Team Imo has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the football event at the Niger Delta Sports Festival after playing to a 1-1 draw against Ondo State.

Following a victorious opening match against Cross River State, where Team Imo claimed all three points, the young squad, led by Coach Ransom Madu, faced a tough challenge against a well-drilled Ondo team. Despite being pegged back throughout the match, Imo found the breakthrough towards the end with a goal from the penalty spot, earning them a crucial point.

With four points from two matches, Team Imo has successfully progressed from their group to the semi-final stage.

Speaking to the media after the match, Coach Ransom Madu expressed confidence in his players, declaring that they have the potential to make a significant impact on the global football stage in the coming years.

Temple Izu Dikeocha,

NDDC Rep Assures Athletes of better reward after  tournament, says NDDC will not dump or forget them if they win medals for the State.*

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Wednesday 2nd April flagged off the Maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Capital.

The sports festival with the theme “Beyond Oil, Harnessing Talent” was declared open by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu ably represented by the Chairman National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko and assisted by the Minister of Regional Development, Hon Engr Abubakar Momoh (Mnse).

Addressing the Imo Contingents at the venue of the flag off, The Imo NDDC State Rep, Hon Dr Kyrian C Uchegbu urged all Imo Athletes to get ready to make the state proud during the festival.

Though, Imo may have strong opponents from other NDDC states to compete with, the Imo NDDC Rep said he is very optimistic that team Imo will emerge strong and come out victorious in flying colours and make our State and the Govt of Sen Hope Uzodinma proud again.

This is a huge opportunity provided by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and I want to encourage everyone of you to take this seriously. From here, talents could be discovered for national and international competitions,” he said

He urged Imo Athletes to aim and work very hard to top the Medals table as the NDDC will not dump nor forget them after winning medals for the State.

He noted that the 3R administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma remains committed to sports development and urged all Imo athletes to reciprocate the kind gesture and opportunity given to them by the Governor to represent the State by making the state proud at the games, assuring that the 3R government of Sen Hope Uzodinma will receive and reward all the medallists as soon as the competition is over.

Imo cannot participate in this festival without winning any medal, and I assure you that for every Gold, Silver or Bronze medal, there will be reward. The Imo NDDC and the State Governor will receive you immediately after the games and we will reward all the winners handsomely,” he stated.

He appealed to all Imo Athletes who may have participated in the pre-qualification/ trial stage but were not favoured to make it to the maiden edition not to feel discouraged or demoralised but to remain patient and continue to support the govt of the day as the NDDC intends to make the sports festival an annual event.

He urged all participating Imo Athletes to remain focused, united and committed as that will give them upper hands at the tournament over their competitors.

Some Imo Athletes who spoke to the Media thanked the Imo NDDC State Rep for his unwavering support and commitment to Team Imo and noted that they are adequately prepared physically and mentally to make positive impact at the Sports Festival.

“Our target is to win all the medals at the tournament, because Imo has good records when it comes to Sports and our target is to maintain that record.

Over 300 athletes are representing Imo in 17 sports at the Niger Delta Sports Festival beginning from 1st to 9th April 2025 across different centres in Akwa Ibom State.

By Silvernews

Team Imo kicked off their campaign at the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with a hard-fought victory, inspired by the relentless support of the Imo State Commissioner for Sports Development. Hon Obinna Onyeocha. The team secured a 2-0 win in their first match, courtesy of a brace from star striker Goodness Nwakuma, who displayed remarkable determination and skill. Despite missing a penalty shortly after the restart, Goodness redeemed himself with two quick goals, skillfully maneuvering through the Cross River defense to seal the win. The spirited performance brought immense joy to the commissioner, whose tireless efforts ensured that the team was well-prepared for the competition.

The match not only showcased Team Imo’s tactical discipline but also highlighted the immense potential of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, which aims to foster unity and sportsmanship among the participating states. The concept of a “Niger Delta Olympics” is undoubtedly a commendable initiative, as demonstrated by the competitive spirit and enthusiasm exhibited by both teams. As the festival progresses, Team Imo remains determined to build on this momentum, buoyed by the unwavering support of the commissioner officials of team Imo and the entire state.

The Rangers Intl Football Club Foundation’s children and young persons’ activities, tagged “INSPIRE ME,” is an intentional engagement program aimed at making them innovative and resourceful for sustainable development. This was made known by the Chairman of Rangers International Football Club Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, while reacting to the essence of the program. According to him, the Rangers International Football Club (RIFC FOUNDATION) “Inspire Me” Program is an activity under Rangers Intl FC Foundation in the Community, implemented in partnership with Campus Technology Life Initiative (CTLI), Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, Coli Mental Health Academy, and Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIONG). The program is designed to engage with children and young individuals through a carefully structured psychosocial support framework. The initiative “INSPIRE ME” aims at inspiring them to cultivate critical thinking, enhancing resilience, encouraging self-discovery, and promoting social skills and inclusion, which will help unlock their potential.

Coach Ebere Amaraizu, who is also a certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Coach and Sports Coach, further emphasized that the initiative targets children and young individuals within the targeted communities, aligning them with the framework of values, morals, standards, and discipline. The program focuses on moral and ethical rebirth and aims to transform them into valuable assets while steering them away from negative pathways of offending, thereby fostering sustainable development.

NANPF has stated that the current low performance of Lobi Stars should not solely be attributed to the players.

In a statement released today, the union highlighted that changes in the club’s technical crew at the beginning of the season significantly hampered the team’s performance.

The union advised supporters to investigate the root causes of the team’s issues before resorting to harassment of the players, which they deemed ” unethical, unprofessional, and not acceptable “. The statement further cautioned the supporters club to exercise restraint, emphasizing that the union will take all necessary measures to protect players right against intimidation.

Encomiums and felicitations have been pouring for the President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida, on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the new Chairman of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited(NNPCL).

Since the appointment which many experts in the oil and gas industry described as long overdue, but timely, it has been stopless prayers and heartfelt goodwill messages for Kida by all Nigerians and particularly, from his immediate sports constituency, the basketball community.

In a press statement signed and released by veteran sports journalist Felix Awogu, on behalf of the NBBF  board members, congratulates Kida on his appointment as the chairman of the board of NNPCL.

It noted that Kida has proven his ability, capability and integrity as a globally renowned expert in the energy, oil and gas industry, with over 40 years experience bouyed by high levels of efficient and spectacular achievements.

“It is no gain saying that you’re a great achiever with so much experience and sagacity in administration, and that is glaringly evident in the unprecedented feats your leadership as President of  the NBBF has brought to the game of basketball in Nigeria.

“We acknowledge your reputation as a globally renowned expert in the oil industry and like the other good people of this great nation, we have implicit confidence that you shall deliver on the mandate of your new board of the NNPCL.

“The board members of the NBBF, the stakeholders, as well as, enthusiats and aficionados of the game, say a big thank you to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on your appointment. And we heartily pray that God in His infinite mercies continue to guard, guide and bless your steps in your new national assignment.