s national teams, and media representatives.

The winner of the FIFA Fan Award will be chosen entirely by fans, while the recipient of the FIFA Fair Play Award will be decided by an expert panel. Voting for the new FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award will be split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends.

The biggest change in terms of voting for this year’s edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards is that fans will have their say in selecting The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11. They will be able to choose from a list of 77 nominated players – 22 defenders, midfielders and forwards apiece, plus 11 goalkeepers – slotting them into one of several preset tactical formations to build their team. Votes will be weighted equally between fans and an expert panel.

The FIFA Puskás Award has been redefined as being bestowed on the scorer of the best goal in men’s football regardless of championship or nationality. To honour the best goal scored in women’s football in any league around the world, the FIFA Marta Award, named after the Brazilian legend, will be presented for the very first time.

Voting is open on FIFA.com until 23:59 CET on Tuesday, 10 December 2024. The rules of allocation for all awards are available at the FIFA Digital Hub.