Sports
SWAN Patron Hail Jonathan Over Paralympians Reward
A Port Harcourt based sports philantropist and Patron of the
Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State Chapter, Chief
Christopher Okonkwo has described the recent reception accorded Nigeria’s
Paralympians to the 2012 London Paralympic Games as well deserved.
Chief Okonkwo, who barred his mind in a chat with sports
journalists in his office in Port Harcourt said their performance at the Games
had wipped away the disappointment and shame from the country’s contingents to
the main London Olympic Games held earlier.
While giving the Paralympians a pat on the back, Chief
Okonkwo also gave kudos to President Goodluck Jonathan for the government’s
gesture, describing as worthy.
He further said that apart from the monetary gift, the
president could have also encouraged them to further their education by
awarding them scholarships and if necessary name some streets or areas in the
country after their names.
“For making the country proud in the Paralympic Games after
the able bodied athletes failed woefully, they would have been given more
encouragement with better incentives”, the SWAN patron noted.
He called on the author ities to ensure that they continue
to groom them for future championship.
He also enjoined the Paralympians not to relent in their
efforts in ensuring that they continue to give the country their best.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian Paralympians won 13
medals, six gold, five silver and two
bronze and occupied the third position among the 10 African countries that
participated in the two-weeks event which held from August 29 to September 9,
2012.
Most of the Nigerian medals came from power lifting.
Collins Barasimeye
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
