Sports
CAF Confed Cup: Rivers United Awaits CAF On Celtic Return Leg
The second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first round match between Rivers United of Nigeria and the Bloemfontein Celtics of South Africa initially scheduled for the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, today is up in the air as the visitors, expected to have arrived Port Harcourt yesterday could not enter the country.
The South Africans, Tidesports learnt, were denied immediate entry into Nigeria owing to the heavy prevalence of the second strain of the rampaging Coronavirus in their country. Following travel restrictions and health guidelines put in place by Nigerian authorities as a result of the COVID, travellers from certain countries, particularly, South Africa are expected to be quarantined for seven days on arrival before having access to the cities. But the South Africans were asking for a waiver, which government authorities did not oblige them.
In a chat with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Rivers State, Sir Honour Sirawoo, he said, that the State government and team were ready to host the game as match officials had arrived Port Harcourt and quartered, unfortunately, the state government could not afford to toy with the health and safety of the people and should accept the position of the country on the matter.
According to him, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, had already written to the Confederation of African Football, CAF, intimating them of the situation, especially, the Nigerian policy and requesting for a postponement or rescheduling to a nearby country that has no such a stringent measure against travellers from South Africa.
“The Rivers State Government cannot do otherwise or breach the guidelines put in place for national health and safety reasons. For us, we’re ready, anytime they agree or reschedule the game, we’ll play and we are sure we’ll win.
“The problem is not our problem, it’s not our own making. We only hope that CAF would respect the position of Nigeria and take decisions with the interest of all concerned at heart”, said Sir Sirawoo.
He, however regretted the effect the development may have on Rivers United players, who have been eager to confront the Celtics and finish the job they started in the first leg. “The players would definitely not be happy with the uncertainty. You know that we recruited well and they are focused to do well on the continent, the spirit of the boys may be dampened a bit,” he said.
It would be recalled that Rivers United smashed Bloemfontein Celtics 0 -2 away in the first leg, reducing the return leg to almost a formality.
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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