Sports
Rivers United Forces Wikki To Goalless Draw
Rivers United failed toearn maximum points Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game against Wikki Tourists on Wednesday ended in a goalless draw.
The contest which was decided at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi was dominated by the visitors for long periods but a combination of shockingly-bad misses and some goalkeeping right out of the top drawer by the Wikki goalkeeper, Emeka Nwabulu meant there was to be no scoring in the rip-roaring contest.
Their dominance in the first half was so overwhelming that they could have been four goals to the good at the break.
Emeka Ogbugh was the first to display profligacy as he managed to plant a header wide, with the goal gaping from point blank range when it seemed easier to miss from that distance.
Three minutes later, Lukman Mohammed missed yet another glorious opportunity for United when faced with Nwabulu inside the box.
The outrageous sequence of misses continued from the United perspective in the 37th minute when Yusuf Jaiyeola fluffed his lines after he was delightfully set up by Emeka Ogbugh.
On the stroke of half time, the visitors threatened again, this time through the lively Mohammed who shot on target this time but was denied by a save right out of the top drawer by the outstanding Nwabulu.
Wikki’s best chance of the half arrived in the 21st minute through Richard Jonathan whose effort from an acute angle failed to trouble the United goalkeeper, Femi Thomas.
Eguma’s team talk at the break seemed to work wonders on his charges as they eventually had the ball in the Wikki net in the 56th minute through Ogbugh.
The goal was however disallowed to the chagrin of the United players and technical staff who expressed their consternation at the decision.
Ogbugh reacted positively to his disallowed effort and almost had the ball in the back of the net again two minutes but saw his fierce drive pushed away in unconventional fashion by the overworked Nwabulu.
United continued to dominate with Sakin coming close to breaking the deadlock in the 64th minute with a superb strike that flew marginally wide while Mohammed asked yet another attacking question moments later.
Wikki then made a late charge to claim what would have represented a scarcely-deserved win in the dying embers of the contest with Alegbe firing a stunning volley just over in the 85th minute and Ezekiel Thompson having a say a minute later with a powerful drive that went off target by whiskers.
United almost claimed victory with the last kick of the game with substitute, Bernard Ovoke striking the frame of Nwabulu’s right hand post from the edge of the box.
Eguma was unhappy with the point afterwards as he struggled to come to terms with his side’s failure to amass maximum points on the day.
“We could have scored three goals today but we fluffed the many chances that came our way.
“We came here (Bauchi) to win but unfortunately we did not get that result.
“And when we scored through Ogbugh in the second half, the goal was disallowed.
“We cannot judge the referees; they judge us and we have accepted the judgement of the referee,” Eguma said.
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,”
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.
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.
-
Editorial10 hours agoEnough Of Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians
-
Environment11 hours agoMOSOP – Tinubu Not Sincere With Ogoni People For Oil Resumption
-
Nation9 hours agoRSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Hold Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria
-
News14 hours agoFubara, Wife Hail Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative …As Over 6,800 Families Benefit From Largesse In Rivers
-
Oil & Energy9 hours agoRivers PETROAN Elects 12-Member Executive
-
Maritime12 hours agoProducts, Others, To Arrive Lagos Ports Today — MPA
-
Environment11 hours agoNGOs Task Media On Investing In Climate Literacy
-
Oil & Energy11 hours agoSEED: FG To Train 6,000 Energy Professionals