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2010 W/Cup: Ike Uche Ready, Raving To Go

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Real Zaragoa striker Ike Uche has denied reports in the local media that he is battling with a fresh injury concern ahead of Nigeria’s 2010 World Cup camp.

Uche is angry with reports which suggest he has been out of Real Zaragoza last two matches due to an undisclosed injury.

The 26-year-old only just returned from almost seven month lay-off for Real Zaragoza in late April and has been a regular fixture in the training squad.

But two days after being named in the Nigeria provisional World Cup squad, the forward is rocked by rumours and speculations regarding his absence in club action.

“I do not know where these stories have come from,” he said. “There is nothing at all wrong at the moment. I have been training like other players and feel perfectly okay.

“I was given the all-clear in March and since then there has been nothing to worry about for me or the doctors.”

Fears over Uche’s fitness surfaced when he was not included Real Zaragoza’s back to back fixtures against Espanyol and Xerez on 6 and 8 May respectively.

The fact that it became a constant discussion back home in Nigeria left the player and his club bewildered.

“I was in the team for our game against Deportivo La Conma at the Riazor ten days ago but the coach decides who travels and play not me,” said Uche.

Uche is now looking forward to Saturday’s final game of the season at Estadio La Romareda against visiting Villarreal who are chasing a Europa League spot.

With one mind in Spain, the forward is also casting an eye on the challenges ahead in the coming weeks for country.

“It will surely be a tough encounter; they (Villarreal) want a place in Europe, and we are seeking a better finish in the league,” Uche added.

“Hopefully I will get a chance to play on Saturday, move to the next phase, which of course is to switch the mindset towards the fight for a place at the World Cup.

“Everyone wants a chance to be in South Africa but only form, fitness, determination and hard work will take me there.

“That is all I can say because previous performance counts for nothing if you cannot prove to the coaches that you deserve a place in the team.

“I wish other players all the best because it will be a healthy competition for a place on the plane to South Africa, and if everyone is fit to fight then the country gains.”

Nigeria, who are struggling to schedule warm-up matches, face Argentina, Greece and South Korea in Group B at this summer World Cup.

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FOOTBALL FANS FIESTA IN PH IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY – Oputa

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Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).

The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.

The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.

He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.

Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.

” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.

“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.

“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.

The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.

 

Tonye Orabere

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Obagi Emerges OML 58 Football Cup Champions

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 The annual NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup 2025 edition draw its curtains closed last Saturday, with Obagi Community defeated hard fighting Akabta community 1-0, to lift the trophy.
The final which was held at  Obite Civic Centre (field) saw Chiefs, community leaders,  youths,  including the Total Energies JV Asset Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olivier Cassasoles and people from all works of life in attendance.
Speaking at the event Mr. Cassasoles revealed that three best players in previous tournaments have been sponsored into a football academy within Nigeria.
He stated that  all participants are winners, as he reiterated that the tournament is aimed at promoting peace, cooperation among host communities.
He expressed gratitude for the peaceful organisation and conduct of both officials and players during the final of NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup for 2025.
On his part the Chairman of the Central  Organising Committee(COC), Mr. Saheed  Ogunsanya said Ubeta and Ubio will not be participating in the next edition as they violated  rules of the tournament.
Ogunsanya praised all the teams for their sportsmanship, stressing that this year edition was a success hence it maintained age grade of under 18 years.
He disclosed that two players have been picked from the tournament and they will be sent to football academy, while underscoring importance of the event to sports and youth development in the host communities.
This is the first time Obagi Community emerged champions of the competition since its commencement 22 years, as 18 communities participated in tis years edition.
At the end of the competition Obinna Godstime, emerged the highest scorer with 11 goals and Most Valuable Player( MVP) of the tournament.
while Michael Charles, from Obobru community became best goalkeeper of the tournament
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Niger Delta Games: Sports Facilities In Edo Excites Ikpokpo

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Consistent with its project execution routine, Dunamis-Icon Limited, Project Consultants of the Niger Delta Games, has concluded the first phase of physical inspection and evaluation of facilities for the event, 24 hours after the presentation of the hosting right to Edo State was performed.

The project management team was guided round select facilty locations in Benin City by Desmond Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, and the team leader, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo expressed satisfaction with the sports infrastructure assets of the host.

“Edo is a ready-made choice based on all the factors that are necessary to host this kind of big event. We are expecting over 3000 athletes coaches, alongside journalists and technical officials, with an approximate number of people outside spectators in the range of 5000. So, we need facilities that work for the games itself”, Ikpokpo explained.

He commended the Edo State Government for the good state of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and promised that the state will be assisted with the renovation of some of the facilities as may be necessary to ensure good competition experience for the athletes.

“I have been to the iconic Ogbe Stadium and must commend the Edo State Government for maintaining the facilities there. We are also considering taking some events to the University of Benin, so that people in that part of the city can also feel and enjoy the fun. Where need be, we will also see how to assist the state and the University of Benin to add value to some of the sporting facilities”.

Dunamis Icon Limited is the franchise rights owner to the games conceived and designed to provide a platform for unity and integration, and identifying and grooming talented youths from the region into national and international stars.

The NDDC as the flagship interventionist agency for the nine states that make up the region, is the prime sponsor of the games as part of their strategic focus on youth engagement and human capital development.

The inspection tour began at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, after a brief meeting with Enabulele and the Sports Commission team at his office.

Areas inspected include the stadium’s main bowl, the tartan track, the state box, the VIP lounges and other key areas like the ceremonial room, the media studio and other indoor facilities.

Other facility locations assessed are the Wire Road Sports Centre being listed to host basketball and volleyball games, the University of Benin Sports Complex, and the Etete Sports Centre.

In the entourage of Dunamis-Icon were the Project Director, Mr Fred Edoreh; Director of Facilities and Equipment, Dr Emmanuel Ochuko Igbigbisie; the head of Communications, Harry Iwuala; Head of Transport and Logistics, Israel Umueri Afoke. Others are Theresa Ineke, Head of Secretariat, Godwin Enakhena, the Head of Scouting, Mr. Edi Lawani, the Head of Culture Affairs and Entertainment and Elder Siegha Porbeni of the Technical Department.

The Edo Sports Commission Chairman was also supported by Hon. Frank Ilaboya and Mrs Sabina Chikere, Executive Directors, with Mr Baldwin Bazuaye (MON) also in the company.

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