Sports
GIC Tourney: We Value Young People – Lead Pastor
The Lead Pastor of Gate
way International Church, GIC Pastor George Izunwa has said that the ongoing Gateway International church Football tournament in Port Harcourt is furtherance of the Church’s passion for youth and evangelization.
Speaking in a recent parley with Sports journalists in Port Harcourt, pastor Izunwa said that GIC is a Church that is interested in Sports because it values young people.
“We believe in the Youth, we believe that if we reach them and care for what they are passionate about, it will become easy for us to accept their values and introduce jesus Christ to them.
“When you don’t care for what somebody values, you may also not have an open door for reaching that person for what you also value. So, our foray into Sports (football) is to have a plat form for reaching out to the young people and show them the love, the compassion and the care of Jesus Christ”, said the Pastor.
Interestingly, the grassroot football competition being sponsored by the Church is not the first time GIC would be doing something in football. The Church has a standing football team, which, according to the Pastor had won a Rivers State organized competition which qualified it to represent the state in the Governor’s cup in Calabar.
The Lead Pastor stated that the Church would embrace sports and do whatever it takes to spread the gospel and win souls for Christ.
“our values in Gateway are two, passion for God and compassion for people, we’re passionate about God that we tell ourselves that whatever it takes to promote the course of the gospel, we’re ready to do it, provided that it is legal and righteous. So, if sports can open a door for the gospel, our hands cannot be too full to get into it”, he said.
On the usual immoral environment associated with Sports and Sports people, Pastor Izunwa said, “it is a foolish person that goes to fish in a desert, you fish where the fishes are. If you want people to be converted, fish where the unbelievers are you cannot prepare a fish you have not caught. If it takes over going into sports to reach out to unbelievers, bring them in and discipline them, then we’ll do it and Jesus will be glorified.
Meanwhile, the competition which has been going on at the Nkpolu Community Secondary School Port Harcourt has entered the semi final stage with Gateway FC 2 battling Diamond FC today and Mercyland FC confronting Nkpolu community team tomorrow for the right to contest the grand finale next week.
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,”
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.
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.