Sports

Jonathan Assures Skills Dev In Sports

Published

13 years ago

March 11, 2013

President Goodluck Jonathan has assured of his administration’s commitment towards development of the potentials of the nation’s sportsmen and women.

President Jonathan said this Saturday during the closing ceremony of the 10th Police Games with theme: “Redefining Police Through Sports” at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the president stated that “the Federal Government will continue to give maximum support to our sportsmen and women to ensure that they can achieve their ultimate goals and bring honour to our dear nation,” describing sports as a pivot through which national and local honours were won by Nigerian athletes.

He praised former police athletes like Olympic gold medalists, CSP Chioma Ajunwa, late SP Sunday Bada, former world heavyweight boxing champion, DSP Samuel Peters, ASP David Izonrite, and numerous others, for winning laurels for the country, acknowledging that the Nigeria Police Force has contributed immensely to the development of sports in the country.

Dr Jonathan observed that the force has distinguished itself as “one of the veritable sources that has produced great athletes that have brought honour and glory to our dear nation,” commending the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, and his team for the success of the games. He challenged all participants to improve their performance so as to continue to represent the country in international competitions.

In his speech, Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, represented by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru, noted that the spirit of unity of sportsmanship has been ignited among the participants and across the security agencies, assuring the police of his administration’s continued support in order to achieve its mandate of maintaining law and order, encouraging the police high command to continue to improve the physical fitness of its officers.

Speaking, Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, stated that the aim of the games which is to promote unity, comradeship and excellence among members of the force and other sister organizations, has been achieved, stressing that the force under his leadership would continue to stress the importance of physical fitness to its members.

IGP Abubakar stated that the games has provided a platform for the Nigeria police and other security agencies to harmoniously interact, thanking President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and Governor Amaechi for their support.

Zone 2, Lagos won the overall trophy followed by Force Heardquarters, Abuja and Zone 11, Oshogbo, while five police officers won five brand new cars in the biennial competition.

Sports

FOOTBALL FANS FIESTA IN PH IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY – Oputa

Published

58 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).

The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.

The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.

He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.

Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.

” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.

“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.

“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.

The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.

Tonye Orabere

Sports

Obagi Emerges OML 58 Football Cup Champions

Published

8 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The annual NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup 2025 edition draw its curtains closed last Saturday, with Obagi Community defeated hard fighting Akabta community 1-0, to lift the trophy.

The final which was held at Obite Civic Centre (field) saw Chiefs, community leaders, youths, including the Total Energies JV Asset Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olivier Cassasoles and people from all works of life in attendance.

Speaking at the event Mr. Cassasoles revealed that three best players in previous tournaments have been sponsored into a football academy within Nigeria.

He stated that all participants are winners, as he reiterated that the tournament is aimed at promoting peace, cooperation among host communities.

He expressed gratitude for the peaceful organisation and conduct of both officials and players during the final of NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup for 2025.

On his part the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee(COC), Mr. Saheed Ogunsanya said Ubeta and Ubio will not be participating in the next edition as they violated rules of the tournament.

Ogunsanya praised all the teams for their sportsmanship, stressing that this year edition was a success hence it maintained age grade of under 18 years.

He disclosed that two players have been picked from the tournament and they will be sent to football academy, while underscoring importance of the event to sports and youth development in the host communities.

This is the first time Obagi Community emerged champions of the competition since its commencement 22 years, as 18 communities participated in tis years edition.

At the end of the competition Obinna Godstime, emerged the highest scorer with 11 goals and Most Valuable Player( MVP) of the tournament.

while Michael Charles, from Obobru community became best goalkeeper of the tournament

Sports

Forest Embarrass Liverpool At Anfield

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

Liverpool’s season of abject misery worsened as they were beaten with embarrassing ease by a hugely impressive Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s Premier League champions were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, but instead ran into a Forest side revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche and looking back to their best.

Liverpool head coach Slot gave £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was totally anonymous once more and only lasted 67 minutes.

Forest went ahead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past fit-again Liverpool keeper Alisson to subdue an already anxious Anfield.

Igor Jesus had a second ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their advantage 39 seconds after the break when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish in front of The Kop.

Liverpool could barely raise a response in a desperate display, Forest increasing their lead 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson.

It means Liverpool, who lie 11th before Saturday’s late fixture, have now lost six of their past seven Premier League games as Slot’s near £450m summer spending spree comes under further scrutiny.

Forest, meanwhile, are surging away from the relegation zone and are up to 16th.