NIGERIA WINS FIRST MEDAL AT THE AFRICAN BEACH GAMES

 Sports.

By Goodluck Ikiebe 



As the 2nd African Beach Games continue in Temament Tunisia, Team Nigeria has recorded its first medal with Esther Toko clinching Bronze in Rowing.


Team Nigeria had earlier in the wake of the event defeated Benin Republic 2-0 (12- 0, 12- 0) in Teqball men's singles and double, shooting the nation forward to the final stage of the Game on Monday.


With this positive development,  Nigeria is all out to record about 2 or 3 medals in Teqball.


As the days unfold, the events will captivate audiences with their electrifying performances and fierce competition. The excitement promises to be palpable as Nigeria’s athletes strive to showcase their abilities to record more podium performances 

at the event.


The 2nd African Beach Games will culminate on June 30, marking the end of this exhilarating sporting extravaganza. 

As Nigeria competes across these diverse events, the nation will undoubtedly cheer on its athletes and rally behind them in their pursuit of victory to secure the necessary qualification for the ANOC Beach Games held in August, this year.

Edited by Dada Ahmed.



In another development, the Federal Government has called on athletes participating in the 2nd African Beach Games held in Temament, Tunisia to ensure excellent performance at the competitions to enable Nigeria to qualify for the upcoming ANOC World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia. 


The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar who made the call today in Abuja stated that Nigeria is expected to participate in 10 thrilling events at the Games which will run from June 22 to June 30, 2023, as a crucial qualification phase for the upcoming ANOC World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia, scheduled for August 4 to August 12, 2023.


According to him, "Not less than 10 events would be on offer, where athletes will showcase their talents and the athleticism of Nigerian athletes on the beautiful beaches of Tunisia."


The events he added, "cover a wide range of sports, ensuring a diverse and exciting competition for both participants and spectators alike."


He stated further that, on the list is the high-energy sport of Beach Volleyball, where Nigeria will be represented by a skilled team of 12 players. Following closely also, is the Beach Handball, with a talented squad of 10 players ready to showcase their exceptional skills on the sand.


In addition to these, the Permanent Secretary said, Nigeria will also compete in individual events. Air Badminton will see three players from Nigeria demonstrating their agility, quick reflexes, and finesse.


Alhaji Ismaila explained that in Kata Karate, a solitary athlete will represent the country where he is sure to display mastery of traditional martial arts at the games.


While acknowledging the exhilarating challenge the open water may likely pose for Nigerian athletes participating in Open Water Swimming, he expressed optimism that the four determined swimmers, who will represent the country are all out to conquer the demanding nature of the sport.


The Permanent Secretary informed that Nigeria will also participate in Teqball, a relatively new sport that combines elements of soccer and table tennis. "Nigeria will field a competitive team of three players, who will battle it out against the other nations in this unique and exciting sport," he said.


He added that Team Nigeria will also participate in Tennis,  Ocean Racing, Rowing Beach, and Beach Wrestling.


Alhaji Abubakar, therefore called on Nigerian athletes to ensure they make the country proud, assuring that the Ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the development of sports in the country, in line with the policy thrust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu - led administration.


Meanwhile,  the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, who is the leader of the Nigerian  Contingent for the 2nd African Beach Games, 

stated that the event is organized by The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).



He assured that Nigeria is all out for excellent performance at the Games.

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