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

Inter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie

Published

3 hours ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, has said that inter-house sports competition was mainly to discover talents from the grassroots.

According to him, over the years, inter-house sports competition has remained a defining platform for building resilience, confidence, and unity among the students.

Real Admiral Okehie was represented by the executive officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Navy Captain Muhammad Umar, who said this last Saturday during the 20th Annual Inter-House Sports Competition at the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt.

He commended the parents and guardians for their sustained trust and partnership, saying that their unique cooperation remains indispensable to the growth of the students and the steady progress of the institution.

He further lauded the hard-working commandant of the school, Navy Captain Chinomso Omezurike, for highlighting the importance of vocational education and entrepreneurial development in the practical skills acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme for the senior secondary three students.

Also speaking, the Commandant of the school, Captain Omezurike, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government, as they have built some facilities in the school.

“We specially express our profound gratitude to the State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for his visionary leadership and love for the school.”

“This event is not merely a sports gathering, but it represents a strategic investment in youth development.

“Sports remain one of the most effective instruments for sharpening character, promoting discipline, and fostering unity among young people,” he said.

“Thus, competitions such as this adequately prepare students, not only for academic success but also for life’s challenges.

Captain Omezuruike used the opportunity to thank her staff for good work and dedication to duty and expressed appreciation to the parents.

The vice-chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Barr. Anthon Wamah, also commended the excellent performance of the commandant of the school.

By: Kiadum Edookor

Sports

Yenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon

Published

3 hours ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

All is now set for the maiden edition of the Yenagoa City International 10KM Race, a landmark sporting event designed to position Bayelsa State as a destination for global sports tourism.

The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.

Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.

According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.

The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.

To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.

The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.

Sports

NSC rewards Ogun State Athlete N3m

Published

10 hours ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

Director General of National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopde celebrates with the athetes

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.

The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.

Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.

Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.

“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.

He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.