Sports
Okagbere’s New 100m Record Excites Iheagwam
A former national sprinter, Tina Iheagwam, has commended Blessing Okagbare’s recent feat at the just concluded London Diamond League where she won the 100m event.
Iheagwam told newsmen in Lagos that Okagbare’s performance, at the July 13 to July 15 meet in London; was worth celebrating.
Blessing Okagbare came first with a returning time of 11.01, ahead of Carmelita Jeter who came second with a time 11.03 and Tianna Madison came third by 11.13
“I am happy that Blessing won at the Diamond League because this is a sign that we will do well in the 100 metres of the 2012 Olympics Athletics event, ‘’ she said.
Iheagwam also urged Okagbare to be more focused and save her best performance for the main event at the forthcoming London Olympic Games.
“Now that Blessing has defeated the world fastest women in 100m, I bet you that Jeter, Fraser-Pryce will want to avenge their loss at the London Olympics.
“I believe that Blessing is talented and would hopefully move on to perform better at the Olympics but she needs to be focused and not allow her recent success to get into her head.
“I know that those she defeated will be restrategising and she has to also consolidate on her performance to prove that her victory was not a fluke.
Iheagwam, who won a gold medal at the World Junior Athletics Championships in Greece in 1986, urged Okagbare to put aside any form of anxiety that could blight her preparations for the Games.
“I urge Blessing not to relent in her effort; this is not the time to unduly stress herself.
“ This is not the time to be anxious because the world is watching and I know Nigerians are praying for her,” she said.
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
