Sports
Odibola Powers Mini Marathon In PH
Port Harcourt City, Rivers State and indeed, the South South region is set to witness a grand mini marathon as Odibola Global Services Limited powers a medium distance race for athletes in the state and beyond next month tagged, New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon. The race, being put together by Odibola Global Services in conjunction with Rivers state government and other brands is scheduled to hold on the 18th of next month and would be open to any interested runner.
Speaking at a Press briefing recently in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director of the organisation, Mr Regha Julius described the one-day event as the company’s gesture to give back to the society and help in the effort to identify, wean and throw up new athletes that can fly the flag of the state and country in future athletics competition.
According to Mr Julius,” the one day mini marathon is one of the many people oriented activities of Odibola Global Services, it’s one of our ways of giving back to the society and making people know that Rivers state is safe to live and do business in. People can come and invest in the state”
“We as a brand with focus on people always try to reach out, impact on the lives of people and improve the way businesses are conducted by engaging in activities geared toward improving the lives of people”, he added.
While answering questions, the Managing Director disclosed that the race would have two categories, male and female with One million naira prize money for each. The 21km race will commence and terminate at the Sharks FC Stadium.
He stated that they would be partnering with bodies such as Rivers State Sports Council, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Nigerian Civil and Security Defence Corps, NCSDC and Red Cross to make the marathon a success.
He promised that there would be a second edition of the race next year and that with the support of the state government, the New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon has come to stay.
It is expected that the Rivers state Sports Council would provide the technical assistance and equipment for the event, while the FRSC ensures effective management of the road and traffic, the NCSDC provides security and the Red Cross, the medical/health management to make the event hitch-free.
Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Rivers State Chapter, Sarah David on her part said that the development was a good thing that needs to be encouraged by all. She offered the total support of all sports writers in the state towards the success of the event and called on other corporate bodies to emulate Odibola Global Services by investing in the youth and society via sports development, promotion and sponsorship.
Registration for the mini marathon is free and can be done online (www.odibola.com/marathon), at the Ministry of Sports or Odibola’s corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt. Residents and athletes from outside the state are eligible to participate on passing the stipulated health checks.
ODIBOLA POWERS MINI MARATHON IN PH
Gabriel Nwanetanya
Port Harcourt City, Rivers State and indeed, the South South region is set to witness a grand mini marathon as Odibola Global Services Limited powers a medium distance race for athletes in the state and beyond next month tagged, New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon. The race, being put together by Odibola Global Services in conjunction with Rivers state government and other brands is scheduled to hold on the 18th of next month and would be open to any interested runner.
Speaking at a Press briefing recently in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director of the organisation, Mr Regha Julius described the one-day event as the company’s gesture to give back to the society and help in the effort to identify, wean and throw up new athletes that can fly the flag of the state and country in future athletics competition.
According to Mr Julius,” the one day mini marathon is one of the many people oriented activities of Odibola Global Services, it’s one of our ways of giving back to the society and making people know that Rivers state is safe to live and do business in. People can come and invest in the state”
“We as a brand with focus on people always try to reach out, impact on the lives of people and improve the way businesses are conducted by engaging in activities geared toward improving the lives of people”, he added.
While answering questions, the Managing Director disclosed that the race would have two categories, male and female with One million naira prize money for each. The 21km race will commence and terminate at the Sharks FC Stadium.
He stated that they would be partnering with bodies such as Rivers State Sports Council, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Nigerian Civil and Security Defence Corps, NCSDC and Red Cross to make the marathon a success.
He promised that there would be a second edition of the race next year and that with the support of the state government, the New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon has come to stay.
It is expected that the Rivers state Sports Council would provide the technical assistance and equipment for the event, while the FRSC ensures effective management of the road and traffic, the NCSDC provides security and the Red Cross, the medical/health management to make the event hitch-free.
Also speaking at the briefing, the State’s Director of Sports, Mildred Hart described the involvement of Odibola Services in the event as a good development, noting that the marathon would provide a veritable platform for the youth to express and explore their talents, which can lead them away from societal vices.
Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Rivers State Chapter, Sarah David on her part said that the development was a good thing that needs to be encouraged by all. She offered the total support of all sports writers in the state towards the success of the event and called on other corporate bodies to emulate Odibola Global Services by investing in the youth and society via sports development, promotion and sponsorship.
Registration for the mini marathon is free and can be done online (www.odibola.com/marathon), at the Ministry of Sports or Odibola’s corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt. Residents and athletes from outside the state are eligible to participate on passing the stipulated health checks.
Brian Brobbey scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner as Sunderland came from behind to beat Newcastle United in a thrilling Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park.
Newcastle had been on target for their first home victory in this fixture since 2010 when Anthony Gordon gave the hosts a ninth-minute lead.
Sunderland played out from the back but defender Luke O’Nien’s pass was intercepted by Nick Woltemade and he gave it to Gordon, who did the rest to score his 17th goal of the season.
The hosts almost made it 2-0 just before the break, but Sven Botman headed against the post following a cross from left-back Lewis Hall, one of five Newcastle players to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, another called up by Tuchel, did not get great distance on a punch, the ball was played back into the box, Brobbey chested it goalwards and Dan Burn cleared off the line, only for Chemsdine Talbi to fire in the rebound.
Noah Sadiki had a chance to put Sunderland ahead, only for him to shoot at Ramsdale.
Yet it did not prove costly as Brobbey scored the late winner, to the delight of the away fans, when he converted a rebound from close range after Ramsdale saved his first attempt.
The result gives Sunderland their first league double over Newcastle since 2014-15.
Rangers International technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu has credited his recent stint with the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle as a major factor behind the club’s resurgence in the Nigeria Premier Football League title race, Tidesports source reports.
Speaking ahead of Rangers’ matchday 31 fixture against El Kanemi Warriors in Enugu, Ilechukwu said the experience gained at international level has significantly influenced his approach, particularly in the areas of intensity, discipline and overall team structure.
“Change is constant in life. After working closely with Eric Chelle, the mentality I got from him is not an easy one. The training sessions are super intense, about 80 per cent of what we do now is heavy training,” he said.
Ilechukwu maintained that the discipline and structure he adopted during his time with the national team have translated directly into improved performances at the club level.
“I think my return has had a positive impact defensively, offensively, everything. The preparation, the pep talks, the quality, it gives confidence. I came back with an advantage,” he said.
Rangers have enjoyed a remarkable run since his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, losing just once in 11 matches, with six wins, four draws and seven clean sheets propelling them firmly into contention.
They currently sit second on the table with 50 points, just one behind leaders Rivers United, with eight matches remaining in the season.
Despite their strong position, Ilechukwu insisted his side will not be weighed down by pressure as the title race intensifies.
“There is no different message, we don’t want to be under pressure because of the league. We take it one game after the other, after this game we talk about the next one,” he said.
He added that his players possess the necessary qualities to compete at the highest level.
“They understand what it takes to win. They have the attitude, the capacity, the character, and they understand what we want. To me, we are always ready,” he said.
While acknowledging the strength of Rivers United, Ilechukwu maintained that the title race remains open heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
“They are the strongest team, but you never can tell what will happen. We are also strong. In the remaining games, we will fight more and stay at the top of our game but without pressure,” he said.
Having guided Rangers to the NPFL title in the 2023/24 season, Ilechukwu is now aiming to secure his second league crown in three years as the Enugu side continue their pursuit of the title.
Odegbami described CAF’s decision to overturn the Jan. 18 final result as “bizarre, condemnable and unjustifiable.”
As reported by Tidesports source on Saturday, he noted that Senegal were crowned champions and celebrated globally before the verdict was reversed on technical grounds.
“It is unheard of in football history. You cannot take away a trophy won on the pitch two months after,” he said.
Odegbami said the decision had sparked outrage among football fans and stakeholders worldwide.
“This judgment has shaken CAF’s credibility. It is not surprising the world is up in arms,” he added.
The ex-Nigerian Football Legend questioned the motive behind the decision, describing it as risky and unpopular.
“What could have driven such a decision that undermines the spirit of the game?” he asked.
Odegbami said although football regulations may not cover every situation, rare cases require wisdom.
“This AFCON case demands that rules and common sense must align,” he said.
He recalled that Senegal were crowned by CAF and FIFA officials before a global audience.
“Two months later, CAF delivered what I call a ‘poisoned verdict’ through its Appeals Committee,” he said.
Odegbami explained that Morocco’s protest, earlier dismissed, was later upheld on appeal.
“The decision to reverse a final match result is one of the most unpopular ever,” he said..
He said the rules on walkouts are clear but must be applied with context.
According to him, Senegal players walked off after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, staying away for 17 minutes.
“Ordinarily, that attracts forfeiture, but the referee allowed play to resume, which changed everything,” he said.
Odegbami noted that petitions can alter results but argued that the AFCON final was different.
“If this were a qualifier, nobody would question the CAF’s decision. But this was the final,” he said.
He stressed that the trophy had been awarded and celebrations concluded before the reversal.
“There was no room for post-match litigation in a final of this magnitude,” he said.
Odegbami maintained that the referee’s decision to restart play nullified the forfeiture clause.
“The match resumed, Morocco missed the penalty, Senegal scored and won fairly,” he said.
He insisted that CAF had no justification to overturn the result after recognising a winner.
“Punish any infractions if necessary, but do not tamper with a concluded final,” he said.
Odegbami urged CAF to review its regulations and restore Senegal as champions.
“For now, CAF should retrace its steps and return the trophy to Senegal,” he advised.
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