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NTF Targets Tennis Development, Certifies 40 Coaches

No fewer than 40 coaches have completed a week-long ITF National Level 1 Tennis Coaching Course organised by the Nigeria Tennis Federation in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the participants drawn from the six geopolitical zones in the country, were presented with their certificates at a closing ceremony on Wednesday. The coaching course, which began on April 14, ended on Wednesday at the National Tennis Centre, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. NTF Technical Director and Course instructor, Rotimi Akinloye, highlighted the significance of the 10-day training programme for tennis coaches. He explained that the training provides hope for the future of tennis in Nigeria, as young coaches learn modern teaching methodologies and technical knowledge to effectively guide players. “Coaches play a crucial role in shaping the careers of tennis players, and their words can either inspire or discourage players. “Thus, the training programme focused on equipping our coaches with global best practices and modern teaching techniques to enhance player development. “It was also quite encouraging to see that the participants are young and knowledgeable about the game, indicating a promising future for Nigerian tennis,” he said. NTF Secretary, Shammah Makpa, said that the importance of the training programme on Nigeria Tennis cannot be overemphasised. Makpa said that it aimed to elevate the coaching standards in Nigeria, enabling coaches to provide better guidance and support to players. “By equipping coaches with modern teaching methodologies, the programme can contribute to the development of skilled and competitive tennis players in Nigeria. “It will also go a long way to help promote the growth of tennis at the grassroots, potentially leading to increased participation and success in local and international competitions,” he said. He said that the Federation, under the leadership of Ifedayo Akindoju as President, will continue to work towards taking the country to greater heights in the world of tennis through developmental programmes. Chukwunonso Nwabueze, a participant in the coaching training programme, shared his positive experience. He highlighted the programme’s enriching content, which he noted covered essential aspects of tennis coaching. Participants learned about the basics of tennis coaching, including training methods for beginners and intermediate players. “The programme covered specific skill areas such as ball feeding, approach shots, serve and volley, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of tennis techniques,” he said. Nwabueze who is also the PRO of Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association, explained that he chose to participate in the training for capacity building and development, to further enhance his skills and knowledge of the game. Rebecca Ekpeyong, a participant from Port Harcourt, said that the training demonstrates a commitment to professional development, allowing participants to stay up-to-date with best practices in tennis coaching. “The programme equipped participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coach tennis players. “By learning modern coaching techniques, participants can contribute to the development of skilled and competitive tennis players in Nigeria,” she said. Also speaking, Bolaji Bankole from Lagos, commended the NTF for organising the course with a promise to put into use knowledge garnered from the training.   (NAN)

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News_Naija

EPL: Eddie Howe Returns To Newcastle After Recovery From Pneumonia

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has resumed work at the club’s training centre after recovering from pneumonia. The Premier League club announced this on Thursday. Howe, 47, had been hospitalised earlier this month and missed league matches against Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa. “Newcastle United are delighted to confirm that Eddie Howe has returned to his duties at the club’s training centre,” the club said. “Eddie had recently been hospitalised with pneumonia and has now returned to work after a period of recovery. “We thank supporters for their warm wishes.” While Howe was away, assistant manager Jason Tindall led the team. Under his guidance, Newcastle secured strong wins against Manchester United and Crystal Palace but suffered a heavy loss to Aston Villa. The team, currently in fifth place and recent winners of the League Cup, are set to face struggling Ipswich on Saturday. They are aiming to regain form as they continue their push for a Champions League spot. The top five teams in the Premier League will qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League. Liverpool are close to securing the league title, while Arsenal are favourite for second place. Four points separate third-placed Manchester City from seventh-placed Aston Villa. AFP

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News_Naija

Police Arrest Two Women Trying To Sell Kidnapped Minor In Imo

The Imo State Police command has arrested two women while attempting to sell a kidnapped four-year-old boy in Owerri for ₦2.7 million. The boy was kidnapped in Abuja while hawking vegetables and then brought to Owerri to be sold before luck ran out for them. The suspects are Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi State, and Rosella Michael of Zamba in Abuja, while the third suspect, a nurse, is currently on the run. This was disclosed by the state Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, in a statement released on Thursday. Okoye said the suspects were arrested in Owerri, the state capital on April 14, following a discreet operation by operatives while they were trying to sell the boy, for ₦2.7million. He said the arrests were made following joint efforts between the Imo State Police Command and Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja, though the suspects have been transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution. Okoye said, “The Imo State Police Command has uncovered a suspected case of child trafficking, leading to the arrest of two female suspects and the rescue of a four-year-old boy. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Scorpion Unit intercepted the suspects—Joy Ugwu from Idah, Kogi State, and Rosella Michael of Zamba, FCT Abuja—in Owerri on 14th April 2025 at about 6:00 p.m., following a discreet operation. “Investigations revealed that the boy, Jaffa Umar, who speaks Hausa fluently, was abducted in Abuja while hawking vegetables. The suspects brought him to Owerri and were negotiating to sell him for ₦2.7 million before their arrest. A third accomplice, believed to be a nurse, is currently at large. “The child has been safely reunited with his family through coordinated efforts between the Imo State Police Command and Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja while the suspects have been transferred to the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja for further investigation and prosecution”. “The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reassures the public of the Command’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and dismantling trafficking networks. He encourages residents to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the emergency line 0803 477 3600,” Okoye said.

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Police Rescue Kidnapped Victim In Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command on Wednesday rescued a kidnapped victim at Umuege Village, Amawbia, in Awka South Local Government Area of the state. A statement released by the spokesperson of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the rescue followed a hot chase and strategic positioning of police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka. Ikenga said the operatives engaged the assailants after receiving information about the abduction of the victim at about 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday. He said, “The Anambra State Police Command today, April 23, confirmed the rescue and safe return of a kidnapped victim at Umuege Village, Amawbia, Awka, and has debriefed the victim for necessary action. “This followed a hot chase and strategic positioning by police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka, after receiving information about the abduction of the victim at 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday. “This forced the criminals, who were operating in an unmarked Sienna vehicle, to abandon the victim at Umunya along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and flee the scene.” He added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and that further updates would be provided as necessary.