Sports
2018 AWC: Buhari Hails Wike
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike over the impeccable facilities and organisation of the ongoing 2018 African Wrestling Championships, “Port Harcourt 2018” in Port Harcourt.
Speaking during a colourful opening ceremony at the Main- ball of the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Complex on Wednesday, President Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr Solomon Dalung, said that the state government had done well in providing the excellent facilities on show for the championship and the platform for African youths to express their talents.
“Let me commend the government and people of Rivers State for a job well done. You have done very well; athletes for Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be produced here,” he said.
He urged athletes participating in the championships (AWC) to showcase the talents they possess to enable them excel.
He stated that sport is the only tool that has the potentials to unify and promote peaceful co-existence in any given nation.
According to him, over 35 countries are participating in the championship.
The president asked Africans to exploit the potentials of sports to create jobs, entertainment, peaceful co-existence and tourism.
“Sports can promote health and well-being of a nation. The place of sports is the place Africa should move to.
“African youths must be proud and believe in Africa. There’s no other place like Africa. There is huge potential in the continent, so, let’s collectively work to develop Africa which is the hope of the black race.”
“I encourage every African youth to continue to have the love for Africa, there is no better place than Africa, therefore, we need discourage migration of Africans.
Earlier, Governor Wike noted that the championships represents one of the greatest platforms of sports and talent discovery for the continent.
“Rivers State government appreciates the significance of sports and wrestling is not only our heritage but we follow it with passion. We are happy with our capacity to facilitate the hosting of the championship and so many other sporting events. Port Harcourt is dynamic, peaceful and viable,” he said.
He stated that the state has become a Mecca for sports, and other national and international events.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports in the state, Hon. Boma Iyaye, in his opening address said, it was necessary to adequately develop sports, because it reduces criminality, youth restiveness and promote peace and brotherliness.
“I welcome everybody to Port Harcourt, the city of peace, city of hospitality and city of love and unity. I advise all athletes to display the spirit of sportsmanship,” Hon. Iyaye said.
Tonye Orabere & Kiadum Edookor
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,”
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.
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.