Sports

NWF President Lauds COAS Over Support, Sponsorship

Published

2 years ago

November 27, 2023

Ahead of Nigeria’s contingent arrival at the 2023 International Military Sports in Azerbaijan, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr. Daniel Igali has lauded the support from the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreen Abiodun Lagbaja towards the upgrade of Lieutenant Colonel Timipre Okou as an internationally certified wrestling referee in the Armed Forces.
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation President who was reacting to a letter from the United World Wrestling body also thanked the federal government and the Chief of Defence Staff for sponsoring 10 athletes and 7 officials, including the only certified Armed Forces of Nigeria International Referee, Lt. Col. Timipre Okou, to represent Nigeria at the biggest world military wrestling championships after Olympics in Europe.
Dr. Daniel Igali said Lt. Colonel Timipre Okou’s upgrade has bridged the gap of mentorship in the officiating component of wrestling in the country as well as providing a voice on the international mat.
Sources say Lt. Col. Timipre Okou had served as Assistant Director on Fitness and Physical Training under Lt. Gen. Abiodun Lagbaja while the latter was the General Officer Commanding First Division, Kaduna where he approved and released him for the international level one refereeing course in Alexandria, Egypt last year.
It is revealed that Nigeria has been saved from paying a fine of several dollars at the World Military Wrestling Championships by attending with a certified referee.
Speaking on expectations at the World Military Wrestling Sports in Azerbaijan, Lt. Col. Timipre Okou, who is representing Africa to the International Military Sports Council with over 138 countries, said the Nigerian contingent is in high spirits and thanked the federal government, the Armed Forces leadership and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation Dr. Daniel Igali for the support.
Earlier in August this year, the Bayelsa-born International Wrestling Referee, Lt. Col. Timipre Okou officiated at the Indian Oceania Island Games in Madagascar which he said also provided him with more experience and expertise.
The World Military Wrestling Championship is billed to hold from November 27 to December 4, 2023 at Azerbaijan where the Nigerian contingent is expected to participate in (10) events.

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

15 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

15 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.