Sports

FIFA Ban Looms Over Nigeria, Again

Published

12 years ago

August 25, 2014

Nigerian football risks
another international ban only two months after FIFA suspended the country following direct interference by government in the game.
This latest ban would mean Nigeria forfeiting their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo and South Africa early next month.
The world football governing body has approved for a Nigeria Football Federation NFF general assembly for Warri tomorrow.
But in yet another flagrant interference by government, the sports minister, Tammy Danagogo, has allegedly ordered for elections into the executive committee of the football federation same day in Abuja.
Tidesports gathered that FIFA is likely to further clarify their position on the latest crisis that has engulfed Nigerian football today ahead of the congress in Warri.
In a bid for a peaceful resolution to the latest conflict, the secretary to the federal government (SGF), Pius Anyim, had “suggested” that the polls be conducted tomorrow, but he could not readily come up with an acceptable venue for this.
However, further consultations have now made Anyim, himself a qualified lawyer, to know his suggestion would be in clear breach of NFF statutes as well as an open defiance to FIFA order.
Former NFF vice-president Amanze Uchegbulam, who is also vice-chairman of the CAF appeals committee, told the SGF he will not be a party to the sham insisted on by the sports minister.
“Even if I’m finally given nomination form for the elections, I will not be part of any exercise in Abuja as it is an exercise in futility. It cannot stand the test of the time,” he argued.
Chairman committee on sports of the House of Representatives, Godfrey Gaiya, said yesterday in Kaduna that elections cannot take place in Abuja tomorrow because it did not follow laid down rules and procedures.
In a strongly-worded open letter to the sports minister, former Kano Pillars chairman Abba Yola warned litigations will follow any elections in Abuja tomorrow.
But on Saturday, controversial electoral committee chairman Amoni Biambo raised the ante when he invited congress delegates via email to the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja for the elections tomorrow.
Biambo clearly overstepped his bounds as only the president of the NFF, Aminu Maigari, is empowered to do so.
The elections must also be observed by representatives of FIFA, CAF and WAFU, and FIFA has already announced their observer will only attend the polls as ordered by the congress in Warri tomorrow.
Tidesports sources further gathered that the confusion that has now enveloped Nigerian football is being fueled by the “crazed desperation” of a particular NFF presidential candidate, who has compromised top government officials with cash and promises of appointments in the NFF.
In one of the meetings with Anyim, one of the top-ranked sports ministry officials openly alleged that this particular candidate had compromised some of those charged with organising the polls.

Sports

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

Published

12 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

12 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

12 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