Sports

Support Lafia Golf Club, Nasarawa Govt Urged

Published

4 years ago

October 19, 2021

The Immediate past Captain of Lafia Golf Club, Paul Kouame, has urged the Nasarawa State government to support the Lafia Golf Club in order to encourage the development of the game in the state.

Kouame, who made the call at the weekend while handing over the mantle of leadership to new officials of the club in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, said the state stands to benefit greatly from sporting activities, hence the need for the government to tap into the enormous opportunities that golf presents, and support the club especially during tournaments.

He said: “I started playing golf here in Lafia in November 2017. I became the vice captain of the club in August, 2018 and I became the captain of the club in August 2019. So, I have stayed for two years as the captain of Lafia Golf Club.

“The challenge here has been that Lafia Golf club was not receiving support from the government. But thank God there have been a wonderful action lately during the ladies open. We noticed a wonderful support from our executive Governor and we did well. It was a national event and everybody was satisfied.

“The only thing we request from the government is a little support.The course in Lafia is the biggest one in the whole of North Central in terms of distance and it’s not easy to maintain it,” he said.

The immediate past Captain said he will continue to support the activities of the club and tasked the new officials to work harder for the growth and development of the club and state at large.

In a goodwill message, Captain of Makurdi Golf club, Engr Michael Vaatia, represented by his Vice, Navy Commander Abu Onum, said the location of the Lafia Golf Course was strategic as it connects with most of the North Central states, urging the state government to leverage on it to attract more golfers to the state.

“There is a mentality that the game of golf is a rich man’s game but first, what is rich about having a good health. When you play golf, you exercise and you spend less in hospitals. So what we want is that people should imbibe the culture of exercise,” he said.

He commended the out gone captain for his numerous contributions to the progress of the club and pledged the support of the Makurdi golf to enable them succeed.

In his acceptance speech, new Captain of the Lafia golf, Augustine Okyuwa said they will work according to the rules of the game and called on members to support them to enable them discharge their duties.

“I have spoken to a lot of people in the state and have told them the importance of exercise. The golf game is a very important game so , people are very much aware of that are ready to come in and exercise and contribute in their own way to the development of the club.

On her part, the newly elected lady captain of the club, Marylinda Ogbole, said her administration would ensure that all lady golfers are supported to go out for tournaments to enable them project the name of the state in limelight.

The new officials elected were Austine Okyuwa captain, Changkat lucky Vice Captain, Solomon Nwokoro secretary, Godwin Ogwuche, Finance secretary and Marylinda Ogbole as treasurer.

Others were Peter Danfuru, Social Secretary, Andrew Yakubu, Bar Secretary ,Edwin Philip Public Relations Officer,
Jennifer Cardy, master.
Mr. Tony Effa, Course Maintaining Officer and Dr. Chidozie Adiukwu, Competition Secretary.

Earlier, a match was played between the Lafia Golf club and Command Army Record Golf Club, Lokoja and the Lafia Golf club defeated her opponent, the winner of the game by 6 -0.

Sports

JUST IN: Dembélé Named FIFA Best Men’s Player, Bonmatí Wins Women’s Award

Published

7 days ago

December 16, 2025

Editor

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, following a season in which he contributed significantly to both his club and the France national team.

Dembélé, known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s campaigns across domestic and European competitions. His performances for the national team also helped France secure notable results in international fixtures.

Speaking on the recognition, Dembélé said, “It is a great honour to receive this award. I could not have achieved this without my teammates at PSG and in the national team, whose support has been invaluable.”

In the women’s category, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named FIFA Best Women’s Player for 2025. Bonmatí was influential in Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns, providing leadership, vision, and creativity in midfield. She also played a key role in Spain’s international successes.

“This award reflects the hard work of my teammates and coaches,” Bonmatí said. “I am grateful for their guidance and support throughout the season.”

The announcements reaffirm FIFA’s recognition of individual excellence in football while highlighting the contributions of players to both club and country.

Sports

Court Fixes Date To Hear Sala Compensation Dispute

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

A commercial court examining the long-running dispute between Cardiff City and French club Nantes over compensation for the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash said Monday it would give its decision on March 30 next year.

Sala, a 28-year-old Argentine striker, died when the light aircraft taking him to the Welsh capital came down in the English Channel on January 21, 2019, two days after he had signed for the then-Premier League side. He and pilot David Ibbotson were killed.

The Welsh club took the case to the Nantes commercial court in 2023 to claim compensation for loss of income and other damages suffered by the club as a result of the player’s death.

Following an analysis conducted by an expert appointed by Cardiff City, the club estimated their losses at over 120 million euros ($139.5 million). Lawyers for both clubs made their cases at Monday’s hearing.

The Welsh club argue that Nantes, through their intermediary, agent Willie McKay, were the organisers of the private flight on which the footballer was travelling and that, if the transfer was effective at the time of the accident according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it is the organisation of this flight that is at issue.

Cardiff City’s lawyer, Olivier Loizon, told the court Monday, Willie McKay “could not have been unaware of the illegality of the flight”, and argued that the agent had acted with “negligence”.

“Whatever the ultimate cause of the accident, (Sala) should not have been on the flight,” he added.

Nantes’ lawyer, Jerome Marsaudon, insisted Monday the only agent authorised by the club in connection with the transfer was Mark McKay, the son of Willie McKay.

The elder McKay “was simply helping his son, given his extensive experience”, the lawyer said.

“It is sad to see that Cardiff have exploited this tragedy and turned it into a genuine legal farce,” he added. “Nothing in this case justifies holding FC Nantes liable.”

Prior to the start of the hearing, a Nantes representative said the club “have no doubt that Cardiff’s claims will be rejected outright, just like all the others”.

In another case related to the dispute between the two clubs, CAS ruled in 2022 that Sala’s transfer had definitely been finalised at the time of his death.

In 2023, world football’s governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes the balance of Sala’s transfer fee, which at the time amounted to just over 11 million euros out of a total of 17 million euros.

Sports

Salah A ‘Disgrace’ For Liverpool Outburst – Carragher

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher labelled Mohamed Salah “a disgrace” on Monday after the Egypt star’s stunning outburst at Reds boss Arne Slot.

Salah said he had been “thrown under a bus” and had no relationship with Slot after he was left on the bench for last Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds.

It was the third successive game that Salah had been kept out of the starting line-up by Slot amid the forward’s loss of form this season.

In response to Salah’s astonishing rant to reporters, Liverpool axed the 33-year-old from the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Inter Milan.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher, a 2005 Champions League winner with Liverpool, said: “I thought it was a disgrace what he did after the game.

“Some people have painted it as an emotional outburst. I don’t think it was. I think whenever Mo Salah stops in a mixed zone, which he has done four times in eight years at Liverpool, it’s choreographed with his agent to cause maximum damage and strengthen his own position.

“He’s chosen this weekend to do this now, and he’s waited I think for a bad result… everyone involved with the club (feeling) like they’re in the gutter, and he’s chosen that time to go for the manager and maybe try to get him sacked.”

Salah is a two-time Premier League champion with Liverpool and has also won the Champions League during his iconic eight-year spell at Anfield.

But, although he only signed a new contract in April, Salah hinted he might have played his last game for Liverpool as he prepares to jet off to the African Cup of Nations after their Premier League clash with Brighton at Anfield on Saturday.

Salah has been linked with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League and and Carragher added: “What he’s done off the pitch, I think the club have made the right decision in terms of him not going abroad. Whether he will play for Liverpool again, I don’t know.

“I hope he does, because he’s one of the greatest players we’ve ever had, but if you continue like that, and statements like that, if he doesn’t play, who knows.”