Sports

Ex-Lawmaker Tasks FG On Orphanage Sports

Published

12 years ago

November 27, 2013

A former member of the
House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, called on the Federal Government to show orphans love by developing orphanage sports in the country.
He made the call in Abuja at the end of a three-day Orphanage Homes Sports Festival Nigeria (OHSFN), organised by the Challenged Children Charity Foundation (3CF) for orphans in Nigeria.
Melaye said that the development of orphanage sports would enable orphans all over the country to have a sense of belonging.
“What the organisers of this game have done is what government should have done.
“This period is very emotional for me because these are kids that don’t have mother and father; in a responsible society, government is supposed to be their father and mother.
“This is an opportunity to call on the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to become `born again’ because this is actually the responsibility of government,’’ he said.
Melaye said that the country’s sports sector would be the major beneficiary of such games, as the talents from the various orphanages across the country would be properly harnessed.
“I didn’t believe that these talents can come from orphanages.
“Amongst you, by the grace of God, we will see people that will beat the record of ace footballer Rashidi Yekini; amongst you, we will see presidents and first ladies.
“In your midst, we will have senators, House of Reps. members, pastors and imams.
“We are going to convince all the multinationals that are spending money on frivolities that this is where they need to invest their money,’’ he added.
The organiser of the sports festival, Mrs Ugonna Uzor-Kalu, said that the event was initiated to create sports men and women for the country.
She said that the sports fiesta would also serve as a medium for empowering the young ones in sports and other skills.
“I see this event as an opening door for this target population; this maiden edition is a stepping stone.
“I urge individuals and corporate organisations to do more in affecting the lives of the less-privileged positively,” Ugonna said.
South-South geo-political zone, represented by Edo, won the football trophy and emerged as the overall winners of the sports festival.
The Edo team defeated their North-East counterparts from Kaduna State 4-1 on penalties, after a goalless draw in regulation time.
North-Central zone, represented by the FCT, finished second with 156 points trailing behind Edo with 174 points.
Kaduna State, representing the North-East zone placed third in the festival with 134 points, while the North-West zone, represented by Bauchi and Yobe ended on 116 points to finish fourth.
The South-West zone won the fifth position with garnered 70 points, while the South-East, which did not have any representation, placed sixth with zero point.

Sports

FOOTBALL FANS FIESTA IN PH IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY – Oputa

Published

6 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).

The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.

The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.

He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.

Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.

” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.

“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.

“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.

The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.

Tonye Orabere

Sports

Obagi Emerges OML 58 Football Cup Champions

Published

13 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The annual NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup 2025 edition draw its curtains closed last Saturday, with Obagi Community defeated hard fighting Akabta community 1-0, to lift the trophy.

The final which was held at Obite Civic Centre (field) saw Chiefs, community leaders, youths, including the Total Energies JV Asset Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olivier Cassasoles and people from all works of life in attendance.

Speaking at the event Mr. Cassasoles revealed that three best players in previous tournaments have been sponsored into a football academy within Nigeria.

He stated that all participants are winners, as he reiterated that the tournament is aimed at promoting peace, cooperation among host communities.

He expressed gratitude for the peaceful organisation and conduct of both officials and players during the final of NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup for 2025.

On his part the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee(COC), Mr. Saheed Ogunsanya said Ubeta and Ubio will not be participating in the next edition as they violated rules of the tournament.

Ogunsanya praised all the teams for their sportsmanship, stressing that this year edition was a success hence it maintained age grade of under 18 years.

He disclosed that two players have been picked from the tournament and they will be sent to football academy, while underscoring importance of the event to sports and youth development in the host communities.

This is the first time Obagi Community emerged champions of the competition since its commencement 22 years, as 18 communities participated in tis years edition.

At the end of the competition Obinna Godstime, emerged the highest scorer with 11 goals and Most Valuable Player( MVP) of the tournament.

while Michael Charles, from Obobru community became best goalkeeper of the tournament

Sports

Forest Embarrass Liverpool At Anfield

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

Liverpool’s season of abject misery worsened as they were beaten with embarrassing ease by a hugely impressive Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s Premier League champions were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, but instead ran into a Forest side revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche and looking back to their best.

Liverpool head coach Slot gave £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was totally anonymous once more and only lasted 67 minutes.

Forest went ahead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past fit-again Liverpool keeper Alisson to subdue an already anxious Anfield.

Igor Jesus had a second ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their advantage 39 seconds after the break when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish in front of The Kop.

Liverpool could barely raise a response in a desperate display, Forest increasing their lead 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson.

It means Liverpool, who lie 11th before Saturday’s late fixture, have now lost six of their past seven Premier League games as Slot’s near £450m summer spending spree comes under further scrutiny.

Forest, meanwhile, are surging away from the relegation zone and are up to 16th.