Sports

NFF Congratulates Mikel Over UEFA Champions League Triumph

Published

14 years ago

May 21, 2012

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has
congratulated Nigeria’s international midfielder, John Mikel Obi, over the UEFA
Champions League victory.

Obi’s club, the English Premiership team,
Chelsa defeated the Germany’s Bayern Munich in Saturday’s finals, 4-3 on
penalties to wrestle the trophy for the first time ever.

A statement, signed by Ademola Olajire,
Chief Media Officer of NFF, quotes the federation’s President, Alhaji Aminu
Maigari as describing Obi as a pride to the Nigerian nation, not only for his
club’s victory but also for personal commitment and high performance in the
campaign.

It said: “We are all very proud of Mikel
Obi and we congratulate him for this sweet victory.

More gladdening is the fact that he was not
a docile member of the team or a bench-warmer.

“He was very active and played his part
brilliantly in ensuring a magnificent triumph for Chelsea.

“The whole nation should praise the young
man. He fought hard and showed dedication all through the campaign and in the
process, lifted our country’s name high in international football”.

Meanwhile, several hundreds of Chelsea fans
trooped to the streets of Port Harcourt in celebration Saturday night moments
after the Blues’ penalty shout out victory over Bayern Munich.

From the Egbelu,/Wofe and Rumuokwuta axis
of the City, Chelsea fans were seen in their numbers singing and drinking.

Shouts of Blues for life’, ‘the Sky is
blue’ and Coach Di Matteo for Stamford Bridge filled the air.

Drinking joints, were busy making sales as
the fans called for cartons and creates of drinks. Bonifires, broken bottles
and sound of explosion were also evident as the fans celebrated.

One of the fans, Augustus Ajere described
the victory as pre-destined. He admitted
that the Bayern Munich was the better
team, but just like against
Barcelona in the semi final, desting saw Chelsea overcome the Germans in their
own stadium.

For Alphonsus Afulike, it did not matter
how Chelsea won. He was in cloud nine
and according to him, Chelsea has joined the European Champions exclusive clubs
after winning the title for the first time.

“It has been an obsession with the club and
now that we have won it, the colour is blue in Europe”, he said.

There were reports of huge celebrations by
the fans in Diobu and old township of the city.

The President of the Brothers Sports Club
of Nigeria, Mr Chinedu Ezenwa, in Lagos, attributed Chelsea’s FC victory in the
finals of the UEFA Champions League to its African contingent.

Ezenwa said yesterday that all the African
players who played in the match did the continent proud.

“I am so proud of the handiwork of the
African players in the team led by Drogba who scored the equalizing goal and
the winning penalty kick.

“Drogba was indeed the man of the match”.

Sports

Enekwechi wins Orlen Cup in season opener

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi began his 2026 season with victory at the Orlen Cup in ?ód?, producing a dominant 20.82m throw to win the men’s shot put at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver meeting in Poland, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Africa record holder finished ahead of Romania’s Andrei Toader, who placed second with 20.55m, while Serbia’s Armin Sinan?evi? took third on 19.93m.

Poland’s Szymon Mazur, the best-placed home athlete, finished fourth with 19.69m, with Italy’s Nick Ponzio completing the top five on 19.58m.

The rest of the field was headed by Piotr Go?dziewicz (18.02m), Jakub Korejba (17.55m), Wojciech Marok (17.48m), Damian Rodziak (17.23m) and Ukraine’s Maksym Lebediuk (15.75m).

Enekwechi’s winning mark gave him a clear margin over the field and underlined his status as one of world’s leading throwers, as he laid down an early marker for the new campaign in his traditional season-opening competition.

The result also marked an improvement shift in his Orlen Cup history. This was his third consecutive appearance at the meeting and his third straight season opener with the event, having previously finished second in 2024 with 21.14m and again in 2025 with 20.88m.

On this occasion, he converted consistency into victory, finally standing on the top step of the podium in ?ód?.

Enekwechi is the reigning two-time African champion in the shot put, a silver medallist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a two-time African Games champion, having won titles in 2019 and 2023.

His performance in Poland continues a career trajectory that has established him as Nigeria’s leading figure in the event and one of the continent’s most reliable performers on the global circuit.

The women’s competition at the meeting was won by Poland’s Zuzanna Ma?lana.

With the 2026 season now under way, Enekwechi’s opening victory at the Orlen Cup sets an early tone for the year ahead, as he builds momentum towards major continental and international championships.

The next edition of the Orlen Cup is scheduled to take place in ?ód? in February 2027.

Sports

Simba open Nwabali talks

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Tanzanian giants Simba have opened discussions over a potential move for Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as they look to reinforce their squad following an injury to first-choice shot-stopper Moussa Camara, Tidesports source reports.

The 29-year-old, who plays for South Africa Premiership side Chippa United, is in the final six months of his contract and is eligible to enter pre-contract negotiations with foreign clubs.

Foot Africa reported that Simba are exploring the possibility of bringing Nwabali to Dar es Salaam either during the current window or on a free transfer at the end of the season, although no agreement has been reached.

“Sources have indicated that Simba are in active talks with the player’s camp in a bid to lure him to Dar es Salaam in the ongoing window or on a free transfer – but no agreement reached,” Foot Africa reported.

Simba’s interest has been accelerated by Camara’s knee injury, which prompted the club to move quickly to sign Mahamadou Tanja Kassila from Niger’s AS FAN.

The club are reportedly considering deregistering Camara to accommodate the new foreign signing, a situation that has frustrated the Guinea international, who has asked for the remaining six months of his contract to be terminated.

In their search for a longer-term solution, Simba identified Nwabali as a prime target, although formal negotiations with his club have yet to begin.

“Simba identified Nwabali as the ideal successor to Camara, but the club is yet to submit a formal bid to Chippa United, who are open to offers,” Foot Africa added.

Nwabali’s profile has continued to rise following his performances for Nigeria, most notably at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he kept four clean sheets in seven matches as the Super Eagles secured a bronze medal.

Sports

Falconets, Senegalese Lionesses arrive Ibadan for qualifier

Published

3 days ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Oyo State is set to return to the continental football spotlight as it prepares to host Nigeria’s Falconets in a crucial 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Senegal’s Lioness of Teranga.

The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. The Oyo State Government said the state was selected for the fixture following its successful hosting of a previous Falconets’ qualifier, further underlining its growing profile as a destination for international sporting events.

In a statement on Monday Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, confirmed that preparations were in top gear to ensure a hitch-free match. She said the choice of Oyo State as host was a reflection of confidence in the state’s sporting infrastructure, organisational competence and security architecture.

She recalled the emphatic victory recorded by the Falconets against Rwanda at the same venue last year, describing the match as a testament to the state’s readiness to stage major sporting events.

“The successful hosting of the Falconets against Rwanda showcased Oyo State’s world-class facilities and our capacity to organise international fixtures that meet global standards,” Adegoke said. “The Lekan Salami Stadium has continued to serve as a fortress for our national teams, and we are confident the Falconets will once again make the nation proud.”

Adegoke also disclosed that the Falconets are expected to arrive in Ibadan today ahead of the qualifier, to allow ample time for acclimatisation and final preparations. She added that the team would enjoy full logistical support from the state throughout their stay.

The Falconets, who reached the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup in Japan 14 years ago, will go into the last round of the qualifying series if they win this encounter, to confront the winner of the Guinea-Bissau/Malawi fixture, for one of Africa’s four tickets at the final tournament.

The 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in Poland, from September 5 to 27, 2026.