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Rivers United Vow To Sink Al-Merreikh, On Sunday

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On Sunday,  precisely Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State, will become  the centre of attraction for  football  followers  and fans in Nigeria,  as Rivers  State  United FC, of Port Harcourt will play host to Al-Merreikh of  Sudan.
The encounter which is  expected to kickoff by 4.00pm Nigeria time will be the first leg  in the second round of CAF Champions League.
Apparently, anxieties and expectations would be high in the minds of the players and supporters of both clubs.
At home Rivers United nick named “The Pride of Rivers State are first timers in the Champions  League competition, but vowed  to make a statement  following the cream of quality players they have  like, captain  of the club Festus Austine Guy Kuemain, Esosa Igbinola, Rotimi Sunday, Lukman Mohammed etc.
Apart from  the pre-season  training  in Spain and champions of  Nigeria Super Four League would stand at  concrete  advantage, in terms  of experience  and exposure.
The host current winning mentality, most significantly  the last wins  against AS Bamako of  Mali and the reigning  champions of Nigeria Professional  Football League  (NPFL)  Rangers of Enugu, last Sunday will be  another  morale  boaster.
Captain of Rivers United, Festus Austine, expressed  confidence  that his team will definitely  carry  the day.
According to him, his players  are focused and determined to make  name for themselves  and as well not  to fail the country.
“We realised   that we are carrying, the country’s banner that  is why we will be more focused and committed to ensure that we did not fail the country.
“We are going to take the match as a special game, because a win is a step to the  next round.” Austine said.
The  captain explained  that the game will not be an easy  one because  they are meeting  an experienced side who  has been in the Champions League  severally.
“Our technical manager, Stanley  Eguma is working  hard to correct the area of converting chances. We know  that the match  will not be easy, but we  must surely be going to be victorious”, he stated.
The first choice  goal keeper of United, Rotimi Sunday also expressed optimism  that his team will take the maximum three points.
According to him, the spirit of the players is high in the camp,  besides  they are mentally and physically fit to execute the game.
“We are ready for the game and hopeful to win, because  our last win against League Champions Rangers, is an indication that we are in form. Our intention is not only to win, but to score more goals to have an advantage ” Sunday said.
The Tidesports source revealed  that  Al-Merreikh are also prepared in all ramifications to run away with at least a point in Nigeria, knowning  fully well that they  are going to play with greenhorns.
No doubt, the visitors are quite experienced in CAF Champions League because they  have  been there  several times, apart from  that most of the players, are also well exposed and have good technical knowledge of football.
According to the source, the Al-Merreikh players have  good ball control and do not  take chances at goal mouth.
But my prayers is that let the officiating be fair and  allow the best to win.

Tonye Orabere

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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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