The Head Coach of Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt, Finidi George is quite optimistic that they will defeat Akwa United in Uyo in today’s midweek game in match day 25 of the Nigeria Profesional Football League (NPFL).
Coach Finidi who expressed disappointment over their 1-0 loss in Aba feels that if his players can play the same way they played in Aba, he is quite optimistic that they will run away with three points in Uyo.
Finidi said this during his post match interview with sports journalists made available to Tidesports on Saturday shortly after they lost 1-0 to Enyimba FC at the Aba Township Stadium.
” If we can keep this same performance in Uyo, I think we are going back home with something. I am quite positive”, Finidi stated.
The former Enyimba FC head coach commended the Enyimba fans for the love they expressed towards him in spite the fact that he played against his former team.
“You can see the love after three years, I am here with a new club but they still support me so I really appreciate them,” he said.
He attributed the loss in Aba to his players for not utilising chances that were created, as their host converted the free kick awarded to them.
” Yes, they have Imoh Obot who is a specialist in free kick. I give credit to him. From that moment, we pushed and made some changes in the second half that positively affected the game.
“I am quite pleased even if we lost the match, I think my team played well, it has been a long time we played this way but today, I must commend the players for their effort.
” Unfortunately, we are leaving here without a point it, is not a good one”, he added.

Kiadum Edookor

The Bayelsa State Liaison committee for the Niger Delta Sports Festival has been inaugurated in Yenagoa, the State capital, ahead of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival slated for 1st -9th of April, 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The inauguration which took place at the Ministry of Sports Development had all members of the committee including the representative of the Project Consultants, Dumanis Icon Limited, in attendance.
Inaugurating the committee, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development,Mrs. Grace Alagoa, urged the committee to discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, stating that their nomination was as a result of their contribution to the development of sports over the years.
She noted that with the experience of those in the committee, she is confident that the personalities nominated to pilot the affairs of the committee would give the state good representation when the event commences.
According to ?Dumanis icon, the need to organize the competition became imperative due to the regions dominance at the national level, pointing out that the caliber of persons steering the affairs of the NDDC signifies the commission value for sports development apart from building bridges and constructing roads in the region.
Noting that sports is a leading part of the global economy, the Consultants pointed out that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would change the trajectory of sports for the people in the region particularly for the region that has produced great athletes for the nation, saying that the committee was set to help drive the process of trials in the various states.
Earlier in an address of welcome, chairman of the committee and Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, said the state was ready to consolidate on its previous record in the national sports festival describing Bayelsa as the latest hub in sports in the nation.
In an acceptance remark secretary of the committee Mr. Loveday Herbert asserted that the committee is prepared to discharge their duties effectively.
The Bayelsa State Liaison Committee has Sir Braveman Wodi as Chairman, Loveday Herbert will serve as secretary, other members are Catherine Sasuode, George Mark , Perela Aboroson, Ama-Ebi Wilson Ebikpolade, Chief Kia Nigeria, Mrs. Iteke Walama and Anthony Alabrah.
Other committee members are Bomo Kigigha, Blessing Oborududu, Inifa Gagbe, Okiki Felix and Kingdom Korumene.
Shortly after the inauguration, the committee held a brief meeting and resolved to work towards realizing the objective of the games. However, members wish to know about logistics because this is to enable officials and coaches to move to schools and localities in the riverine areas where transportation is not easily accessible. Places like Brass, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor local areas where local swimmers are residing, need mobilization to get them ready.
Members of Rivers State Liaison Committee for the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival. Middle is the chairman and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Kelvin Nweke. From left, Sepribo Gilbert Nimifaa, Gabriel Nwanetanya, Salubi Awuereba, Emmanuel Nwuju, Ugwi Joseph and Allwell Egwurugwu

Nigeria table tennis star and African Cup men’s singles defending champion, Quadri Aruna, is set to defend his title at the 2025 tournament in Tunisia, where he will also vie for a spot at the 2025 ITTF World Cup in Macao, China.
The 2025 ITTF African Cup will be held in Tunis from February 25 to 27 at the 5,500-capacity El-Menzah Sports Palace and the semi-finalists in both the men’s and women’s events will secure their places at the expanded ITTF World Cup which comes up in April.
Aruna is among the continent’s top stars billed to take part in the first tournament of the ITTF Africa calendar and will renew his long-time rivalry with Egypt’s Omar Assar.
Aruna, the most decorated player in the tournament’s history, has won the title five times (2024, 2017, 2016, 2014, and 2009). Assar has also claimed the title five times (2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, and 2015), but Aruna has appeared in more finals.
Other notable players include Benin’s Abdel-Kabir Salifou, Congo Brazzaville’s Saheed Idowu, and Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, who will be looking to cause upsets.
On the women’s side, nine-time champion Dina Meshref will defend her crown against rising star and compatriot Hana Goda, the continent’s number-one ranked player, and 2024 runner-up Mariam Alhodaby.
President of ITTF Africa, Enitan Oshodi, has expressed optimism about the competitiveness of the tournament.
The level of table tennis in Africa has grown exponentially over the last few years. This tournament is not only a platform for established players but also an opportunity for young talents to make a name for themselves.”
The ITTF Africa Cup 2025 will feature a preliminary round on the opening day, followed by knockout stages on the final two days.
President of the Tunisia Table Tennis Federation, Lotfi Guerfel, has promised an exciting event with live-streaming of matches.
“TTTF is well-prepared to host these significant events in Africa. Our team has accumulated extensive experience through previously hosted tournaments. We consistently seek feedback from all stakeholders to enhance the success of our future events. Our readiness to host the Africa Cup is rooted in meticulous planning and organisation, starting with establishing various committees with clear roles and responsibilities and ensuring all logistics, especially high-quality equipment, are in place. We will ensure our technology team is ready to broadcast the event online for remote audiences and provide updates through our dedicated platform.”