Sports
Okorocha Indicted Over Heartland Relegration

The former Governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim has overtly accused the incumbent Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, of fully contributing to the recent relegation of Heartland Football Club, Owerri, to the Second Division.
He made the disclosure in Ikeduru recently when he delivered a lecture/keynote address in a synod held at Saint John’s Anglican Church, Owu-Amakohia, Ikeduru.
The former governor through the Synod theme: Cultivating Contentment As A Flower Of Heaven”, reiterated that Heartland players got relegated to the Division Two due to their disobedience to the referee during their last match with Plateau United of Jos.
He stated that the players of Heartland walked out of the football pitch during their last match, noting that they emulated such disobedience from the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who has penchant for not obeying the rule of law.
He blamed the governor for not taking adequate financial treatment of the club seriously, compared to his administration that gave Heartland Football Club all the required facilities to operate, which enabled them to win some laurels.
According to the Ohakim, “In my regime, I contracted Ben Iroha, Sampson Siasia, Kalu Nwankwo and Ikeh Shoromu, who brought in a wonderful football development to the club.
He frowned at a situation where Heartland Football Club has been the only Division One club in the South-East that has been on relegation against the expectations of the people.
The ex-governor asserted that the way the Heartland Club was underfunded by the governor affected other segments of the state, making Imolities lose interest in government activities.
He said that good governance, as drawn from the tenure of the synod, are qualities expected that should move the country forward, pointing out that good leaders should always exhibit certain notable features associated with eagles which must include vision, courage and fearlessness.
Meanwhile, in a keynote address by the Ikeduru Anglican Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chigozie Maduwike, urged leaders to be contented as one of the flowers of Heaven, which calls for effective cultivation by all Christians.
The revered Bishop noted that contentment would not grow naturally in humans without learning it.
He made reference to the book of Philippians 4:11. The synod attracted a good number of personalities from both religious and political bodies.
Valentine Nduka, Owerri
Sports
CAFCL: Finidi Laud Players Over Impressive Performance
Sports
Umuahia Hosts Africa Para- Badminton Championship
The championship will run from today to October 12 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. On the ground for the championship are athletes from Brazil, Peru, Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mauritius and Rwanda. They arrived on Sunday.
Some of the other countries were expected in the Abia State capital yesterday. Speaking on the championship, yesterday, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the chief host, Governor Alex Otti, has mobilised facilities and the personnel to ensure a successful event.
Speaking through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Raymond Chima Ukwa, said: “We have the best mats, playing mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats, which is the first of its kind in West Africa.
“If you go around, you’ll see the hall and the preparation that has been made to ensure that people have an equitable world-class playing field.” Thrilled by Governor Otti’s support for the competition, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President, Francis Orbih, said that, besides making all the necessary arrangements that will ensure a successful hosting of the events, “we will have a Para-Badminton workshop for coaches and players.
“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do better to improve on where we are, which is why all these have been put together by Governor Otti.”
Sports
FIFA U20: Flying Eagles Narrowly Loss to Norway
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 loss to Norway on Monday, despite creating several opportunities to level the game.
Norway took the lead in the 9th minute after being awarded a controversial penalty. The Flying Eagles pressed for an equaliser but were denied two penalty claims in the second half.
Kparobo Arierhi came close in the 47th minute when his shot drifted wide with the goalkeeper beaten, while Tahir Maigana struck the upright in the 63rd minute.
Nasiru Salihu’s rising effort in the 71st minute also went narrowly over the bar, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Seven minutes from time, Maigana again tested Norway with a long-range strike that went just wide as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure.
Despite their dominance, the Flying Eagles could not find the breakthrough and now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against Saudi Arabia in their second group match.
-
Sports3 days ago
Ezeji Urge NFF To Investigate Igenewari George’s death
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
D’Gov Hails Amananaowei-Elect, Ogboloma Chiefs Council …Wants Accountability, Transparency In Traditional Administration
-
News19 hours ago
ECOWAS Parliament adopts $26m 2026 budget, announces 25th anniversary plans
-
Sports3 days ago
Group Plan To Discover Africa next football stars
-
News3 days ago
Make in Nigeria conferences and Exhibitions; PHCCIMA, others laud organisers for boosting SMES
-
Sports15 hours ago
Alarm Bell Raised Over Conditions At 2026 W/Cup
-
Oil & Energy3 days ago
“PENGASSAN Orders Halt Of Gas Supply To Dangote Refinery
-
Education3 days ago
Students Eulogises PGSA Leadership Role in RSU dev