Sports

Osaze Rates Emenike High

Published

14 years ago

December 15, 2011

Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie has declared that fellow Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike is a huge talent, even though he is short on international experience.

Odemwingie also spoke about forward Obafemi Martins and released CSKA defender Chidi Odiah in an interview with Tidesports said despite what looks like an early battle for form, he can still replicate the form which saw him hit 15 goals in the English Premier League last term.

“In the national team of Nigeria, I have only met twice with Emenike. Obviously, Emenike is a talent and can only get better, but he lacks international experience.

“There was a very funny incident in training. Coach Siasia divided us into two groups.. Suddenly, the coach turns to Emenike: “I heard you are very sharp…Hold the ball, show me!

“The coach set Emenike against five defenders and gave a whistle. Emenike beat all in turn and shot on goal – goalkeeper parried.

“Everyone laughed, because they understood what the coach was looking for.

“He wanted to bring a good example for all: there is safety in numbers; you have to play only by passing. Emenike proved the opposite – it was a small miracle,’’ said Osaze, who says he wishes to continue playing at the highest level for the next five years.

Recently, it was announced that out of favour Nigeria defender Chidi Odiah had been released by CSKA Moscow.

“I feel sorry for him. After all, Chidi was the best defender of CSKA. CSKA won the UEFA Cup and the championship. But the last year and a half he has not been able to build on it.

“A couple of weeks ago I spoke with Chidi. I carelessly said, “You have a contract with CSKA Moscow, you’re probably going to wait for it to end?” So Chidi just exploded. As I understand it, he can change his club. I hope, he finds a club in Europe. Maybe in Russia. Chidi is very fluent in Russian, almost without an accent.’’

On Rubin Kazan forward Obafemi Martins, Odemwingie said: “I saw him in London a few days ago and I asked: “How are you?” “Even better,” he said.

“Obafemi frankly admitted that in the first year in Rubin Kazan, he felt unwell. Then came the injury. Now he is better, I do not exclude that he will continue his career in Kazan.’’

Sports

Obagi Emerges OML 58 Football Cup Champions

Published

1 hour ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The annual NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup 2025 edition draw its curtains closed last Saturday, with Obagi Community defeated hard fighting Akabta community 1-0, to lift the trophy.

The final which was held at Obite Civic Centre (field) saw Chiefs, community leaders, youths, including the Total Energies JV Asset Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olivier Cassasoles and people from all works of life in attendance.

Speaking at the event Mr. Cassasoles revealed that three best players in previous tournaments have been sponsored into a football academy within Nigeria.

He stated that all participants are winners, as he reiterated that the tournament is aimed at promoting peace, cooperation among host communities.

He expressed gratitude for the peaceful organisation and conduct of both officials and players during the final of NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup for 2025.

On his part the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee(COC), Mr. Saheed Ogunsanya said Ubeta and Ubio will not be participating in the next edition as they violated rules of the tournament.

Ogunsanya praised all the teams for their sportsmanship, stressing that this year edition was a success hence it maintained age grade of under 18 years.

He disclosed that two players have been picked from the tournament and they will be sent to football academy, while underscoring importance of the event to sports and youth development in the host communities.

This is the first time Obagi Community emerged champions of the competition since its commencement 22 years, as 18 communities participated in tis years edition.

At the end of the competition Obinna Godstime, emerged the highest scorer with 11 goals and Most Valuable Player( MVP) of the tournament.

while Michael Charles, from Obobru community became best goalkeeper of the tournament

Sports

Forest Embarrass Liverpool At Anfield

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

Liverpool’s season of abject misery worsened as they were beaten with embarrassing ease by a hugely impressive Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s Premier League champions were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, but instead ran into a Forest side revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche and looking back to their best.

Liverpool head coach Slot gave £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was totally anonymous once more and only lasted 67 minutes.

Forest went ahead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past fit-again Liverpool keeper Alisson to subdue an already anxious Anfield.

Igor Jesus had a second ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their advantage 39 seconds after the break when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish in front of The Kop.

Liverpool could barely raise a response in a desperate display, Forest increasing their lead 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson.

It means Liverpool, who lie 11th before Saturday’s late fixture, have now lost six of their past seven Premier League games as Slot’s near £450m summer spending spree comes under further scrutiny.

Forest, meanwhile, are surging away from the relegation zone and are up to 16th.

Sports

Bundesliga: Oliseh Stars As Bayern Rebound To Thrash Freiburg

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

Michael Olise scored twice and provided a hat-trick of assists as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich came from two goals down to thrash Freiburg.

The visitors stunned the defending champions by taking a 2-0 lead after just 17 minutes when Yuito Suzuki scored from close range and Johan Manzambi rose highest to head home Jan-Niklas Beste’s corner.

Bayern, who had not lost in the league since March, responded superbly and had restored parity by half-time.

Teenager Lennart Karl fired into the bottom corner from Olise’s pass in the 22nd minute and set up the Frenchman for a fierce finish in first-half injury-time, although Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu should have done better.

Bayern took control in the second period as Dayot Upamecano headed home Olise’s corner to put them ahead for the first time.

England captain Harry Kane netted his 14th league goal of the campaign on the hour mark, before Olise made it three assists when he threaded a pass through for Nicolas Jackson to finish at the first time of asking in the 78th minute.

Winger Olise completed a sensational afternoon with his second of the game six minutes later, driving at the Freiburg defence and curling into the far corner.

A 10th victory in the first 11 games left Bayern eight points clear of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, while Freiburg remain 10th in the standings.

Vincent Kompany’s side visit Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday with both sides having a perfect record of four wins so far in the league phase of the competition.

AS FAR Morocco Win African Women’s Champions League (8)

AS FAR held firm to beat debutants ASEC Mimosas 2-1 in the African Women’s Champions League final and become continental champions for the second time.

Hanane Ait El Haj put the Moroccan club ahead from the penalty spot in the 13th minute after Safa Banouk had been tripped by Aboa Yapo.

ASEC Mimosas rallied after the break and Ami Priscal Diallo netted a fine header from Sopie Brou’s cross to drag the Ivory Coast club level 10 minutes into the second half.

But AS FAR were handed a second spot-kick in the closing stages when Noura Diarra committed a rash challenge on Sofia Bouftini.

This time it was Zineb Redouani who stepped up to stroke home in the 85th minute and restore her side’s lead.

Asastasie Gbehi came close to forcing extra time but she poked wide of the post in stoppage time, and the centre-back was sent off after the full-time whistle for dissent.

AS FAR move level with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns as two-time winners of the title, having first lifted the trophy in 2022.

The Rabat-based side will now take on Chinese’s Wuhan Jiangda on 14 December for a place at next year’s Fifa Women’s Champions Cup.

The winner of that match will face European champions Arsenal in the semi-finals of the inaugural competition early next year in London.