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CY Football Club of Abuja at the weekend celebrated community spirit and athletic talent during its annual Inter-Unity Match Competition held at the club's home ground in FHA Estate, Lugbe.

 The event which drew enthusiastic supporters and families eager to cheer their teams on.

After a day filled with thrilling matches, Team 3 emerged victorious, finishing with 22 points and a perfect record of 12 matches without conceding a single goal. 

The tournament featured a round-robin format that highlighted competitive play, teamwork, and the importance of unity among participants.

Team 3's captain, Edobor Eddie praised his teammates, stating that "we worked hard to prepare, and it paid off. This win reflects our dedication and teamwork, and we’re grateful for the support from our fans, especially Engr. George-Okoli Chidi."

Beyond competition, the event promoted peace and unity within the community, reinforcing relationships among club members. 

Club president, Engr. Uche Osuji commended all participants and volunteers. 

"Today was about coming together as a community. We’re proud of all the teams for their sportsmanship and determination," Osuji said acknowledging Amara Onyilona for donating the trophy.

As the sun set, the atmosphere buzzed with celebration as Team 3 lifted the trophy, surrounded by joyous supporters. With plans already in motion for next year’s competition, CY Football Club of Abuja looks forward to continuing this tradition of unity and sporting excellence.

For now, Team 3 can bask in their well-deserved victory, while the spirit of community and competition at CY FC promises to thrive for years to come.

The newly elected executives of the IBB International Golf and Country Club are set to unveil the rest of their plans for the one year tenure which started in April

as they host the Captains’ inaugural golf tournament, from Aug. 23 to Aug. 25. 

The tournament, which commenced on Friday, Aug. 23, is expected to host over 200 members of the club and other golfers to felicitate with the new executives as part of the club's tradition.

The captain of the club, Ibrahim Babayo, said that the present executives were elected in April, but it was part of the clubs tradition to host a captain's inaugural golf tournament to usher them into the club officially.

According to him, even as newly elected, they have already started their various projects , and the major ones were the maintenance of the course and zero tolerance for waste.

The Lady Captain; Dame Julie Donli OON also said the tournament was going to be a unique one and invited everyone to come felicitate and have fun with them.

Speaking with the competition secretary, IBB international golf and country club, Ashir Tarfa; said the tournament is divided into three categories, with each category playing on a separate day.

He said the tournament will offer every participant the chance to amplify their performance, each category playing on their designated day, with both men and ladies competing in their respective categories.

Tarfa stated, "On Friday, we have the higher handicap men and ladies. They have their tournament first while it will be followed by the lower handicap players who are the more experienced players coming to the course on Saturday."

According to him, Category Three played on Friday, featuring men, ladies with handicap of 19 and above, veterans, and super veterans, a total of 172 players featuring. 

Category Two will play on Saturday featuring men and women with handicap of 11-18, as well as professional members, expecting approximately 130 players. 

While Sunday, Category One will wrap up the tournament, featuring players with a handicap of 0-10, including executives, guests, the captain, lady captain, and sponsors, with total players around 60-80 . The schedule is designed to conclude early on the final day, he said.

“Every activity will attract a range of prizes and trophies that will be presented to those who did well. It is always an exciting period for us here. Golfers look forward to this tournament and the trophies and prizes at stake". 

Other players interviewed like Mrs Bose Onwiegbu, South West zonal representative of Nigeria golfer federation, also a member of IBB International Golf and Country Club said, "we're thrilled to be a part of it. 

According to her, "Despite the rain, we had a great time playing with some skilled golfers. Although they didn't let us take the lead, it was still enjoyable.

She encouraged those hesitant to join golfers, that golf is a game for all ages. Unlike football, it's a recreational activity that keeps you fit and healthy. "I'm a grandmother of three, and you wouldn't know I'm a golfer just by the way i look.

She noted that Golf is a game of friendship and love. The more you play, the more you think, and the more friendships you make on the fairway. It's a win-win situation.

"This is a three-day event, and I'm excited to be a part of it, saying she believed that everyone who played is already a winner. We win in different ways - through good health, new friendships, and personal achievements. If I happen to win a trophy, that's just an added bonus. I'll give God all the glory for that".

Mrs Omon Isemede, the Social Secretary, Ladies Golf Section, congratulated the New executives headed by the captain Ibrahim Babayo and commended the efforts of the leadership especially the Ladies Golf Section headed by the Lady Captain: Dame Julie Donli OON for the liveliness being brought to the club. 

Mrs Juliet Umolu; Comp Sec 2, Ladies Golf Section, said as a golfer, she's always eager to swing and play. Today's experience was fantastic, The course was wet, but we persevered and had a great time. 

The 3 day tournament will climax on Sunday the 25th of August with the official ceremonial tee off in the morning by 7.30am and the closing ceremony/prize presentation by 5pm and every one is invited to come celebrate and have fun.

Announcer

Media & Publicity Committee 

For 2024/25 IBB Captains's Inaugural Tournament

Gabriel Akpakpan

Former Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture and President, World Craft Council (Africa Region) who doubled as the President of Nigeria golf federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has commended the ladies golf section of IBB international Golf and country Club, Abuja for being unique, taking initiatives and bringing innovations into the golfing community. 

Otunba made the commendation at the 2024/2025 ladies golf section committee (LGS ) retreat, saying the retreat is unique and promised to give his full support to the ladies golf section in order for them to succeed during their tenure. 

He said only when Nigerians go abroad, they have this kind of opportunity to go for a retreat for playing golf, but today, it is happening. 

"So for me, it's a new beginning for us, I commend the organizers, and I hope this won't be the end," he said.

Speaking, the Lady Captain Of IBB international Golf and country Club, Dame Julie Donli said the retreat is organised to offer a relaxed environment for the committee members, saying it is an venue for teams to discuss business strategies, set goals, and plan for the future.

According to her, the essence of the golf retreat is to combine enjoyable and challenging activity with opportunities for connection, growth, and relaxation, this is done to celebrate milestones, reward achievements, or mark special occasions to foster a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among participants.

"So it's a very important segment of our one year tenure. That's just basically why we're here to learn to be better versions of ourselves, to learn to interact with members of my team and members of the golf club generally. There are skills that are very difficult to imbibe as human beings, but with constant continuous learning. We hope to improve our ability to interact with one another ability to lead a team. "

She noted that after the training, her mindset towards certain things has changed. "I would be able to lead a better team, and I would be able to communicate more effectively with my team members.

In an interview with the resource persons for the lady golf section retreat, Doctor OluyeMisi Omotosho said sports environment especially golf, is a highly intensive environment that needs a lot of energy and motivation, and the ability to self regulate is very key for leadership, saying the ladies here are all members of the committee for the ladies golf section, and in this third year, they decided to come up with a lot of innovative and creative ideas which they will need to drive the ladies golfers communities. 

She explained that the training was about emotional intelligence and leadership in a sports context.

In the same vein, Christy Eliojo Adejo pass lady Captain Of IBB international Golf who was also one of the resources person commended the initiative by the lady captain and her team for doing beautifully well.

While commending the initiative as laudable, she said her administration has created a history through this capacity building retreat, which was a nonevent in the history of IBB Ladies Golf section, adding that the retreat was not only educative but it provided an opportunity to learn how best to affect the community which we operate as golfers.

By Blessing Bature 

The Chairman who doubled as the Chief Executive officer of hilltop global oil and gas solutions international Ltd, Dr Charles Osasuwa has Pledged commitment to support IBB international golf and country club ladies golf session

Osasuwa announced his support for the event when he received the executive committee members of the club led by the lady captain, Julie Okah Donli, in his office in Abuja to be the father of the day for the junior open coming up shortly at the IBB International and Golf and Country Club starting 15th August to the 19th of August 2024.

He pledged readiness to support the team and promised to join the golfers due to passion he has for table tennis which can be shifted to golf 

According to him, "I want to join the golfers because of the energy, the enthusiasm and the fact that they want to make a different, saying golf is a global game, anywhere you are in the world you can always connect. for me that's very important part of it and having meet with them today, they will build an interest even though I play tennis. I am one of the best in the country when it comes to playing tennis. So let's see if I can engage in the game of golf, he said.

Speaking on his passion for tennis, he said, he drawn his passion when he went for a medical check up and was told that he was fine but need to do exercise, knowing he is not a gym person so he decided to buy a table tennis and started playing.

"If you do your research, you will know I sponsor table tennis tournament yearly in this country, the next time I'm looking at is to do it within west Africa where player will come from different Africa Nation, in Benin. I have really invested in table tennis".

Also, Lady Captain, IBB international golf and country club ladies golf session said "We have to come to our father, to inform him of the children golf day coming up and to solicit support from him.

 

Lady Captain was accompanied on the courtesy call by some executive members of the club, the competition Secretary, Ememe Thompson among others.

"I thought it was right for us to come and pay and invite him as the father of the day for the junior open coming up shortly at the IBB International Golf and Country Club starting 15th August to the 19th of August 2024. 

"He has graciously agreed to come and do the ceremonial tea for us be the father of the day for that event, and I also came to brief him on other events that are upcoming throughout my one year tenure as Lady captain of the club and the visit came out very positive as expected, and we're very happy. My team and I are here, and we're very happy with the result of the meeting".

The Children's Clinic is taken off with about 120 children. It's going to be followed by the junior open the reason why we're here is that on 15 to 19 August, we're expecting about 150 children from all over Nigeria, from ages eight to 16 to participate in the event it's usually a very interesting one for them because they get to meet one another from all over the states and compete, to win the cup, she informed. 

 

Competition Secretary of the club, Ememe Thompson noted that the club do championship programme every year. But this year we are going to look forward to something better than last year because every year people look forward for something better than the previous year. So we are looking forward to something positive and better this year.  

 

Blessing Otobong-Gabriel 

As Nigeria is celebrating the 2023 Children's Day, the Ladies Golf Section of the IBB International Golf and country club has called for a renewed commitment to shower our children all over the world with unconditional love, guidance, and support needed to empower them to become the best versions of themselves.

Lady Captain, IBB Golf Club, Mrs Comfort Folashade Olateju said in Abuja on Friday during a press conference that there was a need to cultivate an environment where our children will feel cherished, nurtured, and empowered to become the best versions of themselves. Let us fill their hearts with joy, laughter, and inspiration. "Together, we can shape a future where our children become compassionate, empathetic, and visionary leaders."

Olateju said the theme for the Children's Day celebration is "Giving, Loving, and Leading." These three words capture the spirit that drives us at the IBB International Golf and Country Club and invigorate our commitment to nurturing young minds and shaping future leaders, she said.

"We believe that by instilling values of generosity, compassion, and leadership in our children, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Giving, loving and leading are all the cornerstones of humanity. Love knows no boundaries and is not bound by age, race, or background. It is the force that unites us all".

She added that Authentic leadership lies in our ability to inspire, motivate, and guide those around us. And called on the adults to as a matter of responsibility lead by example, mentor the children, and help them discover their unique talents and strengths. Children's Day: Group Calls For Renewed Commitment To Love, Lead Our Children Aright.

In the same vein, Former NAPTIP DG, Dame Julie Donli Okoh who doubled as the Vice Lady Captain of IBB Golf, advised mothers to protect their children because children are somehow vulnerable, saying some mothers are somehow careless. 

She said mothers should be vigilant and watchful against human Trafficking, rapist, and sexual abuse, saying parents should adequately educate and protect their female children from falling victim to these vices.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has shown “remarkable improvement” and is awake and communicating, three days after suffering cardiac arrest during an NFL game, the team and doctors said Thursday.

“It’s not only that the lights are on, but we know that he’s home,” doctor Timothy Pritts of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center said in a video news conference.

“It appears that all cylinders are firing within his brain.”

Hamlin remains in critical condition on a ventilator and is unable to speak, but he has been able to communicate in writing, Pritts said.

When the 24-year-old player first woke up, he asked whether the Bills won Monday’s game against the Bengals in Cincinnati, a contest that was called off after Hamlin’s terrifying collapse and subsequent efforts to revive him on the field.

“The answer is yes, Damar, you won the game of life,” Pritts said.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen, in a sometimes emotional press conference alongside coach Sean McDermott later Thursday, was moved at Hamlin’s concern for his team.

“As teammates, you love hearing that response, that the first thing on his mind wasn’t ‘poor me,’ it was ‘how are my teammates doing, did we win this game?'” Allen said.

“For Damar to go through that and come out the other side and still think about his teammates… but that’s Damar, that’s who he is.”

Allen and McDermott said Bills players and staff and those from teams around the league were still processing the events of Monday night, which unfolded before a television audience of millions.

Physician William Knight credited the “really outstanding” response by medical staff at the game including the cardio-pulmonary resuscitation administered by Bills assistant trainer Denny Kellington — with saving Hamlin’s life.

“It’s been a long and difficult road for the last three days,” Knight said, adding that Hamlin “has made a pretty remarkable improvement.”

He said further testing would be necessary, when Hamlin is able, to determine what caused the cardiac arrest.

At the moment, both doctors said, the main focus is on weaning Hamlin from the ventilator.

“We’re focused on the right-now,” Knight said. “He still has a ways to go in terms of liberation from the ventilator.

“It’s entirely too early to speculate about the future,” Knight added, in answer to numerous questions from reporters about the long-term prognosis for Hamlin.

However, he did say that the “best case” scenario would be a return to “who he was before this happened.”

Most of the Bills players and staff have been waiting anxiously back in Buffalo for news on Hamlin’s progress.

“I’m just extremely grateful,” McDermott said of the outpouring of support from other teams, fans and the league, noting especially the reaction of Bengals coach Zac Taylor during the crisis.

Hamlin, a defensive back, collapsed after taking a hard hit in the chest while tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins during the first quarter of the nationally televised game in Cincinnati.

Medical staff who found he didn’t have a pulse restored Hamlin’s heartbeat on the field using manual CPR and defibrillators, and he was hospitalized in critical condition.

Players and personnel from both teams were clearly stunned, with some crying and praying as doctors treated him.

The NFL announced on Thursday that it was cancelling the Bills-Bengals game, saying the decision came after consultation with both teams and the NFL players’ union.

“This has been a very difficult week,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We continue to focus on the recovery of Damar Hamlin and are encouraged by the improvements in his condition as well as the tremendous outpouring of support and care for Damar and his family from across the country.”

Meanwhile, the Bills are preparing to host the New England Patriots on Sunday in their final regular-season game.

Allen acknowledged that getting back to focusing on football wasn’t easy, but words from Hamlin’s father, Mario, and the encouraging news of their teammate’s progress made it easier.

“I think putting the helmet back on today was a good thing for our team, just to go through that process,” Allen said. “But I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say some people are going to be changed forever after being on the field and witnessing that and feeling those emotions.

“I think the fact that we just keep hearing good news about Damar, it just keeps pushing us forward.”

Saudi Arabia is reportedly set to bend its marriage law to allow Al Nassr new star signing  Cristiano Ronaldo to live with his partner, Georgina Rodriguez.

Saudi Arabia marriage law forbids couples that are not married from living together.

However, Spanish news outlet, Sport, revealed that Ronaldo and Rodriguez will be living together in Saudi Arabia and are most likely not going to be punished for breaking the law.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr from Manchester United after his contract with the club was terminated by mutual agreement following an explosive interview the Portuguese star had in November with British presenter, Piers Morgan.

The 37-year-old heavily criticised the management of Man United saying there had been no improvement at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson left. He also lashed United coach Erik ten Hag, saying he had no respect for him.

Ronaldo was officially unveiled as an Al Nassr player on Tuesday after receiving a thrilling welcome upon arrival.

He said he chose to join the Saudi Arabian club because he wanted to help in developing the sport in the region and be a mentor to the younger generation there.

He also said he chose to join the Arabian club because he had “won everything” there is to win in Europe.

The deal signed with Al Nassr is a whooping £173m per year deal that has made Ronaldo the highest paid footballer in the world.

Al Nassr have won the Arabian league nine times.

Former Juventus, Chelsea and Italy striker Gianluca Vialli has died aged 58 of pancreatic cancer, his former clubs announced on Friday.

Vialli was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 but was still able to play a significant role in Italy’s European Championship title-winning campaign in 2021 assisting long-time Sampdoria strike partner and national coach Roberto Mancini.

However, the signs were not good when he announced a temporary leave from his role with the national team in December to focus on his health.

Vialli spent eight seasons at Genoa-based Sampdoria before joining Juventus in 1992 for a then world record 16.5 million euros.

He won the Champions League with Juventus before joining Chelsea in 1996 and becoming player-manager in 1998.

Vialli took over from the sacked Ruud Gullit late in the season, and went on to lead Chelsea to victory in the League Cup, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

He also guided Chelsea to victory in the 2000 FA Cup final but was sacked in the following season.

Earlier,  Chelsea rejoice Vialli's cancer recovery

Chelsea’s current co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said in a statement: “This is truly an awful day for Chelsea Football Club. Gianluca’s legend will live on at Stamford Bridge.

“His impact as a player, a coach and most importantly as a person, will be forever written across our club’s history.”

Sampdoria, where Vialli won the Serie A title and European Cup Winners’ Cup, said in their statement: “We have come a long way together, growing and searching, winning and dreaming. You came as a boy, we salute you as a man.”

Vialli played 59 times for Italy, scoring 16 goals.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) said a minute’s silence would be held before all matches in the country this weekend.

“Gianluca was a wonderful person and leaves an unbridgeable void, in the national team and in all those who appreciated his extraordinary human qualities,” it said.