Sports
Edo FA Holds Elective Congress
As the political storm and related hullabaloo that have since crippled the electoral process in the Edo State Football Association have already been laid to rest by the fact-finding mission of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), it is now certain that the political process will surely run to its conclusion and enthrone new leadership for the heartbeat FA board.
The long-awaited Edo FA Elective Congress has been scheduled for Friday, November 17,2023 in accordance with the decisions and agreement reached during the conflict resolution meeting with the NFf delegates on Monday.
In the notice for the election signed by the new Edo FA, secretary Andrew Ohwifo on Wednesday November 15,2023, the election is scheduled to hold at the Nigeria Air Force Base, Airport Road, Benin City.Time is 11AM.
Participants expected in the process include delegates elected from the (18) Local Goverment Football Councils, and the Statutory delegates from the Referee Association ( Edo Referee council) , Nigeria coaches Association ( Edo state chapter), Premier League representatives ( Bendel Insurance Fc), Nigeria Women Football League ( Edo Queens Fc), Nigeria Women Amateur League ( Fortress Ladies FC), Nation-wide League NLO( Rolly FC). The aforementioned delegates are to decide who leads the new Executive Board of the Edo State Football Association on Friday in Benin City.
The five candidates duly screened and cleared for the chairmanship position are Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, Engr Emmanuel Edekin Imiere, Johnbull Edosomwan, Egbon Victor and Benjamin Owerei.
Kindness Ohiowele,a serving member of the EFA board is the only candidate for the position of the vice chairman and will be returned unopposed.
Seven candidates are contesting for membership positions, which include three current board members. They are Amadin Stephen, Charles Olubayo, Faith Ojeaga. Others are Mike Uhuanmwangho, Mikhail Osakpomwan Igbinovia, Kennedy Ugbodaga, and former board member Paul Ojeisekhoba.
Recall that a high powered three man delegation was sent to Benin City on Monday by the NFF to look into the issues in the Edo FA Elections process.
The NFF fact finding team led by the Vice-President of the Federation Felix Anyansi Agwu, with Alhaji Babagana Kali and Ali Abubakar as members did justice to the issues after a peaceful deliberation with the outgoing Edo FA Board Dr Moses Aghedo in attendance with some other stakeholders of the game in the state, including four championship candidates, local FA chairmen and statutory delegates.
The Anyansi led NFf delegation after their findings, affirmed the major decisions so far taken by the outgoing board,paving the way for the continuation of the electoral process that has suffered several postponements.
Meanwhile,the outgoing Edo FA chairman Dr Aghedo Moses has expressed gratitude to Edo state Government, the Nigeria Football Federation( NFF)and all Edo Football lovers
for their intervention in ensuring restoration of normalcy and peace to the Edo state football family.
“I can’t wait to handover to the new Board of the Edo FA.” Dr Aghedo reacted why speaking with the Observer sports.
While assuring all the contestants of a level playing ground and a hitch free exercise, Dr Aghedo urged all the candidates and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Electoral and Appeal committees headed by SP Saturday Okao (rtd) and Mr Osamudiamen Osagiede respectively to enable them complete the process on Friday.
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
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,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
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.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
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.
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