Sports
Rivers Angels Retire Federation Cup Trophy …Enyimba Douses Wolves’ Ambition
Rivers state darling football
club, Rivers Angels FC last Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos won the women’s 2013 Federation Cup title, courtesy of a commanding 3-0 victory over Nasarawa Amazons.
The victory marked the fourth time, the third on the trot the Angels would be winning the title after triumphing in 2011and 2012. As a result, they have now won the trophy for keeps.
The women’s final kicked off a memorable 68th edition of the Federation Cup which also had Enyimba International FC of Aba contesting the men’s version against Warri Wolves of Delta state.
Apparently motivated by a pre-match pep talk by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Mrs Comfort Nwihioka, which assured them that the government and people of Rivers State were behind them, and Governor Amaechi’s commitment to rewarding success, the Angels turned on the style to rout the Amazons.
A final that kicked off with a promise of a keen contest, owing to the Amazons’ initial enterprise tapered to a one- sided affair after Gloria Ofoegbu put the Angels ahead in the 45th minute.
On resumption of the second half, Angels further proved their class by dominating proceedings. Elizabeth Addo made it 2-0 in the 58th minute to take the game beyond their opponents, while Ofoegbu grabbed her brace and Angels’ third goal in the 82nd minute to throw their camp into celebration.
In the men’s final, it was a perfect advertisement for Nigerian domestic football as Enyimba and Wolves lived up to their pre- match hype. Both clubs played exquisite football to the admiration of the spectators.
In deed, the final promised to be an attraction as supporters of the clubs struggled to out do each other in colourful demonstration of support for their respective teams. As hostilities began, it was Enyimba that that thrilled with good possession and flair. Warri Wolves, however took the lead in each half, only for the Peoples Elephant(Enyimba) to draw level twice to take the game to penalty shootout.
The ensued shootout saw Super Eagles defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe miss his kick to hand the title to Enyimba 4-5 on penalties.
While Enyimba and their fans celebrated with the usual Enyimba – Enyi song, Wolves’ players mourned the loss of mouth watering largesse, one 2013 toyota Avensis car, each player and two weeks all expenses paid tour of France and one million naira per goal, promised them by the Delta state government.
Other highlights of the final were the honour and recognition given to some of the veterans of the Federation Cup, Muda Lawal, Amusa Shittu, Paul Hamilton, Sebastian Brodericks-Imasuen,Jossy Dombraye,Joe Erico, Toyin Ayinla, Stanley Eguma, Dominc Iorfa and Walter Oyatogun, and the unveiling of the media tribune dedicated to late commentators, Chief Ishola Folorunsho and Ernest Okonkwo by Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola.
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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