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FIFA Appoints Four Nigerian Referees: 2014 World Cup

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Stakeholders and sports analysts in Rivers State have lauded FIFA over the appointment of four Nigerian referees to officiate at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, Africa zone qualifier.

The chairman of Nigeria Referees Association, Rivers State chapter, Ere Dokubo said that the development was well deserved.

According to him, Nigerian referees had the potentials to officiate in World Cup proper. He said that the appointment was not new to Nigeria.

A sport analyst, Jim Odede-Opiki also commended FIFA for recognising the quality of Nigerian referees, adding that it was a reflection that the nation’s football was developing.

“This is a good development, It demonstrates that our referees are improving and this will spur other referee to put in their best for them to be selected”, Opiki said

Tonye Chuku  of the Rivers State Football Association in the same vein applauded the apex football body in the world for the appointment.

He was optimistic that those appointed would make the country proud, since FIFA selection was based on merit.

“This is the time for Nigerian referees to show case their quality”, Chuku added.

Meanwhile, a former coach of the Falcons, Rolandson Odeh said that the appointment showed that Nigerian referees were now recognised.

“It means that Nigeria referees are becoming better in the standard laid down by FIFA, they are now recognised for their deeds,” he said.

He also said that it was an indication that refereeing had improved in Nigeria.

Odeh advised other referees to be diligent in their jobs, stressing the importance of hard work and dedication.

“Other referees should be more dedicated and hardworking towards their job because it pays,” Odeh stressed.

Tunde Disu, a former coach of the Flying Eagles, described the appointment as a good development, saying, it showed that Nigerian referees had not been neglected in the affairs of the Football world body.

Disu urged other referees to emulate those that FIFA had selected as the world was watching every action of sportsmen who could impact positively on sports.

“We usually think that the world bodies of sports are not watching, they are; that is why these four referees were selected,” Disu said.

He said the four referees should not relent in their dedication to work.

Tony Orabere

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race

Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.

Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.

According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.

“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”

Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.

The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”

It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”

The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.

Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.

His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.

Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.

The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.

The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.

On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.

In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.

Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.

The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.

Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.

Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.

The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.

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