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Swimmer to quit after WAUG bronze

12/11/2018

Ife Adegboyega

By Doyin Oladosu

Ife Adegboyega will not continue his swimming career after he graduates from the University of Ibadan.

Adegboyega got a bronze medal at the West Africa University Games (WAUG) in the 200 metres breaststroke but told ChinaAcheru.com that he will end his career after school.

“Sports in Nigeria is not encouraging. I would have loved to give it everything. We can see the results and I don’t like to deceive myself,” Adegboyega said.

Ife told chinaacheru.com that he has so far enjoyed himself at the University of Port Harcourt adding that he would love to explore the state after the competition.

“So far, I’ve been enjoying myself. We have been in camp we’ve not been allowed to go outside but then after this event I hope I will be able to go out and just explore.”

He further went on to describe the standard of hosting as okay and fair.

“Considering the fact that this will be my first time in Rivers State, Port Harcourt to some extent the standard here is okay, it’s very fair.”

Ife Adegboyega who is studying veterinary medicine at the University of Ibadan says knowing what to do at the right time is what helps him in combining academics with sports.

“My school is a very tough school. It wasn’t easy combining academics and extracurricular activities, basically time management has been of help, just know what to do at the right time that’s basically the key.”

The next edition of the West Africa University Games will be hosted by the University of Ghana, Legon.

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Abigail Williams defies tension for WAUG

8/11/2018

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By Doyin Oladosu

For an average spectator watching the West Africa University games the atmosphere is electric, exciting and full of fun, but for Abigail Williams, the atmosphere is full of tension and anticipation.

Williams is an athlete competing in the 1500m at the West African University Games and she explains the way it is before an event.

“There have been a lot of tension. We are anticipating and wondering what it will look like when we start running, but it is cool. That is how it’s supposed to be anyway,” Abigail said while speaking to chinaacheru.com.

Abigail Williams who will be representing her school, the Rivers State University in the 1500m is confident that her training will eventually payoff when she hits the tracks

“I have been training and I believe my training will pay off.”

The journey to sports for Abigail started way back when she was in the secondary school.

“I’ve been an athlete since secondary school and this should be like way back in JS3, when I noticed that I can run.”

Most African parents find it hard to support their children when they decide to take on athletics as a career choice, Abigail parents were no different.

“My parents especially my dad he did not encourage it but my mum was always there for me.

For the 22 year old who is a student of the Department of Business Management, winning a medal will be dream come true plus it will help in motivating her to reach greater heights.

“It’s my dream to win a medal. It’s going to motivate a lot. Motivate me to do better and to believe in what i love doing."

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Sports has brought me to Nigeria, says Grace Edwin

8/11/2018

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Grace Edwin

By Doyin Oladosu

Ghanaian hurdler, Grace Edwin insists that she may never have come to Nigeria if not for her participation in sports.

Edwin is representing the University for Development Studies in Ghana at the West African University Games in the 400 meters hurdles event and told ChinaAcheru.com that she is in Nigeria because of sports.

“If not because of the sports I don’t think I would have even come here,” Edwin said.

While speaking to chinaacheru.com, Grace said that sports provided her with the opportunity of coming to Nigeria for the first time.

“I didn’t even know where Nigeria was as I have been hearing the name but had no idea where it was until now that sports has brought me here.”

She adds that she would want sports to take her to many more places.

“I know because of the sports I will go farther than Nigeria.”

The 400m hurdles runner also spoke about her difficulties adapting to Nigerian food.

“You know we are not used to your food, we are suffering seriously and frankly speaking we are really suffering.”

Grace also spoke about her challenges getting her parents to support her decision to be an athlete.

“Some of the people will be telling our parents that as ladies we are not supposed to engage in sporting activities.

“They say we will not be able to give birth and maybe not even get a husband.”

In the 400 m hurdlers, Grace Edwin won a bronze medal at the West African University Games.

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We love the colour of gold, says Sam Dede

6/11/2018

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Doyin Oladosu

Veteran Nollywood actor Sam Dede believes the University of Port Harcourt will dominate the ongoing West African University Games, WAUG.

The University of Port Harcourt has dominated both the WAUG and Nigeria University Games Association, NUGA games, leading Dede to believe the medals haul by the host institution can be doubled.

“We always win and you see, gold is our favorite colour,” Dede told ChinaAcheru.com.

“We always go for gold and we are greedy about it. We clear the medals table. At the last NUGA, we had over a hundred medals and we can double it this time,” Dede said.

Sam Dede, a Nigerian actor, director, politician and lecturer described Saturday’s opening ceremony as an event that celebrated the University of Port Harcourt.

“I think it’s something that celebrates the University of Port Harcourt, celebrates River State and celebrates Nigeria.

Sam Dede also called on the private sector to get involved in sponsoring university games

‘We need the private sector to get involved, it’s the West African university games so we should get funding. The private sector in the entire West African region should be part of it.

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Fostering Greater Ecowas Youth friendship through University Sports

4/11/2018

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The president of the West Africa University Games, Professor Kingsley Akpabio on Saturday opened the 14th edition at the University of Port Harcourt reiterating that it is a galvanizing body to bring together youths in universities across West Africa.

“It creates stars and the World over, stars are gotten from the universities,” Akpabio said.

He cited the example of former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama who started at the University of Uyo before joining Enyimba and the Super Eagles.

“That is an example of what sports can do and I bet you, I cannot share a table with Vincent today because of what he has achieved in sports.”

It was a very colourful opening ceremony despite the rains that ensured it started about an hour late.

The school’s Public Relations Officer, Williams Wodi as well as Sportscaster, Sammy Wejinya hosted the event as comperes, informing the spectators on some facts and figures concerning the West African University Games, the facilities available at the University of Port Harcourt, plus giving suggestions on how to have fun outside the sporting arena.

There was a match past by the visiting contingents as well as the host University and then callisthenic displays.

Vice chancellor of the host University, Professor Ndowa Lale used his opening remarks to welcome all to the games.

“We are thrilled to welcome athletes, coaches, technical officials and spectators to the fourteenth edition of the West African University Games,

“Our joy knows no bounds as we welcome over five thousand athletes from sixteen West African countries, five hundred technical officials and over one million spectators expected over the next two weeks,” Lale said

In the opening match between the University of Uyo and the Kumasi University of Science and Technology ended 1-1.

Earlier, the Rivers State governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike, represented by the Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye commended the University of Port Harcourt for putting up as great hosts of the event.

“It is not easy to host the whole of West Africa. We must commend the efficiency of the University of Port Harcourt sports system. Professor Ken (Anugweje) has done very well for the university.

Even as a state, sometimes when we lack sports men and women we run to him and he obliges us. So we say, they have done very well. I welcome everyone to the Garden City.”

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How the West conquered the East: The story of ChiSam

4/11/2018

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Tobi and Chika in 7th heaven

On Saturday, November 3, 2018, the West finally conquered the East in Enugu as Tobi Samuel Adepoju snatched Enugu’s prized possession, Chika Ilokwe.

For the conquest to have taken place successfully without bloodshed and loss of lives, the families of Chief and Mrs. Ilokwe as well as Pastor and Mrs. Adepoju had to be in agreement, not before the major culprits, Samuel and Chika had started something.

This union had been long in coming as again, Social Media proved to be a tool, useful for not just political battles and advertising, but romance.

Who says there is no value in the social media?

Five years ago, Tobi and Chika became friends on Facebook.

“She studied Mass Communications at the Institute of Management and Technology in enugu while I was already practicing journalism,” Adepoju told ChinaAcheru.com.

Their first conversation was strictly on journalism, but these warriors from the West will also have a pick up line that seems to make it like the chat is professional before they strike the winning shot.

“Our first conversation on Facebook messenger was all about journalism. I shared my experiences with her and also advised her,” Tobi said.

“From the first conversation we became friends and later extended it into a relationship.”

After proving she was patient and being able to manage the baggage that came with Tobi, Chika said “I do” and today they are husband and wife.

“She was really patient with me and endured the challenges of the relationship and I must say I am lucky to have her as wife.

“I am excited to marry my best friend. She has been there for me all these years,” Tobi Adepoju told ChinaAcheru.com.

Chika Ilokwe, now Adepoju, it seems is the one more in love as she could hardly put her words together when she spoke with ChinaAcheru.com.

“I thank everyone for coming, their support. They were all awesome. Yesterday was my happiest day for getting married to the man of my dreams, my love. We met some years back and it finally came to reality. I am just excited because he has been my friend, my back bone and the love of my life. Thank you for the support.
I can’t believe the turn out yesterday. Great. Thank you and God bless you,” Chika said

The traditional wedding rights held on November 1 while the church ceremony was on November 3, 2018.

The Social Media influencer, Suleiman Adebayo, also known as Pooja was amongst tens of friends of Tobi who graced the occasion.

“It was a well-organized wedding as all boxes were ticked from hotel arrangements to reception,” Pooja told ChinaAcheru.com.

Promise Uwaeme, who is known in sporting circles as Pikin of God, told ChinaAcheru.com that Tobi Adepoju has always been a great friend to him.

“I have always the belief that we need to go beyond being just colleagues and friends in everything and this is what was exhibited in Enugu during the week.

“It was fun at the village and am very optimistic that it was a bigger fun in Enugu. I believe that Tobi and Chika are destined to be together and above all unite us the more. My prayer is that God Almighty will continue to prosper them,” Pikin of God said.

Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam of AIPS media shared her thoughts with ChinaAcheru.com.

“It was a beautiful ceremony loaded with creativity and the couple's dramatic entrance into the reception hall was the highlight.

“I was really impressed with the support from colleagues that came all the way from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt and the couple made sure they were well taken care of.

“It was surely a day to remember and I wish the couple a blissful together forever,” Nnadiegbulam said.

Charles Ogundiya (New Telegraph Newspapers), Nobert Okolie (Rangers), Sammy Adesoji (Jos), Richard Asiegbu (Enugu), Jane Nweze (Enugu), Tunde Shamsudeen, Aro Olaoluwa, Bankole Owoyomi (Urban Radio), Chisom Ukachukwu (Awka), Ikechukwu Albarney, Remi Sulola (Cable), Akin Bolarinwa, Oni Afolabi (NBBF), Suleiman Adebayo (Pooja Media), Fisayo Dairo (ACLSports.com), Debo Oshundun (NAN), Bibian Onwugbolu (Sportsday), Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam (AIPS Media), Faith Oluchi (Love FM, PH), Yinka Elebute (The Gong), Femi Adetula (SuperSport) and Mikel Onikute (Remo Stars FC), Olawale Quadry (MFM FC), Hakeem Kalejaiye Elegbete TV, Aro Olaoluwa Maxi sports were among media personnel who graced the wedding.

Others from the sporting industry who joined Chika and Tobi to celebrate are Aleshinloye Owolabi (Magnate FC), Fidelis Ilechukwu (MFM FC), Perpetua Nkwocha, Felix Nwosu etc