President of the African Table Tennis body, Waheed Eniitan Oshodi, has commended Dr. Kayode Opeifa on his dedicated commitment to the promotion of handball amongst youths in Lagos State, noting that his yearly handball tournament now provides a dependable material pool for national and international engagements.

Mr. Oshodi, who is a former Lagos State Commissioner for Sports and currently the Vice President, World Table Tennis body, made the observation at Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos, while giving kudos to the decade records and contributions of both Dr. Kayode Opeifa and his elder sister, Madam Adeola Opeifa for their sincere pursuit of youths’ promotion through the annual handball tournament.

“It is getting bigger and better every year”, the table tennis guru, Waheed Eniitan Oshodi, told the Maritime First, recalling how he suggested to the Opeifas 10 years ago to start the Opeifa Handball tournament, and they agreed.

 “The kids are enjoying it and the people love it. But beyond that, it is providing a source for identifying credible materials for bigger engagement”.

“We must give kudos to Dr Opeifa and say a big thank you for what he and his elder Sister are doing.”

“Some of our good players have come through this tournament into the national team, and that is what we are talking about.”

“It helps to discover talents in Lagos State. We believe the grassroots of sports is in the schools, and with over a thousand Schools in Lagos, there is always a talent here and there to be discovered!”, he further said, saying the State Commends the family.

In the meantime, the Lagos State Governor has promised youths’ inclusion as part of the State Sports Agenda.

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The State Government maintained as a key factor it’s reason for physical participation in the current tournament, having realised the annual activity as a veritable ground for Youth inclusion, which has been taken as part of the State’s obligation to sport’s developmental Agenda. 

According to the Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Sports, Mr Damilare Orimoloye, 80 percent of people involved in Sports are youth, and Lagos State shall be putting in place adequate Sporting events.

He highlighted that his primary assignment will include suggesting to the Lagos State Governor the need for Symposia, Seminars, and relevant Infrastructural development to boost health and healthy competitions.

He reiterated the Government’s commitment to sports, particularly for the Youths of Lagos State, to enable them to thrive and become better ambassadors of the State.

He appreciated Dr Kayode Opeifa, who had taken it upon himself to annually ensure that Handball continues to thrive in Lagos State, on a yearly basis.

Inspiringly, the Maritime First learnt that it was the last year’s winners and defending Champions for both the Senior and Junior categories that still lifted the Championship trophies in the just concluded 7th Opeifa Handball tournament.

Expressing his joy, the Coach, Ayomide Martins, ascribes their continuous Winning streak to hard work and the help of God.

He told our Correspondent that he thoroughly drilled the team and that actually made them confidently pray, even at the Redeem Church inside the Rowe Park.

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Some of those who particularly graced the occasion as both a mark of loyalty and honour included Kehinde Babatunde of the Asomode HC of the Benin Republic, Stephen Comfort of Lagos Seasiders Babes, Fashion Sulaimon of  Seasiders, Kingsley Adeleke  Segun of Ogun United.

The list also included Taiwo Babatunde, who is currently playing in Israel; Hakeem Salami, Morocco; Cole Gbenga,  Morocco; Owolabi Adio Aka Yaga Adidja, HC of the Benin Republic; and Kareem Faruq of Tojemarine. 

… Youths Funfare, Discipline on Stage, at the 7th Opeifa Handball Competition Cup runs October 27th – 31st

The Managing Director of Nigeria Railway Corporation NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has pledged his unwavering commitment to the growth of sports, particularly handball in Nigeria.

“I am promising unreserved commitment to the growth of Handball and Sports in Nigeria”, Dr. Opeifa assured the Chairman of the National Sports Commission of Nigeria, Alhaji Sheu Dikko, who, in turn, congratulated him as a Board Member, ahead of the forthcoming Handball Federation election and swearing ceremony.

Speaking at the 7th Annual Opeifa Handball Competition, tagged “Opeifa Cup 25”, currently ongoing in Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos, Opeifa extolled the benefits of handball, local and international, describing the Rowe Park as a platform of Unity and Positive Social interaction amongst the entire Secondary Schools in Lagos State.

A key figure and promoter, Madam Adeola Opeifa told the Maritime First that the current session was the 7th edition within the past 10 years, during which the annual event had assisted in producing a hunting ground for materials for national and international competition.

“This is the 10th year and 7th edition; and it has helped in shaping the life’s of youths of Lagos State who focus and direct their energy positively, in addition to removing several of them off the street”, Madam Opeifa said.

 Our correspondent at the Opening Event was full of awe and thrill, recalling with nostalgia, the best of Super Eagles; in terms of players, referee, sport analysts, the Supporters Club, and match officials.

Our Correspondent observed a well coordinated event, where different schools began to arrive from 8.00am and promptly changing into jerseys of different colours.

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It was noted that the several schools who featured at the arena showed discipline, and genuine flair for the game; even as Coaches harped instructions on their players, stressing the need to to put in their best.

The arrays of male and female Referees and other officials were observably at their best, and their whistles poised to blow when deem fit,

Two teams, comprising four schools played simultaneously, while fans and supporters clubs watched the skillful and talented players on the pitch, hailing and brailing with joyous affection, as their teams coarse to victories.

An excited spectator said being there was truly nostalgic, saying it was like it was like watching youths preparing for the African Cup of Nations.

“It’s like watching the African Cup of Nations with different teams, their players and diverse jerseys. The major difference although is that the players here use their hands while the others use their legs”, Toyin Mustapha stated.

“I remembered my senior friend and mentor, the Koguna Sokoto, Alhaji Danladi Bako; and the late broadcaster and Sport analyst, Chris Darlington Eseka, alongside the articulate goal keeper Peter Rufai, the Dodo Mayana.”

“I am glad to be here. I am very delighted, even though it’s my first time”, the spectator further said.

A coach of the Defending team, Ayomide Martins said his teams were fully prepared, to lift the trophies again this time around.

Ayomide Martins who coached Aje Compressive Schools (Junior and Senior handball teams) stressed that his team would not lose on penalty as it did to the Lagos City College (female team) again, as it did at the opening match of this competition.

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A talent -hunter, and Coach for Lagos City College, Olamide Bello, emphasized the importance of the game to the Nigerian youths, especially in how it has consistently opened international doors to Nigeria.

The Maritime First can authoritatively affirmed that not fewer than 38 Secondary Schools were physically on ground, representing both the senior and junior teams, as the opening event kicked off.

By  Friday the curtains of this year Opeifa Handball 25 shall be drawn, while the winners would not only be known and celebrated; but equally become glowing materials for future local and international engagements!

Football fans in Nigeria are in for a treat as a star-studded charity match brings together Barcelona Legends, the famed former players of Barcelona Football Club, and a select squad of African Legends. The exhibition match will take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The event is hosted under the auspices of Mrs. Zahra Buhari-Indimi, daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is organised in partnership with Attom Foundation, inspired by Yahaya Attom, serial entrepreneur, business consultant, project manager and the brain behind the clothing line, Obsession Apparel. 

Proceeds from the charity match will support the ZMB Homes Foundation, a charity that has long provided shelter and assistance to widows and orphans from across the country.

 Speaking ahead of the event, Mrs. Buhari-Indimi expressed excitement about hosting the historic encounter, describing it as a “unique fusion of sport, charity, and continental friendship.” She said the project aims to channel funds toward youth empowerment, maternal health, and education for underprivileged communities.

“This event is not just about football; it is about using the universal language of the game to unite people and bring hope to communities that need it most,” Buhari-Indimi remarked. She encouraged Nigerians to turn out in large numbers to support the cause.

Echoing the inspiration drawn from her late father, President Muhammadu Buhari, she noted how his journey from humble beginnings to national leadership shapes the Foundation’s vision:

“Baba came from a modest background but rose to achieve so much for Nigeria. I’m committed to helping many more people with similar backgrounds realize their potential, just as my father did.”

The Barcelona Legends squad is set to feature globally renowned icons, while the African Legends will showcase former international stars who shone both in Europe and on the continent.

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Experts anticipate the event will rekindle nostalgia for fans and reinforce Nigeria’s status as a premier destination for high-profile sporting and charitable events. Beyond the Match, the occasion will spearhead a broader social impact program, including a gala night, youth football clinics, and visits to selected schools and hospitals.

The programme will begin with a Gala night that will also raise awareness for the ZMB Foundation and Attom Foundation.