Sports
Rivers State University Wins First NUGA 2022 Gold
Rivers State University, on Monday, won their first gold medal at the ongoing NUGA Games at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with its entrant in the women discuss, Glory Tochukwu, beating her counterparts from Kaduna State University (KASU), EuchariaOgbukwo and Linda Nwago of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) to the silver and bronze medals.
In the male category, UNIPORT’s Etim Ekomobong won the gold medal, while Obafemi Awolowo University’s (OAU) Richard Fatoriji and AgbugbaIkechukwu of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, winning the silver and bronze medals respectively.
In men’s handball, UNILAG held Bayero University, Kano to a draw, while University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) beat Lagos State University. UNN women also beat Kaduna State University, while Bayero University defeated Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
In women’s chess, UNIBEN defeated UNIZIK as OAU trashed University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), just as FUNAAB drew with FUTMINNA and UNILAG was held by with Unilorin.
University of Ibadan (U.I) had little to cheer in chess as UNIPORT beat them soundly.
Tidesports source reports that the highly anticipated swimming category delivered as promised with a shocker as the men’s 200m backstroke event saw underdogs, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) beating hosts, UNILAG, to the silver and Nile University taking the bronze medal.
In women table tennis semifinals, University of Calabar beat Niger Delta University, UI defeated IAUE, just as UNIBEN beat AdekunleAjasin University, Akungba, in women football.
In the football event, AbubakarTafawaBalewa University is top of Group A table with Nasarawa State University at the bottom. Group B has UNILAG leading the table, with OOU at the bottom; Unilorin heads Group C table with Sokoto State University at the bottom, while Federal University, Dutse, leads Group D with U.I at the bottom of the table.
UNILAG got its first gold medal at the weekend through Naomi NnamdiChinyere, who outpaced 12 other contestants in the steady 5000 metres walk-race (women category). She recorded in 33 minutes, 27 seconds to beat HabibatAdeshina from UNILORIN and Rita Odigbo of UNIPORT to the second and third positions.
In the men’s category, ApebuAkugbe James of Benson Idahosa University won the gold medal,Danladi Philemon of the University of Maiduguri won silver, while AbdulfataiAbdulahi of Osun State University placed third.
In Basketball, UNILAG’s men defeated UNIBEN 41 to 33 in their opening game, just as the Niger Delta University beat Unilorin in the same event.
In the women category, OAU beat Lead City University, while UNILAG, Lagos State University and the Bayero University had walk over victories in the sport. The competition continues today in all the events holding at UNILAG Sports Centre and TeslimBalogun Stadium.
Rivers State University Wins First NUGA 2022 Gold.
Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUT), on Monday, won their first gold medal at the ongoing NUGA Games at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with its entrant in the women discuss, Glory Tochukwu, beating her counterparts from Kaduna State University (KASU), EuchariaOgbukwo and Linda Nwago of University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) to the silver and bronze medals.
In the male category, UNIPORT’s EtimEkomobong won the gold medal, while ObafemiAwolowo University’s (OAU) Richard Fatoriji and AgbugbaIkechukwu of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, winning the silver and bronze medals respectively.
In men’s handball, UNILAG held Bayero University, Kano to a draw, while University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) beat Lagos State University. UNN women also beat Kaduna State University, while Bayero University defeated Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
In women’s chess, UNIBEN defeated UNIZIK as OAU trashed University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), just as FUNAAB drew with FUTMINNA and UNILAG was held by with Unilorin.
University of Ibadan (U.I) had little to cheer in chess as UNIPORT beat them soundly.
Tidesports source reports that the highly anticipated swimming category delivered as promised with a shocker as the men’s 200m backstroke event saw underdogs, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) beating hosts, UNILAG, to the silver and Nile University taking the bronze medal.
In women table tennis semifinals, University of Calabar beat Niger Delta University, UI defeated IAUE, just as UNIBEN beat AdekunleAjasin University, Akungba, in women football.
In the football event, AbubakarTafawaBalewa University is top of Group A table with Nasarawa State University at the bottom. Group B has UNILAG leading the table, with OOU at the bottom; Unilorin heads Group C table with Sokoto State University at the bottom, while Federal University, Dutse, leads Group D with U.I at the bottom of the table.
UNILAG got its first gold medal at the weekend through Naomi NnamdiChinyere, who outpaced 12 other contestants in the steady 5000 metres walk-race (women category). She recorded in 33 minutes, 27 seconds to beat HabibatAdeshina from UNILORIN and Rita Odigbo of UNIPORT to the second and third positions.
In the men’s category, ApebuAkugbe James of Benson Idahosa University won the gold medal,Danladi Philemon of the University of Maiduguri won silver, while AbdulfataiAbdulahi of Osun State University placed third.
In Basketball, UNILAG’s men defeated UNIBEN 41 to 33 in their opening game, just as the Niger Delta University beat Unilorin in the same event.
In the women category, OAU beat Lead City University, while UNILAG, Lagos State University and the Bayero University had walk over victories in the sport. The competition continues today in all the events holding at UNILAG Sports Centre and TeslimBalogun Stadium.
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.