Sports
Coaches Hail Body For Safety Training
Some football coaches in
the FCT have in Abuja commended the Search and Groom Youth for Development Centre for organising the public safety integrative training on youth resilience.
Some of the coaches who spoke to the Tidesports in separate interviews in Abuja said the training was timely as it would help in disaster management.
The Chairman of FCT Coaches Association, Godwin Bamigboye, said the training was commendable because it had exposed them to other ways football can be useful outside competition.
“It is a very huge success and the purpose of the gathering is being achieved.
“We need to appreciate the Search and Groom Centre and Mifalot Education and Society Enterprises from Israel for putting the training together,” he said.
Bamigboye said football could be used to create relief in camps for disaster victims by engaging them in football and taking their minds away from problems.
“Coaches are ready to contribute their quota in humanitarian service by enlightening the youths on what they can do during emergency situations.
“We want to specifically contribute our quota in camps for internally displaced persons, especially when we have flood.
“If we are available to give them hope by teaching them the game of football, we will help to mitigate their suffering and they will be happy because we are giving them hope.
“Football can be used as an instrument of peace and development. It can be used as an instrument of unity to bring hope to the people,” he said.
Coach Ngozi Eze of FCT Queens Female FC said her assessment of the programme was high, stating that it was very commendable.
She said the three-day programme made much impact, and more time should be given for the training.
“What I learnt in the last edition has been implemented in my team, and this has helped a lot in managing the players,’’ Eze said.
She said the training should be held yearly and the days for it should be extended for greater result.
Coach Ibrahim Bako of Medical Strikers FC of Gwagwalada said the public safety training through football was a transfer of knowledge on how to manage some players in the club.
He said the training should be done regularly to make the coaches conversant with the programme.
Also, the coach of Bwari Football Academy, David Emmanuel, said the programme was a platform to unite people who have been displaced from crises by putting smiles on their faces.
“For me, organising it annually is not enough. It should be a frequent programme, it should be taking place regularly as a platform to engage the younger ones in football,’’ he said.
Coach Gambo Danlami of AMAC FC said the programme was a good programme for youths to learn about disaster management.
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,”
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.
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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