Sports
Cycling Boss Sues For Support
Newly elected president of Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF), Engr Giandvmenica Massari has sued for maximum cooperation and support in efforts to not only develop cycling but also make it one of the most popular sports in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt shortly after his arrival from Abuja where he secured victory in the federation election as Cycling President, Massari noted that his victory at the poll was a further call to serve and not to enrich himself. He prayed that Nigerians alongside board members would join hands to take cycling to greater heights—in the country and beyond.
He noted that it was not in doubt that many young cycling talents abounded in Nigeria but lack of sponsorship had been the greatest challenge towards making progress.
He however, stated his determination, with the support of the board, to go on sponsorship drive which will help the federation to acquire standard bicycles that could be effectively used to win laurels for the country.
“Besides, I’m also looking forward to taking cycling which could be seen as one of the recreational sporting activities to the grassroots level to be used as an exercise to keep the body healthy at all times.
Massari, who was the immediate past vice president of NCF further intimated that he would try as much as, he could to reach out to the union Cyclists International (UCI) so that they will send some of their instructors for the training and retraining of Nigerian coaches on the modern techniques of the sport.
He also assured of the readiness of the federation to re-introduce the yearly national cycling championship in line with the CAC/UCI calendar which would enable Nigerian cyclists not only to qualify at any given championship but perform well at major international competitions.
The erudite sports administrator who is still the 1st vice chairman of Rivers State Cycling Association also maintained that he would continue in his effort to see that Nigeria secure the hosting right for the 2018 and 2019 West Africa and African Track Cycling Championships
The British-born Nigeria nevertheless assured that he would continue the negotiations with Coloago and Bianchi manufacturing companies for the production of branded racing cycles to be supplied to the federation at a subsidised roles which could be given to the cycling association in all the states of Nigeria.
Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).
The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.
The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.
He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.
Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.
” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.
“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.
“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.
The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.
Tonye Orabere
Consistent with its project execution routine, Dunamis-Icon Limited, Project Consultants of the Niger Delta Games, has concluded the first phase of physical inspection and evaluation of facilities for the event, 24 hours after the presentation of the hosting right to Edo State was performed.
The project management team was guided round select facilty locations in Benin City by Desmond Amadin Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, and the team leader, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo expressed satisfaction with the sports infrastructure assets of the host.
“Edo is a ready-made choice based on all the factors that are necessary to host this kind of big event. We are expecting over 3000 athletes coaches, alongside journalists and technical officials, with an approximate number of people outside spectators in the range of 5000. So, we need facilities that work for the games itself”, Ikpokpo explained.
He commended the Edo State Government for the good state of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and promised that the state will be assisted with the renovation of some of the facilities as may be necessary to ensure good competition experience for the athletes.
“I have been to the iconic Ogbe Stadium and must commend the Edo State Government for maintaining the facilities there. We are also considering taking some events to the University of Benin, so that people in that part of the city can also feel and enjoy the fun. Where need be, we will also see how to assist the state and the University of Benin to add value to some of the sporting facilities”.
Dunamis Icon Limited is the franchise rights owner to the games conceived and designed to provide a platform for unity and integration, and identifying and grooming talented youths from the region into national and international stars.
The NDDC as the flagship interventionist agency for the nine states that make up the region, is the prime sponsor of the games as part of their strategic focus on youth engagement and human capital development.
The inspection tour began at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, after a brief meeting with Enabulele and the Sports Commission team at his office.
Areas inspected include the stadium’s main bowl, the tartan track, the state box, the VIP lounges and other key areas like the ceremonial room, the media studio and other indoor facilities.
Other facility locations assessed are the Wire Road Sports Centre being listed to host basketball and volleyball games, the University of Benin Sports Complex, and the Etete Sports Centre.
In the entourage of Dunamis-Icon were the Project Director, Mr Fred Edoreh; Director of Facilities and Equipment, Dr Emmanuel Ochuko Igbigbisie; the head of Communications, Harry Iwuala; Head of Transport and Logistics, Israel Umueri Afoke. Others are Theresa Ineke, Head of Secretariat, Godwin Enakhena, the Head of Scouting, Mr. Edi Lawani, the Head of Culture Affairs and Entertainment and Elder Siegha Porbeni of the Technical Department.
The Edo Sports Commission Chairman was also supported by Hon. Frank Ilaboya and Mrs Sabina Chikere, Executive Directors, with Mr Baldwin Bazuaye (MON) also in the company.
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