Sports

Midfield doesn’t win matches, declares Amodu

Says, ‘we know how to play to win despite lapses’
By Christian Okpara

Published

16 years ago

June 16, 2009

SUPER Eagles’ coach, Shaibu Amodu, believes that Nigeria can defeat host, Tunisia, in Tunis despite the lapses in Nigeria’s midfield.

Speaking to journalists last weekend on the Eagles’ chances against the North Africans this weekend, Amodu said that Nigeria has learnt to win without the midfield, adding that he has players that would beat Tunisia. According to the coach, “midfield doesn’t win matches. It is only a bridge between the defence and attack.

“We know how to play to win despite the lapses in our midfield. But we are working on that department. We will address the problem, but in the interim, we will find a way of winning our matches.”

He promised to present a different team from the one that defeated Kenya 3-0 two weeks ago in Abuja, stating: “No two matches are the same. In the game against Kenya, we played against a team coming from high altitude with a lot of stamina to burn, while my boys came from Europe. It was easier for the Kenyans, but we adjusted well to win. But one or two players got things wrong.

“One thing we have learnt is that every African team wants to beat Nigeria. To them, that is enough achievement, so we are not surprised when a team like Kenya wanted to die on the pitch against Nigeria.”

He added: “The match against Tunisia will be a different ball game. They are a more formidable team and our players understand the challenge before them. They have promised to win in Tunis and we believe them.”

On Sunday, Amodu led the team on a training tour of Malta to prepare for the clash with Tunisia. The team is expected to depart for Tunis on Thursday.

Sports

RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.