Sports
Foreign Pros Return Add Shine To Nigeria League
Previously, Nigerian players who have featured for teams in Europe and Asia found it difficult to return to play in the Nigeria league, but that seems to be something in the past as a growing list of such players have retraced their feet back to where it all started for them.
Below are some of the players who have played for teams outside Nigeria and are now back playing in the domestic league.
In this current season, these ex-foreign-based stars are adding to the excitement of the local game.
Alex Nkume: The 25-year-old defender has joined Enugu Rangers after playing for VVV Venlo in Holland. The central defender played for Nigeria U20s in 2009. He played 35 games for VVV Venlo and his experience will be of great help for ‘The Flying Antelopes’ on his second coming.
Adebayo Adigun: The defender has joined Sunshine stars and has already made an immediate impact after he scored a last-gasp winner against Wikki Tourists on Sunday in a 3-2 win. The former 3SC player played in Japan for Kashiwa Reysol and Tokyo Verdy. He also played for Albanian side Bylis Ballsh and his last team outside Nigeria was Al-Tahadi FC in Libya. He has shown he is of good quality and will add glamour to the league.
Bassey Akpan: The goalkeeper has returned to Nigeria to man the post for Bayelsa United after he had featured for Vietnamese team, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai. He is an experienced goalkeeper who represented Nigeria at U17 level in 2001 where he was named goalkeeper of the tournament in Trinidad and Tobago. He was also Super Eagles number one goalkeeper in the 2010 WAFU Cup and won the gold medal.
Tony Okpotu: The enterprising forward has retraced his steps back to Lobi Stars after a stint with Al Ittihad in Libya. He was one of the top strikers in Nigeria league before he left Nigeria. His return will be a good omen for Lobi and add glamour to the league.
Raphael Ademola: The midfielder was part of the 2007 victorious Golden Eaglets that won the FIFA U17 World Cup. He played for Spanish team Atletico Baleares and has been at 3SC since last season.
Chibuzor Okonkwo: The right back established himself in the Super Eagles under coach Samson Siasia. He is a solid defender and good free kick specialist. He also has ability to score from distance. He is playing for Gabros after his time at Asswehly Sport Club in Libya.
Razak Adegbite: The striker posted a stint with Turkish division two side Kahramanmarasspor before he rejoined Rangers.
Usman Amodu: The former Golden Eaglets left back has returned to Nigeria after he played in Sudan for Al Hilal and Llaneros F.C of Colombia. He has joined Gabros.
Jamiu Alimi: One-time Nigeria youth international has featured in Belgium and Ukraine and the big defender has now retraced his steps to Sharks after his stint overseas was plagued by injuries.
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.
-
Editorial1 day agoEnough Of Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians
-
Nation1 day agoRSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria
-
Oil & Energy1 day agoRivers PETROAN Elects 12-Member Executive
-
Environment1 day agoMOSOP – Tinubu Not Sincere With Ogoni People For Oil Resumption
-
Politics1 day ago
APC Group Protests Ex–Presidential Aspirant’s Disqualification From Rivers Senatorial Race
-
Politics1 day ago
Reps Speaker Secures APC Return Ticket For Fifth Term
-
News2 days agoFubara, Wife Hail Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative …As Over 6,800 Families Benefit From Largesse In Rivers
-
Sports1 day agoOparaodu Urges Rivers United To Win Katsina United
