Sports
Total Recommits To Sports Dev In Host Communities
Oil and gas giant, Total E&P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) has restated its commitment to the development of sports in its host communities, just as it promised to identify with youths who wants to make a career in it.
Deputy Managing Director (DMD), Port Harcourt District, Mr. Guillaume Dulout stated this during the grand finale/closing ceremony of the 2019 NNPC/TEPNG football competition for OML 58 host communities held at Obite sport field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday.
After a 90-minutes thrilling encounter between Elele-Okinali and Erema communities, the former came from two goals down to win their rivals by three goals to two with all five goals coming in the second half.
Godstime Abaje of Erema community won the highest scorer award with six goals, while Dinoba Ameki of Elele-Okinali emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP); just as Obite community won the third place fixture.
Continuing, the Total E&P DMD said, “This football competition is a unique project that has become the hallmark and testimony of the enduring relationship, which we want to preserve with our host communities, notwithstanding the challenges and other adverse socio-economic environment in the industry today.
“I am indeed proud to be part of this competition and as the Executive General manager (EGM) had stated in his address during the opening ceremony, you should be assured of the commitment of the management of Total E&P Nigeria Limited and our joint venture partners, the NNPC, to continue to identify with our youths in their efforts to carve a niche for themselves through coordinated sustainable sports development programmes such as this.
“I would like to salute the courage of all the teams that participated in this championship for the fair play and soccer artistry displayed throughout the competition. For the first time in the history of this competition, we started this 17th edition with 18 teams,” saying he was proud to be part of this competition.
“I also congratulate the players in all teams and their respective supporters for your patronage in this tournament. We appreciate and encourage your continued support of our commitment to sustainable skills development and the aspirations of the youths to hone their skills and excel in their chosen sports,” he said.
Dulout thanked the organisers, the Central and Local Organising Committee, the Technical Committee, the Rivers State Football Association and the Rivers State Football Referees Council for a job well done, as well as media partners for their support.
“Your partnership and support have bolstered the visible media exposure which has given this championship a name and meaning,” he stated.
In his remark, Chairman, Rivers State Football Association (RSFA), Barr. Christopher Green, represented by a board member of the association, Ibigoni Benjamin-Akobo thanked Total E&P for sponsoring the competition which he said ended in peace.
“Let me thank Total for the effort you have kept. It is not easy to start a process like this. I can tell you for one that there are many other multinational companies who may have started something close to this and half way they have packed up.
“I will tell you as football secretary for many years. Now you have sustained the tempo, whether in the middle of the turbulent water or not. There is no better way to appreciate you. Let me encourage you to keep the faith. For the children that you are doings these thing for. I am sure they do appreciate,” Green stated.
Highlights of the event were presentation of the cup to the champions by the Total E&P DMD, Port Harcourt District, while gold, siver ad bronze medals were also presented to the three top teams.
Dennis Naku & Favour Ukwe
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
-
Sports2 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports2 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
News2 days agoSERAP Sues Govs, FCT Minister Over Security Vote Spending
-
Sports2 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Niger Delta2 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form
-
Editorial2 days agoBeyond Accessing Bonny By Road
-
Sports2 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali