Sports
Delta Peace and Unity Cup: Ex-Internationals to Grace Kick-off at Ode-Itsekiri
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.
By: Daire Perez
In a gripping semi-final play-off for the African qualifier to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Nigerian national football team defeated Gabon national football team 4 – 1 (after extra time) in Rabat, Morocco.
The Nigerian onslaught began when Akor Adams pounced on a defensive error to score in the 78th minute. However, Gabon responded through Mario Lemina, who drew his side level in the 89th minute and forced extra time.
Nigeria dominated the extra time, however, as Chidera Ejuke found the net early in the added period of play, followed by a brace from Victor Osimhen (goals in the 102nd and 110th minutes) to seal the fate of their Gabonese counterparts.
The match was marked by off-pitch dram: the Nigerian squad had briefly refused to train earlier in the week over unpaid bonuses, which was resolved before the kick-off. Another significant moment was when Osimhen pulled of his Jessey after his first goal but forgot to wear it before continuing to play on. Drama began when a Nigerian international on the bench ran into the field to hand Osimhen his Jessey during play-on. This attracted yellow cards to both men.
With this victory, Nigeria progresses to the final stage of the CAF play-off, keeping their hopes alive of reaching the expanded 2026 World Cup via a long walk.
(c) IduwiniVoice
Sports
Africa For Peace Sports Festival: Opening Ceremony Set For November 15, With N10 Grand Prince
By Divine Perezide
The annual Sports Events organised by Chief Dr. Sheriff Mulade dubbed “The Africa for Peace Sports Festival” is back and set to set to kick off on November 15th. This year’s event is planned to commemorate the 2025 International Day for Tolerance and marking the begining of the 2nd edition.
The event promises a diverse range of activities, including gym competition, Scrabble, snooker, Table tennis, and Mini football.
Chess and Fuss-football will be demonstration games, with winning prizes for participants.
Former Nigeria super eagle international Edema Fuludu has been appointed Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) by Ambassador Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D the festival’s initiator.
Fuludu expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to collaborate with the team to ensure the event’s success.
The Mini football competition will have two categories: Under 25-45 and 46 and above, with an emphasis on adhering strictly to the rules of the games.
With about Ten Million Naira (10,000,000.00) up for grabs with consolidation prizes, the Africa for Peace Sports Festival is poised to be an unforgettable experience as registration is now open for all interest participants.
According to the Intiator and Chairman, Delta state mini football, the sport festival will create an opportunity for the Nigeria Mini Football Association scouting delegation to identify, attract and recruit talented players into the national team to represent Nigeria in forthcoming international events.
Kindly contact Ogo Clarkson, secretary Mini football Delta State on 080-26797191 or 080-63417901 and 080-80403030.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja, Nigeria-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s aspirations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games a national dream, stressing that it is one Africa deserves to realise.
Posting on his official X account on Wednesday, the president highlighted the historic nature of the bid. ,”No African has ever hosted Games,” he noted, urging the Commonwealth to “complete the circle of unity.”
“Nigeria is ready to host Africa’s first Commonwealth Games in 2030 – President Bola Tinubu assures,” as the Nigeria Stories puts it.
In a rallying message of political support, Tinubu added: “It’s time for Africa.”
Nigeria’s finally bid will be presented to the evaluation committee this week, with Shehu Dikko leading the delegation alongside sports administrator Bukola Oloade. The Nigerian Olympic Committee confirmed that the country submitted its expression of interest before the March 28, 2025 deadline.
The proposal blends symbolic importance with benefits-proecting upgrades in infrastructure since the 2023 All African Games, potential job creation, a tourism boost, and increased private sector investment.
IduwiniVoice recall that Nigeria previously lost the 2014 Commonwealth Games bid to Glasgow. However, renewed optimism follows the withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, over spiralling cost. With Tinubu’s public endorsement, analysts say Abuja’s candidacy now carries fresh weight.
Observers note that the Nigerian delegation must convincingly demonstrate its capacity to manage expenses, secure suitable venues, and establish a legacy that resonates beyond 2030.
If successful, the victory would not only be a milestone for Nigeria but would also mark time in history that the Commonwealth Games are staged on African soil, elevating the continent’s global sporting status.
(c) IduwiniVoice Newspaper