Sports
Referees Begin Mock Fitness Test
The Enugu State Referees’ Council has begun a mock fitness test preparatory to the national fitness test later in the year.
The council, in collaboration with the Enugu State Football Association, organised the test for referees to determine the level of their fitness ahead of the test at the national level.
Monday Nnona, the Chairman of the state referees’ council, told newsmen that the test which is an annual exercise, was aimed at testing the level of the referees in the state.
“That is an annual ritual for referees and any referee who fails to pass that test will not officiate that year.
“The national test is billed for October 15th, and we just organised this local one to know the fitness level of our referees before proceeding to the national level.
“Their performance today is very low. As you can see, only three persons made it and so many of our referees are down with injuries.
“The national one has been postponed to the end of the league, so this is an added advantage for those referees that are not fit for them to recover because we expect about 30 referees to be at the national and premier leagues,” Nnona said.
Emmanuel Onah, the Training Officer of the state referee’s council, said the test was very important because it would help the referees to properly fit in at the national level.
According to him, the test is in preparation for the national and FIFA competitions as training has been on twice a month to get them ready as well as to avoid any casualties.
“We expect that the ones that will represent the state will come back with useful results,” Onah, a one-time FIFA-badged referee, explained.
Patrick Nworie, one of the participating referees, said he was impressed with the preparation and thanked the state FA for organising the exercise.
Paul Okeke, Chairman of the Referee’s Committee, said the exercise was an impressive one because it had added to their experiences.
“I advise the participating referees to utilise this opportunity to excel in future,” Okeke said.
Chidi Ofo-Okenwa, Chairman of the state football association, said the test was a collaboration between the football association and the council to prepare the referees for improved performance.
“The mock fitness test is all about keeping abreast of developments and preparing our referees for the forthcoming national fitness test. And I can tell, I am impressed.
“Having realised these things, we go out of our way to make sure that these things are to be done. It is a routine thing to make sure that it is fixed before the national fitness test.
“It is to ensure that the referees are Y2K compliant and that they are fit for the activities of referees, which are no longer analogue but now quite digital,” Okenwa said.
He said experts would be invited to take the referees on the necessary areas of lapses to get them fully prepared for the national test.
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,”
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.
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.
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