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Tag: Tokyo 2020

  • Tennis: Offiong Edem qualifies for Tokyo 2020

    Tennis: Offiong Edem qualifies for Tokyo 2020

    ffiong Edem became the first table tennis player to secure a place at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after a 4-3 win over Tunisia’s Fadwa Garci in the deciding match of the Qualifying Tournament holding in Tunis.

    Despite taking a 2-0 lead against the Tunisian, Edem fell back to allow the tie to go into 3-3.

    But spirited efforts from the Nigerian ensured her safety to record a 4-3 win to secure one of the four slots at stake in Tunis.

    Edem becomes the first Nigerian table tennis player to berth in Tokyo.

  • Olympics qualifiers: Toriola, Oshonaike on course to make history

    Olympics qualifiers: Toriola, Oshonaike on course to make history

    Segun Toriola and Olufunke Oshonaike are on course to make history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

    Toriola, who holds the record as the first African to feature in seven Olympics, is hopeful of an eighth appearance.

    He is currently fighting for a slot at the ongoing African Singles and Mixed Doubles Olympics qualifiers in Tunisia.

    On the other hand, Oshonaike is aiming to become the first African female to feature in seven editions of the Games in the qualifiers which began on Thursday.

    In an interview with ittf.com, the 46-year-old Toriola spoke on his first-ever experience at the Games.

    “When I went to my first Olympic Games at Barcelona in 1992, I was a teenager and I did not really appreciate it then because I was young.

    “However, it is an experience I will not forget in a hurry because it allows you to meet top athletes in various sports across the world,” he said.

    The former African champion Oshonaike also told ittf.com that she hoped to inspire and motivate girls through her participation at the Olympics.

    “For me, I will be quitting but I want to use this my last experience to inspire and motivate young girls —- that you can achieve whatever you desire in life.

    “You are the only one that can limit yourself in life,” the 45-year-old said.

    Oshonaike is featuring in the women’s singles and is also pairing alongside Toriola in the mixed doubles at the qualifying event in Tunisia.

    Toriola, on the other hand, is not participating in the men’s singles.

    Meanwhile, three other Nigerians who are eyeing slots at this year’s Olympics event have secured straight set victories in their first two matches in Tunisia.

    World-ranked number 18 Quadri Aruna won his first game 4-0 (11-2 11-4 11-6 11-9) against Josiah Wander of Kenya in group one.

    The 2020 ITTF African Top 16 Cup finalist also defeated Christ Bienatik of Congo Brazzaville 4- 0 (11-9 11-1 11-7 11-9).

    In the same vein, Olajide Omotayo went past Ahmed Djamal of Djibouti 4-0 (11-4 11-6 11-6 11-9).

    He also won 4-0 (11-1 11-7 11-6 11-3) over Ghana’s Derek Abrefa in his second group two game.

    Same scintillating performance was also recorded in the women’s event as Oshonaike also claimed a 4-0 (11-9 11-4 11-5 11-1) victory over Marta Gulti of Ethiopia.

    She was also ahead of Algeria’s Katia Kessaci 4-0 (11-7 11-9 11-5 11-6).

    In group one, Cyntia Nzangani of the Democratic Republic of Congo lost 0-4 (6-11 3-11 3-11 5-11) to Nigeria’s Offiong Edem.

    Edem also saw off Mauritius’ Nandeshwaree Jalim 4-0 (14-12 11-3 11-6 11-1) in her second group game.

    The tournament which will earn the semi-finalists in both the male and female events and a mixed doubles position at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will end on Saturday.

  • 2020 Olympics: Taekwondo boss applauds Anyanacho for securing place

    2020 Olympics: Taekwondo boss applauds Anyanacho for securing place

    Stella Ebikefe, the Chairperson of Nigeria Police Taekwondo (NPT) has expressed delight with Elizabeth Anyanacho for becoming the second ever female Nigerian to secure a place in Taekwondo at the Olympics.

    Ebikefe made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

    The first ever female Nigerian to secure a place in Taekwondo at the Olympic was Princess Dudu at the Athens Games in 2004.

    Anyanacho, 20, qualified for the global multi-sport event by overcoming Gabonese and former African champion Urgence Mouega 12-5 in the -67kg class at the just-concluded Olympics Qualifier in Rabat, Morocco.

    Her compatriots Benjamin Okuomose, Chinazum Nwosu and Ifeoluwa Ajayi failed to clinch an Olympic ticket.

    Ebikefe said she was proud of Anyanacho for clinching a gold medal in the just-concluded African Qualifications for Tokyo 2020 held in Rabat.

    “A big congratulation to Anyanacho, second ever female taekwondo Olympian for representing us well in the tournament. It was a good outing for Nigeria because we have qualified for Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

    “In fact I am very happy and impressed with Anyanacho’s performance. It is a great achievement to us as women, taekwondo family and our great nation, Nigeria.

    “To me, she has distinguished herself, having broken a 16-year jinx of Nigerian female Taekwondoists not able to qualify for the Olympics since 2004. It’s a wonderful performance, kudos Anyanacho,” she said.

    Ebikefe, a Chief Superintendent of Police, described the nation’s qualifications for the summer Olympics as a milestone achievement, saying it showed that the country’s taekwondo was coming up.

    She also commended other athletes in the team, saying that they all performed creditably as their individual performances placed Nigeria fourth among the 10 countries that qualified for the games in Rabat.

    “This achievement is something we have been longing for in every Olympic year after 2004 and thank God for a dream come through. Nigeria taekwondo has proved that it’s a sport to reckon with.

    “Nigeria won gold and two bronze medal tickets out of the four athletes in the team that represented us in the tournament. They all did well,’’ she said.

    She advised Anyanacho who is also the current national taekwondo champion and 2019 African Games medallist to remain focused in her quest to make the nation proud in Tokyo.

    “The taekwondo star who is presently a 300-level student of Statistics at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, needs all the encouragement, prayers and support from all,’’ Ebikefe said.

    NAN reports that Chinazum Nwosu, Benjamin Okuomose, Elizabeth Anyanacho and Ifeoluwa Ajayi made team Nigeria for the African Qualifications held from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 in Rabat, Morocco in which 63 countries participated.

  • Tokyo 2020: No cancellation of Olympics due to coronavirus – Organisers

    Tokyo 2020: No cancellation of Olympics due to coronavirus – Organisers

    Tokyo organisers on Thursday said the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China will not affect the schedules of this year’s Olympics, which kick off in less than six months.

    Yoshiro Mori, the president of the 2020 Olympic organising committee, said at the start of a meeting with members of the International Olympics Committee (IOC) and Tokyo’s city government.

    “We would like to reiterate that we are not considering cancelling and postponing the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus.

    “We will coordinate with the government and react in a calm manner,’’ Mori said.

    IOC coordination commission chairman John Coates said the coronavirus outbreak was an “unexpected issue” and that Games’ authorities would show that necessary precautions would be taken for all athletes and those visiting Japan.

    The Japanese government and Tokyo’s city government will also consider taking countermeasures over the two-day meeting in the capital.

    The organising committee and the IOC were also to discuss the cost issues over the transfer of the marathons.

    They were to discuss the cost of race walking events from Tokyo to Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido amid growing concerns about extreme heat in the capital.

    Recently, Tokyo Olympics chief executive Toshiro Muto expressed concerns about the effect of the Covid-19 disease on the July 24 to August 9 Games.

    “I’m very worried that the spread of the infectious disease could throw cold water on the growing momentum towards the Games,” Muto said at a meeting with officials of the International Paralympic Committee.

    The coronavirus has killed more 1,300 people in China, mainly in Hubei province where it emerged in late 2019 and infected tens of thousands.

    Japan has confirmed a total of 247 cases, including 218 on the Diamond Princess Cruise ship in Yokohama and one quarantine officer.

    In late January, the World Health Organisation declared the new coronavirus a global health emergency.

    In China, various sports events have been cancelled, postponed or relocated since the outbreak started in late December.

    They include Olympic qualifiers in sports such as basketball, boxing and football, the world indoor athletics championships, the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix and World Cup ski races.

  • Buhari congratulates D’Tigress for qualifying for 2020 Olympics

    Buhari congratulates D’Tigress for qualifying for 2020 Olympics

    President Muhammadu Buhari felicitated with female Basket Ball team, D’Tigress, for qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, urging them to remain focused, determined and energized for a good outing at the tournament.

    The President’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Monday.

    Buhari commended the sportsmanship and resilience of the team all through the qualifying stages, and in their trainings, saluting their courage in always putting out their best as they represent the country.

    The president believed that, being the current African Champion, the D’Tigress already has the talents that could make global impact in the sport.

    He assured the team that the Federal Government would ensure proper preparation and mobilization for all outings.

    The President also commended team officials and the National Basket Ball Federation (NBA) for the discipline and motivation of the D’Tigress.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria’s senior women’s national Basketball Team, D Tigress had on Saturday booked a ticket to the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo.

    The team qualified despite losing 64-70 to host-Serbia in their second group game at the FIBA Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament.

    Mozambique’s quest to qualify ahead of Nigeria suffered a heavy knock as they lost 49-124pts against current world champions- USA.

  • D’Tigress qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    Nigeria’s senior women’s national Basketball Team, D Tigress on Saturday booked a ticket to the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo.

    The team qualified despite losing 64-70 to host-Serbia in their second group game at the ongoing FIBA Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament.

    Mozambique’s quest to qualify ahead of Nigeria suffered a heavy knock as they lost scandalously 49-124pts against current world champions- USA.

    Nigeria was in command of the first quarter, which they won 22-21pts, their good works were undone in the 2nd and 3rd quarters as their inability to convert their chances saw Serbia work their way back into contention winning 22-12 and 16-12 to open a decent lead heading into the fourth quarter.

    The team tried to rally back in the last quarter after cutting down the deficit to just 4 points with less than two minutes to go, but two successive turnovers by Ezinne Kalu put a stop to that.

    Although, they picked the last quarter, 18-11, it was a case of too little too late against the host who on the back of a vociferous home support stood their ground to see out the game.

    Kalu led the charge for Nigeria with 20pts, 3 rebs and 2 stls while Promise Amukamara scored 15pts, 4 rebs on the night.

    Team captain, Adaora Elonu weighed in with 9pts of her own as well as 6rebs.

    68.75% conversion rate from 16 free throw attempts, 38.98% from field goal attempts and 41.03% success from the trey points line summarised the performance of the girls on the night that they found it difficult for their shots to drop against the Serbians currently ranked 7th in the world.

    On Sunday, Nigeria will take on USA in their last group game, which will have no effect on the 2020 Olympics qualification.

    The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has now set the record of being the only federation in Nigeria to have two teams at the Olympics.

  • D’Tigers gets new coach for Tokyo 2020

    D’Tigers gets new coach for Tokyo 2020

    The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) on Wednesday said it had hired U.S based Mike Brown, supported by Alex Nwora and J.B Bickerstaff, to lead Nigeria’s men team, D’tigers, to 2020 Summer Olympics.

    NBBF President, Musa Kida, told newsmen in Lagos that the team would be booked by the quality services of Brown who is highly reputed in the U.S.

    According to Kida, Brown holds a very credible profile having worked as an assistant head coach to the victorious Golden State Warriors of the U.S.

    According to Kida, Brown also boasts of strings of success with clubs like Cleveland Cavaliers, Loss Angelis Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers to mention a few.

    “His appointment was part of the determination that this administration had promised to bring the best to the development of basketball in Nigeria, especially the senior national teams.

    “His appointment would also attract the best players that we have far and wide who, like in the past, want to represent Nigeria at the top competitions.

    “Although his appointment is for the Summer Games, but I am confident that he would go beyond that because he is so passionate about progress of basketball in Nigeria,” Kida said.

    On the possibilities of the team performing credible well at the Olympics, the president said that he was confident of the team doing well and going beyond the past records.

    “We are confident of putting up a great team out there, our players at the senior national levels for men and women have always shown commitment and determination to do well.

    “D’Tigers and D’Tigress have the spirit to win, they have what it takes to shock the world, the prospect is very high, especially with the quality of players we intend to invite,” Kida said.

    According to the president, the newly appointed coach Brown is passionate about contributing a lot to the develpment of basketball in Nigeria.

    “He wants to go beyond the Olympics because he is passionate about the progress of the sport in Nigeria.

    “His assistant, Alex Nwora, would be more supportive, having been around for a while and having also good knowledge of our players.

    “They would form a formidable team that can take Nigeria beyond the past records and perhaps make it to the podium, I am very positive the coaches would work together.

    “Nwora definitely have respect for Brown and he knows he stands a lot to gain working hand-in-hand with a high profile person in Brown.

  • Tokyo 2020: NOC foresees better performance by Nigerian athletes

    Tokyo 2020: NOC foresees better performance by Nigerian athletes

    The President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, on Wednesday assured that the country’s athletes would do better at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

     

    Gumel told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that NOC was working tirelessly to see that the athletes were well motivated to perform better during the Olympics.

     

    NAN reports that Gumel spoke on the sidelines of the inauguration of 11 NOC Commissions that would assist in delivering its objectives through advisory roles and technical support.

     

    “We want our athletes to go to the Olympics and do the nation proud. The technical committee will go to the camps to see the challenges and advise on ways to improve their welfare.

     

    “We are working tirelessly to see that the athletes are well motivated to perform better during the Olympics.

     

    “Not only that, after the Olympics, we want to have new players that will fill in the shoes of the ageing ones,” he said.

     

    Earlier in his speech, Gumel said that the inauguration of the NOC Commissions was another landmark event in the annals of the Olympic movement in Nigeria.

     

    “The creation of NOC Commissions is in line with the provisions of the IOC and NOC statutes, as these subsidiary governing bodies are not only advisory, but equally essential in promoting Olympic values.

     

    “The NOC administration has adopted a broad-based approach in the appointment of these commissions, in line with vision of expanding the scope of our operations to cover vital departments of Olympism,” he said.

     

    The Chairman of Athletes Commission, Olumide Oyedeji said that the appointment would help to address the past ills in the approach to the athletes’ welfare.

     

    “This is a right step in the right direction because, we will have to sit down and see to the welfare of the athletes.

     

    “The committee will proffer solution on how to correct the past ills as far as their welfare is concerned, this is the time to make sure that the athletes are at the centre of things.

     

    “In the past, athletes’ welfare have been overlooked, but now, we can have a voice because I have been in that shoe before and now we have a consensus on the welfare,” he said.

     

    NAN reports that the 11 committees inaugurated were: Technical/Development, which has Lawrence Iquaibom as Chairman and Chidi Ejiogu as Vice Chairman.

    Marketing and Sponsorship; Wahid Oshodi, Chairman, Abdul Ibrahim: Liaison; Habu Gumel, Chairman, Solomon Ogba, Vice-Chairman: Athletes; Olumide Oyedeji, Chairman, Mariam Usman, Vice Chairman.

    Olympic Education; Mohammed Abdullahi, Chairman, Patrick Okpah, Vice Chairman: Sports for All; Anthony Oyetayo, Chairman, Yakubu Ibrahim, Vice Chairman: Sports/Environment Mohammed Suleiman, Gambo Labbo. Vice Chairman.

    Ethics/Good Governance; Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman, Chiojioke Okoli and OlympAfrica Development; Ishaku Tikon, Babatunde Fatayi-Williams.

  • Tokyo 2020: Osaka selects Japanese citizenship ahead of Olympic Games

    Tokyo 2020: Osaka selects Japanese citizenship ahead of Olympic Games

    Two time tennis grand slam champion, Naomi Osaka, intends to play for the hosts at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo after choosing to maintain Japanese citizenship.

    The 21-year-old, told Japanese broadcaster NHK in an interview on Thursday that she had begun the necessary administrative procedures.

    Under Japanese law, duel citizens must choose one nationality before reaching 22 years of age.

    Osaka, whose mother is Japanese and father Haitian, also has American nationality but presently represents Japan when playing.

    “It gives me a special feeling to try to go to the Olympics to represent Japan,’’ Osaka said.

    “I think I will be able to put more of my emotion into it by playing for the pride of the country.’’

    Osaka became the first Japanese major winner by claiming the 2018 U.S. Open and followed that triumph with the Australian Open this year.

    She is currently number three in the world rankings. (

  • Super Falcons out of Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    Super Falcons out of Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    The Nigeria national women team, Super Falcons, are out of contention to play in the women’s football event at next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

    The Christopher Danjuma-tutored side played out a disappointing 1-1 draw against their Ivorian counterparts on Monday in their African qualifying second round second leg tie at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

    Having played a barren draw in the first leg in Abidjan against Les Femelles Elephantes of Cote d’Ivoire, the Nigerian women have been edged out via the away goals rule.

    This the third successive edition of the Olympic Games that the Super Falcons will be failing to qualify for having also missed out on the London 2012 and Rio Olympics in 2016.

    In Monday’s tie, Christopher Danjuma made three changes to the side that started at Parc des Sports, Treichville, with Gift Monday, Rasheedat Ajibade and Ngozi Ebere earning starting places.

    However, it was the visitors that scored first as Kapho Nina gave Cote d’Ivoire the lead in the 12th minute.

    While the Super Falcons expectedly mounted the pressure to get an equalizer, they almost conceded a second goal in the 32nd minute as Ange N’Guessan came close to doubling the lead for the Ivorians.

    However, two minutes later, captain Asisat Oshola did get the much sought after equalizer for Nigeria when she raced again through the defence of the Ivorians before firing past the goalkeeper to level for the Super Falcons.

    With the first half ending 1-1, the Super Falcons had all the work to do in the second half but despite piling the pressure on the visitors they could not convert the chances they created.