Sports

Solid Foundations Wins Muoghalu Cup

Published

10 years ago

April 10, 2015

Solid Foundations Foot
ball Club of Enugu has emerged winner of the 4th edition of Ozalla Muoghalu Super Football Cup Competition among teams drawn from four branches in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The keenly contested final match which was decided last Sunday at Ezeokpu Mini Sports Stadium Ichida watched by a sizeable crowd including the cup donor, High Chief Lord Mike Ezedimora (The Ugonabo of Ichia) and other eminent traditional rulers, saw Solid Foundations FC of Enugu beat her City Warriors FC of Warri counterpart 1 – 0 to lift the coveted trophy at stake.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the sponsor/cup donor High Chief Ezimora was full of praises for the two finalists for giving a good account of themselves irrespective of the final score line.
Ezedimora expressed satisfaction not only with the standard of the game exhibited by the two finalists but the high level of discipline demonstrated by the players which according to him is worthy of emulation.
He however, restated his commitment in ensuring that the football competition in Ichida is upheld yearly, having seen the zeal, unity and sense of purpose shown by the youths towards the round leather game.
The visibly elated Ezedimora who is known for his great passion towards grass roots football development also took time to advise youths to remain focused and continue to channel their energy and time in doing what is right instead of indulging in one bad act or the other capable to ruin their future.
Also in their separate speeches, both the Igwe of Ichida, Chief Charles Ezeudogu, Chief Emma Duru (Ichie Aku Chukwu) and Chief Prince Igwe commended the magnanimity of High Chief Ezedimora in continuing to sponsor the grass roots football competition, thereby, helping to bring the community to limelight before the outside world.
“Honestly, we are proud of Chief Ezedimora for his numerous contributions towards the development of Ichida town, believing that others will emulate his footsteps”, they added.
Highlight of tile event was tbe presentation of-t-he..gold-trophy to-the eventual winner, Solid Foundation FC of Enugu as well as some consolation prizes for the runners up, City Warriors Fe of Warri, third place team United Friends FC of Bayelsa and Young Stars FC of Lagos repectively.

Sports

CAFCL: Finidi Laud Players Over Impressive Performance

Published

2 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Tide

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt head coach, Finidi George, has lauded his players (boys) after they defeated Les Aigles du Congo 1-0 in the second leg of preliminary round of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL).

He admitted that the game was a perfect display of football artistry from both sides but believe that his players will grow stronger against Black Bulls in the second preliminary round in Mozambique.

Finidi said this on Sunday shortly after his side saw off Les Aigles du Congo 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

This feat qualified the pride of Rivers State for the second round of the preliminary stage by 1-0 goal aggregate, as their opponents forced them to goalless draw in Congo.

“It was not far from a perfect display, my players to get the job done by getting the only goal of the game. We know it has not been easy, but we’ll build on this win.

“The most important thing is that we have scaled through this round and now we will focus on our next opponent” Finidi said.

He noted that the players were nervous in the first half and missed key opportunities to seal the tie early.

” We had chances, but there were lapses and mistakes, during first half break we advised them to calm down, in the second half, we also created more opportunities but could not convert the chances as they come ” he said.

Finidi also explained the inexperience of his squad, with several players making their continental debut.

“Most of my players have not played at this level before, so the nervousness was expected. In every game, they’ll gain confidence. I’m not worried, they will get better,” he stated.

The former Super Eagles Coach assured fans that Rivers United are ready for the Mozambican champions and make a statement.

“We’ll prepare well for the Black Bull. It’s going to be tough but this win gives us something to build on” he added.

Rivers United will travel to Maputo for the first leg of the second preliminary on October 17, 2025 before returning to Uyo for the return leg where the winner over the two legs will make it into the group stage of the CAFCL.

By: Kiadum Edookor

Sports

Umuahia Hosts Africa Para- Badminton Championship

Published

2 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Tide

A badminton fever has gripped Umuahia with the arrival of over 150 athletes and 60 officials from 14 countries for the maiden Abia International Para-Badminton and All-African Badminton Championship.

The championship will run from today to October 12 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. On the ground for the championship are athletes from Brazil, Peru, Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mauritius and Rwanda. They arrived on Sunday.

Some of the other countries were expected in the Abia State capital yesterday. Speaking on the championship, yesterday, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the chief host, Governor Alex Otti, has mobilised facilities and the personnel to ensure a successful event.

Speaking through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Raymond Chima Ukwa, said: “We have the best mats, playing mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats, which is the first of its kind in West Africa.

“If you go around, you’ll see the hall and the preparation that has been made to ensure that people have an equitable world-class playing field.” Thrilled by Governor Otti’s support for the competition, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President, Francis Orbih, said that, besides making all the necessary arrangements that will ensure a successful hosting of the events, “we will have a Para-Badminton workshop for coaches and players.

“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do better to improve on where we are, which is why all these have been put together by Governor Otti.”

Sports

FIFA U20: Flying Eagles Narrowly Loss to Norway

Published

2 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 loss to Norway on Monday, despite creating several opportunities to level the game.

Norway took the lead in the 9th minute after being awarded a controversial penalty. The Flying Eagles pressed for an equaliser but were denied two penalty claims in the second half.

Kparobo Arierhi came close in the 47th minute when his shot drifted wide with the goalkeeper beaten, while Tahir Maigana struck the upright in the 63rd minute.

Nasiru Salihu’s rising effort in the 71st minute also went narrowly over the bar, drawing gasps from the crowd.

Seven minutes from time, Maigana again tested Norway with a long-range strike that went just wide as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure.

Despite their dominance, the Flying Eagles could not find the breakthrough and now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against Saudi Arabia in their second group match.