Sports

NPFL: Rivers United Boss Savours 2-0 Difficult Win Over MFM

Published

5 years ago

March 19, 2021

After a resolute defending in the first 45 minutes, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Football Club (MFM FC) caved in to concede twice in the second half against points-thirsty Rivers United.
The two goals came from Fortune Omoniwari and Nelson Esor for what was a deserved win for the hosts at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
But in victory, Stanley Eguma, the Rivers United’s head coach praised the spirit of the MFM team and told newsmen that it was such a difficult match that required his side digging deep to break the opponents’ obstinacy.
“It’s not an easy game, the MFM team gave us a very good fight, we never underrated them. We knew that they were coming here to give us a fight because their own position is not also good on the log.
“In the first half, they gave us a difficult game but in the second half, we came back to change our tactics in order to break them and we got the two goals,” said Eguma.
Rivers United started the game the livelier of both sides but Fortune Omoniwari twice headed over from close range.
MFM also tested Rivers goalkeeper, Abiodun Akande, but he brilliantly tipped Muyiwa Balogun’s effort over.
Both teams then created half chances but none of the two goalkeepers was really tested as the feisty and cagey first half wore on.
After a barren first forty-five minutes, Omoniwari netted his fourth goal of the league campaign in the 49th minute when he finished off a Kazie Enyinnaya cross.
It was a textbook Rivers, United’s move that had been hinted upon in the first half. Rivers United head coach Stanley Eguma then made a couple of changes, bringing in Rafiu Ishaq and Bakary Bamba for Malachi Ohawume and Cletus Emotan.
Ishaq got involved instantly with his pace and trickery and then provided the assist for the game’s second goal.
Rivers United made the points safe sixteen minutes from time through Nelson Esor, who finished off a brilliant move he started.
Rivers United thus climbs to the fifth position on the log with 26 points from fifteen games with an outstanding game against Enyimba still undecided.
MFM FC which had no answer whatsoever to what their hosts threw at them is in 16th, hovering above the dreaded relegation zone.

Sports

RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball

Published

15 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Government has pledged to provide training pitch for Baseball in the State.

The Director of Sports in Rivers State Sports Council, Obia Inyengiyikabo made pledge on Tuesday in an interview with sports journalists shortly after the five days Intensive Capacity Development Course For Baseball Coaches.

Inyengiyikabo said the State Government has given priority to sport development.

” Yes we are happy for the five days Intensive Capacity development programme for baseball coaches in Nigeria.Sure by the grace of God the Governor of the State Sir Siminialayi Fubara will provide Baseball pitch.

” This programme, I am sure will be an eye opener for our youth to fall in love with the game. I appreciate the Global Sports Partners for finding Rivers State worthy host the programme”, Inyengiyikabo stated.

Meanwhile the Director of Global Sports Partner’s Coach Justin Rhondes from United States of America ( USA) expressed joy for the turnout.

He stated that seeing the coaches and players impressive turnout was indication the game was popular in Nigeria.

” We Global Sports Partners, our key word is partner, so for us we are ready to come back to Nigeria any time.

“The few days we have stayed Coaches and players has benefited a lot from the programme”, he said.

Kiadum Edookor

Sports

CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo

Published

16 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt contingent, comprising players, technical crew, backroom staff, and officials, depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State on Wednesday, bound for Kinshasa, DR Congo.

The team is set to face FC Les Aigles du Congo in the first-round first-leg match of the CAF Champions League.

This was contained in a press release signed by the media officer of the club, Charles Mayuku and made available to Tidesports on Wednesday.

He said that the highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the 80,000-capacity Kinshasa-Complexe Omnisports Stade des Martyrs on morrow with kickoff slated for 3:30pm.

According to the statement the encounter marks the first-ever meeting between both sides in any competition, adding that an air of excitement and unpredictability to the fixture.

“As the Pride of Nigeria embarks on this crucial journey, the team is determined to return with a decent result that will set them up favorably for the second leg on Sunday, 28th September” the statement said.

Sports

FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa

Published

16 hours ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped one place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, falling from 44th to 45th globally while maintaining sixth position on the African continent.

The new rankings, released via FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, reflect the team’s continued struggles under Coach Eric Chelle amid a stuttering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

This marks a second consecutive decline after the Nigerian side dropped from 43rd to 44th in August on the back of poor outings in recent international matches.

Despite Nigeria’s setback, several African teams made progress. Morocco remains the continent’s highest-ranked side, sitting 11th in the world after winning eight of their last nine matches. Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire complete Africa’s top five.

Lesotho slipped to 153rd place, while Benin Republic, Nigeria’s upcoming opponent, climbed to 93rd. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in June, rose to 55th, strengthening their bid for World Cup qualification.

Zimbabwe had the biggest slide down the ranking table, dropping nine places to 125th position in the world.

The rankings highlight Nigeria’s struggle to regain form on the global stage as key rivals continue to surge ahead.

Similarly, the Super Falcons of Nigeria remain 36th best in the world], while the Spanish female national team replaced the USA at the top of the women’s ranking.