Sports
2021 Ughelli Pre-Season Cup: Coach Hails Excellent FC Over Win
Head coach of Excellent FC of Ughelli and champions of the recently concluded football tournament tagged 11th edition of Ughelli Pre- Season Cup, James Onome, has commended his team for their impressive performance at the competition.
Coach Onome made the commendation during an interview with Tidesports yesterday in Port Harcourt, after his team defeated Go-Round FC of Omoku, 1-0 at the finals of the competition played Sunday at the Ughelli Township Stadium, Delta State.
According to him, all teams that participated in the tournament had performed so well, saying that football is a game of win and loss and the best side would always emerge victorious at the end.
“ Football is more like survival of the fittest. There has to be a winner and a loser; the best side, Excellent. FC won the trophy,” Onome said.
The tournament, which was put together to immortalise Late Prince Anthony Obaseki for his contribution in sports, began with 16 teams to compete for honours, ended Sunday.
Before the final encounter, Go Round FC won in Group A with a 3-0-0 record and did not concede any goal, having an advantage of winning the cup. while, Excellent FC was 2-0-1 and finished in second place in Group A having lost 0-2 to Go Round FC in the opening match of the tournament. Go Round FC had a good chance of winning the trophy, but Excellent FC has the talent and pedigree to deliver.
Go Round FC, after blowing out Excellent FC 2-0 in the opener, continued their impressive run in the competition with a 1-0 win over Godspanal FC and a 3-0 walkover win against Rolly FC. There sterling performance in the group stage did set up the right atmosphere as they overcame hard fighting Goddosky FC 3-0 in the semi final.
Scoring a total of 6 goals from open play without conceding any goal not many will bet against the “Omoku Landlords” from winning the final match.
On the other hand, it was hard to believe that after losing 0-2 in their opening match, Excellent FC would still match on to the final.
Finishing second on the log in Group A, Excellent FC was in some serious momentum by defeating T Akoma 2-1 in the semi final to move on with their consistent quality in attack, though, they had a challenge with their defense, which at times can be a bit slow to react. They would have their hands full with Go Round, but they have the players to pull off the upset.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of trophy and prize Money to eventual winners of the competition.
It would be recalled that Excellent FC of Ughelli won the sixth edition of the tournament.
As the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters its decisive stretch, the presence of the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onos Oborevwori, on Sunday inspired Warri Wolves to a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Plateau United at the Ozoro Township Stadium.
After 36 matches, Rangers International of Enugu lead the standings with 62 points, one ahead of Rivers United, while Shooting Stars of Ibadan sit third with 57 points.
With just two matchdays remaining, the 2025/2026 campaign has been one of the most intense and competitive seasons in recent years. Teams have gone head-to-head in a fierce battle for the title, continental slots, and survival, with several clubs fighting to avoid relegation.
For Warri Wolves—who only recently returned to the top flight after relegation—the season has been a mix of highs and lows. As the campaign nears its conclusion, the Delta State-owned side is pushing to finish strongly.
At the weekend, they took a significant step toward that goal with a narrow win over Plateau United. The victory was buoyed by strong support from Oborevwori, who was pitchside offering encouragement and motivation throughout the game.
Oborevwori has remained a visible and active figure in Delta sports, consistently backing teams and supporting players to achieve better results. In Ozoro, his presence proved influential as Warri Wolves secured the decisive goal that earned them all three points.
The win takes Warri Wolves to 46 points, placing them 12th on the table. With two matches left, they remain in contention for a top-10 finish, with only four points separating teams between eighth and 14th positions.
Determined to see the team finish on a high, Oborevwori has intensified his support, urging the players to win their remaining fixtures and capitalize on results elsewhere.
Speaking after the match, he commended the team’s effort and urged them to maintain the momentum.
“I am proud of the grit and determination shown today by Warri Wolves. Every match is a step forward, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger.ppp
The journey continues, and we stand firmly behind the team.”
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
