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.
Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).
The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.
The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.
He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.
Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.
” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.
“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.
“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.
The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.
Tonye Orabere
Liverpool’s season of abject misery worsened as they were beaten with embarrassing ease by a hugely impressive Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s Premier League champions were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, but instead ran into a Forest side revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche and looking back to their best.
Liverpool head coach Slot gave £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was totally anonymous once more and only lasted 67 minutes.
Forest went ahead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past fit-again Liverpool keeper Alisson to subdue an already anxious Anfield.
Igor Jesus had a second ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their advantage 39 seconds after the break when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish in front of The Kop.
Liverpool could barely raise a response in a desperate display, Forest increasing their lead 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson.
It means Liverpool, who lie 11th before Saturday’s late fixture, have now lost six of their past seven Premier League games as Slot’s near £450m summer spending spree comes under further scrutiny.
Forest, meanwhile, are surging away from the relegation zone and are up to 16th.
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