Sports
SWAN Presidency: Sirawoo Pledges Not to Disappoint
Presidential candidate for
the forthcoming national SWAN election scheduled for Ilorin, Kwara State, Mr Honour Sirawoo says he would not disappoint sports writers across the country if given the mandate to lead the association.
Sirawoo stated this Tuesday in Port Harcourt shortly after receiving his nomination form from the Rivers Council Chairman of NUJ, Mr Ayo Omoni Tamuno.
At a brief but elaborate ceremony, the Rivers NUJ chairman had received the form from the secretary of SWANECO, Mr Gabriel Nwanetanya and thereafter handed it over to Sirawoo.
According to the SWAN Presidential hopeful, “what I can assure you sir is that we will not let you down, we will not disappoint Rivers people, we will not disappoint SWAN in Rivers state, we will not disappoint Rivers NUJ, we will not disappoint those who have vested this trust in us. We will also not disappoint those who have endorsed us across the country.
“We can’t do it alone, we expect the support of everybody, that’s why I am very grateful sir that you personally came to pick this form in company of my chapel chairman, SWAN chairman and other very distinguished members of the association to hand over this form to me. What you have done today is a challenge that I must know that as I am moving, people are behind me.
“Let me also thank the Rivers State Government, especially the governor for creating the atmosphere that enabled us seek this office. Let me also commend the outgoing President of SWAN, Mallam Saidu Abubakar and of course, members of his exco, luckily I am part of that exco for the practical steps taken towards ensuring that democracy extends to SWAN.”
Speaking while collecting the form on behalf of Honour Sirawoo, the chairman of the Rivers state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Ayo Omoni Tamuno commended the SWANECO for its elaborate efforts to ensure the success of the forthcoming election.
The Rivers NUJ boss said the onus was now on Sirawoo to adequately fill the form and submit within the stipulated time frame outlined by the SWANECO.
Speaking earlier, the secretary of SWANECO, Mr Gabriel Nwanetanya said they were out to ensure a memorable and hitch-free election come July, 2016 in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
According to him, “2016 SWANECO has resolved to make ourselves available to every aspirant in the forthcoming election, that we have decided and we are working towards providing enabling environment and level playing ground for everybody.
“Everybody has equal stake in SWAN and we are happy that people are coming forward, people of integrity and clout are coming forward to express their interest in the forthcoming election.
“We have prepared ground for you all, we only urge the contestants to do their home work very well and be very civil and respect people in your campaign activities.”
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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