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NPL: SWAN Congratulates, Charges Owumi

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The newly elected chairman of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), Prince Davidson Owumi, has been congratulated by members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu state branch, even as they  described  him “as a square peg in a square hole.”

In a statement issued in Enugu and made available to sports writers at the weekend  by the state secretary of the body, Mr. Ignatius Okpara, the organisation, applauded the transparent and peaceful manner in which  the poll was conducted.

The Association, also expressed the hope that the new NFL chairman  would use his wealth of experience in the round leather game to turn around the bastardised nation’s soccer regulatory body.

SWAN was also of the view that   that having  played and managed the game of soccer,  the Delta state born football administrator and tactician  has all it takes to take the nation’s domestic league to the next level.

“AS a player, and seasoned football administrator who has seen it all in the game of soccer, we believe and have no doubt in our minds that with the support and encouragement of all major stake holders in the foot ball business,   Owumi, would deliver”

The Association  equally  believed that  going by  the former Rangers FC of Enugu player and manager’s antecedent and  pedigree as far as football administration is concerned  in Nigeria, it is obvious to say that  the  nation domestic league is in for a new dawn, adding that it is only by engaging the right person  as Owumi in such a position that the nation football could  be moved forward.

“While assuring the brand new NFL boss, who is also one of the Enugu SWAN patrons  of our support and cooperation at all times”, the Association urged him to immediately start  putting  in place progammes that would assist in  making   the nation’s domestic league once attractive  like it used to be in the 70s  and 80s. NFL must do every thing humanly possible to ensure that the nation’s soccer fans return back to all the stadia, because the  laying of much emphasis on the foreign leagues has done more harm than good to our football”, he further stressed.

     The organisation, however,  advised  the new NFL chairman, to beware of sycophants if he wants to succeed in office, just as they want him to take the issue of soccer  hooliganism and alleged corruption among match officers very seriously.

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RSG Pledges To Develop  Baseball 

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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
 

 

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CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo

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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.

 

 

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FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa

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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.

 

 

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