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.
- Morocco awarded 3-0 forfeit victory over Senegal walkout.
By Ezinne – IduwiniVoice
In an unprecedented and earth-shattering ruling for African football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially stripped Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the CAF Appeal Board announced that the final result has been overturned, declaring hosts Morocco the rightful champions following a successful protest against a mid-match walkout by the Senegalese team.
The controversy centers on the chaotic final held in Rabat on January 18, where Senegal had initially celebrated a 1-0 victory in extra time. However, the CAF Appeal Board ruled that the conduct of the Senegalese team—specifically a 15-minute walk-off led by head coach Pape Thiaw to protest a late penalty awarded to Morocco—constituted a “forfeiture” under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations. According to the official statement:
The Forfeit: This is because Senegal left the pitch without the referee’s authorization, the match has now been recorded as a 3-0 victory in favor of Morocco, and Overturned Decision in the sense that this ruling sets aside an earlier disciplinary board decision that had initially allowed the 1-0 result to stand despite fines. Then the sanctions: While the title moves to Morocco, individual sanctions were also adjusted; Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari saw his $100,000 fine canceled, though a two-match suspension remains.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has reacted with fury, describing the decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” and has signaled its intent to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. Meanwhile, in Morocco, the “Atlas Lions” have been officially crowned African champions for the first time since 1976.
The decision has divided the continent, with many praising CAF for strictly enforcing its rules on pitch walkouts, while others argue that “sporting merit” on the field should have taken precedence over administrative regulations.
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.