Sports
ICAN Set For Return Match, Suffers 2-1 Loss
The institute of Charter Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Port Harcourt District, has promised a return match to their professional counterpart, Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), after suffering a 2-1 defeat in a novelty match between the female wings of the bodies in Port Harcourt.
The chairman of ICAN, Princewill U. Elendu in his address shortly after the match said the defeat was due to the short notice of the invitation and to compensate their friends on their programme “South-south zonal Human Resources conference,” hosted by the Rivers State branch of CIPM.
“The notice was very short, our ladies tried to have played like this without training. We will go home, train and come back for a return match”, he said, adding the need for other professional bodies to borrow a leaf from CIPM.
The match which kicked off at about 4:30pm at Shell residential area football pitch saw the two teams showcasing strength which paid-off for the host team as Mrs Helen Ofor initiated a pass from Chinenye Ezeji to launch the first goal for CIPM, five minutes into the match.
The host maintained the pressure which resulted into an own goal increasing CIPM score line to 2-0 till the end of the first half.
In the second half, the ICAN team regained their confidence and fought like a wounded lion which paid off as Helen Irobuise launched the 1st goal for ICAN 15 minutes into the 2nd Half bringing the score line to 2-1 till the end of the match.
Speaking in an interview with Tidesports, the first goal scorer for CIPM, Mrs Helen Ofor said the match was very eventful and fun, stating that the match has provided a professional bond and friendship network between the two groups.
ICAN team coach, who is the Vice chairman of Port Harcourt & District Society, Mr Philips Ezeh commended his team for a good outing, adding that with this type of performance the ladies can go places when fully prepared.
In his address, the chairman of CIPM, Rivers State branch, Mr Henry Unuakpor commended ICAN for honouring their invitation and releasing their women to play the novelty match, adding that the match marked the beginning of their programme themed; “HR: inside-out”
CIPM chain noted that the programme which has a week-long activities would climax on September 6th in Port Harcourt, adding that the football match between the two professional bodies was a good take-off.
The highlight of the event was the decoration of the players with medals and the participation award to ICAN.
As the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters its decisive stretch, the presence of the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onos Oborevwori, on Sunday inspired Warri Wolves to a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Plateau United at the Ozoro Township Stadium.
After 36 matches, Rangers International of Enugu lead the standings with 62 points, one ahead of Rivers United, while Shooting Stars of Ibadan sit third with 57 points.
With just two matchdays remaining, the 2025/2026 campaign has been one of the most intense and competitive seasons in recent years. Teams have gone head-to-head in a fierce battle for the title, continental slots, and survival, with several clubs fighting to avoid relegation.
For Warri Wolves—who only recently returned to the top flight after relegation—the season has been a mix of highs and lows. As the campaign nears its conclusion, the Delta State-owned side is pushing to finish strongly.
At the weekend, they took a significant step toward that goal with a narrow win over Plateau United. The victory was buoyed by strong support from Oborevwori, who was pitchside offering encouragement and motivation throughout the game.
Oborevwori has remained a visible and active figure in Delta sports, consistently backing teams and supporting players to achieve better results. In Ozoro, his presence proved influential as Warri Wolves secured the decisive goal that earned them all three points.
The win takes Warri Wolves to 46 points, placing them 12th on the table. With two matches left, they remain in contention for a top-10 finish, with only four points separating teams between eighth and 14th positions.
Determined to see the team finish on a high, Oborevwori has intensified his support, urging the players to win their remaining fixtures and capitalize on results elsewhere.
Speaking after the match, he commended the team’s effort and urged them to maintain the momentum.
“I am proud of the grit and determination shown today by Warri Wolves. Every match is a step forward, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger.ppp
The journey continues, and we stand firmly behind the team.”
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
