Sports
MULADE SHERIFF CALLS FOR ENHANCED PARTNERSHIPS TO SUSTAIN PEACE IN DELTA STATE
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: 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