By Francis Ajuonuma
Nigeria and 51 other countries are expected to attend the 2nd African Beach Games from 23 to 30 June 2023, in Hammamet, Tunisia with more than 1,100 athletes confirming their participation.
Also, 500 officials will be involved, while 300 volunteers have been mobilised for the event labeled a highly intense celebration of African sport and Olympism.
The International Olympic Committee, the Director General of Olympic Solidarity and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organising Committee are some of the Olympic institutions that will be among the distinguished guests alongside African and world sport greats.
Some of the participating countries include South Africa, Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius Island, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger and Nigeria
Others are Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Chad, Tunisia (host country), Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Benin, Botswana and Burkina Faso.
Meanwhile, the mascot “Yoyo’’ has been unveiled.
According to the Organising Committee, “Yoyo and Tunisia are poised to welcome guests from 54 countries of the continent and across the world for a mega sport, cultural and ecological festival.
Less than a month before the start of the competition, the 2nd African Beach Games are already in full swing.
For ANOCA President, Mustapha Berraf, “Hammamet is fascinating even before the start of the 2nd African Beach Games, with the quality of preparations, the level of organisation and the popular aspect that herald a real celebration of African sport. It is a hectic schedule for African youths and, as we keep saying, they are our focal concern. These Games will be extraordinary for our African athletes, who will once again be at the heart of the action.
It will also be a platform for promoting Olympic values and sustainable development. The decision taken by the African Olympic movement to organise the African Beach Games was a major move in favour of the continent’s youths. We were satisfied with the first edition and this second edition is simply at another level. For ANOCA, Hammamet will be a memorable success.
The African Beach Games are held every 4 years. The s c h e d u l e blends cultural and educational activities with the s p o r t s programme.
The Hammamet edition will conform to the rule with a tailored organisation that includes all the tools needed to ensure that everyone has lasting memories to take home and is full of promise for the next edition.
ANOCA President, Mustapha Berraf, once again: “The success of the African Beach Games, Hammamet 2023, will depend on our shared ability to foster solidarity. We have a special obligation to showcase our values on behalf of the athletes (the core of our Olympic Movement) and youths (the future)
Dosu, Enakhena to grace D.K Olukoya Ibile Football Cup final
By Francis Ajuonuma
The famous Campus Mini Stadium, Lagos Island will come alive today with the best of grassroots football as Yomaraz FC and Bethel FC clash in the final of the 2nd Dr. D.K. Olukoya Ibile Football Cup.
Yomaraz FC and Bethel FC defeated DJ FC and Skill Builders FC 2 – 1, 3-2 respectively in the semifinal games on Sunday.
Former Super Eagles and Reggina of Italy Goal Keeper, Dosu Joseph and Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries (MFM) Sports Director, Godwin Enakhena are among the dignitaries that would grace the final.
Chairperson of the Lagos State Football and Other Sports Supporters Club, Shade Gbajumo confirmed that both teams that qualified for the final after Sunday’s semi-finals wins against DJ FC and Skill Builders would provide plenty of excitement today.
She noted that besides the golden Dr. D.K Olukoya trophy and certificates, there would be N150,000.00 for the winner and N100,000.00 for the runners-up.
Gbajumo said she is confident of a quality final, considering the class Yomaraz FC and Bethel FC displayed in the semifinal games decided at the Isheri Registration Centre ahead of the final game at campus mini stadium.
“I am proud of the character and discipline of all the teams that have been involved since the onset of the second edition of the Dr. D.K Olukoya Ibile Football Cup. We are grateful to the man of God for giving youths the platform to display their football talents.
“We are also happy to be the first Supporters club in Nigeria to organize a football competition hence we are aiming for a flawless final Tuesday,” declared Gbajumo who also confirmed that both Yomaraz FC and Bethel FC will receive new sets of jerseys towards a glamorous final.
