News
Nigerians Commend S’Eagles In Defeat …As Ghana Leads Africa To Success
Most Nigerian football fans have commended the performance of the Super Eagles in their first match of the ongoing 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Despite falling to the superior fireworks of Argentina 0-1 in their first match in Group B, the fans agreed that the Nigerians put up an impressive display remarkably different from their lethargic performances at the 2010 Africa Nations Cup in Angola and the qualifying series for the World Cup.
They were however, unanimous that goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was the difference between a total humiliation by the Argentines and the respectable loss recorded in the match.
Overall, however, the Super Eagles display was econcuraging enough to inspire hope that they can still get the result that will see them through to the next round.
From Nigerians based in South Africa to football fan at home, the loss to Argentina was bearable.
Honour Sirawoo, chairman of Sport writers Association of Nigerian, SWAN, Rivers State branch said that the Super Eagles showed some promises that can be built on in subsequent matches.
“With a little adjustment and concentration, the Eagles can go far, Sirawoo said.
Ponwang Abari, a civil servant, said that the Nigerian side gave a good account of themselves even though they were unable to convert their scoring chances.
Another Nigerian, Joseph Apollo, a trader, said the out come of the match should galvanise the team’s handlers to devise strategies that would ensure victory in subsequent matches.
Ocheya Obida, a student, said the future of the Nigerian side in the World Cup was bright and called for cooperation from all stakeholders for the country’s success.
Similarly, fans in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State also commended the efforts of the Super Eagles rating them above average in the encounter against Argentina
“I believe the Super Eagles played very well. In fact, they out-played the Argentines in the second half but for the early goal conceded,’’ Alhaji Abdulkadir Kwakwatawa said.
Tidesports source in South Afrcia said that a population of Nigerians who could not obtain match tickets, converged in a popular Nigerian eatery in the locality to watch the match on a big screen.
At the blast of the final whistle, they tropped out on Rockey Street, where the eatery is located, singing and dancing to the admiration of passers by.
Mr Adebayo Ogun, a trader among the cheering crowd said.
“We showed them African soccer; it was just unfortunate we conceded that early goal which made the difference.
“I was happy to see a new Super Eagles and I know there is very high hope that we will still make it to the next round,” Ogun said.
Another fan who simply identified himself as Kabiru, said he felt sad about the loss but said there was still cause to have hope with the team’s performance.
“We will make it against Greece and Korea,” he said, explaining that having watched both teams in their encounter, the Super Eagles had a better chance of qualifying for the next round.
“We can now say Nigeria has a team,” he said, adding that they showed better cohesion and gave hope for better results in their subsequent matches.
“It was unbelievable. I never expected such a performance from the Eagles. They played well beyond the expectations of many Nigerians.
He said the team’s loss was due to ill-luck through wasted scoring chances by Yakubu Ayegbeni and Chinedu Obasi, and lack of midfield firepower.
“The duo of Ayegbeni and Obasi should have scored earlier and later on in the first half. If that had happened, and we had played better in the midfield, the score line would have been different,’’ he added.
Wei Xiangnan, the Abuja-based Chief Correspondent of China Radio International, also told our source that the Eagles’ performance was inspiring and had given more hope to Nigerians.
“I think the Eagles played well, and beyond expectations. They were just unlucky, especially late in the second half.
“But I believe they have given many Nigerians more hope about the World Cup now, and I believe they will do better in their next matches,’’ he said.
Meawhile, the Black Stars of Ghana yesterday in Pretoria recorded Africa’s first victory in the first round of matches of the 2010 World Cup played so far.
The Stars pipped Serbia 1-0 in the first match of Group D to put themselves in good stead for qualification for the second round stage.
Before their victory, three African representatives had taken to the pitch, recording one draw and two losses.
Host Bafana Bafana of South Africa kicked off the world cup seen by many as Africa’s tournament with an impressive 1-1 draw with Mexico on Friday
Nigerian’s Super Eagles and the Fennecs of Algeria failed to match the South African performance narrowly losing 0-1, to Argentina and Slovenia on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
With Ghana’s victory, it is hoped that the road had been cleared for an African success in subsequent matches.
Asamoah Gyan, scorer of Ghana’s first World Cup goal at Germany 2006, was again on hand to open the account in South Africa through a well taken 85th minute penalty, after Serbia’s Kuzmanovic deliberately handled the ball inside the box.
Despite playing with a one man advantage, Ghana though impressive in their game, failed to break down the resilient Serbian defence, until the defensive howler provided the penalty opportunity.
Gyan could have double the score later on but his effort rebounded off the upright after the goalkeeper was well beaten.
Another African team, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun will take to the stage this afternoon in a group match with Japan
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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