Sports
ITF Trainees Laud Organisers
Trainees in the on-going International Tennis Federation (ITF) approved tennis coaches course level I in Port Harcourt have hailed the organisers of the training as it has enabled them have the knowledge of new techniques, rules and regulations of the game in line with international standard.
The trainees who barred their minds in a chat with Tidesports at Port Harcourt tennis court yesterday said they were impressed with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Instructor, Rotimi Akinloye, who is painstakingly coaching them on the modern techniques of the game.
According to them, with what they have learnt, they would go back and impart the knowledge as Grade level I coaches to junior and senior players of all categories.
They opined that such coaching courses should be a continuous one inorder to refresh their memories and keep them abreast with the modern trend of the game certified as they are now coaches.
Alex Victor, who based in Port Harcourt said the training was good and encouraging as it would enable him to know how to bring up beginners and how to guide those who are already in the game, and commended the organizing crew for a job well done.
Another trainee, Dagogo Atorudibo described the coaching course as the best as it has opened his eyes to the different levels of trainings among children and adults and also thanked the organisers.
Okudile Jonathan from Aba, Abia State said, “it is encouraging and I did not even expect it like this, but from what I have seen, it is something every future tennis players and coaches should aspire and involve in the course”, adding that all the trainees are happy with the outcome.
A Lagos based tennis players, Alayoki Olarenwaju noted that it was an eye-opener to improve his level and standard in tennis as he had gained a lot from instructor Akintoye, promising to impart the knowledge to others.
The professional tennis player solicited for its continuity and also gave kudos to the organizer, saying “It is a welcomed development “.
Some notable tennis players at the training course include, one time Nigeria number one player, Sunday Maku, the co-ordinator Kodak Tennis Academy, Stella Epegu, Port Harcourt Club tennis champion, Emma Afangide, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) Port Harcourt number one player, Peter Ekpeyong, a state tennis coach, Kiri among others.
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.