By Alex Enebeli

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has declared Enugu City International Marathon as an annual event aimed at harnessing the skills of the youths.

The state governor, who kicked off the 42 kilometre race with a gun sound at exactly 6.30am, emphasized the significance of the event, saying over 100 international athletes from around the world participated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the marathon, which began from Mgbemena area of the state, passed through Coal Camp Road, Independence Layout, Zik Avenue, Okpara Square, Presidential and NTA Roads, Market Square and Ebe Ano Tunnel Road.

Mbah also participated in the 10 kilometre race which kicked off at exactly 9:30am.

In the male and female categories, Kenyans took the first positions with the prize sum of $15,000 each, first runners up from Ethiopia, were given $10,000 each, 3rd positions smiled home with $5,000 each while other consolation prizes were given to other athletes.

The governor expressed his profound joy for its success, noting that the race was ran alongside Nigeria’s top distance runners, making it the largest road race ever staged in southeastern Nigeria.

He added that the state hosted the marathon to make Enugu State a sporting hub for global competitions and activities.

This, he said, would showcase the richness of the state and its hospitable disposition to the entire world and attracting over 3 million tourists into Enugu.

According to him, making the marathon an annual event will drive tourism, stimulate local businesses, and create lasting economic benefits as Enugu is open for tourism, investment, and world-class sporting events.

The event attracted the likes of former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and legendary movie actor, Nkem Owo popularly known as Osuofia, among others.

The marathon featured live entertainment, including a performance by popular Nigerian artiste Kcee, transforming the event into a full-scale celebration of sport, music, and entertainment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Nicholas Obisike

Rivers Angels FC of Port Harcourt on Saturday thrashed First Mahi Babes of Ebonyi 5-0 in the ongoing Federation/President Cup round 16 match played at Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

Rivers Angels Player, Chisom Nwachukwu, showed her strength when she was introduced into the game after the interval with two goals to her name.

The Port Harcourt women who missed several chances early in the match, including a penalty, taken by the team Captain Polinus Ifeoma, took the lead through patience Otubo in the 37th minute.

Titilayo Aweda scored the second goal in 38th minute before Nwachukwu scored her first goal and the third goal for the team in 61st minute to make it 3-0.

Rivers Angels made it 4-0 in the 70th minute when Aminat Folorunsho put the ball beyond First Mahi goalkeeper before Nwachukwu scored her second goal and fifth goal for her team on 74th minute.

In a post interview, Rivers United Coach, Blankson Tosan hailed the players for doing well in the match but expressed worry on the team conversion of chances.

Tosan said his team would have scored lots of goals in the match but missed several chances, which would have cost them a lot against a more organised and experience team.

“We are not going to look down on our low rate of conversion of chances because we have more experienced teams to face in the Nigeria Women League Super Six,” Tosan said.

First Mahi coach, Armstrong Okon, said their match against Rivers Angels had given the team much to look into and exposed the players to a high-profile game.

“With the look of things, we came with young players and the full squad we normally use to play the championship game and we brought them to express themselves for the world to see.

“Rivers Angels are an experienced team that had been playing women top-flight league for years so, they are ahead of our players in terms of exposure and experience.” (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

By Nicholas Obisike

Some football supporters in Aba have lauded the Flying Eagles of Nigeria`s 1-0 win against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia and called for injection of creative midfielders into the team.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Auwal Ibrahim’s goal in the 38th minute separated the two teams in the ongoing under-20 AFCON match played inside, 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on Thursday.

Some supporters, who spoke to NAN on Friday, lauded the team and observed that the team still needs improvement in some departments.

Emeka Maduakolam urged the technical crew to work more on the defence, noting that the department was frequently exposed in the match against Tunisia.

“Throughout the match, Nigeria’s defence was frequently exposed especially, during transitions and wide attacks and their positioning left gaps that Tunisia attempted to exploit.

“The defensive frailty if not addressed, could cost Nigeria dearly against more clinical opposition as future matches demand better tactical awareness,” he said.

Ikechukwu Uche said that Nigeria’s wing play lacks penetration and urgency because the wingers were unable to stretch the Tunisian defence or deliver dangerous balls into the box consistently.

Uche called for pacy and technically gifted wide players, who can beat defenders, create space in tight situations and inject youthful speed and flair on the flanks.

Mary Udoka observed that Nigeria’s transitions were slowed down by excessive touches and indecision from the players.

She urged the team to adopt a more direct and quick transition style.

“Flying Eagles must reduce time on the ball, increase forward momentum as speed in execution is crucial in modern football, especially when breaking down compact defences,” she advised.

Celestine Maduka called for more creativity in the midfield, noting that the midfielders struggled to assert control or effectively distribute the ball.

“Lack of fluidity limited Flying Eagles attacking chances and isolated the forwards, we need more imaginative and dynamic midfielders capable of quick passes and vision,” Maduka said.

NAN reports that the Eagles are the most successful Youth team in Africa, having won the title a record 7 times in 1983,1985, 1987 and 1989 (four times consecutively), 2005, 2011 and 2015. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh