Sports

Ameobi Targets World Cup With Nigeria

Published

13 years ago

August 26, 2013

Newcastle striker, Shola
Ameobi has set his sights on playing for Nigeria at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
Ameobi is available again for Nigeria after the removal of a clause in his club contract that stopped him playing at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Capped only once, the 31-year-old is eager to make up for lost time.
“It would be incredible for me to represent Nigeria again. And to help them qualify for the World Cup would make it extra special,” he said.
Ameobi’s appearance for the Super Eagles came in a 3-1 friendly win over Venezuela in Miami, Florida in November 2012, in which he set up his side’s third goal and in the recent Mandel a challenge in South Africa.
The former England Under-21 international had one year earlier changed his international allegiance to the country of his birth.
But his Nigeria career failed to take off because of an agreement with his English Premier League side, one that he confirmed is no longer in effect.
He added: “My full focus is now on helping the Super Eagles to be successful.”
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is expected to call on Ameobi for September’s World Cup qualifier at home to Malawi – the final Group F match which NIgeria must not lose if they are to secure a final play-off spot for next eyar’s showpiece in Brazil.
Ameobi is desperate to make an impact.
“I’ve got to get into this incredibly talented team, make sure I give my best, show my experience and make a signifcant contribution”, he said.
“I made my (Nigeria) debut at 31, now here I am and hopefully my experience will enable me to develop at this level.
“Every player is looking to play at the World Cup. I think we’ve got every chance of qualifying, but we must fight and earn the right to be there.”
to secure a final play-off spot for next year’s showpiece in Brazil.
Ameobi is desperate to make an impact.
“I’ve got to get into this incredibly talented team, make sure I give my best, show my
experience and make a significant contribution,” he said.
“I made my (Nigeria) debut at 31, now here I am and hopefully my experience will enable me
to develop at this level.
“Every player is looking to play at the World Cup. I think we’ve got every chance of
qualifying, but we must fight and earn the right to be there.”

Sports

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

Published

7 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

7 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

14 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.