Sports
Principal Solicit For Support On Sports Dev
Hon (Mrs) Kpakol Sister Levula (Left) presenting trophy to senior prefect girls and Green House Leader, Holy Rossary College, Nwibari Kobani during 5th edition of Inter-House Sports competition of the college last Friday at the college premises. Pix: Nwiueh Donatus Ken
The principal of Holy Ro
sary College, Port Harcourt, Bar Vero Efika, has solicited for the support of parents, guardians and old Girls of the school, as towards acquiring well as philanthropists in securing the school’s sporting facilities to engage the students meaningfully.
Efika, who made the appeal at the school’s 5th Inter-House Sports competition held at the weekend said, “we need you to partner with us for the proper development of these children, intellectually, physically and morally”.
She stated that the highest function of education is to turn out the best integrated individual who is capable of dealing with life as a whole.
“It is the Holy Rosary College standard that emphasis be given towards meeting the demands of the three domains with emphasis on character formation and discipline. A child with good character and discipline is well equipped to face any intellectual challenges”, said the principal.
The principal urged parents to view sports beyond entertainment and improvement of the physical well being but to also consider the exposure it gives as well as the enormous wealth it helps the individual to generate.
Mrs Levula Kpakol, emphasized on the need for the involvement of private investors in the nation’s sports development noting that Nolly wood and Beauty Peagents have got to the height in Nigeria today because of the wonderful impact of private investors.
Kpakol who was mother of the Day at the evet said the best way to get the champions of tomorrow is embark on vigorous talent hunt in the schools and community, sports competitions where they abound.
She called on the Rivers State Government to consider the presence of Sports facilities in the private schools before they are given approved to operate since the absence of sports would not guarantee the total upbringing of a child.
The mother of the day, lauded parents for their growing interest in allowing their children and wards to participate in sporting and extra curriculum activities stressing that some people have become world heroes today because of their talents in sports.
“If a child is not good here, it does not mean that such a child is totally useless because she can as well be good in other areas,” she stated.
The Admins secretary, Catholic Education Board, Mrs Josephine Ogolo, said that the importance of sports development cannot be over emphasized in scheme of things in Catholic schools, and pointed out that sports is like a tradition which the Catholic schools participate with passion.
Ogolo maintained that apart from school inter-house competitions, the Board also organizes Catholic Children Day and Zonal Sport meets to allow the students express their sports prowess.
At the end of the competition, White House emerged the overall best with 75 points, while Blue House and Green House came second and third with 73 points and 62 points respectively.
Chris Oluoh
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,”
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.
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.