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Amaechi Canvesses Support For Eagles

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Rivers State governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has called for mass support and prayers from all Nigerians for the Super Eagles in their bid to qualify for FIFA World Cup taking place in South Africa next year.
Also, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital has been selected to host the 2010 Nigerian Football Awards organised by the African Independent Television (AIT) and sponsored by Telecommunication giant, MTN.
Governor Amaechi who made the call recently in Abuja at the 2009 MTN-AIT Football Awards also prayed for the National Team’s qualification, with the guests at the epoch-making events saying “Amen.”
His words: Now we’re struggling to qualify. We no longer depend on our legs to qualify for the world cup, but on prayers. I pray that Eagles will qualify. Cheer Eagles when we play in Nairobi, Kenya. I am an Arsenal supporter for life, even if they’re losing. Please let Nigerians support Super Eagles for life. Currently, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is doing well to ensure they qualify.
Rt. Hon. Amaechi who was accompanied by his wife, Judith at the epoch-making occasion evoked emotion when he requested the audience to observe a minute silence in honour of the late DAAR Communication Group Manager, Director, Alhaji Ladi Lawal who was said to have contributed meaningfully to the concept of the Awards before his death.
“Shall we stand up and observe a minute’s silence in honour of Alhaji Ladi Lawal, he requested, and the guests obliged him, after which he prayed for the repose of his soul thus, “May his gentle soul rest in peace” and all said ‘Amen’.
Governor Amaechi thanked AIT and MTN for what he termed a good move and urged them not to relent in their efforts at taking awards to the heights.
Confirming the hosting rights of the 2010 Awards on Port Harcourt at the end of the 2009 events, the Awards Panel, led by its chairman veteran sports journalist, Paul Bassey presented Governor Amaechi with an insignia (flag).
In accepting to host the event next year, governor Amaechi recalled that some companies pulled out of the Niger Delta region in the past, even where their presence and services were required by the region. He said, MTN-the sponsor of the award had to abandon the sponsorship of polo tournament in Port Harcourt for the state government which took over, adding, “On behalf of the Niger Delta, I welcome all those who abandoned us back (to the region)” and assured of a hitch-free event.

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race

Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.

Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.

According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.

“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”

Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.

The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”

It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”

The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.

Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.

His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.

Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.

The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.

The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.

On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.

In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.

Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.

The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.

Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.

Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.

The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.

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