Sports
NOVA Bank Sponsors The Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament to Champion Golfing Excellence
NOVA Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being and interests of high-net-worth individuals by sponsoring the 27th Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament.
Hosted at the prestigious Ikoyi Golf Club 1938, the annual tournament for 2024 took place from September 21st to Saturday, September 28th, 2024.
The Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament, organized by the Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association (IGCNA), showcased the remarkable talent of golfers and the sport’s capacity to foster connections across the board.
NOVA Bank has long valued golf as a recreation sport for business executives to network and relieve stress.
This year, Mr, Tayo Babalakin emerged as the Nigeria Cup 2024 Champion, clinching the title with a stunning 85 gross with Handicap (HCP) 19 = 66 net. This victory etched Tayo Babalakin’s name in the history books as the 27th champion of this celebrated tournament.
As a former merchant bank serving high-net-worth clients, NOVA Bank has long valued golf as a recreation sport for business executives to network and relieve stress.
The Bank’s transition to a national commercial bank has not diminished this commitment but has instead deepened its relationship with the golfing community, as reflected in its ongoing partnership with the Nigeria Cup.
Mr. Phillips Oduoza, Chairman of NOVA Bank and an avid golfer, highlighted the importance of the partnership in a speech presented by Mrs. Esther Adino, on his behalf. “As a long-term partner of the Nigeria Cup and the Ikoyi Club Golf Section, this annual event is always a delight for us at NOVA.
It provides a unique opportunity to engage with our esteemed customers and the broader community while celebrating the beautiful game of golf.
For over four years, NOVA Bank has been a proud supporter of this tournament, a sponsorship that aligns with our dedication to fostering wealth creation and enhancing the well-being of our customers.
Golf plays an essential role in that mission, allowing us to connect with our HNI clients in a meaningful and engaging environment.
We consider ourselves long-term sponsors of this tournament, and we are pleased to deepen our partnership with Ikoyi Golf Club. We look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration to elevate this esteemed club further.”
Reiterating NOVA’s involvement, Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, Executive Director of Institutional and Commercial Banking at NOVA Bank, added, “Our support of the Nigeria Cup reflects our commitment to offering our high-net-worth clients and C-suite executives an atmosphere of relaxation, well-being, and healthy competition.
As a commercial bank, we continue to develop tailored products for SMEs and retail clients, including our groundbreaking NOVA Phygital mobile banking, which redefines personal banking experiences.
The NOVA Phygital platform is designed to provide seamless financial solutions, ensuring our clients can manage their wealth effortlessly while enjoying the lifestyle they deserve.
We remain dedicated not only to supporting our corporate customers’ businesses but also to helping them stay fit, relaxed, and focused. Golf is the perfect avenue to achieve this balance.”
Mr. George Etomi, Chairman of the 2024 Nigeria Cup Organizing Committee, commended NOVA Bank for their unwavering support.
“NOVA Bank’s consistent sponsorship of the Nigeria Cup truly embodies the spirit of this club—harmony through recreation.
Their partnership exemplifies the harmony and shared vision that has made them an integral part of our journey. We are thankful for NOVA’s dedication and look forward to more opportunities to create lasting impacts together.”
As NOVA Bank continues its growth trajectory, expanding its exceptional services to retail and SME markets, it remains committed to creating meaningful experiences for its high-net-worth clientele, while embracing a broader audience through innovation and customer-centered solutions.
The partnership with the Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament reflects the values that define NOVA Bank— Uniqueness, Leadership, Teamwork, and Passion
Sports
Olympic qualifier: Comoros to face Super Falcons following 30-0 victory over Sudan
They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.
Comoros have booked a date with African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, after a 30–0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the first round of the qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Coelacanths won the first leg 17–0 on June 3 before following it up with a 13–0 triumph five days later to complete a dominant aggregate win.
In the first leg, Comoros opened the scoring after eight minutes before producing a relentless attacking display that overwhelmed Sudan throughout the encounter.
Nine different players got on the scoresheet in a performance that highlighted the depth and attacking quality of the Comorian side.
In the second leg on Monday, Comoros scored three goals in the first half and added 10 more after the break to seal a 13–0 victory.
They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.
The Super Falcons are expected to go into the tie as strong favourites.
Credit: PUNCH
Sports
Rivers United escape tragedy after team bus crash
In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.
Photo: Rivers United bus crash, 4 June 2026
Players and officials of Rivers United escaped serious injury on Thursday after the club’s team bus was involved in a road accident while travelling to Anambra State for a President Federation Cup fixture.
The Nigeria Premier Football League side was on its way to Awka for a Round of 16 clash against Nasarawa United when the incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt.
The Vanguard reported that the accident happened shortly after the team departed from its camp, raising concerns among supporters and members of the football community.
In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.
The club said those affected were receiving medical attention and remained in stable condition.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Federation Unveils New National Coaching Structure
The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its national coaching setup, appointing new technical staff across its Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, age-grade, and Beach Volleyball teams.
This strategic move aims to bolster the technical development of the sport and ensure robust preparation for upcoming regional, continental, and international competitions.
The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.
New coaching teams have also been named for the Under-19 Boys and Girls, Under-17 Boys and Girls, and both Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball teams. Notable appointments include Adamu Nite for the U19 Boys, Vincent Unogwu for the U19 Girls, Sunday Yunana Akapson for the U17 Girls, and Suleiman Ajeigbe for the U17 Boys. John Iwerima and Jonathan Thaj will guide the Men’s Beach Volleyball team, while Kayode and Felicia Amos will oversee the Women’s Beach Volleyball squad.
Godspower A. Odedede, Chairman of the NVBF Media and Publicity Committee, stated that the Federation expects the coaches to leverage their extensive experience and professionalism to drive the national teams towards excellence.
The NVBF reiterated its commitment to cultivating a strong talent pipeline and a culture of achievement to enhance Nigeria’s standing in both indoor and beach volleyball.
Source: LEADERSHIP
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