Sports
Eguavon Helps ABS Beat Niger Tornadoes
Seasonal Charles Eguavon came from the bench to score the winning goal to help Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC beat visiting Niger Tornadoes of Minna 2-1 on Saturday.
Tidesports source reports that the 2020/2021 Nigeria National League (NNL) match Day 9 was played at the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
With this streak, ABS has returned to winning ways after three consecutive away losses.
It was Eguavon’s 5th goal of the season after rejoining the club from City rival, Kwara United FC of Ilorin, on loan.
The homers dominated proceedings for most of the first half and wasted so many goal scoring opportunities in the process.
Kale Karatu in the 10th minute benefitted from a lose ball and wasted no time in responding with a fantastic shot which went wide.
The visitors would have been ahead in the 19th minute when Oche Josiah won possession in a dangerous position drove straight into the ABS box before his fine attempt went wide.
ABS defender, Nelson Abiam forced Niger Tornadoes’ goalkeeper, Yinka David to a brace of saves in the space of two minutes.
The host’s search for goals left them short in the defence on most occasions as they struggle at times to cope with the pace and power of Tornadoes’ Oche Josiah.
ABS returned from where they left it in the 2nd half when play resumed again as Mubaraq Gata fed an incoming Kale Karatu in the 47th minute his shot was poorly played.
The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute after Tornadoes defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the goal area.
Gata made no mistake in the 53rd minute when he hit the ball directly into the roof of the net to score the ABS first goal.
ABS coach, Anthony Encho, made three changes in the 63rd minute to add notes to his attack when he introduced Taofik Aremu, Charles Eguavon and John Maurice as they came to replace Mubaraq Gata, Samuel Bamigboye and Kale Karatu.
One minute later, Abdullahi Boje made a fine safe to deny the visitors from a corner kick.
Eguavon rose from the bench to score the winning goal in the 71st minute from a goal mouth scrambling after perfect team play by the hosts.
The ABS 2nd goal lead only lasted for seven minutes when Tornadoes half the scores through John Jacob.
The visitors had some fringes of moments at the tail end of the match but ABS held on well to end the first round of the league with the 2-1 win.
The Ilorin based side now moved to the 4th position of the log haven started the match day in the 7th place on the table.
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,”
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.
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.