By Silvernews

The Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Hon. Etta Lawrence, has assured stakeholders of deliberate efforts to reposition two of the state’s foremost football clubs, Calabar Rovers and Pelican Stars, promising a return to their glorious days.

Etta Lawrence noted that both clubs remain big household names in Nigerian football but admitted that their recent performances have not reflected their rich pedigree, particularly Rovers, who have spent over two decades in the lower division.

“Pelican Stars is a very big household name when it comes to women’s football in Nigeria. Rovers has a strong reputation, but they have not been doing well lately. With my emergence as Chairman of the Sports Commission, something positive will be done,” he said.

He disclosed that within weeks of assuming office, he put together a new management team for Pelican Stars with the approval of the state government, describing the board as solid and capable of steering the club back to prominence.

On Rovers, the Sports Commission boss revealed that key interventions have already begun, adding that more steps would be taken to address the challenges confronting the team.

“By this time next year, we will be talking about promotion because I believe Rovers should be competing at a higher level,” he stated confidently.

Barely two months into his tenure, Hon. Etta Lawrence maintained that visible reforms are already taking shape in the sports sector, pledging sustained efforts to restore pride to Cross River football.

By Kennedy Onwunali

Team Imo concluded its campaign at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games with an improved performance, amassing 31 medals — five gold, eight silver and 18 bronze — to better its four-gold outing at the maiden edition in Uyo.

The Eastern Heartland athletes showed marked progress across team and individual events, with volleyball and handball leading the charge.

Blessing Ukaoha set the tone in athletics, winning gold in the Girls Discus with a throw of 35.81m. Martin Awunezi added to the tally with a gold medal in the Men’s 65kg Para-Powerlifting event, lifting 155kg. The state’s female handball team emerged champions in commanding fashion, while both the male and female volleyball teams secured gold to reaffirm Imo’s dominance in the sport.

In the silver category, Ukaoha also claimed a medal in the Shot Put, Esther Ogbuga finished second in the Girls 5000m (19:25.28), and Ifechukwu Esther Nwankwo won silver in the Girls 400m Hurdles (62.24s). Eugenia Chioma Enwere secured silver in the Women’s 45kg Para-Powerlifting event, Victory Maduabuchi placed second in the Boys 65kg Weightlifting, while Joseph Obugo clinched silver in the Boys 100m Backstroke. Odinaka Okorie earned silver in the Girls 51kg boxing event, and Favour Agaziem added another in the Girls 42kg Traditional Wrestling category.

Team Imo’s bronze medals reflected depth across disciplines. Gerald Ukandu won bronze in the Boys Discus (32.69m).
In Para-Powerlifting, Cletus Iwuoha (72kg), Chinyere Obianuju (86+kg) and Ugochukwu Maryjane (67kg) secured podium finishes. Victory Maduabuchi also claimed bronze in weightlifting. Swimming produced two bronze medals through Joseph Obugo (50m Backstroke) and Toke Godgift (200m Individual Medley). In boxing, Joseph Ezeanaeche (65kg) and Ebere Tehundjo Nwoko (70kg) finished third.
Traditional Wrestling recorded bronze medals from Christogonus Umeyor (62kg), Onyedikachi Okoli (70kg) and Favour Ginika (65kg). The Boys Basketball Team, the Male Football Team and taekwondo athlete Wisdom Metu (-58kg) also secured bronze medals.

In tennis, Chimaobi Onuegbu and Favour Lucky won bronze in the Mixed Doubles, while Favour Lucky and Ngozi Nwosu claimed bronze in the Girls Doubles. Chimaobi Onuegbu and Chinaemerem Onuegbu completed the podium sweep with bronze in the Boys Doubles.

Observers noted that beyond the medal count, the Games provided a valuable platform for talent discovery and development. Stakeholders have therefore urged sustained investment in coaching education, athlete preparation and modern facilities to consolidate the gains recorded in Benin City and position Team Imo for greater success at future editions.

Reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Remo Stars has sacked their gaffer, Daniel Ogunmodede.

In a statement, the club announced the appointment of Usman Abd’Allah as the Technical Adviser of the club.

According to the club, “This appointment is with immediate effect as it is expected to mark a significant step in the club’s vision to elevate its performance.

“Abd’Allah brings a wealth of experience, having earned his UEFA Pro Licence Certification, he also has advanced degrees in football coaching and team management from Le CREPS de Montpellier, France.

“He also holds the National Coaching Accreditation Programme (NCAP) Level 1 from Singapore and the prestigious LaLiga Coaching Certificate.

“A seasoned coach, Abd’Allah has managed football clubs across Asia and France. In Nigeria, he served as assistant coach of the Super Eagles under the technical team of Jose Peseiro.

“He was the Technical Adviser for Enyimba FC, and as assistant coach and youth team overseer at Kano Pillars FC.

“Under his guidance, Enyimba reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederations Cup, narrowly losing to Morocco’s Raja Casablanca. He also led Enyimba to the NPFL title in the 2018/19 season.

“Usman Abd’Allah combines international exposure with deep knowledge of Nigerian football, making him well-positioned to lead the Sky Blue Stars.

“Remo Stars looks forward to an exciting moments under Abd’Allah’s leadership.”

Barau FC captain, Usman Maidubji has tendered his reserved apology to fans of the club after Rivers United ended their seven-match unbeaten run.

The Maliya Boys suffered a narrow one-nil loss to the Pride of Rivers in a rescheduled 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, encounter in Port Harcourt.

In a post on his official Facebook handle, the skipper promised that they will bounce back to winning ways in the next league encounter against Plateau United at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

His words: “To all our fans and everyone with Barau FC Tonight’s result wasn’t what we hoped for. We gave our best at the stadium, but the game ended 1-0 against us.

“As a captain, I take the responsibility, and I promise you, we will learn lessons, correct mistakes, and come back stronger than before by God’s grace.

“Your support means the world to us. Win or lose, you never stop believing in us. This is what motivates us.

“Football is a journey. Sometimes we’re happy, sometimes we’re the opposite. This time will increase our unity and commitment. Happy rain May Allah accept our fasting and give us blessings ahead.

“Thank you for being with us. We’ll keep moving together, altogether.”

By Kennedy Onwunali

The Chairman of the Rangers International Football Club Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, has lauded the outstanding performance of Ambassador Kalu Chijioke Jnr following his victorious outing in the Taekwondo +80kg category at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games in Benin City, Edo State.

Ambassador Kalu, who represented Abia State, clinched the gold medal after defeating his Delta State opponent in a commanding display of strength, skill and determination.

Coach Amaraizu, a certified coach, sports administrator and manager, described the feat as a reflection of courage, focus, perseverance and an indomitable spirit.

According to him, “The success of Ambassador Kalu Chijioke Jnr revolves around courage, resilience and the ability to rise above challenges. From a rough beginning, he remained focused, overcame difficult moments and kicked out perceived limitations to emerge victorious.

These are the core values we promote at the Rangers International Football Club Foundation. Rangers is known for turning pain into purpose and challenges into fuel. We commend his resilient mindset and excellent performance.”

He noted that Ambassador Kalu is a product of the Foundation’s mentorship programme and has consistently demonstrated excellence in various sporting activities.

He currently serves as an ambassador of the Foundation’s sports intervention initiatives and has distinguished himself as a multi-talented athlete in taekwondo, basketball, chess, swimming, athletics, darts and table tennis.

It would be recalled that Ambassador Kalu Chijioke Jnr, an undergraduate of Statistics at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, is the National Coordinator of Campus Technology Life Initiative (CTLI), a platform designed to promote innovation and resourcefulness among young people. The initiative is also an integral partner of the Rangers International Football Club Foundation.

Coach Amaraizu further commended the sponsors of the Games, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as the organisers, Dunamis Icon, for providing a platform that positively engages young minds and showcases grassroots talent across the region.

By Kennedy Onwunali

Team Imo delivered a spirited performance at the Niger Delta Games, surging to five gold medals as the competition reached its decisive stage in Benin City.

The Eastern Heartland contingent struck gold in athletics, para-powerlifting, handball and volleyball, signaling a remarkable resurgence after a slow start to the regional fiesta.

In athletics, Blessing Ukaoha set the tone for Imo with a commanding performance in the Girls’ Discus event, while Martin Awunezi powered his way to victory in the men’s 65kg para-powerlifting category to hand the state another gold medal.

Team events further boosted Imo’s standing on the medals table. The female handball team rose to the occasion with a clinical display to secure gold, while both the male and female volleyball teams overcame their opponents in thrilling encounters to add two more gold medals to the state’s tally.

Beyond the gold rush, Team Imo amassed eight silver and sixteen bronze medals across various events, reflecting improved performances in athletics, combat sports, swimming and racket games.

With the curtains now drawn on the Games in Benin City, Team Imo will take pride in a strong finish and a commendable overall outing at the regional championship

By Kennedy Onwunali

Team Imo sustained their dominance in volleyball at the 2nd Niger Delta Games with impressive 3–1 victories over Team Edo in both the female and male categories.

The female team delivered a commanding performance, winning 25–11, 25–10, 20–25 and 25–8. After cruising through the opening two sets, they briefly dropped the third before bouncing back emphatically to seal the contest in the fourth.

The male team matched that feat in a closely contested encounter, edging Team Edo 26–24 in the first set and 25–22 in the second. Although they conceded the third set 21–25, Team Imo regained composure to clinch the fourth 25–23 and complete the double triumph.

Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, who was in attendance, commended both teams for their outstanding effort, resilience and determination in securing the victories.

By Kennedy Onwunali

All injured athletes at the ongoing Niger Delta Games in Benin City have been treated and discharged, the Head of the Medical Committee, Dr. Richard Alabi, has confirmed.

Speaking at a press briefing organized by Dunamis Icon on Tuesday, Dr. Alabi disclosed that only two athletes sustained injuries serious enough to require hospital attention.

The affected players were promptly taken to the hospital, received adequate medical care, and have since returned to their respective state teams.
He explained that aside from the two cases, other minor injuries were treated immediately at the venues by on-ground medical teams.

Dr. Alabi assured stakeholders that the two athletes who were hospitalized have fully recovered and rejoined their teams, emphasizing that the medical unit remains fully prepared to handle any emergencies throughout the competition.

The 2nd Niger Delta Games, tagged “Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talent”, continue to draw young athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta, with sporting action ongoing across multiple venues in the city.

By Silvernews

The Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Hon. Etta Lawrence, has announced that the state government will reward 12-year-old Blessing Emmanuel for her outstanding performance at the ongoing Niger Delta Games in Benin City.

Blessing competed in the 5,000 metres event, where she impressed spectators by holding her own against older athletes to clinch a medal for Cross River State.

Her endurance and composure throughout the grueling race have been described as exceptional for an athlete of her age.

Hon. Etta Lawrence said the young runner’s feat is historic and a source of pride to the state.

“I am very excited to see a 12-year-old compete in the 5,000 metres against older runners and win a medal for the state. We are proud of her achievement, and the government of Cross River State will reward her handsomely,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to grassroots sports development, adding that Blessing’s success highlights the bright future of athletics in the state.