Sports

Supporters Club’s Expenses Hit N87m

Published

12 years ago

March 25, 2013

The Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club has disclosed that it spent over N87 million to attend the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in South Africa.

President-General of the club, Dr Rafiu Oladipo, told Tidesports in Abuja that the money was expended on over 237 members of the club.

According to Oladipo, the club’s finance committee has been saddled with the responsibility of tabulating every expense made towards the South African trip and presenting it to the full house.

“We went with about 237 supporters from Lagos: There were members from Ghana, Cote d’ Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso and in South Africa.

“The club in South Africa was put together in 2009 and they were all there with us, travelling from Johannesburg to Nelspruit; Nelspruit to Rustenburg, then to Durban and so on.

“These journeys cost us money: We will soon come out with the exact amount that was spent on the trip,’’ Ladipo said.

He said the club spent more money attending AFCON and the World Cup tournaments than any other event.

The President-General pointed out that the club was fortunate to have gotten some financial reward from the Federal and Lagos State governments for the support given to the Super Eagles’ during the AFCON championship.

“We came back and the Federal Government gave us N5 million; Lagos State gave us N4.5 million and these amounted to N9 million.

“We are grateful to them but was that what we spent?

“The air fare alone for 237 people cost over N40 million; what about transportation to all our match venues and other logistics?

“However, we are happy that at least for once, the President, at the Federal Executive Council meeting, made a pronouncement appreciating the efforts of the supporters club.

“It goes a long way and means a lot to us,’’ he added.

The club is planning to acquire a private jet to help reduce its expenses while on national assignments.

Sports

RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

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

Sports

CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

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.

Sports

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

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

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.