Sports
Firm Promises To Empower Youth Through Football
The Executive General Manager, Field Operations of Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Vincent Kiehl says it is committed to encourage and empower youths through active engagement in football and skill training that will promote sustainable socio-economic development.
He explained that, this year’s competition is a special edition in recognition of the security challenges currently beleaguering his host communities.
Kiehl stated this at the weekend in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2018 edition of NNPC/TEPNG football competition tagged “OML58,” held at Obite Civil Centre Football Field, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, (ONELGA), Rivers State.
Kiehl, who was represented by the Community Relations Manager, Offshore/Port Harcourt communities, Obara Okechukwu noted that his determination is to encourage peace and reconciliation amongst the youths.
Okechukwu explained that the theme for this year’s competition is “Playing in Search of Enduring Peace and Reconstruction of the Social Value System” of the youth of his host communities.
According to him, sixteen (16) teams will participate in the competition and noted that all the teams would campaign towards one goal of winning the championship.
He used the medium to welcome two new teams to the competition, Ihuowo and Odhio-Ugbokor communities, adding that both communities are drawn from Ekpeye Kingdom to participate in the tournament for the first time.
The manager further explained that the management of Total E&P Nigeria Limited and their joint venture partners remain committed to support the annual competition.
Okechukwu recalled that for the pass three years, the competition was not holding in communities in Egi, Amah or Idu because of the security challenges adding that they were glad to bring back hope that peace would continue to improve for the benefit of every member of their host communities.
He, therefore, enjoined all the participating teams, managers and their supporters to maintain and consolidate the current peace by playing for friendship and unity among the teeming youths of the area.
“I charge you to remember that we play best when we play according to the rules of the game.
“We must know that the best part of the competition is participation. Participate to make new friends; this should be the main trust. When we play for friendship we become better sportsmen and that way, we better kick out violence,” Okechukwu stated.
He thanked the partners, NNPC for their continuous support of the youthful project.
The manager noted that the collaboration with the Rivers State football Association (RSFA) and the referee council would produce competent umpires that would apply the rules of the game effectively in order to entrench fair play and sustainable friendship throughout and beyond the duration of the competition.
He commended the central and local organising committee as well as the medical team and other health resources for a job well done. He wish all the participating team goodluck in the competition, adding that the best team would always win.
Also speaking, the chairman of Rivers State Football Association (RSFA), Bar, Chris green expressed joy over the tournament, saying that now that the economy of the country is bad, the companies are still giving the youth platform to excel in their talents.
Green who was represented by the Secretary of RSFA Ibigoni Akobo commended Total E&P Nigeria Ltd and its joint venture partner NNPC for giving the youth the opportunity to showcase their skills, be peaceful and become good sportsmen.
Earlier, the president of Egi Youth Forum Odioku Umejuru had thanked the organizers of the tournament, saying that the youth of the host communities will maintain peace during and beyond the competition.
The opening match was between Erema United FC an Ihuowo FC which ended in a goalless draw.
By: Kiadum Edokor
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.