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Ahead CHAN: Warm-Up Victory Impresses Keshi

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Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance against Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes in an international friendly.

The match, which ended 2-1 in favour of the Eagles, was played at the Abuja National Stadium last Saturday.

It was to prepare the Super Eagles Team B for the third edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa from January 11 to February 1, 2014.

Keshi told newsmen after the match that he was not bothered about the scoreline but how the players performed.

The Super Eagles opened scoring as early as the fourth minute through Ifeanyi Ede and doubled the lead in the 29th minute with Uzochukwu Ugonna’s goal.

But the Walya Antelopes got their consolatory goal through an own goal from Eagles’ captain and goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, in the 81st minute.

“The scoreline is not important for me, but how key the team is in terms of discipline and tactical display, and I am happy with what I saw.

‘’This is because it was just yesterday (Friday) that we did the drills and they could remember it throughout the 90 minutes. So, I am impressed,’’ Keshi said.

The Super Eagles coach added that the team met a good opposition who had been together for a long time.

“Their team (Ethiopia) is a national team and they have been together for a long time and they have experience, because it is the same team we played against in Calabar (during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last November),’’ Keshi said.

He however noted that the Super Eagles were far from being set for the championship (in South Africa) and they needed to keep working on all departments of their game.

Ethiopia’s coach Sewnet Bishaw was also impressed with his players’ performance, saying ‘’it was a good game for my players and they played nice in spite of the scoreline.

“The purpose of the game was to gain experience and we have gained a lot. This is because both goals scored by the Eagles were from throw-ins.

“So, we have taken that as our mistake and we will have to work on that before the championship starts.

“Also, we will correct the other mistakes we discovered and build a very strong team for CHAN,” Bishaw said.

He expressed optimism that both teams would go far in the championship basically meant for players featuring in their country’s local league.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group A of the championship with hosts South Africa, Mali and Mozambique.

Home-based Super Eagles player in aerial contest with a Gokana United FC opponent during one of the Eagles’ friendly matches with the amateur league side at the Gokana Central Stadium ahead of the 2014 CHAN Tournament. Photo: Chris Monyamaga

Home-based Super Eagles player in aerial contest with a Gokana United FC opponent during one of the Eagles’ friendly matches with the amateur league side at the Gokana Central Stadium ahead of the 2014 CHAN Tournament. Photo: Chris Monyamaga

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Amusan places third in Diamond League opener

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World record holder Tobi Amusan finished third in the women’s 100m hurdles as the 2026 Diamond League season opened in Shanghai on Saturday, Tidesports source reports.

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,”

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Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Senegal in a double-header international friendly during the June FIFA women’s international window as the African champions step up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Tidesports source reports. 

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.

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Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye

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The organisers of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race have announced the appointment of Dr Adebukola Bojuwoye as the head of the medical unit for the 11th edition of the prestigious event, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

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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