Sports
Chairman Laments Dwindling Sports Sponsorships In Rivers
The Chairman, Rivers
State Tennis Association (RSTA), Mr. Isaac Uzorma, has opined that sports generally have declined in Nigeria and Rivers State in particular due to lack of sponsorships, facilities as well as non-introduction of games at the grassroots and schools.
Mr. Uzorma, who is also a board member of the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) made the assertion in a chat with our correspondent in his office at Port Harcourt Club recently. He noted with regret that there is no longer physical and health educationin most schools while others do not have modern facilities for training and competitions.
Uzorma lamented that it is a cause for worry that companies, corporate organizations and spirited individuals that used to help government sponsor sports had all withdrawn due to lack of interest and government insensitivity to their contributions, and appealed to governments to redirect their policies and encourage companies and others that sponsor sports competitions. He added that such sports activities would engage the youth positively, reduce unemployment, criminality and youth restiveness, as it is an industry that could check insecurity in the county and states.
According to hi, in the 70’s and 80’s, Nigeria and Rivers State in particular excelled in all sporting activities nationally and internationally due to sponsorships by companies, and availability of facilities, and further enjoined all to development interest on youth for the future good of the nation.
On tennis in the state, the Association Chairman noted that a remarkable achievement was recorded in the past five years as a result of the intervention of the Former Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Late Rt. Hon. Tonye harry through his tennis academy, pointing out that through the foundation, a lot of budding tennis players were discovered and trained to stardom. They also made Rivers State proud in the past two National Sports Festivals on the medal table.
there had been no sponsors for the sport.
Unfortunately, Total E and P that sponsored two junior tennis tournaments in 2012 and 2013 had since backed out for explicable reasons”.
But the good news is that for the first time in the Rivers State Tennis Association, two players, Clifford Onosoroegbe and Aanu Ayebuesi (reserved player) have been selected to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming National Sports Festival holding in Congo, and stressed that with sponsors and better facilities, Rivers State would bounce back to glory.
He called for construction of more mini stadiums and recreational facilities all over the State to encourage sports development as well as appoint credible, capable, and an experienced person as Commissioner for sports and not Commissioner for football in the state.
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.