The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Department and Technical Committee have agreed unanimously to name former Barcelona winger, Emmanuel Amunike and former FIFA U17 World Cup winning coach, Manu Garba as the Super Eagles and Golden Eaglets Head Coaches.

Enyimba FC Head Coach, Finidi George will be named as Assistant Coach to Emmanuel Amunike. Finidi will also lead the Super Eagles to two international friendly matches against Ghana and Mali.

Silvernews.com.ng scooped that an impeccable source from the federation who pleaded anonymity revealed exclusively to BSN Sports.

“Emmanuel Amunike and Finidi George have been listed as the Head Coach and the Assistant Coach for Super Eagles while Manu Garba has been given the nod to lead.the Golden Eaglets team.

“The NFF looked at set of coaches among those who indicated interest in the job and chose ones who are most qualified and have the experience and exposure to lead the crop of players in the team. They also considered having a coach who will understand every situation with them, so, they concluded in picking Amunike ahead of others.

“Finidi has also been with the team in recent times, so, he was favoured to be the Assistant while Manu Garba who is more qualified for the U17 job following his antecedents was given one more opportunity to prove it once again at the U17 level.”

Amunike who qualified Tanzania for the African Nations Cup after 39 years and won the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2015 and served as the Assistant Coach to Austin Eguavoen at the 2021 African Nations Cup hosted by Cameroon. He was the Assistant Coach when Nigeria senior national team lost the World Cup ticket to Ghana in the last Round of the 2022 World Cup qualifier.

Manu Garba had also won the FIFA U17 World Cup two times.

…Attends Meeting with Commonwealth Games Federation President

Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has emphasized the urgent need for an African country to host the Commonwealth Games, highlighting the continent’s absence as hosts since the inception of the event.

Senator Enoh made these remarks during an important consultative meeting convened by the President of the Commonwealth Federation, Chris Jenkins OBE, which brought together ministers of sports and key stakeholders from across Africa.

The meeting, held at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra on Sunday the 17th of March, focused on formulating a robust hosting strategy for Africa.
Expressing concern over Africa’s underrepresentation as a host, Senator Enoh emphasized the crucial role of deliberate will in bringing the Games to the continent.

“It is not a good testimony that Africa has never hosted the Commonwealth Games. It is a matter of will, because even if there are lots of strategies, objectives cannot be achieved without the will,” remarked Senator Enoh.

Highlighting Africa’s prior ambitions to host the Games, Senator Enoh recalled Nigeria’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and its successful hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGOM) in 2003.

“It is not because there has not been a desire, but it is the lack of will from the CGF to bring the hosting to Africa,” stated Senator Enoh. He further advocated for a resolution to grant Africa the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, stressing that with greater will and commitment, Africa could successfully undertake this endeavour.

Senator Enoh extended gratitude to Chris Jenkins for his visit to Africa, expressing optimism that his tenure as Commonwealth Federation President would mark a significant milestone in the history of Commonwealth sports. “It is a dark element in the history of the Commonwealth that no African country has hosted the Games,” remarked Senator Enoh, underscoring the importance of rectifying this disparity.

As Africa strives to assert its presence on the global sporting stage, Senator Enoh’s advocacy for the hosting of the Commonwealth Games signals a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and diversity within international sporting events.

Scrabble boards, tiles and racks were busy on March 15, 2024 as wordsmiths across the continent displayed their dexterity and prowess on Day One as the mind game made its grand entry as a demonstration sport in the ongoing 13th African Games in Ghana.

Scrabblers from twelve African countries were elated seeing the light of the game for the first time at the 50 year-old continental multi-sports event.

The players who were from both the English-speaking and French-speaking countries, were cladded in their national colours and armed with their flags, gave a beautiful representation of the game held at Alisa hotel North Ridge in Accra the Ghanaian capital.

Day One of the event saw the shaking-sound of tiles bags, high concentration of moves of tiles on the board arousing smiles and beaming dissatisfaction and on some occasions frustration on the faces of the players in both the single and team events.

After some intense exchange of 27 rounds in the team event of the women’s category, Nigeria ranked highest with 22 wins, losing five games with a cumulative spread of +2478.

Kenya finished in second after 14½ wins and to garner the cumulative spread of +526 while Zambia ended in the third position after 10 wins, losing 17 games with a cumulative spread of -1367.

Ghana finished at the rear with 7⅐ wins and lost 19½ with a cumulative spread of- 1637 points.

After finishing the rounds, the top two Nigeria and Kenya qualified to play in the final while Zambia will face Ghana to battle for bronze.

In the men category, Group A, Liberia won 19 and a draw and lost seven and a draw with a cumulative spread of +854 while Uganda won 15 and lost 12 with a cumulative spread of +735.

Also, Ghana won 14 and lost 13 with a cumulative spread of +627 while Zambia won five and a draw win and lost 21 and a draw with a cumulative spread of -2216.

in group B, Nigeria won 17½ and dropped 9½ games, scoring a cumulative spread of +1724 to finish at the top of the ranking while Kenya trailed behind with a point after winning 17 and losing 10 games with a cumulative spread of +1052.

Meanwhile, Zambia ended in third after 13½ wins with a cumulative spread of -344.

Also, Sierra Leone finished in fourth position after six wins and 21 losses with a cumulative spread of -2342.

As the 2023 African Games enters a new week, anticipation is high for a thrilling display of athleticism, particularly in the track and field events. With a formidable contingent of 54 athletes, Nigeria is poised to make a significant impact in the event taking place in Accra.

Leading the charge for Nigeria is none other than Tobiloba Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles event. Amusan’s unrivaled dominance on the continent is set to be extended as she seeks to further solidify her legacy in African athletics.

Ese Brume, another standout athlete, will be aiming to reclaim her title as the ruler of African long jump. Joining them are other esteemed athletes including Ruth Usoro and Favour Ofili, forming a formidable lineup that promises to dazzle spectators and rivals alike. Other equally highly talented athletes also make up the Nigerian list.

On the men’s side, Enoch Adegoke, Seye Ogunlewe, Alaba Akintola, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Samson Nathaniel, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi are among the top contenders ready to showcase their prowess on the track and field.

Adding to the excitement, the Minister for Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, is in Ghana to support and cheer on the Nigerian contingent. Senator Enoh expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud, urging them to maintain their pursuit of excellence and dominance, particularly over rivals like Egypt.

“I am charging the entire contingent to keep the chase on Egypt, and steer clear of the others behind them,” Senator Enoh stated. “I am sure in athletics, our athletes will bring their A-game and show their dominance.”

In addition to supporting the athletics team, Senator Enoh is present in Ghana to support and cheer other athletes competing in other events. His support underscores the nation’s commitment to sports development and excellence on the continental stage.

Nigeria is currently behind Egypt on the medals table. Hopes for more medals are on the horizon as the Games hit another height this week.

The African Universities Funds, AUF, has partnered Mbaise Policy Roundtable, MPR, to educate youths of Mbaise on technology and innovation,3 Silvernews.com.ng reports.

According to Chijike Ndukwu, Secretary General of AUF during an interview with Mbaise Business and Personality Update, a brand of Silvernews communication’s on Global FM Mbaise said the scholarship, which is worth over 400,000, is geared towards ensuring that youths embrace the tech revolution.

He noted that such gesture by the AUF in partnership with MPR will create remote job opportunities for youths of Mbaise.

“I am the Secretary General of African Universities Funds. We are based in New York city in the U.S. The main purpose is to provide opportunities to young people in Africa to get involved in the tech revolution that will rule the world.

“Our role is to make sure our young people catch up early with these technologies so that we can be innovators and not consumers. We established an office in Port Harcourt last year and shortly after that, we had contact from Google trying to partner with us to extend this to West Africa.

“The scholarship is actually meant for the whole of West Africa. As an Mbaise man, I had to count Mbaise first and Mbaise Policy Roundtable where I also serve as the Policy Officer is the major vehicle that was available to reach Mbaise people. That’s how we have the partnership between African Universities Funds and MPR.

“It’s worth up to 400,000 and when you look at the tech revolution right now, look at cyber security, data analytics, project management, I.T support, E-commerce and online marketing. These are areas that could give young people or anybody an opportunity to work online or remote.

“That means you could be in Nigeria and work for a company overseas. This area gives opportunities to young people instead of trying to go to Lagos or Kano, someone can stay in Mbaise and work for a company overseas and make dollars. That is the sense we are trying to create.”

It was great feeling at Heartland FC last Wednesday when they won their first game after eight games winless streak with the 2-0 home win over Abia Warriors in Awka but the Naze Millionaires are already in Port Harcourt for the Sunday’s afternoon fixture with Rivers United brimming with confidence.

Rivers United have dominated the past six fixtures from 2020 till date with three wins, two draws and a loss but the Naze Millionaires have scored in their last two visits to Port Harcourt even though they eventually lost both games 3-1.

Both teams settled for a 1-1 in the first leg played in Owerri in November last year. The stakes are high this term with a much improved Heartland FC side coming to town to face the CAF Confederation Cup quarter finalists.

Heartland FC Head coach, Christian Obi will play the game without Andrew Abalogu who will serve the first of his two games suspension in the game with Rivers United having received a red card against Abia Warriors.

Obi who was speaking with journalists after the home win with Abia Warriors opined that Heartland FC will visit Port Harcourt with the determination to get another positive result.

He said he expects his players to step up their game against the 2022 League champions and surprise their host on Sunday.

“We are looking forward to a good result in Port Harcourt because we know that the jinx has been broken,” Obi told journalists.

“The boys will go for the game with that mentality and are hopeful of getting a good result.”

Another person speaking ahead of the fixture is Malachi Ohawume who was until last season a player of Rivers United before he left for Enugu Rangers and now with Heartland FC.

Ohawume recalled the wonderful experience he had with the Pride of Rivers but stressed that he would set that aside on Sunday if he makes the team to the game.

“I do not have any revenge on my mind at all ahead of the game on Sunday. I had wonderful years with Rivers United and I had no regrets at all,” Ohawume said.

“It is my desire to be part of the players for this trip. Heartland FC is my club now and I must do everything to protect the team.”

Rivers United vs Heartland FC Head to Head Results

02-11-23 Heartland 1-1 Rivers United
14-5-22 Heartland 2-0 Rivers United
24-01-22 Rivers United 3-1 Heartland
06-06-21 Heartland 2-2 Rivers United
17-01-21 Rivers United 3-1 Heartland
01-03-20 Heartland 0-2 Rivers United

Heartland Queens striker, Chinwendu Orji is hundred percent cocksure that her side will not be beaten twice by the visitors and former champions, Nasarawa Amazons.

The Owerri mainstreams will welcome their counterparts from Lafia in Wednesday’s NWFL Premiership matchday 10 table topping game at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

The first time ever NWFL Premiership not-nicely-done matchup at the Lafia City Stadium between the sides ended with one unreplied goal in favour of the Lafia landladies.

Orji, who promised to make Imolites proud with her goals, however insisted that the reverse fixture clash affords her side a wonderful opportunity to pay back the visitors in their own coins in the hostility on Wednesday.

“We can’t allow them to beat us twice, the first loss to them was a mistake but this time around they cannot defeat us, we are damn ready to make the necessary amendments to guarantee victory.

“Of course, we know that they lead our group at the interval but we equally know that a victory will see us climb back to the top, so that is a huge motivation on our part to ensure we leave no stone unturned enroute to collecting the maximum three points right here at our backyard on Wednesday.

“Again, I know a lot will depend on us especially the attackers to come up with our best game, I am more than ever ready and prepared to score aimed at ensuring victory for my team and the entire Imolites. I want to make Imolites truly happy and proud with my goals come on Wednesday.

“First and foremost our target is outright victory, and then the number of goals just be rest assured that we will not miss any chance at goal. At least, we will aim at two unanswered goals.”

The lone goal heroine in the ongoing season assured her teeming fans of more goals in the remaining five matches on the calendar.

“I just have a goal so far to my credit due to the fact that I didn’t have much playing time in the first term but now my game has picked and I am in the thick of things so be rest assured that I will record more goals in the five remaining matches, my fans should relax as the goals will come in numbers,” said the petite lethal finisher.

The fleet footed attacker is of the firm believe that her side will be a partaker in the season’s prized dreams – NWFL Premiership Super Six.

“Of course, Super Six is a sure participation for us, it’s non-negotiable. We are uncompromising about it, we will be there,” said Orji.

The Owerri side are second on the keenly contested eight-team Group A log on 15 points two behind leaders and visitors, Nasarawa Amazons.

The Ikon Allah Boys who are still smarting from a back to back NPFL wins are poised to build on the solid performance heading to the high profile encounter against the reigning NPFL champions.

The Aba giants who seats fifth on the log have equally had an impressive run of results, but the Ikon Allah Boys are clicking at the right moment and Majin Mohammed has cautioned his boys to not get carried away.

Enyimba have every reason to shiver, because Niger Tornadoes have garnered five points on the road since Majin Mohammed took over the reign as an acting Technical Adviser; drew goalless with Kwara United in Ilorin, snatched a point against Sunshine Stars in Akure and recorded an impressive away win in Yenagoa against Bayelsa United to cap an outstanding road performances. The team endured only two narrow defeats in the process, at leaders Lobi Stars in Lafia and against Katsina United, of the five away matches the former Kwara United chief coach has presided over.

Tornadoes are three places above the red zone occupying 14th position on the current NPFL log.

Tomorrow’s encounter would be played under closed door as directed by the league board.

There is no any latest injury update in the Ikon Allah Boys’ camp, except that of Bashir Usman who is battling a nagging ankle injury and is rested for the trip.