Sports
Sporting Community Endorses Wike For Second Term
Rivers Sporting Community on Monday unanimously endorsed Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for a second term.
This is as the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike urged the sporting community to defend their votes in 2019.
Thousands of sportsmen, women and their supporters declared that their endorsement of Governor Wike is premised on the governor’s revival of sports after the former administration destroyed it.
The sporting community marched from Isaac Boro Park through the streets of the Old GRA to the Government House, Port Harcourt. The procession was carnival-like, as the sports community celebrated Governor Wike.
Mr Franklin Owhor moved a motion endorsing Governor Wike for the 2019 re-election. He said the sporting community will support the governor to emerge victorious.
The motion was seconded by Prince Kali Obi, who said that all members of the sporting community are wholeheartedly in support of the Rivers State Governor.
President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Honour Sirawoo said that Governor Wike emerged as the Power of Sports Award winner because of his outstanding credentials.
He said that the award received the widest international media coverage, because the international sporting press appreciates the investments of Governor Wike in the sports sector. He said Governor Wike needs to continue for greater development of the state.
Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Christopher Green described Governor Wike as the Pillar of Sports in Africa .
Green said: “Governor Wike has brought national and international recognition to Rivers people. We are proud to be Rivers people because of the performance of the Rivers State Governor “.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike said that it is obvious that the APC Federal Government is not interested in conducting elections , hence all Nigerians must be vigilant.
“The sign is there that they want to rig the elections. They want to simply write results. What happened last Friday when they invaded the State High Court is an eye-opener”, he said.
The governor reiterated that the APC Federal Government has not executed any project in Rivers State. He wondered why the Minister of Transportation has not used his position to attract any project to the state.
“Because they have done nothing in Rivers State, they will plan to rig. But I can only wish them bad luck. Be prepared to defend your votes”, he said.
He said that his administration has touched the lives of the people through pro-people projects. He said the 2015 defeated Rivers State APC Governorship Candidate lived in Diobu but failed to construct their roads as Works Commissioner. He said the roads have been constructed under his leadership.
While thanking the Rivers Sporting Community for their endorsement, Governor Wike said that henceforth Rivers athletes will be sponsored for major foreign sports events. He announced that five Rivers Angels players, five Rivers United Players and three Go-round Football Club players will be sponsored to the World Cup in Russia.
He said that CAF President will be in Rivers State on 28th May, 2018 to flag off the construction of the Real Madrid Football Academy in the state.
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
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,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
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.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
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.
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