Defeating Lobi Stars was for pride, says Gombe United coach

Haruna Abdullahi, coach of Gombe United, says his team played for pride against Lobi Stars of Makurdi, defeating the visitors 3-2.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gombe United staged a comeback after conceding a goal in the first minute of play.

The Match Day 32 fixture of the 2023/2024 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was played on Sunday at the Pantami Township Stadium in Gombe.

Reacting to the match in an interview with NAN, Abdullahi said teams visiting Gombe United often underrated his team because of their position on the NPFL log, hence the need to prove them wrong.

He said his team would continue to stun any team visiting Gombe in spite of the fact that they are currently in relegation zone.

“We won to protect our integrity whether we will be relegated or not.

“The last match we played, some were of the opinion that we sold the match.

“Today, we played for the pride of the club.

“Notwithstanding being in relegation zone or not, we are team Gombe and we will continue to play for the pride of the club,” he said.

Abdullahi said although his team had some challenges, but noted that the team was good and always battle-ready to take on any team in the NPFL.

On how they defeated their visitors, he said: “It is all about determination; our players were determined to win the game for the pride of the team and they did.”

Abdullahi urged fans of the club to continue to support Gombe United, and in no distant time, the team would return to NPFL.

NAN reports that Emmanuel Michael equalised for Gombe United in the 23rd minute of play while a brace from Anayor Ogbonna in the 74th and 82nd minute respectively completed the three goals for the hosts.

Lobi Stars’ goals were scored by Christian Aniche in the first minute and Stanley Oganbor in the 90th minute.

Defeating Lobi Stars was for pride, says Gombe United coach

Asaba to host Wheelchair Basketball Atlantic Conference League

Seyi Johnson, President, Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, has said that its forthcoming “Betking” Athletic Conference League Finals, scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta, would be an opportunity for exceptional athletes with disabilities to shine.

Johnson who said this in Lagos on Friday, noted that teams from Delta, Oyo, Imo, Lagos and Ogun that formed the Atlantic Conference were all set to slug it out at the championship.

He said the championship would take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta, between April 30 and May 4.

“The wheelchair basketball enthusiasts across Nigeria are gearing up for an action-packed tournament.

“With months of preparation and rigorous training, the athletes are ready to showcase their skills, determination and sportsmanship in what promises to be an exciting and competitive event,” he said.

Johnson highlighted the significance of promoting wheelchair basketball in the country, noting that it would create a platform for athletes with disabilities to participate in high-level sporting competitions

He said, “The Atlantic Conference is going to be one of the toughest wheelchair basketball leagues because the best teams in the country will be storming Asaba for the encounter.

“Wheelchair Basketball is becoming one of the fastest growing sports in Nigeria and every special athlete wants to play the game.

“The target of the federation is to play at the highest level which is the World Championship, and I believe it is going to become a reality.

“I am appealing to sports philanthropists in the various states to support their teams in participating in the league in order to have a successful Atlantic Conference,” Johnson said.

Asaba to host Wheelchair Basketball Atlantic Conference League

Table Tennis kickstarts 13th African Games in Ghana – ITTF

Table tennis will kickstart the 13th African Games taking place in Accra, Ghana, from March 8 to 23, a statement by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) made this known on Sunday.

Being one of the sports expected to showcase talents and skills, 29 countries will jostle for honours in seven events at the games.

All eyes will be on Africa’s highest ranked player Quadri Aruna of Nigeria, who is yet to add African Games men’s singles title to his medal tray.

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The statement by the ITTF also said the Accra International Conference Centre would host the table tennis event for seven days.

The men’s singles will kick off the tournament with 84 men while 62 women will battle for the coveted prize in the event.

According to the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), the 18 men’s teams will be drawn into six groups of three each while the 12 women’s teams will be drawn into four groups.

Top teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage of the event.

It stated that in the last two editions of the games, Egypt had dominated all the events claiming the majority of the gold medals ahead of former continent’s heavyweight – Nigeria.

In the men’s singles, all eyes will be on men’s defending champion Olajide Omotayo, who has not replicated the form he displayed at Rabat 2019 in any continental event.

The Nigerian’s best outing in any tournament was finishing in third place at the 2023 African Championships.

Women’s singles defending champion, Dina Meshref, will also be aiming to retain her title.

She, however, needs to fend off her compatriot – Hana Goda ,who has dominated the continent in the last four championships claiming the African Cup and championships.

For the President of ATTF, Khaled El-Salhy, the turnout of teams for the games had been impressive, being the largest number in any African Games.

”We are excited with the presence of teams across the continent, and we hope this will again showcase talents and skills by some upcoming players including youngster, Matthew Kuti, who has been included in the Nigerian squad for the games,” he said. 

Table Tennis kickstarts 13th African Games in Ghana – ITTF