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Nigeria lose in men’s team table tennis, but win Paralympics’ bronze medal

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Team Nigeria lost a game on Wednesday but gained a medal to the bargain at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, bringing their total Games’ haul to seven medals.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria lost o-2 to Australia in the semi-finals of the men’s team Class 9 to 10 event of the table tennis competition.

In the fixture’s doubles game, the pair of Tajudeen Agunbiade and Alabi Olufemi lost 1-3 to the Australian pair of Ma Lin and Joel Coughlan.

After losing the first set 10-12, the Nigerian team fought back to win 11-8, only to lose 10-12 again in the third set.

They however failed to keep up the momentum by losing the fourth set 5-11 for a 1-3 major scoreline.

Ma went on to beat Agunbiade 3-2 in the opening singles, coming from two sets down (8-11 9-11) to win the final three sets 3-11 9-11 8-11.

The loss meant Australia went 2-0 up to make the third game, the singles involving Olufemi and Coughlan, unnecessary in this best-of-three fixture.

Australia will go on to face China on Friday in the final, after the Chinese beat Ukraine 2-0 in the other semi-final fixture.

NAN reports that Nigeria now have three gold, one silver and three bronze medals from the Games, with just four days to the end of competition on Sunday.

Nigeria’s involvement in competition at the Games will continue on Thursday at the Olympic Stadium.

That is when Eucharia Iyiazi joins 15 others to do battle for the three available medals in the women’s shot put F57 event.

NAN

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Plumptre Joins Fight Against Child Trafficking as Mission 89 Ambassador

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Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre

Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has been named an ambassador for Mission 89, a global research and advocacy organization dedicated to combating child trafficking in sports.

The appointment, conveyed in a letter on Friday by Mission 89’s Executive Director, Lerina Bright, highlights the organization’s commitment to protecting young athletes and preserving the integrity of football.

Bright emphasized that the partnership with Plumptre comes at a crucial time as the sports industry grapples with rising challenges in safeguarding young talents from exploitation. She praised Plumptre’s dedication to social justice, noting that her influence will strengthen Mission 89’s efforts.

“Her extensive experience at the highest levels of professional football, alongside her passionate advocacy for ethical practices, positions her as an exemplary representative for this vital cause,” Bright said.

She further stressed the urgency of tackling sports trafficking, calling for immediate action from stakeholders, including governments, advocates, sports leaders, professional athletes, and policymakers.

Plumptre, in her acceptance remarks, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging that her experiences as a footballer would play a key role in her new position.

“As a footballer, I have observed firsthand how aspirations can serve as both a source of hope and a potential vulnerability for young athletes,” she said.

“My experiences in professional sports have taught me that talent alone is insufficient; protection, education, and ethical pathways are vital components.”

The Leicester City defender described Mission 89 as more than just an organization, but a platform for reshaping the narrative around youth in football.

“We are not merely preventing trafficking; we are reclaiming the true spirit of the game — a spirit characterized by opportunity, dignity, and hope,” she said.

Plumptre reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform to protect young players who see football as a means to a better future.

“Football has the potential to transform lives. However, it is imperative that we ensure this transformation is both positive and secure,” she added.

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 Wike to honour FCT athletes, pledges support for sports

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Wike visits scene of collapsed building, insists structures without approval will go down

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to honour victorious athletes that recently represented the FCT in various sporting events.

Wike made the pledge in a statement from the FCT sports department on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that a reception, scheduled for Thursday, is in recognition of athletes that represented the FCT at the 2022 National Sports Festival, the 7th and 8th National Youth Games.

According to him, the honour is to appreciate the athletes for their acts of sacrifice, patriotism and determination that have brought glory to the FCT.

“We are committed to the development of sports in the FCT, and we will continue to create the enabling environment for sports to thrive.

“This is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s focus to engage youths to help discover their potentials and empower them to be better,” he said.

 

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Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

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Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized  in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had  disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.

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