Sports

Minister To Grace 2023 Nigeria National Chess Championships

Published

2 years ago

September 22, 2023

The organisers of the 2023 Nigeria National Chess Championships have said the games to be held in Lekki, Lagos, would have the Minister of Sports Development, John Owan-Enoh as special guest.
Tournament Director, Rex Ogunnaike, said this in a recent statement in Lagos.
He disclosed that in the last three years, the quality and influence of the Nigeria National Chess Championship had improved and grown significantly, leading to faster development of the sport in Nigeria.
“The championship has produced young talents and provided hints on the future possibilities of chess in Nigeria.
“The 2023 edition of the Nigeria National Chess Championship is scheduled for October 2 to 9, and will feature an Elite Invitational Section with 24 of the best chess players in Nigeria.
“They will compete for the Nigeria National Chess Champion and Nigeria National Women’s Chess Champion titles,” he said.
Ogunaike further revealed that the winners of titles would represent Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Individual Chess Championship (AICC).
“The 24 players in this section have gone through rigorous selection and qualification process, which includes a Nigeria National Chess Championship qualifiers tournament, to be able to compete in the final stage.
“Nigeria National Chess Championship 2023 will also have an Open Section which will accommodate players at every category including beginners and masters.
“Any member of the public can register to participate in the Open Section where they can test their mettle against other players of their strength.
“The Open Section will also have a vibrant Junior Category that will cater for U-20, U-14 and U-10 players,” he said.
The Director added that hundreds of school children were expected to participate in this category.
“Highlight of this year’s opening ceremony will be a session to induct seven distinguished Nigerian chess personalities and two organisations into the newly inaugurated Nigeria Chess Hall of Fame.
“This new development in Nigerian chess is set to celebrate and honour important contributors to the development of the sport in Nigeria,” Ogunaike added.

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.