Nigerian junior curlers clinch Africa's first 2024 Youth Winter Olympics ticket despite zero support from Sponsors, NOC or Sports Ministry

"The beautiful thing about the whole success is that we actualised the dream using the locals, the home-based athletes and children from the grassroots"  

"Not minding that there was no support from anybody; Government, NOC or sponsors, we achieved this" 

Team Nigeria has emerged as the first African team to qualify for the curling event of the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics. 

President of the Nigeria Curling Federation, Daniel Damola, confirmed Nigeria's qualification for both the Mixed and Mixed Doubles events. 

According to him, Nigeria's qualification for the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics was secured after the country became the sole participating team from Africa at the World Junior B Curling championship held in Finland.

He said the qualification ticket and the official notification will be sent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee in March 2023.

 "Well done, Team Nigeria youth curlers for making history again by becoming the first African Nation to qualify for the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics. We are proud of you all and the boys’ team as well. Still we rise,” the delighted boss declared as he shared the cheering news.

 Fresh from the eye-opening outing in Lohja, Finland where they played on ice for the very first time, alongside the very best teams in the world,  the newly groomed Nigerian Junior curlers have been tipped to ruffle feathers on ice in the years ahead.

"The beautiful thing about the whole success is that we actualised the dream using the locals, the home-based athletes and children from the grassroots. " Mr Daniel said.

"This is a life-changing thing for all of them and basically for the country as well. For us to pull out this historic achievement using only home-based youth athletes, the first of its kind in the entire African region. I’m glad and happy. I’m happy with the staff and management, from the cleaner to the presidency. It is a team success and I thank God for everything,” he added.

The Nigeria Curling Federation president, while noting that the recent successes have been from personal sacrifices since there has been zero sponsorship from government quarters, stated that more can be achieved if the Federation gets the needed support.

 "Not minding that there was no support from anybody; Government, NOC or sponsors, we achieved this. That means if we had sponsors, you can only imagine what we would have achieved. Like I always say, still we rise at the Nigerian curling”.

 The 2024 Youth Winter Olympics is scheduled to take place in the Gangwon Province, South Korea from January 19 to February 1.

Photo Caption: The Nigerian Junior Curlers Team Boys & Girls

NPFL: Ilechukwu calls on IMC to consider "Grassroots players slots " in NPFL teams

Ilechukwu canvasses IMC for Grassroot players slot In NPFL teams 

"NPFL teams should be a mix of both experience and young. It worries me to see most of the old players in the domestic league every season, while the talented grassroots players engage in free-age tournaments when they can easily break into the starting 11 of the top teams" 

Plateau United head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has appealed to the leadership of the Interim Management Committee(IMC) of Nigeria's domestic league to make it mandatory for NPFL clubs to give more slots to grassroots players, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The former Heartland and MFM FC of Lagos coach made the passionate appeal after FC Jassy defeated Austin Amateur Academy to emerge champions of the maiden Fidelis Ilechukwu Football Tourney held in Jos, Plateau State.

"With the new season kicking off soon, it's very important that the IMC makes it compulsory for clubs in the Nigerian Professional Football League to have a good number of young players in their squad, as NPFL clubs’ penchant for old players makes it difficult for our football to catch up with the developing new trends in the game.

"NPFL teams should be a mix of both experience and young. It worries me to see most of the old players in the domestic league every season, while the talented grassroots players engage in free-age tournaments when they can easily break into the starting 11 of the top teams. 

"I know the former NPFL leadership had in place a youth players clause of five (5). Clubs were permitted in Article A.2.1.2 to register up to five such players aged 16-18 and issue them jersey numbers 36-40 in addition to the regular 35 players allowed for a season. The players can also be withdrawn at any stage in the season and replaced by another player of their category.

"Giving more of these talented players the chance in the NPFL will go a long way to better our football, as the NPFL is the bedrock of our national cadet teams.

"As coaches in the NPFL, we must give these next generation of stars the platform to showcase their skills. For me, it's not just having five of them in teams but having the will to start them or give them match time.  

"Once clubs begin to give these young players a chance to break into the system, they will be able to supplement their squads with unlimited additional players under the age of 21 years old, which will be good for the NPFL.

"It's only when these young players get exposed early to the rudiments of the game on the big football stage, that they can easily pass football trials in Europe.

"I want to crave the IMC leadership to see it as necessary as there should be a kind of reward mechanism where clubs get rewarded for giving young players match times. Such benefits will see clubs have a new orientation towards players in the grassroots."

"She was a great person" Ndidi Chiejine shares sweet memories of late Super Falcons star, Ifeanyi Chiejine

Ndidi Chiejine has described her sister, Ifeanyi Chiejine as a great person.

The youngest player to hear featured at the FIFA Women’s World Cup died in 2019 after a brief illness. 

In celebrating her, a competition coined “Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup” was named after her.

 

Ndidi described her late sister as a great leader with a wonderful personality.

“Ifeanyi Chiejine was a great leader who knows how to move people forward and does great things. Her impact on my life is much that I can’t explain it. She was a very great person with a great personality. For her to be recognized by her friends is a beautiful thing,” Ndidi said.

Imo Strikers, Delta Babes, and Moje Queens are through to the semi-final of the Maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup which is scheduled to take place on Monday, December 19, 2022, and Ndidi offered her fine reviews of the event.

“Having this kind of tournament for my late sister is a great idea. It’s something spectacular to discover more talents like my sister. I appreciate Judith Chime because she has done well in coming up with this for my sister,” she continued.

“Watching the girls play, I can see the likes of Delta Babes with some great players like my sister. I am sure the girl child support is something that should be looked into in helping them achieve their goals.”

Nollywood star Phil Daniels Aniedo vows to continue girls' empowerment through football

Nigeria’s Nollywood star, Phil Daniels Aniedo has thrown her weight behind the empowerment of youth through women’s football following her support to the ongoing Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup in Asaba, Delta State.

With many young girls turning international stars in over three decades in the country, actress and television personality, Daniels has underlined her quest for youth and girl child empowerment through the women’s game.

“This is actually something that should continue. I like something like this,” Daniels told the media.

“It’s good to empower our youths and help them discover their talents as well as encourage them.  By doing that, the world will be a better place.”

The Anambra-born Nollywood actress opened up on her attraction to women’s football.

“Former Super Falcons goalkeeper and Ifeanyi Chiejine teammate, Judith Chime motivated me to attend this event as a very good friend. When she invited me to this Late Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup, I was surprised,” Daniel continued.

“Surprised because I have never heard about late women’s football legends being celebrated. For the first time, something like this is coming up, I decided to attend no matter my tight schedule.

“The girls tried. Actually, this is my first time watching live women’s football. I have watched men’s football live in times past. Honestly, the girls tried. Anambra Angels and Delta Babes tried. I am impressed with their performance.”

Respected veteran Nollywood diva Ngozi Ezeonu graced the opening ceremony of the maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup on Thursday between Delta Babes and Anambra Angels and performed the ceremonial kick-off.

Ezeonu was accompanied by other actors like Daniels, Amar Ignis, and Ken Odurukwe.

The group stage of the tournament is expected to end on Sunday after Saturday’s rest day. 

Imo Strikers and Delta Babes have already qualified for the semi-final ahead of the last group games.

Ifeanyi Chijiene Memorial Cup: Two teams punch the Semi Final tickets

Two out of four semi-final places have been determined after Matchday two of the maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup in Asaba, Delta State capital on Friday.

Delta Babes in Group A made it to the semi-final after playing out a 2-2 draw with Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side, Moje Queens.

Jacob Victoria gave the Kwara State-based side the lead as early as the fourth minute. Itaingbene Happiness, however equalised for Delta Babes in the 23rd minute before giving her side the lead for the first time with just the five minutes from the half time break.

The two goals increased Happiness’s goal tally to three after two games. Victoria Idehen equalised for Moje Queens in the 54th minute to ensure a 2-2 draw for her side.

The draw sealed a semi-final spot for Delta Babes while Moje Queens will have to avoid defeat in its last group game against Anambra Angels to make it to the last four.

Imo Strikers in Group B joined Delta Babes in the semi-final after pipping Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens 1-0.

Ezeka Miracle’s 52nd-minute strike was enough to earn a win and a semi-final place for the host team.

Okundia Aisosa’s 29th-minute goal revived Fortress Ladies’ hope of making it to the semi-final after a 1-0 win over Castmog Academy of Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Fortress Ladies occupy the third position in Group B with three points and an inferior goal advantage below Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens which also has three points.

Saturday, December 17, will be observed as a rest day before Sunday’s final group games.

Ezeonu leads other Nollywood actors to get maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup underway

Screen goddess, Ngozi Ezeonu led a band of Actors to the mainbowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium as the maiden edition of Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup got underway. 

Ifeanyi Chiejine an important member of Super Falcons gave up the ghost on 21st August  2019 following a brief illness.

Respected veteran Nollywood diva Ngozi Ezeonu, a lover of the Girl-child and fan of Ifeanyi Chiejine graced the opening match  between Anambra Angels and Delta Babes on Thursday 15th December. Delta Babes won 2-0.

Ngozi noted for her excellent interpretation of roles in series of movies like Glamour Girls, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Forbidden, Co-Wives and Three Wives remarked that she came to identify with the memorial project with the aim  of further supporting the Girl-Child and encouraging budding talents.

She praised former Super Falcons goalkeeper Judith Chime (Kamala), teammate of late Ifeanyi Chiejine for championing the idea to remember the fallen shero.

"This is an idea worth praising and emulation, that concerned players led by Kamala and Vera Okolo. Their efforts should not be forgotten. I hope the authorities should always see the need to do this."

Citing an example with herself, Ngozi went on to admonish the girl-child to never give up in life.

"I struggled and never gave up in life, I come from a family in the South East where the boy child seemed more appreciated than the girl. I fought to be where I am today.

"So I say to the girls, your dreams will be realized if you keep fighting no matter the circumstances, chase your dreams always," she enthused.

Ngozi Ezeonu was in the company of other actors like Phil Daniels, Amar Ignis and Ken Odurukwe .

Meanwhile, action will continue Friday 16th December at the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup with three games on the cards.

Delta Babes will try Moje Queens for size in the first game.

Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens will clash with Imo Strikers in the second match of the day.

The last encounter will see Castmog Academy and Fortress Ladies battle.

Day 2 Fixtures:

Delta Babes vs Moje Queens

Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens vs Imo Strikers

Castmog vs Fortress

Anambra Angels (Bye)

Morocco coach, Regragui reveals one mistake his players must avoid against France

Coach Regragui: “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake" 

Morocco coach, Hoalid Regragui was the cynosure of all eyes at the press conference preceding the all-important Semi-final clash between Morrocco and France billed for Wednesday evening at the Virtual Stadium Doha. 

Coach Regragui was answering questions on his team's wonderful run at the World Cup has gone undone unbeaten so far at the World Cup. 

The Morrocan are faced with the history of becoming the first African team to qualify for the finals of the World Cup but are faced with the challenge of crossing the French hurdle.

France has been scoring for fun with Kyllian Mbappe scoring fine times as well as Olivier Giroud scoring four times and the combination of the two attackers posed a great threat to the Arabian African team's ambition of winning the trophy. 

This, coach Regragui acknowledged at the press conference, " that the French team poses too many individual threats" 

This mistake of concentrating on a particular player ( Kyllin Mbappe) will be avoided as he said " any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one". 

Regragui said:  “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” 

“France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing.

“If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world-class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.”

Mbappe vs Achraf battle  

The coach also spoke on Mbappe facing his PSG teammate and blossom friend Acraf Hakimi on the left of the attack. 

 

“Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him daily, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. 

Morocco will aim to upset the books once more to continue their furious run at the world with their compact style of play which has seen them defeat the top three European top sides, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal from the competition conceding only once and scoring five times.