Sports
Principal Solicit For Support On Sports Dev
Hon (Mrs) Kpakol Sister Levula (Left) presenting trophy to senior prefect girls and Green House Leader, Holy Rossary College, Nwibari Kobani during 5th edition of Inter-House Sports competition of the college last Friday at the college premises. Pix: Nwiueh Donatus Ken
The principal of Holy Ro
sary College, Port Harcourt, Bar Vero Efika, has solicited for the support of parents, guardians and old Girls of the school, as towards acquiring well as philanthropists in securing the school’s sporting facilities to engage the students meaningfully.
Efika, who made the appeal at the school’s 5th Inter-House Sports competition held at the weekend said, “we need you to partner with us for the proper development of these children, intellectually, physically and morally”.
She stated that the highest function of education is to turn out the best integrated individual who is capable of dealing with life as a whole.
“It is the Holy Rosary College standard that emphasis be given towards meeting the demands of the three domains with emphasis on character formation and discipline. A child with good character and discipline is well equipped to face any intellectual challenges”, said the principal.
The principal urged parents to view sports beyond entertainment and improvement of the physical well being but to also consider the exposure it gives as well as the enormous wealth it helps the individual to generate.
Mrs Levula Kpakol, emphasized on the need for the involvement of private investors in the nation’s sports development noting that Nolly wood and Beauty Peagents have got to the height in Nigeria today because of the wonderful impact of private investors.
Kpakol who was mother of the Day at the evet said the best way to get the champions of tomorrow is embark on vigorous talent hunt in the schools and community, sports competitions where they abound.
She called on the Rivers State Government to consider the presence of Sports facilities in the private schools before they are given approved to operate since the absence of sports would not guarantee the total upbringing of a child.
The mother of the day, lauded parents for their growing interest in allowing their children and wards to participate in sporting and extra curriculum activities stressing that some people have become world heroes today because of their talents in sports.
“If a child is not good here, it does not mean that such a child is totally useless because she can as well be good in other areas,” she stated.
The Admins secretary, Catholic Education Board, Mrs Josephine Ogolo, said that the importance of sports development cannot be over emphasized in scheme of things in Catholic schools, and pointed out that sports is like a tradition which the Catholic schools participate with passion.
Ogolo maintained that apart from school inter-house competitions, the Board also organizes Catholic Children Day and Zonal Sport meets to allow the students express their sports prowess.
At the end of the competition, White House emerged the overall best with 75 points, while Blue House and Green House came second and third with 73 points and 62 points respectively.
Chris Oluoh
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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