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‘Nigeria’s Chances Of Medals In Boxing Slim’

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A quarter finalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Jerry Okorodudu, has said that Nigeria’s chances of clinching a medal in boxing at the London 2012 Olympics were slim.

Okorodudu asserted in an interview with newsmen in Lagos that the boxers selected to represent the country lacked the requisite experience.

“They are talented boxers with prospects. However, I do not expect a medal from boxing because they are fresh from the block, boxers that still need exposure.

“It will take a lot of guts in the boxers to stand in the ring with the mammoth crowd that will sit at the ringside and the lights focused on them to concentrate on the match.

“I don’t see the Nigerian boxers having this characteristic,” he said.

However, he wished them the best of luck and prayed that they made the country proud.

Akanji Olalekan, 75kg; Lawal Olayiwola, 81kg, and Ogoke Agu, 75kg, the only female, will represent Nigeria in boxing at the Games.

The former boxer also decried the manner in which the Nigeria Olympian Association (NOA) was being run, alleging that it was without a constitution.

Okorodudu claimed that the NOA was being run undemocratically and urged its president to correct the anomaly.

“When Henry Amike, the president of the association, returns from the Olympics we will get some lawyers to help draw up a constitution for the association.

“Because without a precise structure, the association cannot be self-governing,” he said.

The Olympian further said that the death of Sunday Bada, the former secretary of the association, had left the position vacant.

“Therefore, someone should be elected to fill the gap,” he said.

Okorodudu also made a case for the government to cater for the welfare of the Olympians, thereby recognising their contributions to the country.

“I believe, we, the Olympians are not up to a 1000 people, therefore we could be absorbed into the pension scheme so that we would know we are remembered,” he said.

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RSG Pledges To Develop  Baseball 

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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
 

 

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CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo

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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.

 

 

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FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa

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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.

 

 

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