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AFCON: ‘Be strong, you did your best for Nigeria’ – Sports minister tells Iwobi

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The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh recently had a discussion with Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi following cyber bullies against the Fulham star.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Enoh’s media aide, Diana-Mary Tiku Nsan on Monday.

Enoh, who led the Super Eagles of Nigeria back home after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast, told Iwobi: “I am aware of what is happening on social media and as a ministry, this is not the first time we are going to make a statement against bullying, not just you but our sportsmen and women in general who are exposed to bullying due to the outcome of competitions.

“We are concerned about how our sportsmen and women are treated.”

The final AFCON 2023 has seen Iwobi experience a routine of unpleasant remarks hurled at him.

Iwobi confirmed leaving social media after the final game.

“For me, I have taken myself out of social media after yesterday’s game,” he said.

Enoh, however, encouraged the former Arsenal star saying:

“You did your best for your country and I am proud of you. The leadership and the rest of the country is proud of you.

“Those who are not are in the far minority and do not speak for the rest of our country, so just be strong.

“You did your best, you are part of a team that brought home a silver medal which the country last won at AFCON 2000, which is 23 years ago. You put in your best, thank you very much.”

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Olympic qualifier: Comoros to face Super Falcons following 30-0 victory over Sudan

They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.

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Comoros have booked a date with African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, after a 30–0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the first round of the qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.

The Coelacanths won the first leg 17–0 on June 3 before following it up with a 13–0 triumph five days later to complete a dominant aggregate win.

In the first leg, Comoros opened the scoring after eight minutes before producing a relentless attacking display that overwhelmed Sudan throughout the encounter.

Nine different players got on the scoresheet in a performance that highlighted the depth and attacking quality of the Comorian side.

In the second leg on Monday, Comoros scored three goals in the first half and added 10 more after the break to seal a 13–0 victory.

They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.

The Super Falcons are expected to go into the tie as strong favourites.

Credit: PUNCH

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Rivers United escape tragedy after team bus crash

In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.

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Photo: Rivers United bus crash, 4 June 2026

Players and officials of Rivers United escaped serious injury on Thursday after the club’s team bus was involved in a road accident while travelling to Anambra State for a President Federation Cup fixture.

The Nigeria Premier Football League side was on its way to Awka for a Round of 16 clash against Nasarawa United when the incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt.

The Vanguard reported that the accident happened shortly after the team departed from its camp, raising concerns among supporters and members of the football community.

In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.

The club said those affected were receiving medical attention and remained in stable condition.

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Nigeria Volleyball Federation Unveils New National Coaching Structure

The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.

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The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its national coaching setup, appointing new technical staff across its Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, age-grade, and Beach Volleyball teams.

This strategic move aims to bolster the technical development of the sport and ensure robust preparation for upcoming regional, continental, and international competitions.

The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.

New coaching teams have also been named for the Under-19 Boys and Girls, Under-17 Boys and Girls, and both Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball teams. Notable appointments include Adamu Nite for the U19 Boys, Vincent Unogwu for the U19 Girls, Sunday Yunana Akapson for the U17 Girls, and Suleiman Ajeigbe for the U17 Boys. John Iwerima and Jonathan Thaj will guide the Men’s Beach Volleyball team, while Kayode and Felicia Amos will oversee the Women’s Beach Volleyball squad.

Godspower A. Odedede, Chairman of the NVBF Media and Publicity Committee, stated that the Federation expects the coaches to leverage their extensive experience and professionalism to drive the national teams towards excellence.

The NVBF reiterated its commitment to cultivating a strong talent pipeline and a culture of achievement to enhance Nigeria’s standing in both indoor and beach volleyball.

Source: LEADERSHIP

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