By Silvernews

The Imo State Ministry of Sports has announced the resumption of activities for the Heartland Queens Feeder Team ahead of the 2025/2026 football season.

According to the release signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dorothy Utazi, the team’s camp will open on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with the first training session scheduled for the following day, Friday, September 19, at 10:00am.

In a bid to further develop women’s football, the Ministry has also thrown its doors open to aspiring talents. Female footballers between the ages of 14 and 18, both within and outside Imo State, are invited to take part in a week-long open trial aimed at scouting and nurturing young prospects.

The trials will run from September 24 to September 30, 2025, at the Old Stadium, Tetlow Road, Owerri, with activities kicking off daily at 8:00am prompt.

“This is a great opportunity for young girls who dream of playing professional football to come forward and showcase their skills,” the Ministry stated.

The initiative is part of the state’s continued efforts to promote grassroots sports development and create pathways for female athletes to rise to the professional stage.

By Silvernews

The Dare to Dream Sporting Program, in collaboration with the Imo State Football Association (FA) and its strategic partners, Silvernews Communication, has announced progress in preparations for a grassroots football tournament aimed at youth development and talent discovery. To ease logistics, three venues are under consideration, while talks with the Imo Whistlers Association are ongoing to ensure quality officiating.

The FA assured that more clubs will be integrated as the tournament takes shape, but fixtures will commence with teams that have already shown interest in order to meet scheduled dates. The Dare to Dream Sporting Program, which is incubating the tournament in partnership with the Imo FA, will also feature technical input from coaches in Europe and America, with a strong focus on nurturing future stars rather than trophy chasing.

Major international figures expected at the event include BJ Callaghan, Manager of MLS side Nashville SC (currently 4th in the Eastern Conference), alongside Assistant Manager Michael Nsien. Both will arrive in Lagos for the grand finale. Others confirmed are Markus Losch, Head of Scouting for German Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart, two scouts from Cádiz CF in Spain, and Niko Ijäs Ikvalko, Sporting Director of KTP FC in Finland, among others.

By Silvernews

Heartland Under-19 side have booked their place in the Nationwide League One (NLO) Division Two after a dramatic 16-15 penalty shootout victory, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The Coach Emeka Taribo-led Comets, formed just last year, have emerged as one of Imo’s most improved teams. Registered under the directive of Sports Commissioner Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, the team impressed in the Imo FA League—winning four and drawing two of six matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding just once.

They also shone at the Kanu Nwankwo Inter-State Tournament, winning all six matches, netting 15 goals without conceding, and reaching the semifinals.

Commending the players and officials, Hon. Onyeocha assured that Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration will continue to support Imo athletes to reach their full potential.

Heartland Football Club of Owerri are leaving no stone unturned in their buildup to the Nigeria National League (NNL) season, putting up impressive results in a series of friendly encounters. With Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke at the helm, the Naze Millionaires have already played more than ten test matches, suffering just one defeat against Enyimba International FC.

The Owerri-based side have looked sharp in attack and compact in defense, securing a 3-0 win over He Reigns FC of Port Harcourt, a 2-0 victory against Petson FC, and edging past Giant Brillars 2-1 and Redeemed FC of Port Harcourt 3-2. They also recorded emphatic 3-0 wins against both City Boys of Yenagoa and Ave International FC of Isinweke, while a clash with Campos FC ended in a 2-2 stalemate.

Club officials say the run of fixtures is part of efforts to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for honors when the new campaign gets underway. The Heartland Media Department added that the Naze Millionaires will continue to test themselves against strong opposition to ensure they are battle-ready once the NNL season kicks off.

Two-time World Cup silver-medallists Nigeria will kick off their race to next year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals when they take on their Rwandan counterparts on Sunday, in a second round, first leg encounter in Kigali.

The Falconets are scheduled to depart the country on Thursday for the clash with the Rwandan U20 girls.

Germany, which denied Nigeria the trophy and gold medals in 2010 (Germany) and 2014 (Canada), and like Nigeria, had appeared in every edition of the competition since it was launched in 2002, failed to qualify for next year’s finals.

The clash with the Rwandan counterparts will take place at the Kigali Pele Stadium, formerly known as Stade Regional de Nyamirambo.

The Confederation of African Football has appointed match officials from Sierra Leone and Liberia to take charge of proceedings of the encounter in Kigali. Aminata Fullah will be the referee, with Liberian Hannah Lydia Moses as assistant referee 1 and another Sierra Leonean, Fatmata Mansaray as assistant referee 2. The fourth official is Love Tuu Wehyee from Liberia.

Militna Ivanete Amrie from Seychelles will be the commissioner while Amegee Aissata Ameyo will be the referee assessor.

By Silvernews

The Imo State Football Association (FA), in collaboration with the Dare to Dream Sporting Program and her strategic partners silvernews communication has announced progress in preparations for a grassroots football tournament aimed at youth development and talent discovery. Following recent engagements,

To ease logistics, three venues are under consideration, while talks with the Imo Whistlers Association are ongoing to ensure quality officiating.

The FA further assured that more clubs will be integrated once full affiliation is concluded, but fixtures will commence with teams that have already shown interest in order to meet scheduled dates. The Dare to Dream Sporting Program, which is incubating the tournament in partnership with the Imo FA, will also feature technical input from coaches in Europe and America, with a strong focus on nurturing future stars rather than trophy chasing.

Major international figures expected at the event include BJ Callaghan, Manager of MLS side Inter Miami (currently 4th in the Eastern Conference), alongside Assistant Manager Michael Nsien. Both will arrive in Lagos for the grand finale. Others confirmed are Markus Losch, Head of Scouting for German Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart, two scouts from Cádiz CF in Spain, and Niko Ijäs Ikvalko, Sporting Director of KTP FC in Finland, among others.

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has extended its warm congratulations to Mr. Ebere Amaraizu on his election as the Pioneer State Coordinator of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association Nigeria (USGEAAN), Enugu State Chapter.

The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association Nigeria (USGEAAN) is a dynamic national network of Nigerians who have participated in United States Government–sponsored exchange programs. Its mission is to strengthen alumni connections, enhance professional growth, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Austin Popo, Executive Secretary of NANPF, the Association described Mr. Amaraizu’s emergence as a reflection of his “exceptional dedication, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to advancing community development and human capital growth.”

The statement further noted:

Your emergence as the first State Coordinator is not only a personal milestone but also an inspiration to alumni, professionals, and stakeholders across Enugu State and beyond. We also acknowledge your outstanding record of service as the State Chairman of NANPF, Enugu State Chapter, where your initiatives have continued to promote excellence, professionalism, and sustainable impact in the football and sports ecosystem.”

NANPF expressed confidence that under Mr. Amaraizu’s stewardship, the Enugu State Chapter of USGEAAN will achieve remarkable progress, foster stronger collaborations, and implement transformative initiatives that empower young people, promote mental health awareness, and enhance youth and sports development.

The Association concluded by wishing him wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments in his new leadership role.

Signed:

Austin Popo

Executive Secretary

National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF)

The National Secretariat of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has constituted a Caretaker Committee for its Abia State Chapter.

In a letter signed by the Secretary-General of SWAN, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, the National Secretariat explained that following the expiration of the grace period granted to state chapters yet to conduct elections, it was compelled to take decisive steps in line with extant laws to safeguard the integrity of the Association.

“After a thorough review of developments in the Abia State Chapter, the National Secretariat, in compliance with relevant provisions of the SWAN Statute, has constituted a Caretaker Committee to oversee the chapter’s activities,” the letter stated.

The three-man Caretaker Committee comprises:

Kingsley Chijioke Okwum – Chairman

Bethel Zephaniah Kalu – Secretary

Chigozie Nwosu – Member

The Committee will administer the affairs of the Abia State Chapter for a period of three (3) months with effect from Thursday, September 11, 2025. Within this period, it is mandated to organize and conduct elections to usher in a new Executive Committee.

The letter further directed the immediate past Executive Committee, led by Mr. Vincent Obike, to hand over all Association property in its possession to the newly constituted Caretaker Committee without delay.

By Kingsley Uzowulu

The Imo State Ministry of Sports has announced plans to seek a waiver from the state government to recruit young athletes and experienced coaches into the Imo State Sports Commission.

The Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Evaristus Obinna Onyeocha (Onowu), made this known during an interactive session with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State chapter, led by Chairman Cosmos Chukwuemeka, at his office in the State Secretariat, Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.

Onyeocha noted that Imo is blessed with abundant sporting talents, many of whom are currently excelling outside the state. He stressed that employing them as civil servants with regular salaries would be a key step in attracting them back home.

“If this waiver is approved, our young athletes will gradually replace the aging and retiring sportsmen and women in the Commission,” the Commissioner explained.

He expressed delight at the progress of Imo’s young athletes, particularly their performance at the last National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. The state’s contingent won a total of 17 medals, surpassing its previous records.

Highlights of the medal haul included:

Gold in Cricket

Gold in Abula (Female Team)

Silver in Abula (Male Team)

Eight Silver Medals in Para Athletics, Darts, and other events

Six Bronze Medals

Three medals, including a Gold in Shooting—a sport Imo participated in for the first time.

Onyeocha commended SWAN for its support and pledged continued collaboration with the association to foster the growth and development of sports in the state.