Sports
CAF Champs League:Al Hilal,Enyimba Seek Away Points
With half of the matches in the group stage of the CAF Champions League played, the battle lines have been drawn and the eight remaining teams in Africa’s biggest club competition know what they need to do to reach the semi-finals of the event.
Group A has shaped up to be a two-team race with Sudan’s Al Hilal and Nigeria’s Enyimba turning in some impressive performances on their way to seven points from three games. The two go on the road this weekend, looking to sew up a spot in the next round before they meet each other at the start of September.
Hilal travel to Garoua in northern Cameroon to face Coton Sport looking to record their second victory in two weeks over their rivals. In the last round, the Sudanese side overcame an early goal to win 2-1 and were fortunate to complete their fightback with a goal from a corner in the 82nd minute after the visitors had been reduced to ten men. After the win, their well-respected coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevich said his side could still improve. “We still have a long way to go, but it is easier to work with seven points from three matches. I am happy with the points but am not satisfied with my team’s performance,” he said.
Enyimba travels to Morocco to face Raja Casablanca having also just defeated their rivals, 2-0 in Aba. It was a confident performance from the Nigerians, who won this competition in both 2003 and 2004. One of the emerging stars of this year’s tournament, 25-year-old Uche Kalu, opened the scoring for his fourth goal in three group matches as the Nigerians were two ahead before the half-hour mark.
The People’s Elephant are in confident mood, and with their domestic challenge all but over, Enyimba have their focus firmly on continental glory. “We played better than Raja and outclassed them in virtually all departments,” said promising young defender Markson Ojobo about the last match with Raja before adding that the return leg “will be tough, but we will be better.” Raja’s coach, Balaci Ilie, kept up his optimistic view however, saying: “There are still nine points up for grabs. Like I always say, anything is possible in football.”
Even though sitting at the top of Group B on five points, Esperance and Wydad Casablanca will meet with a wary eye on Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who are chasing the two with four points and travel to group bottom-dwellers MC Alger. Esperance, who lost in the final of last year’s tournament to TP Mazembe and have become consistent challengers deep into the Champions League, will have the home advantage in Rades, Tunisia after drawing 2-2 in Morocco a fortnight ago.
Wydad fought back bravely in that match, scoring both their goals in the final half an hour, but they will certainly have greater defensive solidity on their mind against the powerful Sang et Or (Blood and Gold) this weekend.
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.
-
Maritime4 hours agoProducts, Others, To Arrive Lagos Ports Today — MPA
-
Environment2 hours agoMOSOP – Tinubu Not Sincere With Ogoni People For Oil Resumption
-
Oil & Energy3 hours agoSEED: FG To Train 6,000 Energy Professionals
-
Environment2 hours agoNEWSAN Urges Investment For Water And Sanitation services
-
Environment2 hours agoNGOs Task Media On Investing In Climate Literacy
-
Maritime4 hours agoCustoms Harps On Human-led AI Governance –As Customs Digital Reforms Generate N230Bn
-
Maritime4 hours agoLagos Records Major Gains In Road, Rail, Water Transport —Osiyemi
-
News6 hours agoAfenifere Raises Alarm Over Attacks On Oyo Schools …Says Yorubaland Now Under Siege