Sports

2014 W/Cup Qualifier: PH Fans Tip Eagles For Victory

Published

12 years ago

November 15, 2013

As Super Eagles of
Nigeria battle their Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in the second leg of World Cup qualifier at U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State on Saturday, football fans in Port Harcourt have said that Eagles would be victorious.
Speaking in exclusive interview with Tidesports in Port Harcourt yesterday, some of the fans were unanimous that super eagles would pick the ticket for Brazil in 2014 world cup.
A grassroots coach in Degema, Richard Dakoru was of the view that Nigeria has already gotten the ticket to Brazil considering the 2-1 defeat of Ethiopia in the first leg at their soil.
“Antalopos played will in the first leg because of their rugby like football pitch, but this time, they will play on a level football field.
Our players will beat them in order to play at the world cup, Dakoru said.
Shidi Goodborn, a Bayelsa United supporter was emphatic that supper eagles would win adding that eagles parade experienced players.
Sunday Chukwu, a sharks of Port Harcourt fan was of the opinion that, the Ethiopians would be beaten 2-0.
According to him, Ethiopia played better at their own soil because of their high attitude and a very bad pitch, pointing out that Nigerians pitch and the weather are favourable for the Nigeria players.
Mrs. Miebi Jacob, a soccer fan in Port Harcourt was of the view that eagles would beat Ethiopia.
“Ethiopia is not Brazil or Germany, Nigerians should not harbour any fear. We are African champions and we should talk and act like the true champions”.
Roland Ikoyi, a pastor with Christ Embassy Church Port Harcourt urged eagles to be cautions and resilience.
According to him, the Ethiopians are capable of showing surprises because eagles might decide to relax because of the first leg result.
He appealed to Nigerians to pray for super eagles so that Nigeria flag will be at Brazil 2014.

Dick Aggo

Cyclists set for national tournament in Port Harcourt recently.

Sports

RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball

Published

8 hours 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

9 hours 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

9 hours 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.