Sports
Sports Director Supports Shutdown Of Sporting Activities
Director of sports, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port-Harcourt, Gospel A. Johnson, has supported the shut down of sporting activities in the country.
He stated that the action taken by the Federal Government due to the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic was not only timely but good decision aimed at protecting lives of sportsmen and women and the masses at large.
Johnson, who said this in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, on Monday, in Port Harcourt, noted that it was not a contestable fact that coronavirus disease has taken its big toll in sports all over the world.
“Honestly, every sporting activity worldwide has been kept on hold and it is regrettable that these ugly developments may lead to people indulging in one social vice or the other, since it is a well-established fact that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”.
“Worst still is that Coronavirus scourge has also affected the global economy, having seen that the huge money being realised at league games are not forthcoming as a result of suspension of all competitive league games,” Johnson said.
The director of sports, expressed satisfaction with the decision taken by the Federal Government, but stated that efforts should be intensified to provide some palliative measures to help cushion the untold hardship being faced by mostly people in the rural areas.
“Truly, people in the rural areas need to be reached with some assistance, considering the fact the there are little or no amenities they can comfortably lay hands on to prevent the virus disease.
Regrettably, people in the rural areas could hardly boast of running water, how much more of buying sanitizers and that is more reason why Federal Government should assist state governments to enable them reach out easily to people in the rural areas in providing the essential amenities.
“Nevertheless, I’m seizing the opportunity to advise every one in the country to do well as a matter of fact to adhere strictly to government directives by maintaining the social distance rule, avoid crowd situation and ensure that hands are washed with running water and soap”.
“In fact, I strongly believe that by the time all thess directives from government are properly followed accordingly, then we can now leave the rest for God to intervene as nothing is impossible before Him”.
“Besides, I’m also praying that Local Government area Chairmen in various rural areas in the State will rise up to the occasion in sensitising their people more on the best way and manner to go about curtailing the spread of Coronavirus pandemic”, the sports director added.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.