Sports

Don’t Sack Rohr Now – Ikpeba

Published

4 years ago

November 24, 2021

Member of Nigerian Football Federation Technical Committee, Victor Ikpeba, has kicked against the sacking of Gernot Rohr with less than 48 days to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that the move will be a disaster.
Ikpeba made this known in an interview with newsmen on Monday
Rohr came under heavy criticism again following the Super Eagles’ underwhelming performance in their 1-1 draw with Cape Verde at the Teslim Balogun stadium last Tuesday.
Ikpeba, however, advised that the NFF be patient with the 68-year-old till the end of the AFCON before taking a decision on his future.
“It is less than 48 days before our first game against Egypt at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations,” Ikpeba said.
“The speculation about his sack has been intense and I’m really surprised. I know what happened in 2002 and in 2010.
“Rumour of people going to the sports ministry and the presidency calling for Rohr to be sacked.
“Rohr has done the needful, qualifying the Eagles for the World Cup playoffs.
“Yes, we were not brilliant against Cape Verde but he has done the needful.
“Why not wait till after the AFCON and take a decision on his future. It will be a disaster if that happens now.
“If you sack Rohr and employ another coach, if the team fails at the AFCON, who takes the blame?
“What will the new manager change. What changed in 2002 and in 2010. It was a disaster.
“This will happen again if Rohr is sacked now.
“My worry is that we forget history and we should not. Those who sacked the late AmoduShuaibu twice said he was not good enough.”
“Gernot Rohr has been too soft with the players, the NFF can help him.”
Meanwhile, Tidesports source gathered that Salisu Yusuf maybe asked to take charge of the team in a temporary capacity should Rohr be sacked.
Yusuf, 59, was also a caretaker coach before Rohr was appointed in August 2016.
He has been involved with the national team setup since 2008, first with the Flying Eagles and holds a CAF A licence.
The former Kano Pillars and Enyimba coach, who has served out a year’s ban for receiving cash from undercover journalists, has always backed himself to lead the Super Eagles.

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.