Sports

Dickson’s Cup: Commissioner Advises Youths On Conduct

Published

7 years ago

April 30, 2018

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Mr Buruboyefe Perekiye, has called on youths in the state to be law abiding, during on-going second edition of the Gov. Seriake Dickson’s Football Tourney.

Perekiye gave the advice in a statement issued to newsmen on Saturday in Yenagoa, by Daniel Alabrah, Media Director of the Tournament.

Tidesports source reports that the 2018 of the tournament tagged: “Restoration Cup” commenced on Friday at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa.

The Commissioner called on all participating clubs to remain peaceful throughout the period of the competition to ensure its success.

He also used the platform to enjoin them to remain law abiding, and take advantage of the numerous policies and programs of Dickson-led government.

Mablas Macaulay, a retired broadcaster from the state-owned radio FM, 97.1, told Tidesports source that the competition was a good move to engage the Bayelsa youths meaningfully.

“This is a way to catch them young for better use and for the betterment of the society.

“It is a big game, at least N5 million for the winner is not a small money,’’ Macaulay said.

Tidesport source reports that in the kick-off game played on Friday, Agudama FC defeated Onopa Community FC 3-0.

Junior Christopher, a striker of Agudama FC, scored the hat-trick, to secure a three nil victory for his team against the Onopa FC.

He commended the governor on the competition, and urged the youths to remain focused.

“I thank the governor for making the tournament come on board; I urge my fellow youths to remain focus for a better society,’’ he said.

Tidesport source also reports that the tournament has entries from 135 club sides across towns and communities of Bayelsa.

Mr Ono Akpe, Director General of the competition, said that the winning team would get N5 million, N3 million for the second position, and N2 million for the third place position respectively.

“Consolation prizes include, N500,000 for the fourth best team, N200,000 for the best behaved team, N100,000 each for the best goalkeeper, highest goal scorer, and of course, the most valuable player,” he added.

Sports

WAFCON Qualifiers: Falcons to face Benin in Togo

Published

6 days ago

October 13, 2025

The Tide

The Benin Football Federation has confirmed that the Cheetahs will host Nigeria’s Super Falcons in Lomé, Togo, in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier later this month.

The decision comes after Benin failed to secure approval for any of their home stadiums from the Confederation of African Football.

As a result, the federation opted to play its “home” fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.

The first leg of the second-round qualifier will be held in Togo on October 24, whilst the return leg will take place four days later in Nigeria on October 28.

The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the 2026 WAFC

Sports

Nigerian para-lifters win gold, silver, bronze at World Champs

Published

6 days ago

October 13, 2025

The Tide

Nigerian para-lifters Rita Ferdinand, Esther Nworgu and Rukayat Opeyemi Ajiboye won gold, silver and bronze medals respectively at the ongoing 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt, Tidesports source reports.

Ferdinand soared to victory on Saturday, lifting an impressive 153kg to clinch gold in the women’s up to 79kg category and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.

Her remarkable feat added to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship after Nworgu had earlier won silver in the 50kg category, whilst Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class.

Nworgu narrowly missed gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged her out for the top spot in a fiercely contested competition.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances, commending their relentless drive and patriotic spirit.

“Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.

“The NSC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support to ensure our champions keep soaring.”

The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9 to 18, 2025, marks the first-ever edition to be hosted on African soil, a milestone event highlighting the continent’s growing influence in adaptive sports.

The National Sports Commission had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global para powerlifting.

The hosting of the championships in Cairo represents a significant moment for African para sports, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s growing infrastructure and commitment to disability sports.

Nigeria has established itself as one of the leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently winning medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.

The 10-day competition has attracted top para powerlifters from across the globe, all vying for world titles in their respective weight categories.

The National Sports Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Team Nigeria throughout the competition as the athletes aim for more podium finishes and continue to make the nation proud.

Nigeria’s strong start in Cairo has raised expectations that more medals will follow as the championship progresses, with several other Nigerian lifters yet to compete in their respective weight categories.

Sports

SWAN Disowns Illegal Lagos Election, Petitions IGP, DSS others

Published

6 days ago

October 13, 2025

The Tide

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has strongly disowned and condemned the purported election set to be organised in Lagos by suspended members of the association, describing it as illegal, null and void, and a deliberate act of sabotage against the integrity of the body.

The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.

In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.

The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.

In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.

SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.

“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”

The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.

SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.

Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”

“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”

The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.