Sports
Referees, Others Mourn Late China
It was a moment of grief for Rivers State council of Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), the immediate family of Late Levi China, friends, sympathizers, and Umu-Nobo village in Igbu-Ehuda in Ahoada East L.G.A of Rivers State as Elder Levi Olariwaju Onyejuwa China, who died on Monday 30th March 2020, was laid to rest at the weekend.
If encomiums and testimonies showered on the dead could wake one up, late China Levi would have risen.
His burial was a day when his works, life and time on earth was profusely and profoundly expressed by his children, extended families, the church, colleagues in Football Refereeing and business associates. he was adjudged a good man.
Speaking on Elder China’s works, life and time, Mr. Innocent Wokoma-Solomon, retired FIFA badged Referee and Deputy Chairman, Rivers State (Football) Referees’ Council, who on behalf of the President of NRA Alhaji Tade Azeez led the Nigerian (Football) Referees’ Association’s delegation to the burial, described Elder China as a good fellow and comrade, saying “our periods with him as Referee was wonderful and remarkable. He laid a lot of legacy in Refereeing as a hobby in Rivers State. He served the council in various capacity as Vice Chairman, and many other positions. He impacted positive values in so many Referee’s life, both as friend and colleague. He has lived a good life to the best of our knowledge but it’s left for God to decide as he has lived.”
Also speaking, Elder Francis Mary Isong, chairman Elder’s forum of Rivers state (Football) Referee’s Council, posited that “late Elder Levi Olariwaju China was a personal friend. He is someone I brought up from lower to the top echelon of football refereeing’’
“He was a good man, someone to be emulated for his generosity and uprightness. What he said today, tomorrow he would say the same thing, he was not afraid of anybody, what he said in your absence, he would say it in your presence. He didn’t stand for evil at all. He was well known in refereeing circle not only in Rivers state but Nigeria in general for kindness and philanthropy. In fact, his death is a departure of a good man,” Elder Isong averred.
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has confirmed that financial discussions are ongoing over his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, but insisted his attention remains on coaching duties and upcoming assignments.
Chelle, whose current deal runs until January 2027, said negotiations over his future are being handled by his representative, while he focuses on team preparation and player assessment following Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the team finished third.
Speaking to Nigerian journalists, he acknowledged that financial matters remain part of the ongoing talks but stressed that he is prioritising his responsibilities with the national team.
“Yes, there are financial issues to be discussed and resolved. But I leave them to my agent to handle with the federation,” Obayiuwana quoted Chelle as saying on X.
“I want to concentrate on the job and the task at hand.”
Chelle’s comments come amid increased attention on his future following Nigeria’s recent success, which has reportedly attracted interest from other teams, although he remains committed to ongoing preparation.