Sports
NOA donates to Eagles’ Campaign 2010 W/Cup
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has donated 10,000 support materials to the Super Eagles, according to a statement issued in Abuja early in the week.
The donation is to support the Eagles in their bid to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Fidel Agu and made available to newsmen, NOA said the materials included copies of the Nigerian National Flag and Nigerian map lapel pins.
Others are Nigerian rally flags,the National Anthem in Compact Disc format and several NOA publications.
In addition,NOA had dispatched individual letters of goodwill to all the 23 players on the Nigerian contingent to the 2010 mundial.
The statement also said that the Agency’s Director-General, Alhaji Idi Farouk, disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Sani Lulu.
The NOA boss said the gesture was to challenge and encourage the NFF in its drive to ensure a hitch-free participation of the Super Eagles in the World Cup.
He expressed optimism and confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to lift the FIFA 2010 World Cup trophy.
“We have confidence in the NFF and the Super Eagles,and given the historic African resilience and the Nigerian ‘can-do it’ spirit, no level of victory would come to us as a surprise.
“The name of Nigeria could decorate the World Cup, and I therefore, enjoin the NFF not to relent in its efforts to ensure that our truly beloved Super Eagles perform remarkably,” the NOA Director-General said.
Farouk also commended President Goodluck Jonathan’s support and encouragement of football and the Super Eagles in particular, describing it as an inspiration that “re-ignites the Nigerian fighting spirit” for success at various levels of the sport.
In his response, NFF President, Lulu said his administration had built on the foundation of its predecessors to lift the standard of football in Nigeria by partnering with well- meaning Nigerians.
“Here in NFF, we have the willing mind to go for the highest trophy. Since the inception of this administration,we have participated in all FIFA events and have qualified for almost all tournaments.
“We worry at all times whether we are satisfying the expectations of Nigerians because of the nature of media reports about football and the NFF. “But we are consoled by this visit, and the comments of the NOA Director-General.
“We see it as the mind of government toward us and we are very grateful,” he added.
He also prayed God to honour Nigeria with winning the World Cup as a gift to celebrate the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
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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