Sports
Former Sports Minister Lawal dies at 83
A former Nigerian Minister of Youth and Sports Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Hamed Lawal (rtd) is dead.
According to his daughter, Mrs. Yinka Enahoro, AVM Lawal died in his sleep on Sunday, June 23at his home. He was 83.
The Sergeant at Arms at the National Assembly, Air Commodore Sani Zakari (rtd), who also confirmed the ex-minister’s death to the media noted that the funeral was to be held yesterday.
“AVM Frank Ajobena (rtd) further informed us that AVM Bayo Lawal passed on in his sleep at the early hours of Sunday 23 Jun 24,” Zakari said.
AVM was born on 14 September, 1941 in Offa, Kwara State.
He attended Government College, Ibadan between 1955 and 1962 before joining the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1963 among the pioneer officers.
Lawal was trained as a Military Pilot in West Germany from where he graduated in 1964.
His postings included Commander, NAF Port Harcourt (1969–1970), Commander, Enugu Air Force Base, 1970-72; NAF Kano twice; (1972–1973) and (1975–1977) and Air Officer Commanding HQ Tactical Air Command NAF Makurdi. (1977–1978).
AVM Lawal was a very active and vibrant fighter pilot who was at a point the Commander, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, 1977-78, before his appointment as Military Governor of Benue State in July 1978 until October 1979.
At one time, he was Director of Air Faculty Command and Staff College Jaji. He was later appointed Federal Minister of Youth and Sports.
After retirement, he went into business and philanthropy. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
The former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, has died after he collapsed during a fight in Ghana on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was competing against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena when he suddenly lost consciousness.
Reports indicate that he was ahead on points before the unfortunate incident occurred..
A widely circulated video on social media captures the moment he collapsed in the ring, further shocking fans and the boxing community.
Olanrewaju, a highly respected figure in Nigerian boxing, held both National and West African light-heavyweight titles during his career.
His contributions to the sport have been widely recognized, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, fans, and sports officials who remember him for his dedication and impact on boxing in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Nigeria boosted their 2026 World Cup qualifying hopes with a 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday night, marking a successful debut for new head coach, Eric Chelle.
Victor Osimhen, in fine form this season for Galatasaray, delivered a first-half brace to secure the victory.
The prolific striker opened the scoring with a side-footed finish from Ademola Lookman’s well-placed free-kick.
He then doubled Nigeria’s lead after winning the ball at the halfway line and chipping it over the goalkeeper.
The three-time African champions now move up to third place in Group C, following South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho.
Chelle’s men will face Zimbabwe on Monday as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
Sports
Nigeria Set To Host ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Qualifiers in April
Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone will join Nigeria to jostle for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2026 ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), said it is ready to host five other nations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under 19 Men’s World Cup African Qualifier.
The tournament is billed for Lagos, with the matches to be held at the cricket ovals at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from March 26th – 6th April.
VON reported that the President of the federation, Uyi Akpata, said in a statement that the tournament is about celebrating the growth of the game on the continent. Nigeria is thrilled to welcome these talented young cricketers and their supporters to Lagos,” Akpata said.
“Our nation is known for its warm hospitality and fascinating cricketing potential and we are committed to making this qualifier a memorable experience for all.”
“This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the growth of cricket in Africa and inspiring the next generation of players.”
Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone will join Nigeria to jostle for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2026 ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will be hoping to secure the ticket, having achieved same feat in 2019 and competing at the World Cup in South Africa 2020.
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