Sports
Aaron Judge shows why it’s unwise for fans to taunt Aaron Judge
Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo.
Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur.
At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga.
Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur.
Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
“Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat”
Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt.
Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus.
Nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup 2024: A Triumph of Unity and Sportsmanship
By Favour Bibaikefie
The 2024 edition of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup concluded in grand style, furthering its mission to promote harmony and highlight sporting talent across the state’s diverse ethnic communities.
A Historic Opening Match
The tournament kicked off with a novelty match at Ode-Itsekiri, bringing together a united Itsekiri/Ijaw team to compete against representatives from other ethnic groups. The event coincided with the observance of World Tolerance Day, underscoring the tournament’s theme of fostering peaceful coexistence.
Renowned peace advocate and tournament initiator, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, along with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) members and ex-Nigerian international football stars such as Sam Sodje and Edema Fuludu, attended the curtain-raiser. They ensured the event’s objectives of inter-ethnic unity and global-standard organization were upheld.
This marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time in over two decades that the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups, previously divided by conflict, united to form a single team.
Tournament Highlights
Beginning on November 16 and culminating on December 8, the competition showcased the talents of teams representing various ethnic groups across Delta State.
Preliminary Matches
Group-stage games were held at six ethnic hubs:
1. Oleh Township Stadium (Isoko)
2. Kwale Township Stadium (Ndokwa)
3. Nana Model College Stadium (Itsekiri)
4. Ogbe-Ijoh Secondary School Field (Ijaw)
5. Agharho Primary School (Urhobo)
6. Obiaruku Secondary School Field (Ika)
The preliminary rounds reflected a high level of sportsmanship, teamwork, and determination among the participants.
Thrilling Knockouts and a Spectacular Finale
The competition progressed through knockout rounds, leading to a dramatic finale between Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) and Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) in Oreorokpe, Okpe Local Government Area. Team Itsekiri triumphed with a 3-1 victory, claiming the championship.
The journey to the final included quarterfinals held at Obiaruku and Effurun, with semifinals staged in Oleh and Ughelli.
Recognition and Rewards
The tournament rewarded excellence with the following prizes:
Champions (Itsekiri Ugbomarun FC): ₦2 million, gold medals, and a trophy.
Runners-up (Ndokwa East United FC): ₦1.5 million and silver medals.
Third Place (Urhobo’s Udu United FC): ₦1 million and bronze medals.
Fourth Place Team: ₦500,000 and consolation prizes.
Notably, Team Isoko (Winsome FC) was disqualified and banned from the next edition for violating tournament rules.
A Statewide Celebration of Unity
This year’s event drew participation from all three senatorial districts of Delta State. The grand finale reflected this inclusivity, with Team Ndokwa (Delta North), Team Itsekiri (Delta South), and the venue in Delta Central showcasing the unity within the state.
Building Bridges Through Sports
Speaking on the tournament’s impact, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff emphasized that the competition extends beyond football. “It is about fostering unity, discovering talent, and celebrating Delta State’s rich cultural diversity,” he said. He added that the tournament remains a platform for nurturing peace and identifying future sports stars.
Looking Ahead
With the successful conclusion of the 2024 edition, plans are already in motion for the sixth installment. Organizers aim to broaden participation, introduce new categories, and solidify the event as a staple in Delta State’s sporting calendar.
The Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has once again proven to be a beacon of hope, showcasing how sports can bridge divides and build lasting peace among communities.
By Divine Perezide
The Ogulagha Kingdom Youth Council (OKYC) has unveiled plans for its highly anticipated football tournament, which promises to bring excitement and competition to the communities in Ogulagha Kingdom.
According to an official statement from the OKYC Sports Directorate, the tournament is set to kick off on December 8, 2024, and conclude on December 21, 2024. The opening match will take place at the Ogulagha Community Football Field.
See detailed Time Table:
In the announcement, the Sports Directorate stated: “Don’t miss the first match kicking off at 3:30pm between Obotobo 11 Vs Youbebe.”
This event is expected to draw significant participation and support from the kingdom youth and football enthusiasts across the Niger Delta region.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The 2024 edition of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament began in grand style on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in Ode-Itsekiri, an ancestral town fondly known as ‘Big Warri.’ The event brought together prominent figures, including former football stars Sam Sodje, Edema Fuludu, and Bright Omokaro, alongside other distinguished guests, for the much-anticipated opening ceremony.
Key personalities at the event included Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, and notable representatives of Ode-Itsekiri such as Hon. E.A.E. Otare Aja, Comr. Ejoh Dimas, Emma Ogungbemi, Rieco Tsoluwa, and Comr. Asakpi Richardson. Also in attendance were Prince Samson Ochuko, Rev. Oreva Idudhi, officiating referee Ede Gift, and assistant referees Asakpi Toritseju and Ogaga Diare, among others.
Organized by the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) in collaboration with the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), the tournament aims to foster harmony among the ethnic groups in Delta State.
At the ceremony, CEPEJ’s National Coordinator, Chief Sheriff Mulade, emphasized the tournament’s role in promoting unity. He noted that the event coincided with the United Nations International Day of Tolerance to underline the importance of peace. Chief Mulade urged Deltans to embrace the competition as a platform for fostering development and empowerment.
The Executive Chairman of Ode-Itsekiri, Mr. Anthony Odonghanro, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the flag-off ceremony, highlighting the underutilization of the town’s world-class football pitch, constructed by former NFF Chairman Amaju Pinnick. He encouraged sports enthusiasts to see the tournament as a catalyst for reviving interest in the facility.
In his remarks, ex-international Edema Fuludu praised the organizers for using football as a medium to unite communities. Reflecting on the sport’s historical significance, he recalled how a match featuring Pele once paused the Nigerian Civil War, reinforcing football’s potential to inspire positive change.
The opening ceremony featured a novelty football match between two mixed teams. One team, comprising players from Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnicities, defeated their opponents—players from Ndokwa, Ika, Isoko, and Urhobo ethnicities—2-0. The game marked a historic collaboration between Ijaw and Itsekiri players on the same side.
With entertainment provided by the Itsekiri cultural troupe, the event set the stage for the tournament, which commenced on Sunday, November 17. A total of 24 teams from six ethnic groups will compete for the N5 million prize at the grand finale scheduled for December 8, 2024, in Oreorokpe, Okpe LGA.
This year marks the fifth edition of the competition, which has run for over a decade, continuing its mission to promote peace and unity across Delta State.