Connect with us

Sports

Nigeria Premier League Begins Against Odds

Published

on

Certainly, the 2010/2011 Nigeria Premier League season would begin tomorrow in all centres across the country.

The league had faced several postponements due to the crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which led now been resolved based on a gentleman’s agreement.

The reinstatement of the Aminu-Maigan led board had to the setting up of the Referees’ Appointment Committee and other bodies responsible for the effective monitoring of the league.

Despite the positive development, stakeholders are still concerned over the many problems which had affected the poor standard of the league.

Among them is the absence of a title sponsor for this season after telecommunications giant, Globacom pulled out of a deal to renew its sponsorship of the league.

The absence of a sponsor, means the league board would be lacking the financial power to properly administer its secretariat.

Most leagues in the world depend on the proceeds of sponsorship, endorsements, branding and TV rights, to survive.

Another major problem is the lack of interest by fans in attending league matches. Poor attendance during league matches in recent history has been due to insecurity at league venues and poor officiating by referees.

Most fans who had unwillingly visited league venues have had cause to complain on how referees openly favour home teams.

Besides, fans prefer to sit in the comfort of their homes to watch European league matches.

To reverse the trend, the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye and other sports personalities have advocated a change in the timing of the league.

The Commissioner, when asked on how the interest of Nigerians in the league can be revived said matches should be played in the evening under floodlights.

The absence of strong followership for the league has led to the loss of revenue for clubs, which could have been ploughed into infrastructure development and improvement of player’s welfare.

The whole problem confronting the growth of our league to other leagues especially in Africa is the problem of leadership, said John Amaowoh, a journalist and soccer enthusiast.

“Just like the larger political terrain, our football has been infested with characters that are fit only for school sports and their end interest is not for the advancement of the league, but how they can share in the booty that comes into the system,” he said.

Amaowoh believes that ex-internationals should be given the chance to manage football for the country, noting that politicians are interested in their personal gains.

On his part, Mainayo Igani, said until the body responsible for the appointment of referees is independent, the issue of fair officiating would be a mirage.

Igani noted that a situation where referees who are sent to officiate a match are being pampered by the state football association was unhealthy.

“The referees committee has to be independent to guarantee fair officiating, a situation where they are being treated by state Football Associations as demi-gods when they are sent down is not good,” he said.

The chairman of the Sharks FC Supporters Club also called on fans not to intimidate referees during league games.

The league opens this weekend with Kaduna United entertaining neighbour, Kano Pillars with both sides looking for a positive start to the new season.

Kano Pillars are without their prized striker, Ahmed Musa who notched in 18 goals last season that propelled the team to second place but officials of the team are upbeat that the opening match would be competitive.

All other teams would play on Sunday, with Rivers State-owned teams Dolphins FC and Sharks FC eyeing the league title.

Sharks would lock horns with JUTH FC at home, but would be banking on their devastating form at the continental level to get the three points at stake.

 

Akonte Samuel/Grace Nwaimo

Continue Reading

Sports

Amusan places third in Diamond League opener

Published

on

World record holder Tobi Amusan finished third in the women’s 100m hurdles as the 2026 Diamond League season opened in Shanghai on Saturday, Tidesports source reports.

The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.

Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.

Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.

Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.

The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.

Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.

Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.

Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.

“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”

Continue Reading

Sports

Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly

Published

on

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Senegal in a double-header international friendly during the June FIFA women’s international window as the African champions step up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Tidesports source reports. 

The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.

The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.

“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.

“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”

The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.

With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.

The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.

Continue Reading

Sports

Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye

Published

on

The organisers of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race have announced the appointment of Dr Adebukola Bojuwoye as the head of the medical unit for the 11th edition of the prestigious event, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.

As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.

His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.

In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.

It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.

Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.

Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.

We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.

Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.

It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.

The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.

The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.

Continue Reading

Trending