Sports

NYG: Screening Method For Athletes At Asaba Games Faulted

Published

3 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

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

7 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

6 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.