Sports
NMA Slates Doctors’ Games For Feb 19
. . . Olowojebutu Promises A Memorable Event
The 7th NMA Doctors’ Games tagged, ‘Eko 2024’ have been scheduled for February 19 to 24, 2024 at the University of Lagos Sports Complex and Ikeja Golf Course.
Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Lagos Zone and Head LOC for Eko 2024, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu has promised sports enthusiasts of the readiness of the regional zonal body to delight them with an exciting sporting package.
He gave this assurance in his speech during a well-attended press conference at the NMA Lagos Zonal Secretariat on Friday, where he affirmed that the week-long sporting fiesta promises to be a celebration of athletic talent and camaraderie among medical professionals from across the country.
He said, “We are set to host the 7th edition of the biannual Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Doctors’ Games tagged ‘Eko 2024’ at Nigeria’s centre of excellence, Lagos.
“This year, over one thousand doctors from seven regional zones are expected to compete for glory in events across a diverse range of sporting disciplines including football, basketball, volleyball, golf, athletics, chess, scrabble, Ayo, table tennis, badminton, tennis and draughts.
“For us in Lagos, we are delighted to host this celebration of athleticism, sportsmanship and wellness among Nigeria’s finest physicians and medical practitioners.
“As usual, our expectations are very high and we believe that this sporting fiesta will afford our doctors the opportunity to compete fairly, make new connections, unwind and also create memories that will last a lifetime.
“The event is also an opportunity for our doctors to come together in a very secure environment, using sports as a tool to inspire, connect and strengthen bonds within the medical community.”
Dr Olowojebutu also revealed that the NMA Doctors’ Games is aimed at not only promoting physical activity and healthy competition but also to fostering unity and solidarity in the medical community, even as the defending champions from the South-South zone are set to defend their title.
On the preparations for the events, he added, “Lagos is ready to host the best games that the NMA has experienced in a long time and provide best-in-class hospitality, state of the art sporting facilities and a convivial environment that meets the set objectives of the Games founding fathers.
“I would like to thank the National President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah and the entire Executive for their support, especially the unwavering commitment of our National Games Master, Dr. Israel Jeremiah to ensure that we deliver a successful Doctors’ Games.”
Ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Switzerland, England faces a significant disciplinary dilemma.
Five players—Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Kieran Trippier, and Conor Gallagher—are on the verge of suspension, each having received one yellow card during the tournament.
If any of these players should be booked again during the match, they would be suspended from the semi-final, should England advance.
Adding to England’s challenges, manager Gareth Southgate will be without Marc Guehi, who is suspended after receiving his second yellow card in the match against Slovakia.
Despite these setbacks, England secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday, highlighted by Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick and Harry Kane’s late header.
Gareth Southgate’s team, pre-tournament favorites, has had a mixed campaign so far. They began with a nervy victory over Serbia and then drew with Denmark and Slovenia, yet managed to top Group C and move into the easier side of the draw.
Now, they face Switzerland, who eliminated European champions Italy, in what will be their toughest test yet.
The quarter-final match against Switzerland will take place in Düsseldorf on Saturday. If England succeeds, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals.
However, the potential suspensions of Bellingham, Foden, Mainoo, Trippier, and Gallagher loom large over the match.
Euro 2024 is set to enter its gripping quarter-final phase, featuring a clash of football titans from across the continent.
Following the conclusion of the round of 16, the stage is now set for an exhilarating lineup of matches.
See fixtures below:
Friday
Spain vs Germany at Stuttgart (1600)
Portugal vs France at Hamburg (1900)
Saturday
England vs Switzerland at Duesseldorf (1600)
Netherlands vs Turkey at Berlin (1900)
Football aficionados can anticipate thrilling encounters as these powerhouse teams vie for supremacy and a chance to advance to the prestigious semi-finals of Euro 2024.
The Netherlands clinched their first Euro quarter-final since 2008 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Romania in the last-16 match on Tuesday.
Donyell Malen starred with a brace, supported by Cody Gakpo’s opener in the first half.
Despite squandering numerous chances, the Dutch sealed their win as Gakpo set up Malen for the second goal before Malen dazzled with a spectacular solo effort in stoppage time.
Their next challenge awaits against either Turkey or Austria in the quarter-finals.
More to follow………….
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