Sports

Political Intrigues, Mixed Reactions Trail Edo 2020

Published

6 years ago

April 16, 2021

Not many people, especially coaches, sports lovers and athletes believed that the National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged Edo 2020 was going to hold after it had suffered several postponements due to Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).
But the commencement of the games precisely on the 2nd April, 2021, was a wild dream that came to reality and induced happiness in the coaches and athletes.
The NSF is obviously like the Olympics, but in Nigeria it is expected to hold every two years. It was initially initiated to foster peace, unity and promote cross-cultural tradition.
Currently, it also serves as an avenue where athletes in different sports are discovered and groomed to represent the country internationally in specific sports.
The NSF was introduced by General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) shortly after the Nigerian Civil War in 1973, with the view to foster peace and unity in the country and not to win at all costs.
The first edition of the festival was hosted by Lagos State and 12 regions including the host participated, namely; Mid Western, Lagos, East Central, Western, North Eastern, North Central.
Others are; Kwara, Benue-Plateau, South East, Kano and North Western. This inuagural competition was won by the Mid Western region with 68 gold, 58 silver and 52 Bronze medals.
Since then, the NSF has improved tremendously both in organisations facilities and otherwise to get international recognition.
In Edo 2020, something happened that can be described as political intrigues. According to reports, the weather was so bad, amidst heavy down pour that made Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, that was expected to declare open the games not to come; but it was a colourful opening ceremony carried out by the host, Chief Godwin Obaseki.
After eight days of the games, the Deputy governor of the State, who was also the Chairman Local Organising Committee ( LOC), Comrade Philip Shaibu, threatened to stop the Sports festival abruptly as Federal Government failed to fulfil its financial commitment to the State as promised.
The State, on request, was promised assistance by the Federal Government to cover the expenses it had incurred in view of several postponements, it was not forthcoming.
This was the first time over 20 years, the president or vice president missed to declare NSF open, and this was also strange that in recent times, LOC issued threat to abruptly stop the NSF.
At the closing ceremony on Wednesday 14th April, 2021, the same thing occurred where the Vice President, Professor Osinbajo and Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, were conspicuously absent.
However, the games came to an end with mixed reactions. In spite of the fact that the fiesta was highly competitive, where a record in swimming was broken and a new one set.
Athletes were also discovered to represent the country in the Olympics and other international competitions. Athletes were also happy to have competed after several months of training.
In his reactions, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, rated the NSF high, saying that the determination of the governor, Chief Godwin Obaseki, is commendable.
He described the facilities used for the games as world class standard, saying that with the type of facilities and equipment on ground, Edo State can comfortably host international competitions.
“With he infrastructure I see here in Edo, Nigeria will not have any challenge to bid for All African Games or any international tournament.
Young men and women can come and train here to improve their talents. It can also host any international tournament.
I urge other State governments to build such sporting facilities in their States,” Dalung said.
Former British and Commonwealth heavyweight boxing champion, Peter Oboh, also lauded the government for taking the bold step to ensure that the festival was successful.
He explained that apart from putting on groundn State-of-the-art sports facilities, the government and people of Edo State deserve commendation.
The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Sir Honour Sirawoo, frowned at the manner the games was organised, mostly the poor treatment of sports journalists covering the games.
A silver medalist from Team Bayelsa that pleaded for anonymity said, Edo 2020 was one of the poorly organised sports festivals, saying that the games village was nothing to write home about.
According to her, there was no water in the games village, athletes were looking for water with buckets, apart from that, the environment was infected with mosquitoes and other creeping insects.
“Honestly, this festival is the worst among the ones I have attended. The organisers’ cannot even fumigate the environment, mosquitoes everywhere, this is terrible,” she said.
The athlete used the forum to call on the next host, Delta State, to ensure they improved on the organisation and on what Edo did.
The technical director of kickboxing federation of Nigeria, Wilson Okon, commended the Edo State government, saying that there are always challenges in any event. .
At the event of the festival, Team Delta emerged overall winners of Edo 2020 with 158 gold, 116 silver and 110 bronze medals, while host, Edo State came second with 129 gold, 104 silver and 108 bronze medals, Bayelsa occupied the third position with 56 gold 55 silver, and 58 bronze and Rivers state came fourth with 33 gold, 34 silver, and 61 bronze medals.
With this feat, Team Delta won the NSF three consecutive times and retired the festival trophy.

By: Tonye Orabere

Sports

FUBARA Opens 2026 PH AMATEUR OPEN GOLF Championship

Published

2 days ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday declared open the 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship during which he renewed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of Rivers people.

Governor Fubara, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Sunny Ewule, at the ceremonial Tee -off to kickstart the tournament, said the event holding in Port Harcourt, is a clear indication that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business.

“This championship bringing over two hundred and fifty golfers from across Nigeria to Port Harcourt is a testament to the fact that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business. You have demonstrated that sports is a powerful tool for social cohesion and for projecting the positive nature of our State,” he said.

The Rivers State Government, the Governor stated, identifies with the championship and will continue to support initiatives that promote youth development and the wellbeing of the people.

Governor Fubara described golf as more than a sport, emphasising that it teaches patience, discipline, focus and integrity. According to him, these values were in line with his administration’s commitment to peace, unity and healthy living for all the people of Rivers State.

He commended the Local Organizing Committee for their hard work in putting the event together. He also commended the Port Harcourt Club Golf Section for sustaining the historic Club since 1928, while wishing all golfers participating in the championship an injury-free and worthy tournament.

The President of the Port Harcourt Club, Barr. Victor Omubo Frank-Briggs, expressed appreciation to the Governor honouring their invitation, noting that with the government’s presence the golfers have been energised and inspired to do their best in the championship

MFM, First Bank eye AWBL finals in Liberia (5)

Nigerian clubs MFM Basketball Club and First Bank Basketball Club will battle for places in the African Women’s Basketball League finals when they compete in the FIBA Africa Zone 3 qualifiers in Monrovia, Liberia, from November 2 to 9.

The six-team competition will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Indoor Gymnasium in Paynesville, with the top two teams earning qualification for the continental finals in Cairo, Egypt, scheduled for December 11 to 19.

MFM and First Bank will be seeking to carry their domestic form into the qualifiers after meeting in the final of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League, where MFM claimed a narrow 66-64 victory.

The result underlined the close rivalry between the Nigerian sides, who will now look to establish themselves against opponents from across the region and secure their places in Cairo.

Defending FIBA Africa Zone 3 champions Friends of Basketball Association of Côte d’Ivoire will also compete, alongside Benin Republic’s Energie Basketball Club of Cotonou.

Hosts Liberia will be represented by Flames Basketball Club, the domestic league runners-up, and reigning national champions D’Rockers Basketball Club.

The Nigerian clubs secured their places in the qualifiers after FIBA Africa and the Liberia Basketball Association extended the registration deadline and adjusted the competition schedule following the late conclusion of their domestic league campaign. The intervention was facilitated by FIBA Africa Zone 3 President, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (retd.).

Preparations for the tournament are also gathering momentum, with Flames president and Liberia Basketball Association Secretary-General Calvin Diggs saying the organisers are working to deliver a successful competition.

FIBA Africa Zone 3 Secretary Joe Apu also expressed confidence in Liberia’s readiness, citing the experience of the country’s basketball community in hosting international events.

With six teams competing for just two qualification places, MFM and First Bank will face a demanding test as they seek to progress to the continental finals in Egypt.

Sports

Chukwueze Faces Injury Lay-Off

Published

2 days ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is expected to spend at least two months on the sidelines with a hip injury, ruling him out of AC Milan’s upcoming fixtures, including the derby against Inter Milan.

According to Italian sources, the 27-year-old has consulted a specialist over a problem with his left hip and commenced treatment with injections.

Chukwueze will undergo another assessment in 10 to 15 days, but he is not expected to return before the end of the year, dealing a blow to Nigeria and Milan’s options on the right flank.

The Nigerian reportedly experienced discomfort in his hip after Milan’s Serie A fixture against Atalanta and missed training ahead of last Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash with Bournemouth, which the Italian side lost 3-0.

Chukwueze has made eight appearances across all competitions this season, providing two assists since returning to Milan following a loan spell at Premier League club Fulham.

His absence adds to Milan’s injury concerns, with defender Matteo Gabbia and winger Alexis Saelemaekers also sidelined by long-term injuries.

The Rossoneri are reportedly considering recalling Zachary Athekame from his loan spell at Lyon to provide additional cover during Chukwueze’s recovery.

Milan, who remain unbeaten in Serie A this season, face Udinese on Sunday before taking on Inter in the derby on October 31.

There is better news for the Italian side regarding striker Gonçalo Ramos, who has returned to full training after missing the Bournemouth defeat with fatigue in his left calf.

A scan revealed no muscle damage, making the Portuguese forward available for Sunday’s trip to Udinese.

Sports

Nigerian Trio Target Titles At PFL Africa Finals

Published

2 days ago

October 26, 2026

The Tide

Three Nigerians, David Samuel, Patrick Ocheme and Raphael Uchegbu, will fight for titles at the PFL Africa finals after the Professional Fighters League confirmed PFL Rwanda for December 12 at the BK Arena in Kigali.

The promotion announced on October 23 that the event will crown three African champions in the welterweight (170 lbs), lightweight (155 lbs) and bantamweight (135 lbs) divisions.

In the main event, the undefeated Samuel, who has a record of 7-0, will meet Angola’s Shido “Machine” Boris Esperança, who is 13-2, in the welterweight final.

Esperança reached the final with a first-round finish in his semi-final, while Samuel went the distance to keep his perfect record.

“My Nigerian roots opened the door for me to compete in PFL Africa, and reaching the final is a special source of pride for me,” Samuel said. “On December 12, I will step into the cage not just as a finalist, but as a man determined to finish what he started and become a champion.”

Esperança said, “I believe that I can be that champion that the promotion deserves because I have been crafting myself for that.”

Ocheme, whose record stands at 10-1, headlines the co-main event against Senegal’s Demba “Black Tiger” Seck, who is 11-3, in the lightweight final. Ocheme booked his place with a devastating first-round body kick in his semi-final.

“This means a lot to me because finishing fights is what I do best; I am a knockout artist by nature,” Ocheme said. “I trust my preparation, my fight IQ and my ability to get the job done, God willing, in the first or second round.”

Seck responded, “Patrick is a tough opponent, and I always knew our paths could cross in the final. I respect his skills, but I truly believe I am the most complete, technical, strongest, and the most experienced fighter in this division.”

In the bantamweight final, Uchegbu, a former FCC champion with a record of 11-2, faces Liberia’s Dwight Joseph, who is 17-3 and won his semi-final by split decision.

“Winning in the final will change my life, and I look forward to bringing the belt back to the motherland and showing the next generation of African fighters what is possible,” Uchegbu said.

Joseph said, “Coming up short last year motivated me to push even harder this time around. I am getting my hand raised, leaving with that belt, and taking it back to Liberia.”

PFL Rwanda will be shown across Africa on SuperSport for English-speaking viewers and Canal+ for French-speaking audiences. It will also be available on free-to-air television via SportyTV.

PFL Africa General Manager, Elias Schulze, said, “Kigali will take centre stage as we crown Africa’s next champions in front of a global audience. Together with our Rwandan partners, we are giving African talent a world stage, and the next generation something to fight for.”