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Scotland as Louis Rees-Zammit leaves everyone open-mouthed

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5 years ago

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Louis Rees-Zammit’s double helped hand Wayne Pivac his first away win as Wales coach as they hit back to stun 14-man Scotland 25-24 at Murrayfield.

Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit (right) celebrates scoring his sides fourth try during the Guinness Six Nations match at BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. Picture date: Saturday February 13, 2021.

Gregor Townsend’s team were looking to build on last week’s historic Twickenham victory over England, and got off to the perfect start with tries from Darcy Graham and Stuart Hogg.

But their hopes were wrecked when Zander Fagerson was sent off for a dangerous clear-out and Wales ruthlessly exploited their man advantage.

Gloucester wing Rees-Zammit had scored just before half-time to keep Wales in the contest, with his second – after Liam Williams and Wyn Jones had also crossed over – confirming a bonus point.

Hogg did briefly put Scotland back in front, but Pivac’s team held their nerve to claim their first win on foreign soil in five attempts under Warren Gatland’s replacement.

There was no repeat of last week’s Twickenham knee-gate row as all 23 Scotland players plus the visitors remained standing with heads bowed during the ‘moment of reflection’ called for by the tournament organisers to show support for the fight against racism.

Some remarkable discipline saw the Scots pinged just six times against the Auld Enemy, but they were not quite so tight this time, handing over three penalties inside the opening seven minutes.

Leigh Halfpenny slotted over the first points of the day but they were quickly matched up as Finn Russell responded.

The Scotland fly-half was one of the chief architects of that Twickenham triumph and he was flying by the seat of his pants again this time, chucking around passes so flat they missed Welsh noses by mere millimetres.

And it was from his daring offload to Jonny Gray that the opening try came after 19 minutes. The big lock did not have the speed to go all the way, but Scotland recycled possession before Ali Price’s sublime chip over the static Welsh defence dropped into Darcy Graham’s hands and he scampered round Halfpenny to dot down under the posts.

It was a despairing effort from the Welsh full-back but he should have done much better six minutes later.

Hogg started and finished the move that brought the second as he chipped over the back of the visitors.

The ball should have been easily gathered by Halfpenny, but instead he let it tumble from his grasp as his opposite number appeared in a flash to scoop the ball up and slide over the line to put his team 17-3 up seemingly on course for victory.

Halfpenny ended up going off to have a head knock assessed after a mid-air clattering with Graham, who was looking a threat every time he got his hands on the ball.

His namesake, Scotland replacement Gary Graham, who had taken over from the concussed Blade Thomson early, was also proving a menace – to his own side.

First he wrecked a good scoring chance by getting caught on top of the ball at a ruck, before giving Wales good territory with a high tackle on Taulupe Faletau.

It was a costly mistake as Wales got the momentum changer they desperately needed 90 seconds before the break. Tying the Scotland pack up at the breakdown, the visitors worked the ball wide through Tompkins and Williams before Rees-Zammit ran in for the touchdown.

Scotland hoped that was just a blip. It may have been had Scott Cummings not denied Gary Graham the chance to make amends after 48 minutes as he was ruled to have obstructed the Wales defence as Darcy Graham charged over the line.

And instead of going two scores in front, Townsend’s team found their lead trimmed back to two points a minute later as the Welsh pack careered forward from a devastating line-out maul before Rees-Zammit released Williams in space to score.

Things went from bad to worse for the hosts after 53 minutes as Fagerson got his marching orders for slamming into Jones with an illegal clear-out.

Against 14 men, Pivac’s team needed just 90 seconds to nudge in front as Jones barged over from another well-executed line-out manoeuvre.

Scotland still had plenty of time to respond but they needed someone to take command.

Up stepped Hogg as he collected a Russell pass before setting off on a 15-metre rampage towards the corner as he brushed off Owen Watkin and Tompkins before getting the ball down on the line.

But Wales simply had too much space to play with and they claimed the win with 10 minutes left as Rees-Zammit chipped the ball over Hogg’s head before racing through to claim the bonus point.

Scotland fought to the end but their hopes were dashed in stoppage time as Hogg failed to hold onto Duhan van der Merwe’s desperate last charge.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue

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2 weeks ago

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April 10, 2026

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University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue

 

A former Director in the Directorate of Environmental Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Akinpelu Basiru Ojo has called for the transformation of university farms into centres of innovation and sustainable revenue generation.

Dr. Ojo made this call at the 2026 Pre-Season Farming Seminar organised by the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), held recently at FUNAAB.

 

While delivering his keynote address on the theme of the seminar, “The University Farm as an Incubation Ground for Innovation and Revenue Generation,” Dr. Ojo noted that university farms have evolved beyond their traditional roles into dynamic hubs for research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.

He identified key areas where university farms could drive innovation, including research and development, student entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He further urged DUFARMS to explore opportunities in commercial agricultural production, value addition and agro-processing, consultancy services, research partnerships, agritourism, and intellectual property commercialisation.

Highlighting potential challenges confronting university farms, the former Director listed inadequate funding, weak industry linkages, climate change, environmental risks, and limited commercial orientation. He, however, proposed strategies for optimisation, including the adoption of agribusiness models, integration of modern technologies, strengthened partnerships, promotion of student-led enterprises, and the development of sustainable value chains.

Reflecting on the evolution of DUFARMS, Dr. Ojo paid tribute to past Vice-Chancellors, beginning with the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nimbe Adedipe, whose vision led to the establishment of the University Farm. He also acknowledged milestones recorded under successive administrations, including the expansion of cashew and oil palm plantations, as well as the establishment of processing facilities for value addition.

He further commended the contributions of past and present staff, alongside former students who have attained notable academic positions, encouraging staff to uphold discipline, integrity, and continuous professional development.

As part of his recommendations for future growth, Dr. Ojo proposed the establishment of crop collection plots, revival of underutilised crops, exploration of cashew nutshell liquid production for revenue generation, and expansion of tree crop plantations such as cashew and oil palm.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who declared the seminar open, emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning in achieving institutional objectives. He described the seminar as timely and essential, noting that the University was established not only for teaching and research but also for meaningful community engagement, particularly in supporting farmers to enhance productivity.

Prof. Kehinde also commended DUFARMS for its efforts, especially its introduction of value addition initiatives, and urged staff, particularly in livestock production, to scale up activities in poultry, beef, pork, and egg production to improve the visibility and impact of the University Farms.

The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to reposition DUFARMS as a hub for innovation, practical training, and sustainable revenue generation, in line with global best practices.

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FirstBank Sponsors Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Football Championship 2026, Promotes Education Through School Sports

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3 weeks ago

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April 1, 2026

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FirstBank Sponsors Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Football Championship 2026, Promotes Education Through School Sports

Lagos, 31 March 2026  – FirstBank, the premier bank in West Africa and a leading financial inclusion service provider, is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the maiden edition of the Samuel Okwaraji Under 16 Football Championship, a nationwide youth football tournament organised to honour the late Samuel Okwaraji, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football legends renowned for his patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national service.

The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition. The first stage will feature zonal eliminations across the six geopolitical zones, followed by a national final in Abuja featuring the top 12 qualifying teams. The event will also include cultural displays, memorial lectures, and talent scouting opportunities by national team coaches, ensuring a blend of sporting excellence and social impact.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, said: “Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country. FirstBank is making a deliberate incursion into grassroots football development with this sponsorship, creating an enabling environment for the next generation of Samuel Okwarajis to discover, refine, and maximise their potential, thereby shaping the future of Nigerian football.”

In his remarks, Senator Osita Izunaso, the Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee commended FirstBank for throwing its weight around the championship. He said “FirstBank’s legacy predates modern Nigerian football. The bank has once again shown that true corporate leadership lies in nation building. We thank FirstBank for their participation in this championship and we hope that other corporates will take a leaf and provide an enabling environment for young ones to thrive in education through sports.”

Through its First@Sports initiative, FirstBank has sustained an unbroken role in promoting the development of football and sports across Nigeria. The Bank is invested in nurturing talent through its ownership of the Elephant Boys Football Team currently competing in the Nigerian National League. The FirstBank Basketball Club popular known as the “Elephant Girls” is also owned by the Bank.

The Bank has supported youth-oriented and sporting initiatives including the National Sports Festival, South-West Youth Games, the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship for 35 years, Lagos Amateur Golf Open Championship for 65 years, and the Georgian Polo Cup for 105 years.

The Bank’s sponsorship of the Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Tournament underscores its commitment to national unity, empowering communities, and fostering youth development.

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Adeniyi Urges Customs Officers to Stay Fit, Commissions Sports Arena at Western Marine Command 

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2 months ago

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February 12, 2026

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Adeniyi Urges Customs Officers to Stay Fit, Commissions Sports Arena at Western Marine Command

By Ifeoma Ikem 

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the importance of physical and mental fitness among officers, stressing that the demanding nature of their duties requires them to remain in top condition at all times.
Adeniyi made the statement during the commissioning of the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena at the Western Marine Command of the NCS in Apapa, Lagos.
He noted that Customs officers must prioritise their health to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
According to him, the daily operational demands placed on officers necessitate a culture of consistent exercise and wellness.
“Our job requires that we remain physically and mentally fit. I encourage all officers to embrace regular exercise. Every Saturday morning, I make out time to exercise to keep myself fit,” Adeniyi said.
He described the newly built sports facility as a strategic investment in the well-being of officers, urging the command to ensure that the arena is fully utilised.
“This facility was built to be used. I urge officers to embrace and make regular use of it so they can remain physically and mentally fit,” he added.
The Comptroller-General also commended traditional rulers and members of the host community for their support and impressive turnout at the commissioning ceremony, describing their presence as a reflection of strong community partnership.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Western Marine Command, Comptroller Paul Ntadi, said the sports arena was dedicated in honour of Adeniyi in recognition of his diligence, professionalism and dedication to service, including his past role as National Public Relations Officer of the Service.
Ntadi explained that the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA) represents more than just a recreational facility, noting that it aligns with the broader security and community engagement objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“WASA is a practical expression of our belief that security is not only about enforcement, patrols and interceptions. It is also about prevention,” Ntadi said.
He added that providing safe spaces for recreation, mentorship and healthy competition would help steer youths away from crime, restiveness, drug abuse and other social vices.
“When we provide safe and positive spaces for recreation, mentorship and healthy competition, we are investing in peace, stability and the future of our communities,” he stated.
The CAC further noted that the presence of the Comptroller-General at the event underscores the importance the NCS places on community development, youth empowerment and sustainable peace.
He emphasised that the facility is designed to take young people off the streets and channel their energy into constructive activities.
“WASA is aimed at taking youths off the streets and into constructive engagement. It is built to become a centre of unity, growth and positive transformation — to nurture talents, inspire dreams and keep youths away from negative influences,” Ntadi said.
Adeniyi Urges Customs Officers to Stay Fit, Commissions Sports Arena at Western Marine Command By Ifeoma Ikem 
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