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AFN APPEAL FOR ADEQUATE FUNDING 

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Adequate funding is vital for Athletics to prevent the escalating trend of Nigerian athletes seeking citizenship in other countries for greater opportunities.

This call was made during a press conference addressed by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, after Day 1 of the All Nigeria Athletics Trials at Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex on Friday.

In his address, Okowa made a passionate appeal to the Nigerian business community and the federal government, stressing the need for urgent funding to support Athletics and enable Nigerian athletes to remain in the country rather than seeking funding abroad for training and participation in sports

According to Okowa, Nigeria’s Athletics requires more funding for training, traveling, Welfare, sports participation and competitions both in the country and abroad.

The AFN president in particular mentioned top female athlete Favour Ofili who is seeking Turkey’s Nationality following her inability to get funds, ” Favour Ofili is almost gone, and more athletes are about to seek other nations nationality and the drift should stop through adequate funding for Athletics by the sponsors and the Federal government.

Regarding the performance of top Nigerian athletes at the ongoing All Nigeria Athletics Trials, Okowa stated that the athletes are doing well, especially the female athletes, and emphasized that the male athletes are also performing impressively.

He noted that the male athletes are achieving remarkable times at the trials. He said his goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s Relay Teams qualify for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan in September.

He stressed that additional funding is necessary to achieve this, but assured that Nigeria’s relay teams are expected to qualify.

The AFN president thanked Arise News, Premium Trust Bank, and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for providing financial support for the All Nigeria Athletics Trials in Lagos, and urged well-meaning and sports-loving Nigerians to support athletics and athletes in Nigeria. Okowa addressed the media flanked by the AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon, two top athletes, and Kola Aderibigbe, the federation’s honorary board member.

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Rivers United Supporters  Club Chairman Sure To Win League

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The chairman of the Rivers United Supporters Club of Port Harcourt, Sunny Oguh, popularly known as ‘Total’ has said that he is optimistic his club will win the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy this season.
According to him, despite the fact that United is currently occupying second position on the log, he is sure that they will win.
Oguh  said this in an exclusive interview with Tidesport in Port Harcourt, yesterday, saying that what they need is just to will their last away game.
“As chairman of the Rivers United Supporters Club, I have the confidence that the league is our own. We have shown capacity that we will win following the players’ impressive performance,” he said.
He urged fans and Rivers people to give moral support to the team because that’s what the team wants.
“I urge Rivers people and fans to give the team moral support, mostly spiritual support because God is the final answer”, Oguh said.
He used the opportunity to praise the management of the club for managing the club well.
“I must commend the entire management staff for good works they are doing because without good management the players would not have played very well like this”, he stated.
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Oborevwori inspires Warri Wolves to 1–0 win over Plateau United

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As the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters its decisive stretch, the presence of the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onos Oborevwori, on Sunday inspired Warri Wolves to a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Plateau United at the Ozoro Township Stadium.

After 36 matches, Rangers International of Enugu lead the standings with 62 points, one ahead of Rivers United, while Shooting Stars of Ibadan sit third with 57 points.

With just two matchdays remaining, the 2025/2026 campaign has been one of the most intense and competitive seasons in recent years. Teams have gone head-to-head in a fierce battle for the title, continental slots, and survival, with several clubs fighting to avoid relegation.

For Warri Wolves—who only recently returned to the top flight after relegation—the season has been a mix of highs and lows. As the campaign nears its conclusion, the Delta State-owned side is pushing to finish strongly.

At the weekend, they took a significant step toward that goal with a narrow win over Plateau United. The victory was buoyed by strong support from Oborevwori, who was pitchside offering encouragement and motivation throughout the game.

Oborevwori has remained a visible and active figure in Delta sports, consistently backing teams and supporting players to achieve better results. In Ozoro, his presence proved influential as Warri Wolves secured the decisive goal that earned them all three points.

The win takes Warri Wolves to 46 points, placing them 12th on the table. With two matches left, they remain in contention for a top-10 finish, with only four points separating teams between eighth and 14th positions.

Determined to see the team finish on a high, Oborevwori has intensified his support, urging the players to win their remaining fixtures and capitalize on results elsewhere.

Speaking after the match, he commended the team’s effort and urged them to maintain the momentum.

“I am proud of the grit and determination shown today by Warri Wolves. Every match is a step forward, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger.ppp

The journey continues, and we stand firmly behind the team.”

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race

Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.

Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.

According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.

“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”

Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.

The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”

It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”

The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.

Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.

His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.

Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.

The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor

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