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Gov. Eno Receives Akwa Ibom Sports Festival Torch

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Ahead of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, which is billed to commence on September 13, 2025, Governor Umo Eno has received the unity torch for the festival.

Speaking while receiving the symbolic torch in his office at Government House, Uyo, Eno described the sports festival as a major avenue for raising sports talents and enhancing the quality of youth development in the state.

A statement obtained from Government House Press Unit in Uyo on Saturday, quoted the governor as saying that the state is determined to raise the next generation of superstars like William Troost-Ekong, Lionel Messi, Coco Gauff, and their likes, for the betterment of the State and the country at large.

Eno also reiterated his administration’s drive towards realising the vision of a sports academy, emphasising that his administration will continue to invest in discovering sports talents, developing the youth, and transforming the State’s sports sector,

“Sports development ties directly into Aspiration Two of the ARISE Agenda, reflecting our administration’s passion for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and healthy living.

“To provide a pathway for discovery and growth, the Government has approved the establishment of the Ibom Sports Academy in Eket.

“For the first time in 14 years, we have approved the purchase of modern sports equipment to give our athletes world-class tools to train, compete, and excel. Sports will now be a way of life for our talented youth,” the statement added.

The Governor said that through the ongoing sports festival, the state is confident that have the first intake that will be admitted into the new Sports Academy.

“This year’s theme for the festival: “Nurturing talents, promoting tourism” reinforces our vision by positioning sports, not only as a tool for youth development, but also as a driver for economic and tourism growth.”

He revealed that Akwa Ibom which boasts of facilities like the ARISE Resort and a world-class stadium, has steadily evolved into a premium destination for sports tourism in Nigeria and indeed West Africa.

He observed that the festival logo beautifully captures the spirit of unity, strength and youthful energy, adding that the figures in motion represent agility and teamwork and the colours reflect vitality and cultural pride, while the map of Akwa Ibom at the centre symbolises identity, ownership rooted in the people’s heritage.

“As we received the torch today, let it symbolise our collective strength and unity. Let it drive the “can-do spirit” of our youths, sportsmen and women to greater heights across the 31 Local Government Areas, party lines, gender lines, and ethnic lines. Sports is a barrier breaker and I expect no less as we commence this sports festival this year,” he stated.

While commending the State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, and his team, for the organisation of the event, he said his appointment as Commissioner, especially as an indigene of Eket, will help facilitate the establishment of the sports academy.

The Governor noted that Elder Bassey’s appointment as commissioner was not an Eket slot as members of the State Executive Council were appointed based on competence and capacity, not on the basis of local government of origin.

He, therefore, urged the contingents to work hard to win as they will be specially received at the end of the state-wide event by the Government.

Interacting with Government House Correspondents, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Bassey revealed that the sports festival is the first-of-its-kind to be held in the state in 18 years, as it incorporates both the young and older athletes, unlike the previous ones that were only held as youth sports festivals.

The State’s Sports Festival is billed to feature all shades of sports, both indoor and outdoor.

 

 

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Amusan places third in Diamond League opener

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World record holder Tobi Amusan finished third in the women’s 100m hurdles as the 2026 Diamond League season opened in Shanghai on Saturday, Tidesports source reports.

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,”

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Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Senegal in a double-header international friendly during the June FIFA women’s international window as the African champions step up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Tidesports source reports. 

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.

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Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye

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The organisers of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race have announced the appointment of Dr Adebukola Bojuwoye as the head of the medical unit for the 11th edition of the prestigious event, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

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.

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