Sports
Enyimba FC’s Chairman Threatens To Quit
The Chairman, Enyimba FC of Aba Felix Anyansi-Agwu, has threatened to leave the club, following allegation that he had been the problem of the club.
“Everything that happens, they focus on Anyansi-Agwu and blame me, thinking it is all about me, probably because I have stayed up to 20 years, people are tired of me, may be they now want me out, I am considering to go.
“I would not want to leave Enyimba and expect it to go down, so there is no way I can wish that; that is why we are taking time.
“It is not wrong to criticise us because no man is an island, we are open to learning every day,’’ Anyansi-Agwu told newsmen in Aba on Monday.
He, however, frowned at the frequent condemnation he receives whenever things go wrong in the club.
The Enyimba’s chairman said that the club had won 28 trophies during the period of his stewardship.
On the sack of the club’s erstwhile coach, Usman Abd’Allah, he said that the club had right to take necessary decisions for its well-being.
“Abd’Allah’s sack had nothing to do with the 4-0 loss the team suffered a week ago in the hands of Plateau United in Jos,’’ he said, adding that clubs sack their coaches whenever they deem it necessary for their progress.
“Enyimba’s 4-1 win over Paradou AC of Algeria, which is a display of what the team can do, shows that the future of the team is very bright.’’
Anyansi-Agwu said the club was not satisfied with the number of spectators recently recorded during football matches.
He said that the club fans have been complaining of their performance lately, adding that when the team is reformed, it will restore its lost glory.
Sports
“Expect An Improved Warri Stadium” When completed, the Warri City Stadium, which is being re-modelled by the Delta State government might “compel” some African countries to use it in prosecuting their CAF and continental matches soon, so says the contractor handling the project, Olanrewaju Adeleke. The stadium is expected to be completed in September this year. Speaking with The Guardian, yesterday, Adeleke, who is the Managing Director of Peculiar Consults, stated that apart from an upgraded FIFA-standard hybrid grass surface and complete underground drainage system, the Warri Stadium is also designed with an advanced nine-lane tartan track (World Athletics standard), an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a brand new indoor sports hall. There are also a basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court, and two dedicated practice pitches. Other features in the new Warri stadium include advanced security and surveillance systems covering the interior and surrounding areas. “Going by the work we have done so far, I am sure the stadium will be ready by September this year,” Adeleke said. “And it will be the new sports destination for many African countries because of the quality of both the playing turf, which is of FIFA standard, and other aspects of the complex. We have some West African countries playing their CAF and continental matches in far away Morocco and South Africa. But all that will change when we complete this Warri City Stadium.” Adeleke said that the stadium’s playing turf, which used to be waterlogged, has been ‘raised’ to three layers. “As we speak, it rains on daily basis here in Warri, but you won’t see a single drop of water on the pitch because of the concrete job we did underneath. Presently, the playing turf is on three layers, and it was done to FIFA specification. The dream of Delta State Government is to elevate Warri Stadium to world-class standard and that is what we have done,” he said. The new stadium complex, which will see the capacity increased from 17,000 to 20,000 spectators, will feature an upgraded, FIFA-standard hybrid grass surface and a complete overhaul of underground drainage systems. Adeleke said: “As a contractor, we allow our jobs to speak for us. The Warri Stadium is the first we have done in Nigeria. We are also handling the re-grassing of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, and we have secured the contract to handle two stadia in Bayelsa State. We might also re-grass the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. By the time we complete these five stadia, Nigeria will be moving close to countries like Morocco and South Africa in terms of stadia with FIFA-standard hybrid grass surface.”
When completed, the Warri City Stadium, which is being re-modelled by the Delta State government might “compel” some African countries to use it in prosecuting their CAF and continental matches soon, so says the contractor handling the project, Olanrewaju Adeleke.
The stadium is expected to be completed in September this year.
Speaking with The Guardian, yesterday, Adeleke, who is the Managing Director of Peculiar Consults, stated that
apart from an upgraded FIFA-standard hybrid grass surface and complete underground drainage system, the Warri Stadium is also designed with an advanced nine-lane tartan track (World Athletics standard), an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a brand new indoor sports hall. There are also a basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court, and two dedicated practice pitches.
Other features in the new Warri stadium include advanced security and surveillance systems covering the interior and surrounding areas.
“Going by the work we have done so far, I am sure the stadium will be ready by September this year,” Adeleke said. “And it will be the new sports destination for many African countries because of the quality of both the playing turf, which is of FIFA standard, and other aspects of the complex. We have some West African countries playing their CAF and continental matches in far away Morocco and South Africa. But all that will change when we complete this Warri City Stadium.”
Adeleke said that the stadium’s playing turf, which used to be waterlogged, has been ‘raised’ to three layers.
“As we speak, it rains on daily basis here in Warri, but you won’t see a single drop of water on the pitch because of the concrete job we did underneath. Presently, the playing turf is on three layers, and it was done to FIFA specification. The dream of Delta State Government is to elevate Warri Stadium to world-class standard and that is what we have done,” he said.
The new stadium complex, which will see the capacity increased from 17,000 to 20,000 spectators, will feature an upgraded, FIFA-standard hybrid grass surface and a complete overhaul of underground drainage systems.
Adeleke said: “As a contractor, we allow our jobs to speak for us. The Warri Stadium is the first we have done in Nigeria. We are also handling the re-grassing of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, and we have secured the contract to handle two stadia in Bayelsa State. We might also re-grass the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. By the time we complete these five stadia, Nigeria will be moving close to countries like Morocco and South Africa in terms of stadia with FIFA-standard hybrid grass surface.”
City Crime
Nigeria’s World Cup Absence A Big Miss – Terry
England and Chelsea legend John Terry has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that the Super Eagles will be sorely missed as the tournament started yesterday Tidesports source reports.
Eric Chelle’s side finished second in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers behind South Africa, who secured one of the automatic qualification spots for the tournament.
The Super Eagles kept their hopes alive by defeating Gabon in the playoff semi-finals but saw their dreams shattered after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in the decisive playoff final.
The defeat condemned Nigeria to a second successive absence from the World Cup, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The Nigeria Football Federation later challenged DR Congo’s qualification, alleging the use of ineligible players during the campaign. However, the appeal was dismissed, ending any hopes of a late reprieve.
Nigeria will be a big miss. This is a World Cup for participants who haven’t had the opportunity to play in the tournament. I would have loved to see a top team like Nigeria there because they’ve got some great individuals. They’re a great nation. So, yeah, they fall under that category for me.
“I think they are a big miss because Nigeria probably would have gone further in the competition, but unfortunately, one side’s loss is another’s gain.
“I know Mikel Obi is very upset that they’re not there. It means he can’t do more commentating on the World Cup. That’s why he was upset.”
The 2026 World Cup officially begins with co-hosts Mexico.
The historic clash, set to take place at the iconic Estadio Azteca, rekindles memories of the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which ended 1-1. South Africa took the lead through Siphiwe Tshabalala’s stunning strike before Rafael Márquez salvaged a draw for Mexico with a 79th-minute equaliser.
Sports
ANOCA Inspects Facilities For Africa School Games, In Abuja
Nigeria’s 2027 African School Games hosting journey entered its next gear yesterday, with a collaborative meeting between the ANOCA African School Games Coordination Commission and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Games, led by its chairman, Lekan Abari.
The session, held at the ANOCA Secretariat in Abuja, marked the first major technical review since Nigeria was awarded the hosting rights in 2025.
Abari delivered a detailed 46-slide hosting overview that covered governance, venues, logistics and legacy plans. He outlined the structure of the LOC and its subcommittees, each tasked with specific aspects of the Games’ delivery.
The presentation mapped out key competition and non-competition venues across Abuja.
In the presentation, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium is designated as the main stadium for ceremonies, athletics and other sports events, while Transcorp Hilton Abuja will be utilised for accommodation of officials and stakeholders.
Abari said that the Jabi Lake is the proposed venue for canoeing events, while the Games Village and University of Abuja will serve as the athletes’ camp and accommodation.
He also announced the proposed dates for the Games as August 22 to September 4, 2027, while explaining that the 14-day window was selected after weighing factors including Nigeria’s political calendar, weather patterns, and the global school calendar to maximise athlete and spectator turnout.
ANOCA African School Games Coordination Commission Chairman, Joao Da Costa Manuel, said after reviewing the presentation: “I am satisfied with the level of preparation, which the Local Organising Committee is putting in place.”
He urged the LOC to maintain close monitoring of all preparations to ensure Abuja delivers successful Games that set the standard for future editions.
The African School Games is ANOCA’s flagship youth event, first held in Algeria in 2025 with over 30 African nations. Abuja 2027 will be the second edition and another chapter in Nigeria’s continuous success stories of hosting continental multi-sport Games.
Over 3,000 student-athletes aged between 14 and 16 are expected to feature across over 20 sports.
The ANOCA Coordination Commission will continue its working visit today with on-site inspections of the proposed venues.
The team will assess the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package A and B, Jabi Lake, accommodation facilities, and the University of Abuja campus.
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