Sports Archives | Page 71 of 111

Rivers, University of Port Harcourt partner as Team Rivers gear up for 2025 NSF

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago04 mins

The Rivers State Ministry of Sports and University of Port Harcourt have reached a partnership which will see Athletes of the State camp and train at the facilities of the Institution ahead of the participation of Team Rivers at the upcoming 2025 National Sports Festival. Speaking at a brief ceremony to seal the partnership at the University of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green described facilities at the Institution as some of the best, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent. He added that he was confident that the benefits of the alliance will be latent and positively affect the chances of Team Rivers emerging as Nulli Secundus amongst the committee of States at the upcoming NSF. “We have the rare privilege of having the University of Port Harcourt here in Rivers State and what you have been doing in this school is such that other Universities (in the country) should emulate,” Barr. Green, a three time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State, said. “The facilities and equipment you have here and the manner in which you have maintained them (to consistently remain in optimum conditions) has made us come here. “And in line with our policy to develop Sports at grassroots level, most of the athletes with us at Team Rivers are products of the University of Port Harcourt,” he added. On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill expressed excitement at the pardtnership, noting that the Institution will always welcome Athletes of Team Rivers with open arms. “This University will always partner with the Rivers State Government and we are pleased and honoured that the Sports Ministry has chosen us, yet again to camp their athletes for the NSF,” Professor Georgewill stated. Afterwards, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner and his team also paid a courtesy call to the management of the Sports Institute of the University of Port Harcourt with a member of the contingent, foremost Sports administrator, Professor Ken Anugwege acknowledging the importance of the interaction. “This visit is important as this (Uniport Sports Institute) is the facility and it is our earnest hope and desire that this partnership ends in positivity for Rivers State,” he said.

Rivers, University of Port Harcourt partner as Team Rivers gear up for 2025 NSF

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago04 mins

The Rivers State Ministry of Sports and University of Port Harcourt have reached a partnership which will see Athletes of the State camp and train at the facilities of the Institution ahead of the participation of Team Rivers at the upcoming 2025 National Sports Festival. Speaking at a brief ceremony to seal the partnership at the University of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green described facilities at the Institution as some of the best, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent. He added that he was confident that the benefits of the alliance will be latent and positively affect the chances of Team Rivers emerging as Nulli Secundus amongst the committee of States at the upcoming NSF. “We have the rare privilege of having the University of Port Harcourt here in Rivers State and what you have been doing in this school is such that other Universities (in the country) should emulate,” Barr. Green, a three time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State, said. “The facilities and equipment you have here and the manner in which you have maintained them (to consistently remain in optimum conditions) has made us come here. “And in line with our policy to develop Sports at grassroots level, most of the athletes with us at Team Rivers are products of the University of Port Harcourt,” he added. On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill expressed excitement at the pardtnership, noting that the Institution will always welcome Athletes of Team Rivers with open arms. “This University will always partner with the Rivers State Government and we are pleased and honoured that the Sports Ministry has chosen us, yet again to camp their athletes for the NSF,” Professor Georgewill stated. Afterwards, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner and his team also paid a courtesy call to the management of the Sports Institute of the University of Port Harcourt with a member of the contingent, foremost Sports administrator, Professor Ken Anugwege acknowledging the importance of the interaction. “This visit is important as this (Uniport Sports Institute) is the facility and it is our earnest hope and desire that this partnership ends in positivity for Rivers State,” he said.

Guardiola splits from wife Cristina after 30 years

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago01 mins

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has split from his wife Cristina Serra after 30 years together. Barcelona-based outlet Sport reported that the long-term couple called it quits in December. Pep and Cristina are said to have been living separate for the past five years, with the manager remaining in England while Cristina returned to Barcelona where she runs her fashion company. Pep and Cristina are believed to have met when they were 18 while the decorated manager played for Barcelona, but only married in 2014. They share three children together – Maria, 24, Màrius, 22, and Valentina, 17. It comes amid a dip in form for reining Premier League champions Manchester City, who found themselves struggling to remain title contenders for the season. The Sky Blues are hoping that a run of three wins on the bounce in all competitions will help to revive their season after a series of disappointing results.

Eguavoen, Chelle hit Ikenne-Remo for Eagles B, as draw holds Wednesday

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, has arrived at the Ikenne-Remo camp of the Super Eagles B alongside new Super Eagles’ Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle and the latter’s agent, Sidibe Abraham Brehima. The trio flew aboard a ValueJet Airline CRJ 700 aircraft from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday morning, and then headed for the Remo Stars’ Sports Institute in the fabled Ogun State town. On Monday, at Chelle’s unveiling, President of NFF Ibrahim Musa Gusau had clarified that Chelle will only be with the Eagles B in supervisory role, while the trio of Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Olatunji Baruwa who qualified the team for the African Nations Championship will remain essentially in charge of the team’s preparation and participation at the tournament. Meanwhile, the draw for the final tournament of the 8th African Nations Championship will take place in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday evening. Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, is on ground in Nairobi ahead of the ceremony that will hold at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre from 6pm Nigeria time. CAF’s Director of Competitions, Mr. Samson Adamu will be assisted at the draw by Uganda’s Hassan Wasswa, Tanzanian Mrisho Ngasa and Kenyan legend McDonald.Mariga. The names of a total of 19 countries, viz joint-hosts Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Algeria, Niger Republic, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola and Madagascar will be in the pots for the draw ceremony.

CAF postpones CHAN 2024 to August 2025

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) on Tuesday announced the postponement of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 to August 2025. Good progress has been made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities for the hosting of a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. However the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts some of whom have been based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, have advised CAF that more time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities, are at the levels, necessary for hosting a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment and the good progress that has been made in building and upgrading the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for hosting a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. “I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities will be at the requisite CAF standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.” CAF will be conducting the Draw of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 in Nairobi, on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 20h00 Nairobi Time. The exact date in August 2025 of the commencement of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 will be announced by CAF in due course.

Sports

Iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre to CHAN 2024 final draw

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya will host the draw for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2024 on Wednesday night. The much-anticipated draw will commence at 20h00 local time (17h00 GMT / 19h00 Cairo). It will feature local East African legends Hassan Wasswa (Uganda), Mrisho Ngasa (Tanzania) and McDonald Mariga (Kenya), the latter having been born and raised in Nairobi, as draw assistants. Co-hosts Kenya are making a debut at the CAF African Nations Championship finals, while Uganda and Tanzania have already had a taste of the tournament. Among countries that will headline Wednesday’s draw are defending champions Senegal and two-time winners Morocco. The 32-story KICC will be a fitting stage for what will be a glittering draw ceremony. The building boats an amphitheater and the Tsavo Ballroom, the largest conference chamber of its kind in East Africa. An iconic piece of architectural mastery located at the heart of Kenya’s capital city, the KICC is renowned for its striking cylindrical design and panoramic views of the city. Completed in 1973, it is not only a hub for international conferences, exhibitions, and events but also a symbol of Kenya’s modernity and cultural heritage. It is only befitting that the capital’s signature building stages the draw as the country hosts a continental football tournament for the first time in its history. Nairobi is a major commercial hub in East Africa and known for its tech innovation. It is the regional headquarters for several huge multi-national companies. Nairobi also has several famous, established football clubs who play in the country’s elite league and CAF Interclub competitions, such as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Tusker and Mathare United.

2024/25 NWFL Premiership MD1 Preview: South-South derbies set to headline opening matchday

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago011 mins

The 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season is set to kick off on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with an exciting slate of fixtures across eight centres in the country. The opening matchday promises a fierce start, with two South-South derbies taking centre stage, alongside other thrilling matchups as teams begin their quest for glory. Group AEdo Queens vs Abia Angels – Benin City The official opening Star Match of the new season set to be broadcast on NTA and Startimes will feature defending champions, Edo Queens, hosting Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Edo Queens, who claimed their maiden league title last season, also triumphed in the West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League and reached the final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Under coach Moses Aduku, who has been handed a contract extension, the club’s primary focus will be to build on last season’s successes and defend their league title. In contrast, Abia Angels will be hoping to avoid another relegation battle after narrowly escaping the drop last season, surviving by a whisker on goal difference. With Adanna Nwaneri, a former Super Falcons defender, now at the helm, the Umuahia-based side will aim to improve on last season’s performance and start the campaign on a positive note. Edo Queens has been dominant in recent encounters, winning two of the last three league meetings, but Abia Angels pulled off a shock 1-0 victory in Benin City during the 2022/23 season. Ekiti Queens vs Heartland Queens – Ado Ekiti For the first time in top-flight history, Ekiti Queens and Heartland Queens will face off at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti. Ekiti Queens managed to narrowly avoid relegation last season, while Heartland Queens defied expectations by qualifying for the Super Six from Group A. Despite their struggles at the Super Six, Obi Ogbala’s side will be aiming to build on that experience and continue their growth. Ekiti Queens, under new coach Jacob Vandhi, will be hoping to improve on last season’s performance and avoid another relegation battle. Confluence Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies – Anyigba Another exciting matchup features Confluence Queens and Remo Stars Ladies at the Anyigba City Stadium in Kogi State. Confluence Queens finished second in Group A last season, securing a Super Six spot but struggled to make an impact in the playoffs. Their opponent, Remo Stars, had a solid debut season, finishing fifth in Group B, and have been in good form recently, winning the Ogun State FA Cup and reaching the semi-final of the 2024 President Federation Cup. Their success in the Sheroes Cup adds further confidence as they prepare for the new season. Nasarawa Amazons vs Dannaz Ladies – Lafia Nasarawa Amazons will begin their campaign with a home match against Dannaz Ladies at Lafia City Stadium. The Solid Babes finished top of Group A last season but couldn’t replicate that success in the Super Six. They will be determined to return to the Super Six playoffs, starting with a strong result against Dannaz Ladies, who had a commendable debut season in 2023/24, finishing just outside the playoff spots. Group BRivers Angels vs Ibom Angels – Port Harcourt The first of two South-South derbies on Matchday 1 sees Rivers Angels host Ibom Angels in Port Harcourt. Rivers Angels came agonizingly close to claiming an eighth league title last season, finishing second in the Super Six by a single point. With new coach Tosan Blankson in charge, they will be eager to go one better this season and secure that elusive title. Meanwhile, Ibom Angels return to the top flight after a successful promotion campaign, and their new coach, Edwin Okon, will be looking to make a strong start as they aim to retain their top-flight status. Adamawa Queens vs Naija Ratels FC – Gombe In a Northern derby, Adamawa Queens host Naija Ratels at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe. Both teams finished on 17 points last season, with Adamawa Queens emerging victorious in their last encounter, winning 2-0. Naija Ratels, however, will be determined to bounce back and improve on their mid-table finish, aiming for a spot in the Super Six this time around. Benue Queens vs FC Robo Queens – Lafia In a David vs Goliath encounter, newly promoted Benue Queens will face FC Robo Queens at Lafia City Stadium. Benue Queens, fresh off their return to the top flight, will be hoping to make a statement in their debut season. Under the guidance of experienced coach Liadi Bashiru, they will be looking for a positive result to set the tone for their maiden top-flight campaign. On the other hand, FC Robo Queens, perennial contenders in the league, will be hoping to secure a victory to relaunch their bid for a return to the end of the season’s Championship Super Six tournament. Bayelsa Queens vs Delta Queens – Yenegoa The second South-South derby of the day sees Bayelsa Queens host Delta Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa. This fixture is one of the most anticipated of the opening matchday, given the fierce rivalry between the two teams. Delta Queens have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of the last eight meetings, while Bayelsa Queens have managed just one victory. Both teams now have new coaches at the helm, with Tosan Blankson guiding Bayelsa Queens and Peter Dedevbo taking over at Delta Queens. This match will set the tone for both teams as they embark on their league campaigns. With so many exciting fixtures on the horizon, Matchday 1 of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership promises to deliver plenty of action as teams jostle for early points and set their sights on achieving their season goals. Pep Guardiola reportedly splits from wife Cristina after 30 years together Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has split from his wife Cristina Serra after 30 years together. Barcelona-based outlet Sport reported that the long-term couple called it quits in…

NWFL launches new era with weekly Premiership Star matches broadcast on TV

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) is ushering in a new era under its visionary leadership, with a renewed focus on attracting sponsorships and transforming women’s football in Nigeria. The 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership kicks off with an electrifying Week 1 Star Match between holders Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6 PM. This landmark opener will be broadcast live on NTA Sports 24 and StarTimes, signaling the league’s commitment to bringing women’s football to the forefront. Speaking about the league board’s new direction, NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi emphasized the board’s dedication to innovation and growth:“We are determined to create a league that is both competitive and commercially viable. The introduction of live broadcasts and floodlight matches is a step toward making the NWFL a household name across Nigeria and beyond.” She added, “This season, fans can expect weekly star matches on TV, showcasing the incredible talent we have in women’s football. Our goal is to inspire and attract the support needed to elevate the game to new heights.” As part of the new strategy, the NWFL will feature weekly star matches broadcast live on TV, ensuring fans nationwide can connect with the league’s best moments. Additionally, floodlight matches will debut this season, adding an exciting dimension to matchdays and enhancing the viewing experience. This bold step is designed to enhance the league’s visibility, attract investment, and inspire a new generation of female footballers. The NWFL is committed to building a commercially viable and globally recognized league, setting a new benchmark for women’s football in Africa.