Sports
Amaechi Tasks Dolphins, Rivers Angels On More Trophies
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi has rewarded state owned clubs,Dolphins and Angels Football clubs for winning the 2010/2011 Nigeria Premier League and the female Federation Cup titles, respectively, while urging them to win more titles in order to get more rewards in the future.
Speaking at a special reception and award giving ceremony at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, the Governor said he has achieved in spurring the two teams to victory.
“You remember when you came with Sharks and we gave Sharks a car’’, Amaechi recalled ,” all of you were very unhappy going home without a car and I told you that if you wanted a car go and win a trophy and come. So it wasn’t upto a year you won a trophy, so congratulations.’’
In the same vein, the Governor lauded Rivers Angels pointing out that the female team has been exceptional and has remained in the national lime light of the female football adding,” it is good that you remain there and continue to enroll as many women, or as many girls as possible who will hold the national position in the female league’’.
He announced a Ford Saloon car gift to both the players and the coaches, while donating a cash gift of N1million to the coaches and N500,000 to each of the players, assuring that government will continue to reciprocate hardwork from its sportsmen.
However, Governor Amaechi challenged Dolphins to win this year’s league,” I hope you will climb the league…currently I hear that Dolphins is in the third position…even it is one point the man who has one point high and above Doplhin will have won the league. So why not remain on top of the league so you win the trophy’’.
Earlier, Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Fred Igwe said the gesture is in fulfillment of the Governor’s pledge to the players during his last visit to their camp.
He said that Dolphis has won many trophies in the past, while stressing that,” Since we took over from Eagle Cement it has been one trophy or the other’’.
Also, he noted that Rivers Angels have remained outstanding in the female league,” one remarkable thing about the team is that about 21 of our Rivers Angels players contitute the national female teams ‘’.
Responding on behalf of the coaches and players, coach of Dolphins Football Club, Mr. Stanley Eguma expressed joy and fulfillment over the gesture,” Your Execellency you have matched your words with action and we will work harder to win more trophies in the state’’.
While praising the Commissioner in addressing the welfare of players, Mr. Eguma solicited further governments assistance to the club by providing a bus to convey its Supporters Club to match venues.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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