Sports
Niger Delta Sports Festival: Bayelsa Sports Ministry Inaugurates Liaison Committee
The Bayelsa State Liaison committee for the Niger Delta Sports Festival has been inaugurated in Yenagoa, the State capital, ahead of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival slated for 1st -9th of April, 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The inauguration which took place at the Ministry of Sports Development had all members of the committee including the representative of the Project Consultants, Dumanis Icon Limited, in attendance.
Inaugurating the committee, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development,Mrs. Grace Alagoa, urged the committee to discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, stating that their nomination was as a result of their contribution to the development of sports over the years.
She noted that with the experience of those in the committee, she is confident that the personalities nominated to pilot the affairs of the committee would give the state good representation when the event commences.
According to ?Dumanis icon, the need to organize the competition became imperative due to the regions dominance at the national level, pointing out that the caliber of persons steering the affairs of the NDDC signifies the commission value for sports development apart from building bridges and constructing roads in the region.
Noting that sports is a leading part of the global economy, the Consultants pointed out that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would change the trajectory of sports for the people in the region particularly for the region that has produced great athletes for the nation, saying that the committee was set to help drive the process of trials in the various states.
Earlier in an address of welcome, chairman of the committee and Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, said the state was ready to consolidate on its previous record in the national sports festival describing Bayelsa as the latest hub in sports in the nation.
In an acceptance remark secretary of the committee Mr. Loveday Herbert asserted that the committee is prepared to discharge their duties effectively.
The Bayelsa State Liaison Committee has Sir Braveman Wodi as Chairman, Loveday Herbert will serve as secretary, other members are Catherine Sasuode, George Mark , Perela Aboroson, Ama-Ebi Wilson Ebikpolade, Chief Kia Nigeria, Mrs. Iteke Walama and Anthony Alabrah.
Other committee members are Bomo Kigigha, Blessing Oborududu, Inifa Gagbe, Okiki Felix and Kingdom Korumene.
Shortly after the inauguration, the committee held a brief meeting and resolved to work towards realizing the objective of the games. However, members wish to know about logistics because this is to enable officials and coaches to move to schools and localities in the riverine areas where transportation is not easily accessible. Places like Brass, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor local areas where local swimmers are residing, need mobilization to get them ready.
Members of Rivers State Liaison Committee for the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival. Middle is the chairman and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Kelvin Nweke. From left, Sepribo Gilbert Nimifaa, Gabriel Nwanetanya, Salubi Awuereba, Emmanuel Nwuju, Ugwi Joseph and Allwell Egwurugwu
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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