Sports
We Must Restart Positively – Wikki Tourists’
Idris Sabo says it will be vital for Wikki Tourists to start the second half of the 2016/17 Nigerian topflight on a positive note.
The Bauchi Elephants will look to improve on their form when they lock horns with Abia Warriors in their first fixture after the league’s restarts.
“Going into the Abia Warriors’ game, we know very well that we are indebted to our supporters who want nothing but a win after enduring a below average form in the first round,” Sabo told newsmen.
“But we know we will be faced with a tough battle against Abia Warriors, because they have proven to be a competitive side in this season so far.
“And there is no doubt they go to the match with more determination, as they also look to fight for vital points to finish the season on a good position on the log.
“The first game of the second round is very important considering our current position in the table. Three points will put us in the groove.”
Ovoke Targets CAF Cup
Bernard Ovoke says that Rivers United are targeting
CAF Confederation Cup success.
The Pride of Rivers have endured an uninspiring start to the season both domestically and on the continent.
But were given a second chance in Africa’s second-tier club competition after being ousted from the CAF Champions League. And Ovoke says that they are going for glory.
“First, I will like to thank God for making it possible for us as a team to make it this far. It has not been considering the expectations and fixtures but like I said, it has been God,” Ovoke told newsmen.
“On the continent, we have made the group stage and now the only target before us is to win the trophy.
“The first round of the league and the battle to stay up on the continent was challenging. It became really tough after that loss in Sudan but we picked up the pieces and so far, we have kept our heads up high.
“My expectations in the second round is to leave where we are at the moment and move to the top because that’s where we belong,” he concluded.
Kano Pillars Will Fight
To End-Isa
Danladi Isa strongly believes that Kano Pillars will
fight till the end as their aspiration is to lift the Nigeria Professional Football League title.
Pillars find themselves in 13th spot in the NPFL standings and sit 10 points behind leaders Plateau United.
“One thing that is certain is; Kano Pillars are champions, the fans and everyone at the club believe so and it is one major component that has kept us going on,” Danladi told newsmen.
“We won the league title thrice in a row, that’s exceptional. It doesn’t just happens, the belief system at Kano Pillars propels us to fight till the end and we shall do that to lift the league trophy this season.
“The fans will see more of that from the team when the second round of the league resumes,” he added.
On his injury, the shot-stopper said, “As for me, I am back, fully fit and I’ve been in action in the Kano State FA Cup. I was in goal in the semi final where we won the match via penalties
“We shall play in the final on Sunday and I hope to be called upon as I will always give my best at all times.”
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.
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