Nigerians Praise Rating Of NPL By IFHHS

Published

14 years ago

July 23, 2012

It was with mixed reactions that soccer buffs in Nigeria welcomed the rating of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) as the strongest in Africa.

The International Federation History and Statistics (IFHHS) in a recent report ranked the league as number one in Africa and 24th worldwide.

While some noted that it had properly situated the position of the league in Africa, others said that it left gaps which the organisers could work on to put it among the top 20 best leagues.

Spokesman for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ademola Olajire said that the federation was happy with the rating.

“We are happy that the little we are doing is being appreciated; it means that we have to strive to make it bigger,’’ he said.

Mitchell Obi, the Vice-Chairman of Mastersports International, a Lagos-based sports marketing outfit, said the rating merely showed the NPL as the most competitive in Africa.

He said that from the current placement on the league table, it was obvious that the competition among the top five teams in the league had been tough.

“Even the previous champions, Enyimba is not certain of their final placing.

“The current league leaders are also uncertain of the eventual outcome of the league as they are locked in a tough competition to win the league.

“Indeed, any mistakes among them can trigger drastic changes in position among the top five frontrunners,’’ he said.

However, Obi said that the rating had not really added real value to the league.

“There are a lot to be done to improve the quality and content of the league; it is not yet paying its way.

“The league has yet to attract sponsors; it has yet to fill the spectator stands. It should be able to have good commercial padding as well as offer a variety to the viewing public,’’ he said.

Obi said that the league should also be in a position to provide a retirement opportunity for the country’s top flight players after their careers in big leagues abroad.

He contended that the only good thing about the league was that it was now being played in quality pitches across the country, with a measure of quality officiating.

“There is some hope for improvements in future,’’ he said.

Joe Erico, a former Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles, described the rating as a plus to the NPL as they were achieving what they set out to do.

“Our league is one of the best in Africa, no doubt about that. I am not surprised that we are rated as the strongest; we are very passionate about the sport and we try to make the best out of it.

“We pray that we grow from strength to strength, and one day we will be rated one of the best in the world.

“I would say here that we should work more on the day to day running of the league as it would help us to improve in our performance,’’ he said.

The General Manager of 3SC of Ibadan, MutiuAdepoju, said that the NPL’s ranking as the most competitive was a good encouragement to strive for the best.

“This goes a long way to show that the league is strong, and we should continue to strive for the best and not relent in our efforts.

“But we still need to improve in our performance, most especially in the African Championships and other major events,’’ he said.

Tinubu Declares Para Games Open… Expresses Commitment To Continually Develop Sports

Published

14 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

It was another colorful opening ceremony at the third edition of the National Para Games, holding in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.

The Moshoodi Abiola National Stadium was colorfully decorated to suit the event; there were cultural dances and acrobatic displays to activate the spirit of sportsmanship, love, and unity.

Again, the match past event expresses that there is ability in disability; it rekindled friendship and hope in them.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu expressed commitment to support sports in all ramifications continually.

According to him, the aim of the competition is to promote unity and discover talents that can represent the country at an international level.

President Tinubu, who was represented by the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, emphasised that every sport will be given adequate attention.

“This administration’s commitment is to ensure equal opportunities for all sports in the country.

” We urged participating states to use the event to demonstrate the spirit of togetherness, mutual respect, and service to humanity,” Tinubu said.

Also speaking, Rivers State Director of Sports Obia Inyingikabo used the forum to express her profound gratitude to the Governor of the state, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for graciously approving and releasing funds to enable the state para team to attend the games.

She stated that the governor has made a significant impact on sports development in the state and also expressed confidence that the team would make a statement in the competition.

By: Tonye Orabere

Sports

Red House shines At CSS Obete Ndoki 10th Interhouse sports

Published

14 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Community Junior Secondary School, Obete, Ndoki in Obigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State last week held their 10th edition of the school’s Annual Inter-House Sports Competition. It was a display of variety of sporting engagement and competition that saw the Red House emerging winners at the end of proceedings.

Green House came second, while the Yellow house finished third.

Meanwhile, the Principal of the school Obete Ndoki Mr Amaechi Ifeanyi has decried the poor infrastructural facilities at the school.

Speaking with newsmen,he said the school with a total student population of 170 has no classrooms, science laboratories and teachers.

The principal listed the challenges of the school to include, poor learning environment classrooms, office and staff room, lack of sports equipment, lack of school bus and others.

He listed some achievements of the school to include reconstruction of 30 pieces of desks, and reconstruction of staff office.

The principal stressed the need for the government to come to the aide of the school, adding students sit under dilapidation roof and trees to learn.

Speaking on the interhouse sports, Ifeanyi said the school has produced a lot of sports men and women in the past, stressing that the school is talented future footballers and Athletes who will one day make the nation proud of discover early.

“Today we are here to celebrate our illustrious children the builders of tomorrow, this competition is to create awareness to our children to understand the society requirements to sustain their future living

“I will also draw the minds of parents to the spirit of sportsmanship in their respective houses by forgiving one another to help all grow better in our community irrespective of the degree of offence and challenges “he said.

The event also featured awards to distinguish personalities who retired from the school.

Sports

Yellow House Wins Dinada Academy Inter-House Sports Competiton

Published

14 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The yellow house on Thursday scored 182 points to emerge as champions of the first annual inter-house sports competition of the Dinada Academy Nursery and Primary School in Port Harcourt.

The competition, which was held at the number six field of Old Port Harcourt Township, saw the Blue house come second with 164 points, as the Green house occupied the third position with 158 points.

In his opening address, the chairman of the occasion

Alalibo Kingsley encourages the children to use the inter-house competition as a means of developing different sporting activities.

Kingsley, who was represented by Frank Kabolo, said sport is currently one of the best ways of earning income, adding that it is important to key into sports at an early age.

The chairman commended the proprietress of the academy, Mrs Ibiene Josiah, and the staff of the academy for organising its first annual inter-house.

“Today I want to commend the proprietress of the academy, Mrs Josiah, and the staff for the knowledge they have imparted to the children.

“As you can see, the children are very happy, as sports bring joy unity, and love to the society,” Alalibo said.

Also speaking was the proprietress of the academy, Mrs Josiah, who thanked the staff and management of Dinada Academy and also expressed her profound gratitude to parents and guardians for their contributions and cooperation towards the successful inter-house competition.

“It is indeed a day to remember in the history of Dinada Academy.” We started the journey together, and God, in his provision, supplied all that was required in achieving our desired goals.

“I appreciate the management, parents, and guardians for giving us a day like this to remember in years to come.

“We pray as you journey back to your respective destinations God will grant you journey mercy,” she prayed.

By: Kiadum Edookor