Sports

Sports: Grappling With Mixed Fortunes

Published

14 years ago

October 1, 2012

The Sports Sector in Nigeria has always been viewed as one
of the areas of national life that should put the country among the top players
in Africa and the world.

With a population of over 150 million people, the expectation
may not be out of place considering the potentials we are endowed with.

But after 52 years of nation-hood, the sector and indeed
expectations have been a mixed tale of raised hopes disappointments, heartache
and outright embarrassment.

From the 1964 Tokyo Olympics where Nigeria made her Olympic
debut with Nojim Maiyegun winning bronze, the country’s only medal at the Games
in boxing 61-71kg category, the Atlanta 1996 Games where we recorded our best
performance in the history of the Games with two gold, one silver and three
bronze medals to the recently concluded London 2012 Games where the country’s
athletes flopped abysmally, it has been a case of one step forward and several
steps backward.

To date, Nigeria has won a meagre 23 medals a total of two
gold, 10 silver and 11 bronze medals in nine Olympic outings from 1964 in Tokyo
to 2012 in London.

The London 2012 Games marked the highest point of the
country’s slide into the precipice of sports ignominy.

Team Nigeria had raised hopes of a good outing owing to the
performances of Nigeria’s athletes like Blessing Okagbare, Damola Osayemi,
Chika Chukwumerije, the weightlifting and boxing prior to the Games.

Unfortunately, all of them flattered to deceive and the
country left the Games empty handed to the utter embarrassment of the
Government and People of Nigeria.

The humiliation was so much that a national inquest was
called and President Goodluck Jonathan
moved to take concrete steps to restructure and reposition the sports sector.

Contrastingly, the country’s sportsmen and women have farred
better in the Commonwealth Games where it has achieved medal success in every
Games that it participated in, with the 1994 edition in Victoria the most
successful to date. The country achieved 37 podium places, harvesting 11 gold,
13 silver and 13 bronze medals.

Nigeria made its Commonwealth Games debut in 1950 finishing
with a solitary silver medal in men’s high jump, while the Federal Republic of
Nigeria officially joined the Commonwealth in
1960.

To date, the country has recorded a total haul of 176 medals
involving 50 gold, 55 silver and 71 bronze medals.

However, the most pleasing performance by Nigerian athletes
came from the recently concluded London 2012 Paralympics Games.

Where the able bodied athletes went and failed woefully,
physically challenged Nigerians stormed London determined to make up for their
compatriots’ earlier disappointment.

At the end of the day, the Paralympians won six gold medals
and a couple of silver and bronze.

Indeed, the Paralympians, with their performance, have made
giant strides that opened a vista to the potentials of the physically
challenged in our society.

However, despite the current elixir in the country
occasioned by the glorious performance of the paralympic contingent, the truth
remains that our sports can achieve much more glory than it has dared to since
independence.

Football in Nigeria, in spite of being one of the uniting
factors has nose-dived in terms of quality, achievement and organisation.

The Nigerian Premier League, touted as one of the best in
the country which ordinary should supply national team materials to respective
national sides is enmeshed in myriad of problems.

From leadership squabbles leading to litigations to poor
organisation, poor funding and lack of sponsorships, the league is currently in
shambles looking for identity.

Consequently, the clubsides can hardly hold their own in
Continental club competitions.

Apart from Enyimba International FC, Aba no other Nigerian
side has been able to cart home the slite club competition in the continent the
CAF Champion League.

Only four others, Rangers, shooting stars sports club, 3SC
Lobi Stars and Bendel Insurance have been able to bring home glory in the
second and third class competitions.

The situation in the national teams is not different from
that of the league.

Gone are the days when the national teams, be it the Super
Eagles, Flying Eagles, Olympic Eagles and the Golden Eaglets steamrolled them
and instilled fear in opponents even before matches were played.

Now, the national teams, especially, the Super Eagles
struggle to qualify for tournaments despite having immeasureable potentials on
paper.

Apart from the women football teams, Super Falcons,
Falconents and the flaminigoes, who have given Nigerians something to cheer in
the game, from the African women Championships, FIFA women’s U-20 and U-17
World cups, football in Nigeria has been marred by poor performance and
near-success syndrome.

After failing to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany,
the Super Eagles Failed to fly at the South Africa 2010 World Cup, the first to
be held in Africa and capped it all by failing to qualify for the 2012 Africa
Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, which saw the untimely exist of
coach Samson Siasia as the national team gaffer.

The youth teams have also found it tough re-enacting the
nation’s glory days of the 1980’s and 1990s.

But the trend had not always been like this. It is believed
that the major problem with sports in Nigeria is that of policy implementation,
inadequate funding, selfish administrators and poor infrastr4uture.

It is no longer news that Sports facilities across Nigeria
are in terrible shape and this in no small way has affected the development of
Sports in the country.

Poor management of facilities and poor preparations have
been largely responsible for the poor performance of the nation’s Sportsmen and
women in both continental and world championships, making it difficult to
develop and inject fresh blood into Team Nigeria’s contingent.

The situation has even worsened to the extent that the
entire country can only boast of one stadium, U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar,
good enough to host Super Eagles’ International matches.

The Abuja National Stadium built about 10 years ago at the
cost of N57.6 billion of tax payers money and others like it is today best
described as a national embarrassment in terms of maintenance.

But all hope is not lost. Nigeria is endowed with abundant
manpower and resources that if the current restructuring effort is followed up
sincerely, the country has the capacity to bounce back and reclaim its place in
the continent and the world.

According to the President, Sports Writers Association of
Nigeria, SWAN, Saidu Abubakar, “until and unless the right things are done
starting from the statutes, especially that of the Nigeria football federation,
NFF, and their elections, coupled with intensifying school Sports and credible
league without government owned clubs, we shall remain where we have been since
the advent of professional soccer and modern Games”.

For the Team Manager of ABS FC, Ilorin, Alloy Chukwuemeka,
faulty Sports Policy and government’s overbearing influence have been the major
bane of the sector.

He however, stated the need for all relevant stakeholders in
the industry to come together to fashion out a new policy framework to chart a
new course via an all indusive sports summit.

However, the expected Sports revolution in Nigeria may have
begun if the decisions of the body, Nigeria Academicals Sports Committee,
NASCOM, recently formed by the National Sports Commission, NSC, on the
directive of President Goodluck Jonathan to revive grassroots Sports through
the schools, are implemented.

According to the committee six national grassroots
championships for academicals in Football, Swimming, Basketball, Tennis, Table
tennis and Track & Field have been put forward with the aim of eradicating
age cheats and keeping the supply line of national athletes open and running.

Nigeria’s sports is indeed full of potentials but the
dividend can only be reaped when the right policies and committed
administrators are made to succeed.

Sports

FUBARA Opens 2026 PH AMATEUR OPEN GOLF Championship

Published

6 days ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday declared open the 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship during which he renewed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of Rivers people.

Governor Fubara, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Sunny Ewule, at the ceremonial Tee -off to kickstart the tournament, said the event holding in Port Harcourt, is a clear indication that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business.

“This championship bringing over two hundred and fifty golfers from across Nigeria to Port Harcourt is a testament to the fact that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business. You have demonstrated that sports is a powerful tool for social cohesion and for projecting the positive nature of our State,” he said.

The Rivers State Government, the Governor stated, identifies with the championship and will continue to support initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of the people.

Governor Fubara described golf as more than a sport, emphasising that it teaches patience, discipline, focus and integrity. According to him, these values were in line with his administration’s commitment to peace, unity and healthy living for all the people of Rivers State.

He commended the Local Organizing Committee for their hard work in putting the event together. He also commended the Port Harcourt Club Golf Section for sustaining the historic Club since 1928, while wishing all golfers participating in the championship an injury-free and worthy tournament.

The President of the Port Harcourt Club, Barr. Victor Omubo Frank-Briggs, expressed appreciation to the Governor honouring their invitation, noting that with the government’s presence the golfers have been energised and inspired to do their best in the championship

MFM, First Bank eye AWBL finals in Liberia (5)

Nigerian clubs MFM Basketball Club and First Bank Basketball Club will battle for places in the African Women’s Basketball League finals when they compete in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, from November 2 to 9.

The six-team competition will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Indoor Gymnasium in Paynesville, with the top two teams earning qualification for the continental finals in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for December 11 to 19.

MFM and First Bank will be seeking to carry their domestic form into the qualifiers after meeting in the final of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, where MFM claimed a narrow 66-64 victory.

The result underlined the close rivalry between the Nigerian sides, who will now look to establish themselves against opponents from across the region and secure their places in Cairo.

Defending FIBA Africa Zone 3 champions Friends of Basketball Association of Côte d’Ivoire will also compete, alongside Benin Republic’s Energie Basketball Club of Cotonou.

Hosts Liberia will be represented by Flames Basketball Club, the domestic league runners-up, and reigning national champions D’Rockers Basketball Club.

The Nigerian clubs secured their places in the qualifiers after FIBA Africa and the Liberia Basketball Association extended the registration deadline and adjusted the competition schedule following the late conclusion of their domestic league campaign. The intervention was facilitated by FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (retd.).

Preparations for the tournament are also gathering momentum, with Flames president and Liberia Basketball Association Secretary-General Calvin Diggs saying the organisers are working to deliver a successful competition.

FIBA Africa Zone 3 Secretary Joe Apu also expressed confidence in Liberia’s readiness, citing the experience of the country’s basketball community in hosting international events.

With six teams competing for just two qualification places, MFM and First Bank will face a demanding test as they seek to progress to the continental finals in Egypt.

Sports

Chukwueze Faces Injury Lay-Off

Published

6 days ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is expected to spend at least two months on the sidelines with a hip injury, ruling him out of AC Milan’s upcoming fixtures, including the derby against Inter Milan.

According to Italian sources, the 27-year-old has consulted a specialist over a problem with his left hip and commenced treatment with injections.

Chukwueze will undergo another assessment in 10 to 15 days, but he is not expected to return before the end of the year, dealing a blow to Nigeria and Milan’s options on the right flank.

The Nigerian reportedly experienced discomfort in his hip after Milan’s Serie A fixture against Atalanta and missed training ahead of last Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash with Bournemouth, which the Italian side lost 3-0.

Chukwueze has made eight appearances across all competitions this season, providing two assists since returning to Milan following a loan spell at Premier League club Fulham.

His absence adds to Milan’s injury concerns, with defender Matteo Gabbia and winger Alexis Saelemaekers also sidelined by long-term injuries.

The Rossoneri are reportedly considering recalling Zachary Athekame from his loan spell at Lyon to provide additional cover during Chukwueze’s recovery.

Milan, who remain unbeaten in Serie A this season, face Udinese on Sunday before taking on Inter in the derby on October 31.

There is better news for the Italian side regarding striker Gonçalo Ramos, who has returned to full training after missing the Bournemouth defeat with fatigue in his left calf.

A scan revealed no muscle damage, making the Portuguese forward available for Sunday’s trip to Udinese.

Sports

Nigerian Trio Target Titles At PFL Africa Finals

Published

6 days ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Three Nigerians, David Samuel, Patrick Ocheme and Raphael Uchegbu, will fight for titles at the PFL Africa finals after the Professional Fighters League confirmed PFL Rwanda for December 12 at the BK Arena in Kigali.

The promotion announced on October 23 that the event will crown three African champions in the welterweight (170 lbs), lightweight (155 lbs) and bantamweight (135 lbs) divisions.

In the main event, the undefeated Samuel, who has a record of 7-0, will meet Angola’s Shido “Machine” Boris Esperança, who is 13-2, in the welterweight final.

Esperança reached the final with a first-round finish in his semi-final, while Samuel went the distance to keep his perfect record.

“My Nigerian roots opened the door for me to compete in PFL Africa, and reaching the final is a special source of pride for me,” Samuel said. “On December 12, I will step into the cage not just as a finalist, but as a man determined to finish what he started and become a champion.”

Esperança said, “I believe that I can be that champion that the promotion deserves because I have been crafting myself for that.”

Ocheme, whose record stands at 10-1, headlines the co-main event against Senegal’s Demba “Black Tiger” Seck, who is 11-3, in the lightweight final. Ocheme booked his place with a devastating first-round body kick in his semi-final.

“This means a lot to me because finishing fights is what I do best; I am a knockout artist by nature,” Ocheme said. “I trust my preparation, my fight IQ and my ability to get the job done, God willing, in the first or second round.”

Seck responded, “Patrick is a tough opponent, and I always knew our paths could cross in the final. I respect his skills, but I truly believe I am the most complete, technical, strongest, and the most experienced fighter in this division.”

In the bantamweight final, Uchegbu, a former FCC champion with a record of 11-2, faces Liberia’s Dwight Joseph, who is 17-3 and won his semi-final by split decision.

“Winning in the final will change my life, and I look forward to bringing the belt back to the motherland and showing the next generation of African fighters what is possible,” Uchegbu said.

Joseph said, “Coming up short last year motivated me to push even harder this time around. I am getting my hand raised, leaving with that belt, and taking it back to Liberia.”

PFL Rwanda will be shown across Africa on SuperSport for English-speaking viewers and Canal+ for French-speaking audiences. It will also be available on free-to-air television via SportyTV.

PFL Africa General Manager, Elias Schulze, said, “Kigali will take centre stage as we crown Africa’s next champions in front of a global audience. Together with our Rwandan partners, we are giving African talent a world stage, and the next generation something to fight for.”