Sports
38 Players Pass Ph Open Screening
The two-day Port Harcourt open football trials ended on Sunday at Sharks Football Club Stadium, with huge attendance.
A total of 148 young footballers registered and attended the trials, and 38 were selected and 10 players were Under-17 that came from different part of country.
The trials sponsored by Port Harcourt-based Sticmaclloyd FC, in partnership with 433 Football Agency of Ukraine, Germany Football Academy and Sports Mate 360 Football Academy of Poland, witnessed massive expectators..
Speaking to sports journalists shortly after the event the chief executive of Sticmaclloyd Fc. Hon. Wobo I. Stanley, expressed joy over the successful completion of the trials.
He reiterated that players selected after the trials would travel to various countries within three to four months.
“Like I said in different media platforms, the opening trials will create opportunity for talented footballers in the State to play in Europe.
I am an ex-international, selected players will also have the opportunity to enhance their football career in Germany, Poland, Ukraine and Italy” Hon. Wobo said.
Speaking the director of Sticmaclloyd Fc, Didi, rated the trials high, most especially the massive turn out of young players.
“The screening was very fantastic as you can see, the turnout was massive, parents were happy and players were equally happy. At least this selected players will use football as their career,” she said.
She noted that the selection was unbiased, saying that the event would bring deveploment and integrity to the State.
Also speaking, one of the selected players, Emmanuel Chidi, aka JJ, who spoke on behalf of the selected players thanked Sticmacllord Int’l FC for giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents, noting that platforms like this are very rare in Port Harcourt .
He prayed God to guide them to keep on the good works.
By: Tonye Orabere
Sports
… As Coach Expresses Optimism To Qualify For 2026 W’Cup
Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Finidi George has set his sights firmly on securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, demanding unwavering commitment from his top players as the team aims to get their faltering qualifying campaign back on track.
Unveiled to the media in Abuja on Monday, Finidi, who succeeded the outgoing Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, wasted no time in laying out his immediate priorities, two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin early next month.
“Nigeria comes first, that’s what I expect from every player I invite. You have to be playing in your club, and you must have the commitment,” Finidi told reporters on Monday.
Recognising the importance of a strong start, the former Ajax winger emphasised the significance of the upcoming clash against South Africa.
“The first targets are to qualify for the World Cup and AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations), and a win over South Africa will set the tone.”
Nigeria currently finds itself in third place in their qualifying group, with just two points from as many games, while South Africa sits second with three points.
Finidi, who has signed a year’s contract with an option for an additional year, acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with leading the national team of a country with over 200 million people.
However, he exuded confidence in his ability to withstand the scrutiny, stating, “I have a tough skin.”
While his salary remains undisclosed, the 53-year-old coach expressed a willingness to prioritise performance over immediate financial rewards.
“The salary is good enough for me, it’s not as much as that of (Jose) Peseiro.
“Money is good, but if you add value to what you do, the money will come. Then they can come and ask ‘Coach, how much do you want?” Finidi said.
Sports
I’m Not Under Pressure, I’ve Tough Skin – Finidi
New Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George, has underlined that the word pressure is not in his dictionary and appealed for support from key stakeholders including the media.
Speaking after his unveiling yesterday in Abuja, the former Enyimba of Aba coach said; “In life you cannot be afraid. As you see me here, I am a quiet person but I’m not afraid of anything. The worst you can get in football is not getting the result, the best you can get is winning all the time, and I will try my best to make sure that the team functions properly and we start winning games.”
On whether is under pressure to justify his appointment, the coach stressed; “Pressure, I don’t think I have it. I have that tough skin and I want to plead you guys, the media we need your support.
“What is in the contract is boldly written, what the NFF wants and Nigeria in general, but for me personally my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the World Cup. AFCON qualifiers definitely will be coming up soon, but the major step for me is these two games that we have.
“If we can win against South Africa and Benin, we will set the tone.”
During the unveiling ceremony, the NFF confirmed that ex-Super Eagles striker; Daniel Amokachi and Abiden Baruwa will be the assistant coach and goalkeeper coach respectively.
The first assignment for Finidi, who won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995, is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Sports
Amusan Becomes World’s Fastest Woman, Sets New Track Record
Nigerian sprint icon Tobi Amusan has become the world’s fastest woman in the women’s 100m hurdles after running a world-leading 12.40 seconds.
In a thrilling race, the world record holder secured the victory, leaving behind Danielle Williams, the world champion, who clocked her best time of the season at 12.46 seconds. Following closely was American Christina Clemons, claiming the third spot with a time of 12.54 seconds.
This triumph means the Nigerian athlete has now claimed the top spot globally, surpassing American Tonea Marshall’s previous record of 12.42 seconds set in late April.
Tobi Amusan’s impressive win arrives just two months before the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.
John Enoh, the minister of sports development, on his X handle congratulated Amusan over the feat.
Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time!
You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons.
“Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time! You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons was 3rd in 12.54s,” he wrote.
“Tobi, you keep making our country proud. Paris Olympics is around the corner, your performance gives us hope just like others, that Nigeria is set to break a jinx. Keep soaring, we are proud of you.”
-
Opinion5 days ago
The Rantings Of Rivers ALGON
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Cause Of Mohbad’s Death Cannot Be Ascertained-Pathologist
-
Business3 days ago
Western Marine Command Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Operations … Intercepts N8.75m Worth PMS
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
Gunmen Invade Edo Community, Burn Cars, Houses
-
News5 days ago
I Was The Highest Beneficiary Of Incorruptible Judiciary -Obi
-
Politics3 days ago
One Year In Office: Unity Road Stakeholders Laud Fubara Over Andoni Section Commissioning
-
News3 days ago
We Must Deploy Technology To Combat Security Challenges -COAS
-
Health5 days ago
WHO Plans Global Eye Care Target