Sports
NSF:‘Why I Saved Ebonyi From N10m Fine’
An Ex-Cricket International, Chika Okoro,who saved Ebonyi State from paying the 2018 National Sports Festival (NSF) non-participation fine of N10 million, has revealed the reasons for his actions.
Tidesports source recalls that the Ebonyi State Government had declared that it would not send a contingent to the festival held in Abuja, an offence which attracts N10million as non-participation fine.
Okoro, the South East representative in the Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF) board, however, sponsored the state’s cricket team to the festival thereby de-listing the state from non-participants at the festival.
The sports administrator noted that he took the decision to save the state from paying the fine and provided the athletes the opportunity to showcase their talents.
“The cricket players had been in camp for more than five weeks prior to the festival’s commencement and I had to sponsor their stay in camp.
“When the government declared that the state will not participate in the festival, I felt uncomfortable that they would not have the opportunity to showcase their talents.
“I also felt that paying such huge fine would be undesirable to the state, so I sponsored the team’s entire stay in Abuja, for the festival.
“The action has already yielded fruit as four of the players are currently in the National U-19 Camp, preparing for a continental outing in Gambia,” he said.
He, however, said his action was not to seek for the government’s recognition, but that he was motivated by his love for the sport and desire for its development in the state and the entire south east zone.
“Nobody from the government has called to appreciate my actions, but that is no problem because I am not seeking recognition.
“I decided to champion the growth of cricket in the zone by promoting it in the primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
“It is only when people appreciate and understand the game early that they can play it better and ensure its growth,” he said.
Okoro further explained that his love for sports dated back to 1979 during his days at the Government College Afikpo, where he rose to become the school’s captain.
“I represented the school and the old Imo in cricket and rose to represent Nigeria in several international events.
“I benefited from playing cricket and have to give back to the sport.
“I have donated kits such as balls, bats, concrete floor, nets, polls, lighting-equipment, and others, and this cannot be counted as a waste of resources.
“Cricket is an elitist sports because it is played by those who attend schools, and it is also expensive.
“We are striving to make it as popular as football because cricket players in Pakistan, India, England and other countries compete favourably with professional footballers,” Okoro said.
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.
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