Sports
CAFCC: Coaches Praise Eguma Over Team’s Good Performance
Coaches in Rivers State have praised the impressive performance of Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt, following the team’s thrashing of Bloemfontein Celtic of South Africa 3-0 last Saturday.
The encounter was the second leg of CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) played at Porto Novo in Republic of Benin, as United’s home ground.
The pride of Rivers State, won their first leg against their opponents 2-0, making it 5-0 (aggregate) home and away.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Tidesports, the Head Coach of Ajagu Football Academy of Port Harcourt, Olaliye Owolabi, said he was delighted with the performance of Rivers United FC in the continental competition.
He noted that United was currently doing a great job both in the continent and league game.
“Watching them play against Kwara United FC and Heartland FC in the Nigeria Processional Football League, (NPFL) the team is really in good form,” Owolabi said.
The former Nigeria international further commended the technical crew of the club for a job well done.
“ I know with the addition of some experienced players in the team, they will do much better in both competitions in future,” he stated.
He pointed out that with the present form of United FC they have got an edge over Enyimba FC of Aba.
Speaking, the Head Coach of Wilbros Football Club of Port Harcourt, Adedoni Adenika, said the current performance of Rivers United FC was high, saying that all the departments were working well.
“The retainership of 90 percent of their players could be secret behind the success of the team.
Rivers United has some good players from the goal keeper to the strikers, who have experience in continental engagements,” he stated.
He praised the attitude of Stanley Eguma, towards the team performance and current form.
“They have done a great job as they are making Rivers State and the country at large proud.
Also speaking, the Head Coach of Macjef Football Academy of Port Harcourt, Ndubuisi Ihejirika, said he believed that presently Rivers United had a good team that can represent the country in any level of competition.
“Winning away and home is a good result and they should keep it up,” Ndubuisi said.
By: Kiadum Edookor
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
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
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
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.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.
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