Sports

NYG: Screening Method For Athletes At Asaba Games Faulted

Published

2 years ago

September 23, 2023

…As Team Edo begins contest in tennis, weightlifting

An Official at the 7th Edition of the National Youth Games, currently holding in Asaba, Delta State, Rev. Martins Osagie Asemota, has faulted the method of screening athletes adopted by the National Screening Committee for the 10-day long youth games.

Speaking, with newsmen on Saturday ahead of the commencement of the games proper, Rev. Asemota expressed displeasure with the alleged facial screening of the athletes, saying that it is against earlier agreement of the usage of National Identification Number (NIN).

He said that prior to the commencement of this year’s games, it was agreed that screening of athletes would be done through their NIN, but wondered why facial assessment of the athletes was adopted by officials of the National Youths Sports Commission .

He said: “I was there yesterday (Friday), the screening exercise was not okay because the agreement and the law said we should use National Identification Number (NIN) to screen all the athletes,but, we discovered that the NIN was not used,instead they were screening people facially. This is not right because there are some children who are 12 years old but with older facial look.

“There no way one can rule out partiality in the exercise. I protested against the way the screening was being conducted.

“Most of our people were screened out. Not only from Edo, but athletes from other states were also screened out. This is not good.

‘We even have some children who came from UK and America to compete but were screened out initially because of their body sizes,

‘How can you screen out somebody with UK and America passports where their ages are clearly stated. So, I have to make case for the athletes with their passports and they were later considered to participate in the games.

“I believe they should improve on the screening exercise because if you want to get the real age for the youth games, athletes should be screened with NIN”. He advised

Meanwhile, Edo State contingent will today (this afternoon) begin their quest for the top position in this year’s games with contests in Table Tennis and weightlifting events.

In the table tennis boys singles event, Edo State 12-year old Aleoba Emmanuel is paired against players from Nasarawa and Ondo states in group 3 while in the female category, 12-year old Azeta Eromosele from Edo will square up against Promise Okon John (Akwa Ibom) andTemitayo Adebayo from Ondo state in group 6.

In the weightlifting event, Esther Chijioke will be representing the state in 45KG just as little Abdumalik Haruna will be competing in the 49KG.

Sports

PHOTO: Okocha Hosts Ex-coach Clemens Westerhof In Lagos

Published

1 day ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Nigerian football icon Jay-Jay Okocha recently hosted his former Super Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof, at his Lagos home.

Westerhof, who posted photos from the visit on Instagram on Friday, called it an “unforgettable night of my life” and thanked Okocha for his warm hospitality.

Westerhof, a Dutch national, managed the Nigerian national team from 1989 to 1994.

Under his leadership, the Super Eagles won their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 1994 and made their FIFA World Cup debut the same year, impressively topping a group that included Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece.

Okocha made his national team debut during Westerhof’s tenure and later became one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers.

Sports

Transfer: Atalanta Hold Lookman Back From Inter Milan Move

Published

2 days ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has again told his Italian side, Atalanta, about his desire to leave this summer.

The camp of the Super Eagles’ forward conveyed the player’s decision to the club on Tuesday after Inter presented a written proposal of €42m plus €3m add-ons.

Atalanta are insisting on €50m valuation for the Nigerian international and there is no green light to the move as of now, according to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano.

Meanwhile, as earlier reported, Lookman’s international teammate, Victor Osimhen will land in Istanbul on Wednesday with medical scheduled for Thursday at Galatasaray.

Meanwhile, Álvaro Morata has been waiting for Osimhen’s arrival so as to leave the club and did not train with the team on Tuesday. The Spaniard wants to join Italian side, Como.

Ronano reports that Morata has no intention to stay at Galatasaray and is only keen on the Como move.

Sports

‘She Has Placed Edo On Global E-Sports Map’ – Enabulele Celebrates Bezi On New GWR Feat

Published

6 days ago

July 28, 2025

Editor

Edo State Sports Commission has applauded Bolade Bezi for her remarkable achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record in E-Sports.

Bezi completed an extraordinary marathon of 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds playing the popular video game “God of War”.

The feat was officially recognized during a ceremony held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed admiration for Bezi’s resilience and groundbreaking accomplishment.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated Bezi and praised her determination, focus, and passion for E-Sports.

“I must celebrate Bolade Bezi for her commitment and dedication to setting this new world record.

“Since the event commenced on Friday, she has demonstrated unwavering resilience and passion for E-Sports,” Enabulele said.

He noted that the officially recorded gameplay time was 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets in Cologne, Germany, on November 8–9, 2017, which stood at 24 hours, 15 minutes.

“Bolade Bezi’s accomplishment in achieving the longest video game marathon in the hack-and-slash genre is truly commendable. She has not only shattered the previous record but also placed Edo State on the global E-Sports map,” he added.

Enabulele emphasized that the milestone is a source of immense pride for Edo State and Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting youth engagement in constructive ventures like E-Sports, which he described as powerful tools for personal growth and social development.

“This achievement aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire and empower our youth, steering them away from social vices and toward meaningful pursuits. It reflects the aspirations of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for sports development in Edo State,” he stated.

In her remarks, Bezi, a clinical physiologist, said her motivation for undertaking the intense marathon was to raise awareness about mental health, particularly depression and anxiety—two of the most widespread mental health issues today.

“This challenge was physically and mentally demanding. Sleep deprivation was the biggest obstacle, but I am grateful to God for making it possible. We are also using this platform to show that E-Sports is a viable and growing sport in Edo State,” she said.

Bezi expressed deep appreciation to Enabulele and the leadership of the Edo E-Sports Association, led by Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.