Sports

Pillars Outclass Hoopers To Top Group B

Published

9 years ago

June 24, 2016

Rivers Hoopers on
Wednesday lost their last group game to all conquering Kano Pillars 83-62 to finish runners up of Group B of the DSTV Basketball League Final 8 Play offs.
Ronald Alalibo scored 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist while Somtochukwu Managor added 11 points and 4 rebounds in a game that was purely academical with both teams having already qualified for the last four.
The Port Harcourt side had a better and competitive first half performance, taking the lead in the first quarter (16-15) but later lost the second quarter (31-36).
The second half of the game was however one way traffic, as Pillars showed their level of experience blowing away Hoopers with their 3 point shots and forcing them to make a total of 31 turnovers in the entire game.
Thursday is being observed as rest day for the four semifinalists while the classification games will be on. On resumption of play today, Rivers Hoopers will face Nigeria Customs for a place in the final of the 2015/2016 DSTV Basketball League.
After the game, Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu said he is proud of his team inspite of the loss to Pillars.
“Generally I think my boys did very well but experience started to count for Pillars in the second half and they wore us down quickly from the third quarter,”Odaudu explained.
He further added that, “We are going to do a lot of work in all aspects of our game ahead of our semifinal game against Customs today. I am hopeful we will have a good game and hopefully get a continental spot back to Port Harcourt.”
On his part, Pillars coach Sanni Ahmed was excited with the victory over Hoopers.
“First of all I thank God for the victory and the players have played their hearts out and their morale is high because their allowances, salaries are paid when due. Every support needed is given by the state government and the executive chairman of the Kano sports commission. Also the team have been together for a long time and that’s why the consistency is in the team. “said Ahmed.
Full results
Group A
Plateau Peaks 52-62 Kwara Falcons
Customs 57-51 Niger Potters
Group B
Kano Pillars 83-62 Rivers Hoopers
Gombe Bulls 73-61 Oluyole Warriors
Semifinal pairings
Kano Pillars v Kwara Falcons
Rivers Hoopers v Nigeria Customs

Sports

RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball

Published

15 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Government has pledged to provide training pitch for Baseball in the State.

The Director of Sports in Rivers State Sports Council, Obia Inyengiyikabo made pledge on Tuesday in an interview with sports journalists shortly after the five days Intensive Capacity Development Course For Baseball Coaches.

Inyengiyikabo said the State Government has given priority to sport development.

” Yes we are happy for the five days Intensive Capacity development programme for baseball coaches in Nigeria.Sure by the grace of God the Governor of the State Sir Siminialayi Fubara will provide Baseball pitch.

” This programme, I am sure will be an eye opener for our youth to fall in love with the game. I appreciate the Global Sports Partners for finding Rivers State worthy host the programme”, Inyengiyikabo stated.

Meanwhile the Director of Global Sports Partner’s Coach Justin Rhondes from United States of America ( USA) expressed joy for the turnout.

He stated that seeing the coaches and players impressive turnout was indication the game was popular in Nigeria.

” We Global Sports Partners, our key word is partner, so for us we are ready to come back to Nigeria any time.

“The few days we have stayed Coaches and players has benefited a lot from the programme”, he said.

Kiadum Edookor

Sports

CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo

Published

16 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt contingent, comprising players, technical crew, backroom staff, and officials, depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State on Wednesday, bound for Kinshasa, DR Congo.

The team is set to face FC Les Aigles du Congo in the first-round first-leg match of the CAF Champions League.

This was contained in a press release signed by the media officer of the club, Charles Mayuku and made available to Tidesports on Wednesday.

He said that the highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the 80,000-capacity Kinshasa-Complexe Omnisports Stade des Martyrs on morrow with kickoff slated for 3:30pm.

According to the statement the encounter marks the first-ever meeting between both sides in any competition, adding that an air of excitement and unpredictability to the fixture.

“As the Pride of Nigeria embarks on this crucial journey, the team is determined to return with a decent result that will set them up favorably for the second leg on Sunday, 28th September” the statement said.

Sports

FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa

Published

16 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped one place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, falling from 44th to 45th globally while maintaining sixth position on the African continent.

The new rankings, released via FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, reflect the team’s continued struggles under Coach Eric Chelle amid a stuttering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

This marks a second consecutive decline after the Nigerian side dropped from 43rd to 44th in August on the back of poor outings in recent international matches.

Despite Nigeria’s setback, several African teams made progress. Morocco remains the continent’s highest-ranked side, sitting 11th in the world after winning eight of their last nine matches. Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire complete Africa’s top five.

Lesotho slipped to 153rd place, while Benin Republic, Nigeria’s upcoming opponent, climbed to 93rd. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in June, rose to 55th, strengthening their bid for World Cup qualification.

Zimbabwe had the biggest slide down the ranking table, dropping nine places to 125th position in the world.

The rankings highlight Nigeria’s struggle to regain form on the global stage as key rivals continue to surge ahead.

Similarly, the Super Falcons of Nigeria remain 36th best in the world], while the Spanish female national team replaced the USA at the top of the women’s ranking.