Sports
2014 W/Cup: S’Eagles Stun Nigerians With Victory
As if waiting to be written off
and derided before showing their true colours, the Super Eagles as Nigeria on Saturday night forced many Nigerian football fans to eat their words and have a change of opinion over the chances at the ongoing FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014.
After a pathetic opening day performance against upstarts, Iran in which the Nigerian team eked out a scoreless draw, most fans were quick to give up on the team. Despite initially tipping the African champions to join Argentina as qualifiers from Group F, the insipid display against Iran eroded the confidence of many Nigerians.
But, just like in South Africa, during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the Eagles, after being scorned, raised their game in the second outing and piped the Edim Dzeko led Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0, even if it was with a huge slice of fortune to be in pole position for the second Group F ticket for the knock out stage.
The rejected stone, as it were, Osaze Odemwingie, it was he who scored the crucial winner to give Nigeria a chance and hope for a second round outing, the first since France 1998 world cup.
Now, the cumulative sins of coach Stephen Keshi and the Eagles, since the World Cup friendlies have taken a slight in the minds of the fans and the team super again, even if the signs of the team’s past frailties still remain visible.
Not a few Nigerians are now, as against the opening match feelings, expecting the Super Eagles to berth in the second round, even anticipating a victory or draw against Argentina and one Lionel Messi on Wednesday.
According to one football fan Josiah Asiedu, who said he reluctantly stayed up late to watch the match the Nigeria/Bosnia and Herzegovina game, “the Super Eagles surprised him with their improved performance”. He said that the players showed renewed purpose and spirit that apparently took the opponents by surprise and urged them to maintain the tempo in subsequent matches.
For Augustus Ajere, a businessman and ardent football fan, “The inclusion of Osaze Odemwingie from the onset and the new found pace of the Eagles lifted Nigeria over their opponents. The aggression and determination noticed in the players also contributed to the success”.
Though most of the fans spoken to by the Tidesports singled out Odenwingie, Emmanuel Emenike and particularly keeper Vincent Enyeama as the cornerstones of the team, they believed that the victory was as a result of a better team work.
Keshi was also advised to seek ways of improving the team’s tactical play, especially, build up play, target shooting and marking. The fans believe that with the new attitude in the team, Nigeria can withstand Argentina and even surprise themselves in the competition.
Nigeria will tackle Argentina While Iran locks horns with Bosina-Herzegovina on Wednesday in the last Group F matches. The Super Eagles need to avoid defeat or Iran fails to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina to be guaranteed passage to the round of 16.
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
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,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
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.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
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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