Sports
ANSFA Set To Kick Off Maiden Super 8 Tourney
The Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) is set to kick off the maiden edition of its grassroots tournament known as ‘My Anambra Football’ Super 8 tournament from February 1.
Member, Organising Committee and ANSFA Board Member, Ralph George, who made this known to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said the draws for the zonal playoffs of the tournament were held on Saturday in Awka.
“The draws were held on Saturday at the State’s Football Association Secretariat in Awka.
“A total of 27 teams took part in the draws, to be part of the prestigious grassroots competition bankrolled by Aspire FC Adazi Ani.
“The draws conducted by the chairman of the orga-nising committee and a member of the ANSFA board, Oliver Ndigwe, alongside ANSFA Secretary, Chijioke Onyedika, had teams drawn to playoffs in their zones.
“These include; Anambra South, Anambra North and Anambra Central from where teams will emerge for the main Super 8 competition,” he said.
George told newsmen that participating clubs were expected to submit their players’ license on or before 4pm on Tuesday.
He explained that in order to be sure that all players got into the competition with clean bill of health, the sponsors had ensured free medical examination for players of the participating clubs.
“Players of teams from Anambra Central will be examined today at the Alex Ekwueme Square Awka, with that of Anambra North holding tomorrow at Otuocha Stadium, Otuocha.
“Anambra South teams will take their turn on Friday at Ekwulobia Township Stadium Ekwulobia,” he said.
He noted that the zonal playoff would hold from February 1 to February 3 at designated centres in the three zones.
Tidesports source gathered that in the breakdown of the draws, 13 teams featured from Anambra Central Zone, eight clubs registered for the tournament from Anambra North Zone while six clubs made it for Anambra South Zone.
Here are fixtures for the Day 1 games in the playoffs:
Anambra Central Zone:
Global City FC, Umunnachi vs Smith City FC Awka, Young African FC Nawgu vs FC Harkdove Awka, Uncle Ralph FC Mgbakwu vs Ogene FC Obeledu, Solar Spider FC Nibo vs Peace FC Awka.
United FA Amawbia vs DOSAD FA Enugwu-Ukwu.
Anambra North Zone:
Emmykings FC Nsugbe vs Golden Boys FC Onitsha, Ozalla FC Onitsha vs Big-T Global FC Umunya, Ifechikwulu FC Omor vs Nesaco Int’L FC Nkwelle Ezunaka
Macpee FC Omambela vs Ogbaru United FC Okpoko.
Anambra South Zone:
Mecon FC Umunze will tackle Ajalli United FC Ajalli, Rangels FC Achina vs John Paul FC Ihembosi.
Two teams would qualify from each zone for the main competition and would be complemented by two best losing teams.
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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