Sports
Fans Seek Consolidation Of Nation’s Triumph
Football fans in Ebonyi State have urged the relevant authorities to use the country’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in South Africa to redress issues militating against football’s growth.
The Super Eagles on Sunday beat the Stallions of Burkina Faso 1-0 to clinch victory after 19 years of trophy drought.
Sparks of celebrations were recorded throughout Abakaliki as fans, both young and old moved into the streets to celebrate all through the night.
Director of Sports in Ebonyi, Dr Emmanuel Utobo, commended the Eagles for the victory, noting that it showed the country was on the right path to reclaim its football glory.
“The victory though surprising, is a soothing balm to the long years of agony of soccer fans in the country as result of declining state of its football.
“We should, however, know that the revamping process of our football is not yet over as more work needs to be done,” he said.
A Football Administrator, Chief Jude Anigbo, attributed the success in South Africa to the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in football administration in the country.
“Since all warring parties in the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) leadership debacle sheathed their swords, the Aminu Maigari-led board has concentrated on discharging its duties.
“This victory should be used as a springboard to take necessary actions to ensure the country returns fully to its football glory days,” he said.
A Footballer, Chima Nwali, called on Coach Stephen Keshi to jettison all plans of quitting his job but conclude his rebuilding process.
“Keshi has succeeded at an early stage of this process and should not listen to any advice to quit when the ovation is loudest.
“Abandoning the team at this tender stage will allow another coach to reap the fruits of his labour, he should cooperate with the NFA to solve problems bedeviling our football,” he said.
Chief Ifeanyi Ikpa, a Timber Merchant, called for a stop on experimentation as the country has got the nucleus of a strong national team.
“This team is an embodiment of character, commitment and tenacity as only areas of noticeable defect should be corrected.
“Attention must shift immediately to the World Cup qualifiers as over stretching the celebrations might prove costly,” he said.
Mrs Grace Udo, a civil servant, called on the nation’s leaders not to politicise the victory but evolve policies that would enhance the development of football and other sports.
“Many problems are still bedeviling sports in the country such as poor funding, maladministration, poor coaching techniques, lack of basic facilities and others.
“Efforts should be intensified to solve these problems and make sports to attract the much needed private sector investment,” she said.
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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