Sports
SWAN, Fans Hail Gombe United Return
The Gombe State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) last Wednesday lauded the efforts of Gombe United Football Club in returning to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The State SWAN Chairman, Halilu Teli, told newsmen in Gombe that the Savannah Scorpions deserved the promotion ticket because of their perseverance and dedication last season.
Teli lauded the club management headed by Ahmed Usman for delivering on the mandate given to it by the state government, adding that the task was not easy to accomplish.
“I congratulate Gombe United for their courage in securing a comeback to the NPFL. It is well deserved, considering all the efforts by the state government and the technical crew.
“It was a collective fight and we are happy that the result has yielded the expected outcome, following the target given to the team management.
“The glory of this commendation for a return to the 2018/2019 NPFL season must be shared by the technical crew, the players, the fans and all stakeholders for all their prayers and support,’’ he said.
The Gombe State SWAN chairman also commended Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo for his efforts in ensuring that financial support was provided in time.
“One significant expression of this support was in the fact that the club was the first to arrive in Aba for the Super 8 competition,’’ he said.
Teli however appealed to the state government to provide the needed support in finance and logistics to prepare the team for the competition proper.
He added that such a gesture would go a long way in helping the club play in the NPFL with confidence.
Numerous fans of the club have also expressed their excitement at the club’s promotion to the NPFL for the 2018/2019 season.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Gombe, the club’s fans said it was a thing of joy for them to have their team back in the top flight.
Abdullahi Garbo, a trader at the Kofar Sarkin Market, said he was excited about Gombe United’s success in Aba, noting that the promotion would shift football attention to Gombe State.
“I learnt of their promotion after interacting with a friend this afternoon and I am excited they made it. This will bring the needed change and football attention to the state.
“I anticipated this promotion with the kind of training the new coach gave the boys and the morale of the club which he boosted through hard work.
“I commend the club, Chief Coach Ladan Bosso, the players and all members of the team. They will get a heroic welcome. We are waiting to receive our heroes,’’ he said.
Tide sports reports that Gombe United FC had on Wednesday gained promotion to the NPFL after securing one of the four available tickets at the 2017/2018 NNL Super 8 tournament in Aba.
They secured five points from three matches played, after securing a 1-0 win against Real Stars, a 1-1 draw with Kogi United FC and a goalless draw with Kada City F.C.
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.