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Wike’s Midas Touch In Sports Dev

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Commitment is one of the hallmarks of a visionary. That, is a major quality that the Governor of Rivers state, Chief Nyesom Woke has displayed as he piloted the affairs of the state for about seven years now. Indeed, his NEW Vision mantra has left tremendous impression on the landscape of not only Rivers, but the South South region and Nigeria as a whole. The sports sector is one of the areas that the indefatigable governor has left his mark on the sands of time. In fact, he has shown a trait that smacks of Midas touch in sports development and promotion, ensuring that the state is one of the first destinations of choice in sporting considerations. Without any loud advertisement to his disposition towards sports sentimentality prior to becoming a governor, indication that sports would be on the front burner of his administration manifested in his choice of activities for his inauguration. Sports, particularly football was one of the major activities as national team icons and stars like Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Adokiye Amiesimaka, Daniel Amokachi and others were brought to Port Harcourt to play and announce the incoming governor at the Sharks FC Stadium. Being a leader with clear vision, he knew that sports is a veritable tool to engage and empower the youth, especially, as there was angst in the land as a result of unfulfilled promises and indebtedness to state’s athletes and club sides. With an unmatched resolve, he saw to it that every indebtedness left behind by the previous administration was settled. Also, having noticed that the maintenance of two top football clubs, Sharks and Dolphins, campaigning in same league was an avoidable baggage that was breeding inefficiency and strain on the state’s purse, he moved to restructure the clubs for maximum result. Both clubs were collapsed into one, now known as Rivers United. Today, the club has been transformed into a serial contender for national honours and a force to be reckoned with in the domestic and contintal arena. At the moment, Rivers United are in pole position to bring the coveted NPFL’s 2021/22 Premier league season’s title home to the state. It is also to the credit of the administration that the state maintains other viable sports clubs, including Rivers Angels Football club and Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club, which have been consistent in chasing glory for the state within and outside the shores of the country. Perhaps, it is in sports infrastructure development that Governor Wike has astounded observers. Barely months in office in his first tenure, the abandoned football stadium of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex was given attention and made worthy of hosting local, national and international football matches. Recently, the main bowl and training pitches were regrassed and other facilities upgraded to the level that the venue serves as home ground for Rivers United’s Nigeria Professional Football League and CAF continental club engagements. The Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, the venue used to host the 1988 National Sports Festival, which had been in a dilapidated state was rehabilitated and given a new lease of life. However, Wike’s flagship infrastructure, as far as sports development in the state is concerned could be said to be the magnificent and world class football academy, the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt. It is a project conceived and delivered on schedule as promised by the governor. Described by many as an ultramodern institution that would have direct and momentous impact on grassroots sports development, the academy is designed to offer to Rivers and Nigerian children the platform to acquire knowledge and be exposed to international standards in sports skills, while combining them with regular academics. According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Real Madrid Football Academy, Barr Christopher Green, the institution bequeathed to the state by Wike can measure up to any of its kind anywhere in the world. It boasts excellent facilities that are aimed at weaning young talents through practical and theoretical impartation. Barr Green is of the opinion that any student that passed through the academy should be able to hold his own in the larger society by putting knowledge acquired to use. It is interesting to note that while the academy focuses primarily on football, basketball, other sports and regular academic work are given top attention. At different fora, former Commissioner for Sports in the state, Hon Boma Iyaye has lauded the vision behind the establishment of the academy and its potential impact on the people of the state and beyond. He, at one time declared that the legacy the governor is bequeathing to the state with the academy may not be fully appreciated at the moment but would be seen in time to come. He said that the governor has clearly thought of the future of the immediate generation and others to come in the state. At the moment, the academy is ready to take off after the completion of pending logistics. Wike, apart from investing considerably in infrastructure, has also done so well in promoting and hosting sports events and competitions. It is on record that several national and international competitions have been attracted to the state largely due to the profile and stance of the governor. Among events that have been held at the behest of the governor include the national and international wrestling championships, Africa Badminton Championships, Mini Marathon, national and international football matches. Additionally, the state has considerably partnered stakeholders to keep the golf and polo clubs ticking with events. Overall, Governor Wike has impacted the sports sector and taken development in the sector to the next level. His marks in the annals of history would certainly be indelible and hard to be surpassed.

By: Gabriel Nwanetanya

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Tottenham’s Miserable Run Continues  

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Relegation-threatened Tottenham’s miserable 2026 continued as their winless run extended to 10 league games with Fulham gaining a deserved victory to boost their hopes of qualifying for European football.

Fulham, who scored twice in the opening six minutes in their 2-1 win over Spurs in November, again got an early goal with Harry Wilson netting in the seventh minute.

However, the goal was controversial as new Spurs boss Igor Tudor felt it should have been disallowed as home striker Raul Jimenez pushed Radu Dragusin as they challenged for a Kenny Tete cross, before Oscar Bobb picked out Wilson to volley home from six yards out.

Tottenham had a similar goal ruled out last week in their 4-1 loss to Arsenal for a foul by Randal Kolo Muani on Gunners defender Gabriel but, following a check from the video assistant referee (VAR) Craig Pawson, Fulham’s goal was allowed to stand, much to Tudor’s fury.

Spurs, though, had no excuses for the 34th-minute second goal with Alex Iwobi left with space to shoot home superbly from 18 yards out, with the ball going in off the inside of the post after a neat exchange with Wilson.

 

 

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City Survive Leeds’ Challenge At Elland Road 

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Antoine Semenyo scored just before half-time as title-chasing Manchester City escaped Elland Road with victory over an energetic Leeds United.

The hard-earned outcome narrowed Arsenal’s lead to two points at the top of the Premier League.

City travelled to West Yorkshire without their Leeds-born star striker Erling Haaland who was injured in training, and it looked for large periods in the first half that they would rue not having their top goalscorer available.

But Ghana international Semenyo stretched to convert Rayan Ait-Nouri’s fizzed low ball into the penalty area for his sixth City goal since joining from Bournemouth in January.

Leeds will be wondering how they did not score after making a sprightly start and giving City real cause for early concern.

Meanwhile , a clinical Liverpool performance helped them beat battling West Ham in the Premier League and move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.

The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season.

Bayern Rebound To Overcome Dortmund In Bundesliga (5)

Harry Kane scored two second-half goals as Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling match and move 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

The England striker took his tally to 45 goals in all competitions this season as Bayern became the first team to inflict a home league defeat on Dortmund.

Kane, who passed 500 A clinical Liverpool performance helped them beat battling West Ham in the Premier League and move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.

The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season.

All three of the Reds’ first-half goals came from set-pieces – with Arne Slot’s side now leading the table in 2026 when it comes to goals from set-plays (excluding penalties).

In the fifth minute, Ryan Gravenberch teed up Ekitike, who finished smartly to beat Mads Hermansen at the near post for his 16th goal of the season.

West Ham threatened to equalise, but against the run of play Liverpool doubled their advantage when Van Dijk headed in Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner.

The visitors failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s complacency with Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen and Soucek all wasting chances.

And just before half-time, Mac Allister’s superb volley took a deflection and ended in the back of the net. That was the cue for sections of the travelling support to head for the exits.

 Nico Schlotterbeck’s opener.

Dortmund thought they had snatched a point when Daniel Svensson’s thumping volley sent Signal Iduna Park into pandemonium.

But that was until Joshua Kimmich’s strike three minutes from time kept Bayern in pole position to win a 14th title in 15 seasons.

Schlotterbeck headed Dortmund ahead in the 26th minute when he rose highest in a crowded penalty area to connect with Svensson’s free-kick from the left.

Dortmund had the chance to double their lead later in the half when Fabio Silva squared the ball to Maximilian Beier, who was denied by the onrushing Jonas Urbig.

Despite dominating possession in the first half, Bayern – playing with a front three of Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz – were unable to test Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

But Kane equalised early in the second period with a poacher’s effort from inside the area at the end of a slick move involving Kimmich and Serge Gnabry.

Both teams missed chances before Kane scored a penalty – a record 10th in a Bundesliga season – after Josip Stanisic was floored by Schlotterbeck.

Dortmund levelled when Svensson volleyed past Urbig, but Kimmich all but ended their hopes of winning a first title since 2012.

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PSG Extend Lead In Ligue 1 

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Paris St-Germain stretched their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to four points by claiming a narrow win at Le Havre.

The defending champions hoped to take advantage after second-placed Lens drew at Strasbourg on Friday, and Bradley Barcola gave them a deserved lead shortly before half-time.

PSG had chances to extend their lead and substitute Desire Doue had a late penalty saved by Le Havre goalkeeper Mory Diaw.

Lee Kang-In had an effort saved by Diaw before his right-wing cross was headed home by Barcola for his ninth goal of the season.

Moments later Lee fired wide when through on goal, before PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired against a post just after half-time.

Keeper Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Issa Soumare to keep PSG in front, while Diaw denied substitutes Nuno Mendes, Ibrahim Mbaye and Doue.

Diaw parried Doue’s spot-kick low to his right after Doue was brought down by Lucas Gourna-Douath with 11 minutes left.

 

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