Coaches Laud Initiative Of CBN Tennis Championships

Published

14 years ago

March 15, 2012

Coaches at the 2012 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Junior Tennis Championships in Lagos have lauded the organisers, saying the tournament will enhance development of young players in the country.

In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, the coaches commended the consistency of the CBN in organising the championships for the past six years.

Patrick Obebor, the coach of the University of Lagos, said that the competition had been instrumental to the growth of the sport in the country.

“I give kudos to the organisers for having thought of bringing the game down to the grassroots, as this will help in bringing out future stars.

“The only way to see a tennis star rise to the top is through this medium where he or she goes through the basic training of the sport and learns to become a good player,’’ Obebor said.

Enugu-based Emmanuel Eze, a parent of two of the participants, said that he was impressed with the organisation of the championship and the standard of play.

According to him, the championships are paving the way for Nigeria to produce world tennis stars.

“I am short of words and I praise the organisers for putting up such a programme whereby the young ones can be developed through competitions.

“We have been longing to see a programme like this, and I am glad that the organisers took it upon themselves to develop the skills of these young ones.

“Overall, it is good for the young ones who can play the game to use it as an avenue to express themselves in sports,’’ Eze said.

Akinogun Michael, an Ogun State coach, said that his players had improved in the game as a result of the exposure in the competition.

Michael said that following the improvement noticed in some of his players who featured in previous competitions, he registered some debutants to feature in the 2012 edition.

“I am happy and I commend the organisers. The championships have helped improved on my players who are currently in the quarter final stage.

“This is one grassroots programme that will produce world tennis stars in the nearest future,’’ he said.

RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball

Published

11 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Government has pledged to provide training pitch for Baseball in the State.

The Director of Sports in Rivers State Sports Council, Obia Inyengiyikabo made pledge on Tuesday in an interview with sports journalists shortly after the five days Intensive Capacity Development Course For Baseball Coaches.

Inyengiyikabo said the State Government has given priority to sport development.

” Yes we are happy for the five days Intensive Capacity development programme for baseball coaches in Nigeria.Sure by the grace of God the Governor of the State Sir Siminialayi Fubara will provide Baseball pitch.

” This programme, I am sure will be an eye opener for our youth to fall in love with the game. I appreciate the Global Sports Partners for finding Rivers State worthy host the programme”, Inyengiyikabo stated.

Meanwhile the Director of Global Sports Partner’s Coach Justin Rhondes from United States of America ( USA) expressed joy for the turnout.

He stated that seeing the coaches and players impressive turnout was indication the game was popular in Nigeria.

” We Global Sports Partners, our key word is partner, so for us we are ready to come back to Nigeria any time.

“The few days we have stayed Coaches and players has benefited a lot from the programme”, he said.

Kiadum Edookor

Sports

CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo

Published

12 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt contingent, comprising players, technical crew, backroom staff, and officials, depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State on Wednesday, bound for Kinshasa, DR Congo.

The team is set to face FC Les Aigles du Congo in the first-round first-leg match of the CAF Champions League.

This was contained in a press release signed by the media officer of the club, Charles Mayuku and made available to Tidesports on Wednesday.

He said that the highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the 80,000-capacity Kinshasa-Complexe Omnisports Stade des Martyrs on morrow with kickoff slated for 3:30pm.

According to the statement the encounter marks the first-ever meeting between both sides in any competition, adding that an air of excitement and unpredictability to the fixture.

“As the Pride of Nigeria embarks on this crucial journey, the team is determined to return with a decent result that will set them up favorably for the second leg on Sunday, 28th September” the statement said.

Sports

FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa

Published

12 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped one place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, falling from 44th to 45th globally while maintaining sixth position on the African continent.

The new rankings, released via FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, reflect the team’s continued struggles under Coach Eric Chelle amid a stuttering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

This marks a second consecutive decline after the Nigerian side dropped from 43rd to 44th in August on the back of poor outings in recent international matches.

Despite Nigeria’s setback, several African teams made progress. Morocco remains the continent’s highest-ranked side, sitting 11th in the world after winning eight of their last nine matches. Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire complete Africa’s top five.

Lesotho slipped to 153rd place, while Benin Republic, Nigeria’s upcoming opponent, climbed to 93rd. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in June, rose to 55th, strengthening their bid for World Cup qualification.

Zimbabwe had the biggest slide down the ranking table, dropping nine places to 125th position in the world.

The rankings highlight Nigeria’s struggle to regain form on the global stage as key rivals continue to surge ahead.

Similarly, the Super Falcons of Nigeria remain 36th best in the world], while the Spanish female national team replaced the USA at the top of the women’s ranking.