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Nigeria to be represented at World Track Cycling Championships for the first time 

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Nigeria to be represented at World Track Cycling Championships for the first time 

Nigeria to be represented at World Track Cycling Championships for the first time 

Four Nigerian women cyclists would be representing the nation at the 111th World Track Cycling Championships held at the Jean Stablinski regional indoor velodrome in Roubaix, France from 20 to 24 October 2021.

This will be the first time the country is going to be represented at the World stage, which would further provide the country an opportunity to qualify for the next Olympic Games in the Sport.

The four cyclists, Grace Ayuba, Tawakalitu Yekeen, Ese Ukpeseraye and Mary Samuel, could have missed out on the tournament if not for the timely intervention of the French Embassy in Nigeria which ensured their visas were timely issued.

.The four Nigerian cyclists would be joined by an Egyptian cyclist in France as the participants from Africa.

The four cyclists, according to a statement at the weekend by the French Embassy in Nigeria, were hosted on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the residence of the newly appointed French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mme Emmanuelle Blatmann.

The statement said the four talented young Nigerian women cyclists who were qualified to represent Nigeria at the 111th World Track Cycling Championships which will take place from 20 to 24 October 2021 at the Jean Stablinski regional indoor velodrome in Roubaix, France were accompanied by Giandomenico Massari, the President Nigerian Cycling Federation and Makpa Shamman, the secretary-general of the federation.

Also Read: FG Declares Next Tuesday Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Mawlid…

The statement added that: “This is was a monumental event as it is the first time in its history Nigeria has qualified for the World Cycling Championships, of which only 2 countries in Africa have qualified to participate in this event: Egypt with 1 participant and Nigeria with 4 participants who are all females.

“This shows the rise of this sport in the country and the enthusiasm it generates among the youth and with improved active women participation.”

The statement revealed that Roubaix is the third most populated city in the northern region of France and is a well-known city in the cycling world as it hosts one of the oldest races called: “the Paris – Roubaix” which has taken place every year since 1896. This will be the 16th time that France has hosted the World Track Cycling Championships and the first time since 2015.

The statement said: “Unfortunately, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, could not welcome the four women in person, as she is currently in isolation having just arrived in Nigeria last week. But she was ably represented by Mr Olivier Chatelias, the Deputy Ambassador of the French embassy in Nigeria and other delegates of the Embassy, who warmly welcomed the girls and the Nigerian Cycling Federation delegates.

“However, she sent words of encouragement to let the girls know that she was proud to welcome these four talented sportswomen and she wished them good luck for the events to come.  And she hopes they will climb the steps of the podium, which they will share with the French of course!”

Nigeria to be represented at World Track Cycling Championships for the first time 

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Fake Pastor Ayodele Prediction Before Today’s Match Against Tanzania

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Fake Pastor Ayodele Prediction Before Today’s Match Against Tanzania

By: Michael Mike

As the Super Eagles prepare for their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Primate Elijah Ayodele has released a prophetic warning concerning team selection and match management.

According to Primate Ayodele, certain key decisions particularly involving Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen could negatively affect Nigeria’s chances if not handled carefully.

He said fielding Ademola Lookman in the match will not bring the desired impact, while allowing Osimhen to play the entire 90 minutes could work against the team’s overall success.

Speaking on the matter, he stated:

Osimhen should not play 90 minutes. Lookman is not meant to play in this game because he will not help the team.

If these instructions are ignored, it will affect the Super Eagles’ progress.”

At the end Lookman scored the winning goal

Fake Pastor Ayodele Prediction Before Today’s Match Against Tanzania

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Wushu Championship Returns to Abuja 7 Years After Inaugural Event

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Wushu Championship Returns to Abuja 7 Years After Inaugural Event

By: Michael Mike

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, has announced the forthcoming Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship, also known as the China-Nigeria Friendship Cup.

The sporting event is scheduled to take place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, from October 29 to 31, 2025. The event takes a berth seven years after it inaugural edition was held.

The event, jointly organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and the Abuja Wushu Association, aims to foster deeper cultural exchange and friendship between both countries, Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, said.

Yang said the Wushu, is a traditional Chinese martial art that promotes peace, respect, and self-development.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Mr. Jianxing described the tournament as “a meaningful and interesting event” that reflects the shared cultural values of both nations.

“The purpose of this event is to create an opportunity to bring together athletes and lovers of Wushu to appreciate the beauty and spirit of Chinese martial arts.

“Wushu is not merely a competition or a tool for fighting. It is a discipline that teaches self-defence, respect, and the responsibility of the strong to protect the weak.”

Jang added that the event embodies the principles of peace, inner strength, and discipline—virtues that both Chinese and Nigerian cultures cherish deeply.”

He further emphasised that Wushu serves as a bridge of cultural understanding, promoting unity and mutual respect between peoples.

“Cultural exchange is one of the pillars of China-Nigeria relations. Through Wushu, we strengthen mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation.

“Our goal is to share the beauty of both our civilisations and help our peoples grow stronger and happier,” he said.

He said “Our friendship with Nigeria ranks among the strongest in Africa. We believe cultural understanding is the foundation of lasting cooperation.”

The Chinese envoy also revealed that the competition will be made a yearly event.

He said the 2025 Championship marks the second edition of the Chinese Ambassador’s Cup, following the maiden event held about seven years ago before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted subsequent plans.

“We hope to make this an annual event,” he said. “Let this year’s competition be a wonderful opportunity to share the spirit and friendship of our two countries.”

He reiterated that the event would be conducted under international Wushu standards, supervised by trained referees, and affiliated with the International Wushu Federation (IWUF).

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Mykel Eneduwa, a representative of the Nigerian Wushu Kung Fu Federation and co-organiser, highlighted the broader vision behind the competition.

“Wushu is a tool for peace, respect, and integrity values that help shape the future leaders of tomorrow.

“This championship goes beyond combat. It’s about building character, discipline, and friendship between our two nations.”

He disclosed that the tournament will feature six competitive divisions, including Taiji, Sanshu, Sanda (male and female weight categories), team forms, and creative forms.

“This is one of the few times Nigerian athletes will be rewarded financially for competing in Wushu,” Eneduwa noted.

“The Chinese Embassy’s magnanimity has made this possible, and we are deeply grateful.”

He explained that this year’s China–Nigeria Friendship Cup will feature six divisions, including Taiji (Tai Chi), Sanshou (Sanda), team forms, creative forms, and various weight categories for both male and female participants. Eneduwa added that registration is free, while accommodation and feeding would be provided for athletes during the championship.

Representative of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Sesan Adeboyejo, commended the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for their sustained partnership in promoting grassroots sports and cultural understanding.

“This collaboration between the National Sports Commission, the Nigerian Wushu Kung Fu Federation, and the Chinese Embassy reflects our shared vision for youth development.

“Wushu instills discipline and self-control—qualities that are vital for our youth,” he said.

He further explained that the event provides a unique opportunity for young Nigerians to channel their energy positively while deepening their understanding of Chinese culture.

The organisers invited the public, martial arts enthusiasts, and families to attend the three-day championship. Spectators are required to register online or present invitation cards due to limited capacity at the velodrome.

The event will be open to both professional athletes and newcomers, with special consideration for young participants in the Taiji and form categories, while combat events (Sanda) will maintain an age limit of 17 years and above.

More than 150 athletes from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate. Registration for athletes is free, with accommodation and feeding provided at no cost.

To encourage participation and excellence, the organisers announced cash prizes for top performers — ₦500,000 for first place, ₦300,000 for second, and ₦200,000 for third, with additional consolation prizes for effort and perseverance.

Wushu Championship Returns to Abuja 7 Years After Inaugural Event

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Former Ace Sports reporter James Williams dies in Freetown

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Former Ace Sports reporter James Williams dies in Freetown

By: Bodunrin Kayode

A former Sierra Leonean veteran reporter James Williams who escaped his country into exile in Nigeria during the reign of President Siaka Stevens has died.

James Williams a renowned sports reporter in the late 80’s popularly known as “Jay Willie” in the National Stadium Suru lere circle in Lagos died in the early hours of the 31st of August due to a protracted illness.

He actually escaped the tyrannical torment of the late President Siaka Stevens with his friend and colleague the late John Kolosa Kagbo who was one of the editors of Prime people magazine an entertainment outfit before his demise.

While in Nigeria, Jay Willie related very well with the sports writers of Nigeria and wrote in several news papers including punch and the rested Prime people magazine then in Ojodu.

He returned to Freetown after the civil war and contributed immensely to the media space of that country before his demise.

Announcing his demise recently, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in a release said it was “saddened to announce the death of their elder brother and senior colleague, Commissioner James Bola Williams (popularly known as Jay Willie), which sad event took place in the early hours of Sunday 31st August 2025 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

“Until his death, James Williams was the President of the Stroke Survivors Association, Assistant Secretary General of the Veteran Journalists Union (VeJU), and a member of the Guild of Newspaper Editors.

“He was also former Board Member, Independent Media Commission (IMC), and former editor of several newspapers, including Premier News; AWOKO; Night Watch and a host of other newspapers” in Freetown where he lived before his death.

Funeral arrangements for the late journalist will be communicated at a later date.

Former Ace Sports reporter James Williams dies in Freetown

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