Sports
Ex-Internationals Hail Gokana Unity Cup
Former Super Eagles play
ers, Henry Nwosu, Victor Ukpoba and Mutiu Adepoju have hailed the annual Gokana Unity Cup competition, a football competition among communities in Gokana Local Government Area, Rives State, as a good model for grassroots development.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2012 edition of the competition in Bera town early in the week, Nwosu, who with Ikpeba, Adepoju and Jossy Dombraye were the stars of yester-years that graced the occasion commended the organisers of the competition for their vision and commitment.
He said that it is competitions like the Gokana Unity Cup that breed young talents that feed professional club sides and the national youth teams.
Nwosu promised to put words in the right quarters for promising players of the competition.
Ukpeba on his part noted that Gokana LGA has been consistent in organising the competition and commended the chairman of the council, Hon Demua Leedum Demua for continuing with the visions of his predecessors and giving opportunities to the youth to explore and express their talents.
The final match of the 2012 edition was between defending champion, Team I. S. Kogbara and Team Justice P. B. Akere, both from Bodo City in the area.
At the end of the match, a new champion emerged as Team Justice P. B. Akere pipped I. S. Kogbara with a first half lone goal.
It was a keenly contested encounter that saw both teams battle hard but had few opportunities for goals.
Two other matches were also played as part of activities of the day.
The first was a novelty between women of the area that ended goalless while the second pitched the team of Gokana politicians and Gokana All Stars. Despite the presence of Nwosu, Ukpeba, Adepoju and Dombraye in the All Stars Side, the politicians, courtesy of a lone goal scored by the local government chairman, Demua, carried the day.
Meanwhile, the council chairman, Demua was recognised and honoured with merit awards by the League of Character Club, Rivers State and the Rivers State Football Association, RSFA, for his commitment and achievement in sports and football development.
This was further given credence when former chairman and now Commissioner for Works, Hon Victor Giadom acknowledged that Hon Demua has recorded more achievements than his own administration.
Among dignitaries at the grand finale was the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe, member of National of Assembly, Hon Maurice Pronen, Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Ogoni, Bishop Gberegbara and others.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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