Sports

Federation Cup: Group Matches Begin July 16

Published

13 years ago

July 9, 2012

Last year’s runners-up, Enyimba FC of Aba will tango with Warri Wolves and Lobi Stars of Makurdi in what appears the pick of the group phase following Friday’s 2012 Federation Cup Draw in Abuja.

The three Nigeria Premier League clubs will do battle in Group A at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, alongside the only non-League side remaining in the campaign, Samba FC of Enugu. The matches are billed to commence July 16.

At a colourful event inside the Ekiti Hall of NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Cup holders Heartland FC of Owerri also found out they will trade tackles with three northern Nigerian teams – Premier League’s Gombe United and Plateau United as well as second-tier National League’s Nasarawa United FC. These Group D matches will come up in Port Harcourt.

In Group B, which venue is the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Kwara United FC of Ilorin and Pillars of Kano will contend with Crown FC of Ogbomosho and El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.

Confluence Stadium, Lokoja will host Group C matches that will involve Enugu Rangers, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, Prime FC of Oshogbo and Dynamite Force of Edo, a Nationwide League club.

Nigeria Football Federation , NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, who conducted the Draw, also explained that the group stage will hold between 16th – 20th July, with the quarter finals to pitch the winner of Group A against runner-up of Group C and winner of Group B against runner-up of Group D. Also, the winner of Group C will welcome the runner-up of Group A and the winner of Group D will entertain the runner-up of Group B.

Already, the Nigeria Football Federation has picked the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar and the Ilorin Township Stadium to host the semi final matches.

FIFA Instructors Brendon Menton and Jacques Malie, who are in town for the on-going FIFA Wiawa Administration and Management Course, picked the seeded teams’ centres. NFF Executive Committee members, Dr Shehu Adamu and Alhaji Ahmad Muazu Kawu were also part of the occasion, as well as a couple of state FA chairmen and NFF Management.

The grand finale will come on stream at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos in August.

Sports

RSG Pledges To Develop Baseball

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Government has pledged to provide training pitch for Baseball in the State.

The Director of Sports in Rivers State Sports Council, Obia Inyengiyikabo made pledge on Tuesday in an interview with sports journalists shortly after the five days Intensive Capacity Development Course For Baseball Coaches.

Inyengiyikabo said the State Government has given priority to sport development.

” Yes we are happy for the five days Intensive Capacity development programme for baseball coaches in Nigeria.Sure by the grace of God the Governor of the State Sir Siminialayi Fubara will provide Baseball pitch.

” This programme, I am sure will be an eye opener for our youth to fall in love with the game. I appreciate the Global Sports Partners for finding Rivers State worthy host the programme”, Inyengiyikabo stated.

Meanwhile the Director of Global Sports Partner’s Coach Justin Rhondes from United States of America ( USA) expressed joy for the turnout.

He stated that seeing the coaches and players impressive turnout was indication the game was popular in Nigeria.

” We Global Sports Partners, our key word is partner, so for us we are ready to come back to Nigeria any time.

“The few days we have stayed Coaches and players has benefited a lot from the programme”, he said.

Kiadum Edookor

Sports

CAFCL : Rivers United Arrives DR Congo

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt contingent, comprising players, technical crew, backroom staff, and officials, depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos State on Wednesday, bound for Kinshasa, DR Congo.

The team is set to face FC Les Aigles du Congo in the first-round first-leg match of the CAF Champions League.

This was contained in a press release signed by the media officer of the club, Charles Mayuku and made available to Tidesports on Wednesday.

He said that the highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place at the 80,000-capacity Kinshasa-Complexe Omnisports Stade des Martyrs on morrow with kickoff slated for 3:30pm.

According to the statement the encounter marks the first-ever meeting between both sides in any competition, adding that an air of excitement and unpredictability to the fixture.

“As the Pride of Nigeria embarks on this crucial journey, the team is determined to return with a decent result that will set them up favorably for the second leg on Sunday, 28th September” the statement said.

Sports

FIFA rankings: S’Eagles drop Position, remain sixth in Africa

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped one place in the latest FIFA World Rankings, falling from 44th to 45th globally while maintaining sixth position on the African continent.

The new rankings, released via FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, reflect the team’s continued struggles under Coach Eric Chelle amid a stuttering 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

This marks a second consecutive decline after the Nigerian side dropped from 43rd to 44th in August on the back of poor outings in recent international matches.

Despite Nigeria’s setback, several African teams made progress. Morocco remains the continent’s highest-ranked side, sitting 11th in the world after winning eight of their last nine matches. Senegal, Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire complete Africa’s top five.

Lesotho slipped to 153rd place, while Benin Republic, Nigeria’s upcoming opponent, climbed to 93rd. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in June, rose to 55th, strengthening their bid for World Cup qualification.

Zimbabwe had the biggest slide down the ranking table, dropping nine places to 125th position in the world.

The rankings highlight Nigeria’s struggle to regain form on the global stage as key rivals continue to surge ahead.

Similarly, the Super Falcons of Nigeria remain 36th best in the world], while the Spanish female national team replaced the USA at the top of the women’s ranking.