Sports
Gov Wike Wrestling Championship Promotes National Unity
Governor Nyesom Wiike National Wrestling Championship has come and gone, but Rivers people and those living in the State and its environs are still counting and recalling the benefits, most especially sportsmen and women in Nigeria.
The competition was hosted at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. It commenced on the 23rd November through 30th, but had the closing ceremony on the 1st of December.
Apart from hosting the National Wrestling Championship, the Rivers State Government led by Chief Nyesom Wike is also ready to host the forthcoming African Wrestling Championship billed to hold in February next year.
In a bid to promote other sports and national unity, Governor Nyesom Wike at the closing ceremony granted the request of the President of the National Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali to make the “Governor Wike Wrestling Championship” an annual event.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Kenneth Kobani, said the aim of the Championship is to exhibit the peaceful and secure nature of Rivers State against the negative speculations of some persons.
The Wike Wrestling /Championship was attended by 25 States and 12 wrestling clubs in the country that saw Bayelsa State emerging the overall winners of the event.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Sports and Youth Development , Solomon Dalung called on other state governors to emulate Wike’s style of sports development, saying that sports is one thing that brings unity and friendliness.
“Many people do not know that sports create wealth, boost economy of a country and increase integration. You are aware that sports do not have any language. Sports do not belong to either APC or PDP, what sports bring is peace and unity”, Dalung said.
The minister equally advised Nigerians to stop negative narratives against the country, adding that they should change their attitude to become good people.
He used the forum to appeal to Governor Wike to forgive all those that have wronged him one way or the other, saying that great leaders forgive.
According to him, this is the first time a West African country will host African Wrestling Championship, adding that Wike has invested in peace and security.
“For Governor Wike to host the National Wrestling Championship here in Rivers State, he has invested in peace and security,” he said.
The minister further commended the governor for providing infrastruc-tural facilities that met world class standard.
“I really appreciate and commend Governor Nyesom Wike for developing sports and making Nigeria proud. Honestly, the facilities I saw for this championship met international standard”, he stated.
Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye agreed with the Minister of Sports that sports is one of the unifying factors that promote global peace and co-existence.
According to him, Governor Nyesom Wike’s national championship was the biggest championship ever hosted by any state and the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF).
“I want to say that this Championship was beamed live on social media and has over 10million viewers worldwide,” Iyaye said.
President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, while speaking with sports journalists shortly after the event commended the governor for accepting to host the two wrestling Championships, not minding the present economic situation in the country.
He explained that the state would benefit in various ways during and after the tournaments, because the facilities would be for training of athletes in the state, apart from increasing revenue drive and boosting tourism potentials for the state.
World number two wrestler in women category and gold medalist in Wike’s wrestling tournament, Odunayo Adekuoroye said the facilities she saw were second to none in Africa.
Adekuoroye, who is also the sports woman in Nigeria, commended Governor Wike for his interest to develop sports in the country, most importantly in the area of wrestling.
“I think this is the first time I have seen world class facilities being used for national wrestling competition in Nigeria, honestly, the facilities are wonderful”, she said.
Another gold medalist, Blessing Ogebuchi, a member of Nigerian Army equally lauded the governor for providing a conducive atmosphere for athletes to compete.
According to her, Wike is an exceptional governor because he has bias for sports development.
“No doubt, I have not seen any governor in the country that has the passion to develop other sports apart from football as Wike. I am practically excited about the facilities I saw, besides, the atmosphere is very conducive”, Ogebuchi said.
Veteran sportsman, Solomon Odikibo said the wrestling championship actually reduced the high rate of youth restiveness in the state within the period, because the attention of many youths was diverted to the tournament.
Odikibo, who was a silver medalist in1992 Police Games, further said that the competition gave hope to coaches and athletes of other sports.
“It has been long Rivers State experienced such national tournament apart from football. If the governor continues like this, the state will always perform creditably in sports meets. Frankly speaking, other sports are dying. That is why many people are happy about this wrestling championship”, Odikibo said.
Mrs Mary Okonkwo, a petty trader in the state, thanked the governor, saying that the hosting of the wrestling tournament increased her profit, because she had quick turnover.
“I wish the governor can attract more competitions to the state, so that I can make more profit from my small business”, Mrs Okonkwo said.
By: Tonye Orabere.
Brian Brobbey scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner as Sunderland came from behind to beat Newcastle United in a thrilling Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park.
Newcastle had been on target for their first home victory in this fixture since 2010 when Anthony Gordon gave the hosts a ninth-minute lead.
Sunderland played out from the back but defender Luke O’Nien’s pass was intercepted by Nick Woltemade and he gave it to Gordon, who did the rest to score his 17th goal of the season.
The hosts almost made it 2-0 just before the break, but Sven Botman headed against the post following a cross from left-back Lewis Hall, one of five Newcastle players to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, another called up by Tuchel, did not get great distance on a punch, the ball was played back into the box, Brobbey chested it goalwards and Dan Burn cleared off the line, only for Chemsdine Talbi to fire in the rebound.
Noah Sadiki had a chance to put Sunderland ahead, only for him to shoot at Ramsdale.
Yet it did not prove costly as Brobbey scored the late winner, to the delight of the away fans, when he converted a rebound from close range after Ramsdale saved his first attempt.
The result gives Sunderland their first league double over Newcastle since 2014-15.
Rangers International technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu has credited his recent stint with the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle as a major factor behind the club’s resurgence in the Nigeria Premier Football League title race, Tidesports source reports.
Speaking ahead of Rangers’ matchday 31 fixture against El Kanemi Warriors in Enugu, Ilechukwu said the experience gained at international level has significantly influenced his approach, particularly in the areas of intensity, discipline and overall team structure.
“Change is constant in life. After working closely with Eric Chelle, the mentality I got from him is not an easy one. The training sessions are super intense, about 80 per cent of what we do now is heavy training,” he said.
Ilechukwu maintained that the discipline and structure he adopted during his time with the national team have translated directly into improved performances at the club level.
“I think my return has had a positive impact defensively, offensively, everything. The preparation, the pep talks, the quality, it gives confidence. I came back with an advantage,” he said.
Rangers have enjoyed a remarkable run since his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, losing just once in 11 matches, with six wins, four draws and seven clean sheets propelling them firmly into contention.
They currently sit second on the table with 50 points, just one behind leaders Rivers United, with eight matches remaining in the season.
Despite their strong position, Ilechukwu insisted his side will not be weighed down by pressure as the title race intensifies.
“There is no different message, we don’t want to be under pressure because of the league. We take it one game after the other, after this game we talk about the next one,” he said.
He added that his players possess the necessary qualities to compete at the highest level.
“They understand what it takes to win. They have the attitude, the capacity, the character, and they understand what we want. To me, we are always ready,” he said.
While acknowledging the strength of Rivers United, Ilechukwu maintained that the title race remains open heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
“They are the strongest team, but you never can tell what will happen. We are also strong. In the remaining games, we will fight more and stay at the top of our game but without pressure,” he said.
Having guided Rangers to the NPFL title in the 2023/24 season, Ilechukwu is now aiming to secure his second league crown in three years as the Enugu side continue their pursuit of the title.
Odegbami described CAF’s decision to overturn the Jan. 18 final result as “bizarre, condemnable and unjustifiable.”
As reported by Tidesports source on Saturday, he noted that Senegal were crowned champions and celebrated globally before the verdict was reversed on technical grounds.
“It is unheard of in football history. You cannot take away a trophy won on the pitch two months after,” he said.
Odegbami said the decision had sparked outrage among football fans and stakeholders worldwide.
“This judgment has shaken CAF’s credibility. It is not surprising the world is up in arms,” he added.
The ex-Nigerian Football Legend questioned the motive behind the decision, describing it as risky and unpopular.
“What could have driven such a decision that undermines the spirit of the game?” he asked.
Odegbami said although football regulations may not cover every situation, rare cases require wisdom.
“This AFCON case demands that rules and common sense must align,” he said.
He recalled that Senegal were crowned by CAF and FIFA officials before a global audience.
“Two months later, CAF delivered what I call a ‘poisoned verdict’ through its Appeals Committee,” he said.
Odegbami explained that Morocco’s protest, earlier dismissed, was later upheld on appeal.
“The decision to reverse a final match result is one of the most unpopular ever,” he said..
He said the rules on walkouts are clear but must be applied with context.
According to him, Senegal players walked off after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, staying away for 17 minutes.
“Ordinarily, that attracts forfeiture, but the referee allowed play to resume, which changed everything,” he said.
Odegbami noted that petitions can alter results but argued that the AFCON final was different.
“If this were a qualifier, nobody would question the CAF’s decision. But this was the final,” he said.
He stressed that the trophy had been awarded and celebrations concluded before the reversal.
“There was no room for post-match litigation in a final of this magnitude,” he said.
Odegbami maintained that the referee’s decision to restart play nullified the forfeiture clause.
“The match resumed, Morocco missed the penalty, Senegal scored and won fairly,” he said.
He insisted that CAF had no justification to overturn the result after recognising a winner.
“Punish any infractions if necessary, but do not tamper with a concluded final,” he said.
Odegbami urged CAF to review its regulations and restore Senegal as champions.
“For now, CAF should retrace its steps and return the trophy to Senegal,” he advised.
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