Sports

Referees Begin Mock Fitness Test

Published

13 years ago

September 9, 2011

The Enugu State Referees’ Council has begun a mock fitness test preparatory to the national fitness test later in the year.

The council, in collaboration with the Enugu State Football Association, organised the test for referees to determine the level of their fitness ahead of the test at the national level.

Monday Nnona, the Chairman of the state referees’ council, told newsmen that the test which is an annual exercise, was aimed at testing the level of the referees in the state.

“That is an annual ritual for referees and any referee who fails to pass that test will not officiate that year.

“The national test is billed for October 15th, and we just organised this local one to know the fitness level of our referees before proceeding to the national level.

“Their performance today is very low. As you can see, only three persons made it and so many of our referees are down with injuries.

“The national one has been postponed to the end of the league, so this is an added advantage for those referees that are not fit for them to recover because we expect about 30 referees to be at the national and premier leagues,” Nnona said.

Emmanuel Onah, the Training Officer of the state referee’s council, said the test was very important because it would help the referees to properly fit in at the national level.

According to him, the test is in preparation for the national and FIFA competitions as training has been on twice a month to get them ready as well as to avoid any casualties.

“We expect that the ones that will represent the state will come back with useful results,” Onah, a one-time FIFA-badged referee, explained.

Patrick Nworie, one of the participating referees, said he was impressed with the preparation and thanked the state FA for organising the exercise.

Paul Okeke, Chairman of the Referee’s Committee, said the exercise was an impressive one because it had added to their experiences.

“I advise the participating referees to utilise this opportunity to excel in future,” Okeke said.

Chidi Ofo-Okenwa, Chairman of the state football association, said the test was a collaboration between the football association and the council to prepare the referees for improved performance.

“The mock fitness test is all about keeping abreast of developments and preparing our referees for the forthcoming national fitness test. And I can tell, I am impressed.

“Having realised these things, we go out of our way to make sure that these things are to be done. It is a routine thing to make sure that it is fixed before the national fitness test.

“It is to ensure that the referees are Y2K compliant and that they are fit for the activities of referees, which are no longer analogue but now quite digital,” Okenwa said.

He said experts would be invited to take the referees on the necessary areas of lapses to get them fully prepared for the national test.

Sports

… As Coach Expresses Optimism To Qualify For 2026 W’Cup

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

The Tide

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

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

The Tide

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

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

The Tide

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.”