Sports
Coach Wants Firms, Banks To Invest In Sports
The Head Coach of Rivers United Football Academy of Port Harcourt, Sunny Iseokwehma has appealed to the Rivers State Government to set up a policy that will enable oil firms and banks to invest in sporting activities in the state.
Iseokwehma said that he was giving back the little experience he has gotten over the years as a player and administrator, adding that it was tasking duty to be a grassroots coach and impart knowledge into the future generation in terms of football.
The head coach said in an exclusive interview with Tidesports yesterday, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt in one of their training matches.
He stated that there were a lot of talented youth on the street that can become future stars for the state and the country, saying that everything should not be for government alone, churches, oil firms, private companies and banks should be involved in developing grassroots sports in the state.
According to him, in his tender age, companies do had teams in the state such as NNPC, NPA and Julius Berger but today nothing of that nature is in the state again.
“In Lagos State, companies still sponsor FA Cup tournaments but in Rivers State every sport activity is left for government. It is high time churches, companies and well-meaning individuals went into sports development in the state”, Iseokwehma said.
He explained that, the problem of grassroots sports development in the country is majorly finance, adding that some training pitches caused injuries to the players, and that when you are grooming players, there should be good environment for them.
“Government should refund taxes collected from oil firms that are involved in sporting activities in the state”, he said.
He equally blamed banks, churches and oil firms for not doing the needful.
“Like in Delta State, companies sponsor sports tournaments and other sporting events, but it is opposite in Rivers State”, he stated.
He noted that, coaching the academy for the two years has not been easy because some players did not even eat before coming to training, consequently, I spend my personal money to provide food for the children under my tutu lage.
Kiadum Edookor
The match, which ended 2-2 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday, March 28, was marred by a series of serious breaches. According to the NPFL, Bendel Insurance failed to provide adequate matchday security, which allowed unauthorised individuals to gain access to restricted areas within the stadium.
The situation deteriorated further after the final whistle. Supporters of the Benin-based club were found guilty of unsporting behaviour, and match officials were reportedly held hostage for 40 minutes in the aftermath of the game, a development the league described as a direct violation of football governance and safety standards.
Boboye was found guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed to be in breach of the league’s regulations on discipline and fair play.
In addition to the coach’s personal sanction, Bendel Insurance were fined five million naira for the various breaches, with the club also ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors.
The NPFL said the penalties reflected its commitment to maintaining order, professionalism and respect for match officials, particularly in high-pressure situations.
The suspension represents a significant blow to Bendel Insurance at a critical stage of the season, leaving the technical crew to manage upcoming fixtures without Boboye’s direct influence on the touchline. The closed-door order will also deprive the club of home support at the Ogbemudia Stadium, affecting both atmosphere and the financial returns from those matches.
Bendel Insurance retain the right to appeal the ruling through the appropriate NPFL disciplinary channels
According to reports, the accident happened while the club was travelling to Lagos for a Nigeria National League (NNL) fixture.
The club confirmed that the team bus lost control and tumbled near Asaba during the journey.
In a statement, Calabar Rovers said that the accident left several players, officials, and staff injured, with one player in critical condition receiving intensive medical care.
The club described the situation as “a painful moment,” adding that the injured are receiving the best possible treatment and support.
It stated that the welfare of the players remains its top priority during the period.
The club said it appreciates the prayers and urged fans to continue to keep the injured players in their thoughts.
The team was travelling for an away fixture against Sporting Lagos, which incidentally, had already been postponed indefinitely by the NNLboard due to the unavailability of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
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