Sports

Amiesimaka Sports Complex Ready March, 2013

Published

13 years ago

December 3, 2012

The Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Mr Fred Igwe, has said that the new Multipurpose Sports Complex under construction in Port Harcourt, would be ready by March 2013.

Igwe told Tidesports in Lagos that work on some of the facilities had reached an advanced stage, saying he was hopeful that it would be completed early next year.

The state government is presently building a new complex to be named after ex-Green Eagles winger, Adokiye Amiesimaka, on the outskirts of Port Harcourt.

‘Let me say we are building. We have not completed it. So, we are still building. It is true that we have completed about 90 per cent of work in where we call the Games Village, where you have other sports.”

“The work that is going on right now is the main bowl. The main bowl is about 75 per cent completed.

“And, even then, we used it for the 17th National Sports Festival, that is a very serious activity; the mini stadium which is by the side of the main bowl was in active use.

“Athletics and field events took place there and after the 17th National Sports Festival, we have held other competitions.

“We had the African junior swimming competition in December of last year and the AFN has come there for a competition. In fact, people come there often for competition.’’

Igwe said the state contingent to the festival trained at the complex before the game began.

The Rivers State Director of Sports, Mr Daobu Harry, said many sports federations had requested to use the complex next year for competitions.

“Since we came here, many federations have approached me to tell me that they would be bringing almost all their federation competitions to Port Harcourt because of the nature of the stadium in Port Harcourt.

“Of course, as you are aware also, the hockey pitch in Port Harcourt is Astro turf; so, the hockey federation has come twice, brought its national programmes to the stadium.

“So, many federations have been approaching us to fix their competitions – one competition or the other in Port Harcourt by next year.’’

Harry said the sports complex was an asset to the nation.

Sports

CAFCL: Finidi Laud Players Over Impressive Performance

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Tide

Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt head coach, Finidi George, has lauded his players (boys) after they defeated Les Aigles du Congo 1-0 in the second leg of preliminary round of the CAF Champions League (CAFCL).

He admitted that the game was a perfect display of football artistry from both sides but believe that his players will grow stronger against Black Bulls in the second preliminary round in Mozambique.

Finidi said this on Sunday shortly after his side saw off Les Aigles du Congo 1-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

This feat qualified the pride of Rivers State for the second round of the preliminary stage by 1-0 goal aggregate, as their opponents forced them to goalless draw in Congo.

“It was not far from a perfect display, my players to get the job done by getting the only goal of the game. We know it has not been easy, but we’ll build on this win.

“The most important thing is that we have scaled through this round and now we will focus on our next opponent” Finidi said.

He noted that the players were nervous in the first half and missed key opportunities to seal the tie early.

” We had chances, but there were lapses and mistakes, during first half break we advised them to calm down, in the second half, we also created more opportunities but could not convert the chances as they come ” he said.

Finidi also explained the inexperience of his squad, with several players making their continental debut.

“Most of my players have not played at this level before, so the nervousness was expected. In every game, they’ll gain confidence. I’m not worried, they will get better,” he stated.

The former Super Eagles Coach assured fans that Rivers United are ready for the Mozambican champions and make a statement.

“We’ll prepare well for the Black Bull. It’s going to be tough but this win gives us something to build on” he added.

Rivers United will travel to Maputo for the first leg of the second preliminary on October 17, 2025 before returning to Uyo for the return leg where the winner over the two legs will make it into the group stage of the CAFCL.

By: Kiadum Edookor

Sports

Umuahia Hosts Africa Para- Badminton Championship

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Tide

A badminton fever has gripped Umuahia with the arrival of over 150 athletes and 60 officials from 14 countries for the maiden Abia International Para-Badminton and All-African Badminton Championship.

The championship will run from today to October 12 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. On the ground for the championship are athletes from Brazil, Peru, Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mauritius and Rwanda. They arrived on Sunday.

Some of the other countries were expected in the Abia State capital yesterday. Speaking on the championship, yesterday, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the chief host, Governor Alex Otti, has mobilised facilities and the personnel to ensure a successful event.

Speaking through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Raymond Chima Ukwa, said: “We have the best mats, playing mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats, which is the first of its kind in West Africa.

“If you go around, you’ll see the hall and the preparation that has been made to ensure that people have an equitable world-class playing field.” Thrilled by Governor Otti’s support for the competition, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President, Francis Orbih, said that, besides making all the necessary arrangements that will ensure a successful hosting of the events, “we will have a Para-Badminton workshop for coaches and players.

“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do better to improve on where we are, which is why all these have been put together by Governor Otti.”

Sports

FIFA U20: Flying Eagles Narrowly Loss to Norway

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 loss to Norway on Monday, despite creating several opportunities to level the game.

Norway took the lead in the 9th minute after being awarded a controversial penalty. The Flying Eagles pressed for an equaliser but were denied two penalty claims in the second half.

Kparobo Arierhi came close in the 47th minute when his shot drifted wide with the goalkeeper beaten, while Tahir Maigana struck the upright in the 63rd minute.

Nasiru Salihu’s rising effort in the 71st minute also went narrowly over the bar, drawing gasps from the crowd.

Seven minutes from time, Maigana again tested Norway with a long-range strike that went just wide as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure.

Despite their dominance, the Flying Eagles could not find the breakthrough and now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against Saudi Arabia in their second group match.