Sports
Deputy Speaker Tasks Politicians On Grassroot Sports Dev
The Deputy Speaker of
the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Leyii Kwanee has charged politicians in the state to evolve strategies aimed at encouraging youths to take part in sports activities.
Kwanee who made the charge last Monday in Port Harcourt at a reception in honour of one of his grassroot sports product, Dumka Neebari lauded the player for being level headed and committed to the game of soccer and for taking advantage of the sports development scheme to get the level he was now.
Neebari, a product of the deputy speaker’s grassroot youth sports development scheme has gone professional soccer in a Mongolian league.
He urged the player to work hard to ensure that he comes into the European league in order to assist other Ogoni brothers who are good in the game of soccer to play international professional soccer.
“When we came on board, we assured the Nyokhana people that by God’s grace we will raise the likes of Josephy Yobo. It is a thing of joy it has started manifesting. We give all the glory to God”, he said.
Earlier in his speech, Dumka Neebani had thanked the deputy speaker for advancing his football career by setting up Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi football club of Nyokhana which became a platform for him to improve his soccer career.
He urged him to continue to empower Ogoni youths and assured him that history would never forget his role to improve the standard of living and status of the Ogoni youths.
“It is a happy thing in my life to leave the country to Mongolia to play professional soccer because I have struggled for years. I thank the Deputy Speaker, Hon Leyii Kwanee for taking me out of the village,” he said.
Also speaking, the Manager of Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi Football Club of Nyokhana, Pastor Salvation Moses praised the deputy speaker and urged other prominent Ogoni leaders to emulate him.
“Neebani is from Nyokhana in Khana Constituency II, represented by Hon Leyii Kwanee. This same constituency has produced similar leaders of his status before, even a distinguished senator but none of them was able to record this kind of achievement”, he said.
“Neebari here few months back was in the village languishing in criminality. A lot of people had written him off. But the deputy speaker came, saw, spotted the talent in him and brushed him up. Today, he is being hunted by different clubs in the world. As I am talking to you right now, here is his visa. In the next 48 hours, he will be travelling to Mongolia. I want to thank you for your effort and pray that God will bless you abundantly. If you recalled gentlemen of the press, few months ago, we were in his office to thank him for one of us, Mr Dumteh Pygbara, who now plays for our national team”.
He further disclosed that another soccer star produced by the deputy speaker’s sports development scheme would be signing a contract deal with Enyimba Football Club soon.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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