Sports

Flamingoes Intensify Preparation For Kenya

Published

14 years ago

January 18, 2012

Nigeria’s Under-17 Women’s National Team have stepped up their preparation for the 2012 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Kenya.

CAF has confirmed that the first leg of the qualifying fixture will take place in Nairobi this Saturday, with the second leg due in Nigeria two weeks after.

On January 2, the 31 players who survived the screening exercise supervised by Head Coach Peter Dedevbo resumed camping at the Fifa Technical Centre, Abuja, and were immediately met with an address by Dedevbo.

“Nigeria is the biggest powerhouse in women’s football in Africa, and what I must tell you is that everyone expects us to not only defeat Kenya, but go ahead to qualify for the Fifa U-17 World Cup. There are millions who also expect us to do well at the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan.

“So, I must welcome you with a challenge of total commitment to the cause, and remind you of the importance of patriotism in everything you do,” said Dedevbo, who led the Class of 2010 that reached the World Cup quarter finals in Trinidad and Tobago.

Nigeria has featured in the past two editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, starting with the inaugural edition in New Zealand in 2008.

Last Thursday, the Flamingoes edged Women Professional League club, Nasarawa Amazons 2-1 in a friendly game played at the FIFA Football Turf of the Technical Centre.

The match was watched by NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

Amadu said: “I think the technical crew members are doing a good job. The team is taking shape and I believe that come Saturday week, we should get a good result in Nairobi.”

Sports

Inter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie

Published

2 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, has said that inter-house sports competition was mainly to discover talents from the grassroots.

According to him, over the years, inter-house sports competition has remained a defining platform for building resilience, confidence, and unity among the students.

Real Admiral Okehie was represented by the executive officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Navy Captain Muhammad Umar, who said this last Saturday during the 20th Annual Inter-House Sports Competition at the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt.

He commended the parents and guardians for their sustained trust and partnership, saying that their unique cooperation remains indispensable to the growth of the students and the steady progress of the institution.

He further lauded the hard-working commandant of the school, Navy Captain Chinomso Omezurike, for highlighting the importance of vocational education and entrepreneurial development in the practical skills acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme for the senior secondary three students.

Also speaking, the Commandant of the school, Captain Omezurike, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government, as they have built some facilities in the school.

“We specially express our profound gratitude to the State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for his visionary leadership and love for the school.”

“This event is not merely a sports gathering, but it represents a strategic investment in youth development.

“Sports remain one of the most effective instruments for sharpening character, promoting discipline, and fostering unity among young people,” he said.

“Thus, competitions such as this adequately prepare students, not only for academic success but also for life’s challenges.

Captain Omezuruike used the opportunity to thank her staff for good work and dedication to duty and expressed appreciation to the parents.

The vice-chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Barr. Anthon Wamah, also commended the excellent performance of the commandant of the school.

By: Kiadum Edookor

Sports

Yenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon

Published

2 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

All is now set for the maiden edition of the Yenagoa City International 10KM Race, a landmark sporting event designed to position Bayelsa State as a destination for global sports tourism.

The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.

Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.

According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.

The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.

To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.

The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.

Sports

NSC rewards Ogun State Athlete N3m

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

Director General of National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopde celebrates with the athetes

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.

The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.

Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.

Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.

“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.

He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.