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  IKOT ABASI WINS 2024 AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNOR'S CUP … Governor Umo Eno to receive first, second and third place teams on April 3 Ikot Abasi local government area will pocket a whopping sum of Five Million Naira (N5,000.000.00) for emerging the champions of the 2023/24 Akwa Ibom State Governor's Cup competition after beating favorites Uyo local government area 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. At the final which had the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno as the Special Guest of Honour at the Uyo Township Stadium, Ikot Abasi took the lead in the second minute of the encounter through Abraham Bassey, before Shedrack Anthony level things up for Uyo five minutes from half time.  The second half started with an early scare from Uyo, but the effort was ruled offside by the FIFA badged centre referee, Mfon Akpan. Uyo continued to threaten, but missed a golden opportunity to grab the winner in the 83rd minute when striker Shedrack Anthony failed to convert his spot

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (SWAN), AKWA IBOM STATE CHAPTER CONGRESS HELD AT NUJ PRESS CENTRE ON FRIDAY, 24th JULY, 2020. The State SWAN congress deliberated on a wide range of issues affecting sports Journalists in the State particularly as it concerns the recent thanks giving service held at The Apostolic Church, Four Towns and its other projects. The congress commended the State Government and His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel for the support given  to the association during the event and vowed to be a worthy partner in the development of sports in the State. Congress agreed that members should be more proactive and work in tandem with the different Sports Associations in the promotion of sports in the State and Nigeria at large. Furthermore, congress applauds the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, the Chairman, House of Assembly

Comdrade Emmanuel Akpan Emerges AK SWAN Chair ...takes oath of office with Exco          The long awaited elections of the National Association of  Sport Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, have been concluded with the emergence of Comrade Emmanuel Akpan as it Chairman who scored a total of 23rd votes to beat his opponent Comrade Bassey Ibiatisuhu with 13 votes. Picking the secretaryship seat was Comrade Theophilus Yurika who defeated Comrd Edet Ikotidem with a total votes of 26 against 10 votes while Comrade Aniefiok Ndon emerged as Financial Secretary with 20 votes against 16votes scored by Cmrd John Paul.       Other members of the newly constituted exco who returned unopposed were Comrad Anthony Gabriel vice chairman while comrade Patrick Titus as treasurer.        Responding onbehalf of the newly constituted exco, Emmanuel Akpan described the poll as 'No victor no Vanquish'. He promised to carry everybody along with the aim of

By Etim Homage Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has lauded the initiative and role of Michael Bush in the development of sports and human capital in Akwa Ibom State. The Speaker gave the commendation at the St. Thomas RCM school, Ekpene Ukim, on Monday, during the final kick-off of the 2019 Edition of Michael Bush's Unity Cup Competition. He expressed the Udom Emmanuel’s commitment and determination to develop Uruan vis-à-vis Akwa Ibom State through sports and recreation, maintaining that “the only way to realize the administration’s objective is by properly funding sporting activities. And this is a task I am committed to.” “Football competition is not only to promote love and unity, It also serve as a career platform for our youths. I want to sincerely thank the initiator and sponsor of this competition, Michael Bush, for this fete,” he said. The Speaker further enjoined other well to do individuals to follow the path of Michael Bus

. . .Industs him as: "Grand Ambassador of  Doctors Games 2020". The President of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Francis Faduyile has described Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as the "Doyen of infrastructural development in the nation." Speaking during a Courtesy Visit at the Government House Port Harcourt on Thursday,  the President of NMA, represented by Vice President Ofem Enang said that the governor's  outstanding infrastructural development is a model for other states to emulate. He said: "Your Excellency's  numerous accomplishments in massive infrastructural development across the state particularly in the health sector is a model for other states and this is evidenced in the numerous awards and accolades the Governor has received. "In addition,  your passion for sports which has led to the establishment of the Real Madrid Academy in Rivers State is another landmark project aimed at promoting sports and devel

By Theophilus Udo The head Coach of  Banyana Banyana of South Africa, Desire Ellis says the South African senior women National football team is fearless in their aim of getting their ultimate goal of the 2018 Total African women cup of nations in Accra tomorrow against the Super Falcons of Nigeria. Speaking in a prematch press briefing in Accra Sports Stadium, Ellis said despite making history by qualifying for the world cup, she and the Banyana Banyana are now more interested in making a double by reaching the ultimate goal of the competition which she said was lifting the trophy. Attributing the successes of the Banyana Banyana in the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations competition to what she described as fantastic preparations, coach Ellis reiterates that her team will give good account of themselves and make double history for south Africa. "My team is fearless, we will give good account of ourselves. Tomorrow will come down to who is more determined to lift the tro

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Charles Udoh has been named "Pillar of Sports",  in recognition of his numerous contributions to the development and growth of Sports in Akwa Ibom State. The pronouncement was made by the University of Uyo Students' Union Government in a letter of Appreciation sent to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, signed by the Director of Sports, Etok David. The Information Boss was particularly commended for single-handedly sponsoring the 2017/2018 Inter-departmental Football Competition of the University of Uyo and for the donation of Jerseys during the 2016/2017 academic session to the University of Uyo Football team with the imprint of Governor Udom Emmanuel. The letter contained that the Commissioner has done his best for Sports in the University as the Jerseys donated by him became the home jersy used by the University of Uyo Football team in the just concluded West Africa University Games held a

RAFAEL EVERTON, BEWARE OF BANANA PEELS Bassey Ibiatisuho Coaching in Nigeria is difficult, tough for the indigenous coaches, tougher for the foreigners. This is unconnected with the fact that about 80 per cent of the total population are either active or passive followers of the game and with Nigeria being the most populated black country in the world, it is safe to say that Nigerians are the highest followers of football in Africa and one of the highest in the world, no wonder some people refer to football as a ‘religion’ that cuts across other religions in Nigeria. With this overwhelming interest comes overwhelming pressure on whoever takes up a job as a coach in Nigeria, so while there are three results in football (win, draw and lost), a typical Nigerian football fan recognizes only one – a win and anything short of that is not good enough and so the “coach should be fired.” If its difficult for indigenous coaches to keep up with this huge expectation, what shall the foreig

... PROMISES 10,000 DOLLARS BONUSES AHEAD OF AWCON FINALS By Favour Itua President of the Nigeria Football Federation Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick this afternoon assured Super Falcons of better preparations for ahead of women world cup next year in France. Addressing the players in their Accra hotel base, Pinnick said the same preparations given to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon will be same with the Falcons so as to ensure that they make an impact in France next year . The NFF Supremo who's an administrator per excellence brought congratulatory messages from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Mr. Muhammadu Buhari to the Super Falcons for making the country proud. Mr Pinnick, on behalf of the NFF apologised for the inadequacies experienced by the team and promised to do better. "On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Muhammadu Buhari that specifically made sure everything you people are enjoy

ASISAT OSHOALA PREDICTS THOUGH SEMI FINALS TIE AGAINST CAMEROON By Theophilus Udo Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala says the semi-final match against the Lioness of Cameroon on Tuesday at the Accra Sports Stadium will be difficult. Speaking shortly after the team's training at Presbyterian Boys secondary school play ground in Accra, Oshoala, hinted that against Cameroon it is always hard but that as usual, the Falcons will triumph and move on to get one of the three avalaible tickets for the world cup in France next year. Oshoala while reiterating that in all the meetings between the Falcons and the Lioness, the Falcons have had an upper hand, she thanked the president of Nigeria, Mr. Mohammadu Buhari and the Nigeria Football Federation president, Mr. Amaju pinnick for providing them with all they needed for a successful 2018 African women cup of Nations as defending champions. She called  on Nigerians to keep faith with the Falcons as they are poised to win the trophy for

By Favour Itua African Women's  footballer of the year Asisat Oshoala announces her arrival to the African Women Cup of Nations with a Hatrick against Equatorial Guinea to seal qualification to the Semi finals. A first half hatrick was complemented by goals from Desire Oparanozie, Rita Chikwelu and Francisca Ordega to to trash the Nzalang Nacionale 6-0 in Cape Coast. Oshoala who won the woman of the match award thanked her teammates for making it possible, also attributed it to her working hard since the first loss to South Africa in match day 1, "It's a very good feeling to get the complete 3 points for the team, happy to be on the score sheet my first goal of the tournament so far and it started three goals, I have been working so hard so I think I deserve this. I'm really happy about this, grateful to my teammates for the work everyone put in, for the determination even after loosing the first game to South Africa in Cape Coast we didn't give up, we just

SUPER FALCONS HAVE BEEN GIVEN ALL THEY NEED TO BE 2018 CHAMPIONS - FALODE The chairperson, Nigerian women league, lady  Aisha Falode says the Super Falcons aim is to retain the title and qualify for the World Cup.  She made this known in a chat with sports journalists from Nigeria during which she posited that the first match demoralizing but the girls were able to pick themselves up and repair the damage in the second leg against Zambia. Speaking on the importance of matches, Falode said "All the matches have been crucial, we are here as African Champions, our aim is to retain the title and be a strong contender for Africa at the Women's World Cup in France 2019. "The first match was very demoralizing, it was not a result that we expect, the result was shocking to Nigerians,  especially the players they were not happy with their performance but as true champions they  put it behind them, went into the second match against Zambia who had beaten Equatorial Guinea

WE WILL GIVE SUPER FALCONS A GOOD FIGHT TOMORROW - COACH MPILA *By Favour Itua* Equatorial Guinea Women team Coach, Mr. Jean-Paul Mpila says the team is out of the African Women Cup of Nations but will give the Super Falcons a good fight tomorrow. Speaking at the Pre match Press Conference room of the Cape Coast Stadium Coach Mpila said he was going to play for pride and hope to get their first win of the competition against Nigeria. "It's a privilege for me to be at the last but one Press Conference, we have our last match to play tomorrow and we are out of here. I will body say that we are out of the competition, but concerning tomorrow's match we are going to play for pride. As I always say we never give up until it's 90 minutes, we never declare the winner until the referee blows the whistle, so we are preparing for the match and we playing until it's the 90 minutes." The Nzalang Nacionale coach who was recently appointed said he's not under

Akwa Ibom First Lady Flags off Golf Tournament. The 2018 Nigerian Ladies Open Golf Championship takes off at the Ibom Hotel And Golf Resort, Uyo, with the First Lady Mrs. Martha Emmanuel performing the tee-off. The Championship, according to the President, Nigerian Ladies Golf Association, Mrs. Ekanem Ekwueme, is the first of its kind in Uyo with 12 African countries participating. The 3-day event ends on Saturday November 24. Among those who received Her Excellency were the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Ekanem Ekwueme, captain Ibom Golf club, Rt. Hon. Useneobong Akpabio, board member Ibom Golf Club, Obong Bassey Inuaenyen and Ibom lady captain, Mrs. Ndifreke Ukochio.

...RUSSIA 2018 DAY 1 - THURSDAY, 14/06/18... 3:00pm -  Russia vs Saudi Arabia _ DAY 2 - FRIDAY, 15/06/18... *12:00pm - Egypt vs Uruguay* 3:00pm -  Morocco vs Iran *6:00pm -  Portugal vs Spain* _ DAY 3 - SATURDAY, 16/06/18... 10:00am -  France vs Australia 1:00pm -  Argentina vs Iceland 4:00pm - Peru vs Denmark 7:00pm - Croatia vs Nigeria _ DAY 4 - SUNDAY, 17/06/18... 12:00pm -  Costa Rica vs Serbia 3:00pm Germany vs Mexico 6:00pm - Brazil vs Switzerland _ DAY 5 - MONDAY, 18/06/18... 12:00pm - Sweden vs Korea Republic 3:00pm - Belgium vs Panama *6:00pm - Tunisia vs England* _ DAY 6 - TUESDAY, 19/06/18... 12:00pm - Colombia vs Japan 3:00pm - Poland vs Senegal *6:00pm - Russia vs Egypt* _ DAY 7 - WEDNESDAY, 20/06/18... *12:00pm -  Portugal vs Morocco* 3:00pm - Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia 6:00pm - Iran vs Spain _ DAY 8 - THURSDAY, 21/06/18... 12:00pm - Denmark vs Australia 3:00pm - France vs Peru 6:00pm - Argentina vs Cr

Tottenham vs Arsenal: Kane the hero as Spur down Arsenal ... As Kane rises highest in box to head in Davies cross If Arsenal were Man City or Chelsea or United, or even a smaller team, Arsene Wenger would have been gone and forgotten by now. Harry Kane gave Tottenham's top-four hopes a lift as his header secured a 1-0 win over rivals Arsenal on Saturday. The England striker powered home Ben Davies' cross in the 49th minute to avenge Spurs' 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in November in the first north London derby to take place at Wembley since 1993. The victory lifts Mauricio Pochettino's side into third place in the table, having played a game more than Liverpool and Chelsea, while Arsenal remain six points adrift of the coveted Champions League spots. Arsene Wenger named Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil in attack but the Gunners looked a shadow of the attacking force that put five past Everton last week. Spurs likewis

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS SUPER EAGLES FOR DEFEATING SUDAN The Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the home-based Super Eagles of Nigeria on their victory over Sudan in the semi-final of the 2018 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Marrakesh, Morocco. President Buhari joins millions of football loving Nigerians in celebrating the spectacular performance of the team which qualified them for the final on Sunday with Morocco. Having keenly followed the team’s progress throughout the tournament with delight, the President commends their hardwork, dedication, discipline and indomitable spirit, which are truly worthy of emulation. President Buhari urges the players and the coaching crew to remain focused and determined as they go for Gold in the final match on Sunday. The President assures them of the unflinching support, goodwill and prayers of the Federal Government and all Nigerians as they soar to victory. Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the Preside

The strongest player in the world, Adebayo Akinfenwa, has made a cheeky response to transfer rumours linking him with Premier League champions Chelsea in the January transfer window. The Blues are reportedly in the market for a striker and have been linked with Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch and ex-Manchester City star Edin Dzeko. Wycombe Wanderers frontman Akinfenwa has explained that he will turn down a move to Chelsea because he wouldn't be able to eat chicken at Cobham. Writing on Twitter, Akinfenwa said: ''Woke up hearing the Chelsea rumors, I’m flattered ❤️ but I’ve heard Conte don’t allow chicken at the training ground sorry can’t do it 🤣🤣🤣🤣 #ForTheLoveOfChicken.'' This season, Akinfenwa has been directly involved in 21 goals (13 goals, 8 assists) in 25 league appearances for Wycombe Wanderers. Nicknamed the Beast, he previously played for Swansea City, Millwall, Gillingham, FC Wimbledon, Doncaster Rovers and Watford among others.

Transfer news: Real Madrid finally agree to let Ronaldo join Manchester United for less price LaLiga giants, Real Madrid have told star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo they will allow him to negotiate a summer move with either Manchester United or Paris Saint Germain, according to reports. An insider at the Santiago Bernabeu told Yahoo Sports that the Portuguese superstar has grown frustrated with life at the club for two reasons for failing to support him over his tax case last summer, and the refusal to offer him a new contract at Barcelona’s Lionel Messi’s level. Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, has told the Portugal captain that he should be happy with the five-year deal he signed just 14 months ago. With the five-time Ballon d’Or winner pushing for an exit, Yahoo Sports now reports that the club have finally decided to relent and will permit him to leave in the summer. According to the report, the club’s president has also decided not demand a massive fee either fr

Manchester United complete Alexis Sanchez deal TODAY Manchester United are hoping to complete the signing of Alexis Sanchez TODAY and have ready for their Premier League clash with Burnley this weekend, reports the Manchester Evening News. The Red Devils are believed to have already agreed a deal with the Chilean, with only some paperwork left to complete the deal and they are hoping of having him in their squad for the game against the Clarets. However, for that to happen, United must complete Sanchez’s move from Arsenal as soon as midday local time on Friday, so that he could be registered in time for Saturday's game. Sanchez, 29, is out of contract at Arsenal in the summer and has refused to sign an extension at the Emirates Stadium, prompting Manchester City to make a move for him, before they were usurped by Manchester United. Meanwhile, Arsenal are confident they will sign both Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Manchester United's Henrik