Sports

Bayelsa Hosts NDDC’s Wrestling Tourney

Published

14 years ago

July 29, 2011

The maiden edition the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) sponsored traditional wrestling tournament tagged “SMACK DOWN TOURNAMENT “will commence today in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Four states, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom States will be involved in the tournament.

This was disclosed by the Technical Director of Geopecha’s Xtreme Kicks Sports, King Chris Odogwu, the organisers of the tournament, while briefing newsmen yesterday, in Port Harcourt.

According to him, the competition would commence today and end tomorrow at the Multi Purpose Hall of Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

He said that the tournament is intended for talent discovery, grassroots sports development and curbing of youth restiveness in the Niger Delta region.

Odogwu explained that Geopecha’s Xtreme Kicks Sports is an organisation geared towards the transformation of Niger Deltans through sports.

“This programme is a trial edition, it is designed for youths (boys and girls) from four NDDC states, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa-Ibom, including primary, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools. They would compete among themselves.

As I speak, every participant would take home the sum of N20,000 while winners the indifferent categories will be given a reward of N80,000 cash prize, each.This is an avenue for coaches to scout for talents and catch them young, he said.

The technical director, used the forum to appeal to corporate organisations to partner with them in the spirit of develop-sports and the youth in the area. He said that any company that partners with the organisation would enjoy tax holiday promised by the Niger Delta State governments.

He further commended the Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom State governments, including NDDC and Odogwu photos for partnering with the organisation.

Tonye Orabere

Sports

RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball

Published

17 hours 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

18 hours 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

18 hours 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.