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.

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

•Enrique Riquelme\ Getty images

Real Madrid presidential candidate, Enrique Riquelme has vowed to sign Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri if he defeats incumbent Florentino Pérez in the club’s upcoming election.

Riquelme made the bold pledge during a Wednesday appearance on the popular Spanish television program ‘El Hormiguero’ on Antena 3.

He claimed to have agreements in place for both players and displayed what he described as signed documents related to Haaland’s potential move.

“If I win the elections as new president, Rodri will play for Real Madrid. I will do everything for it,” Riquelme said, according to reports from the broadcast.

He added that Haaland “has a release clause and wants to come to Madrid.”

To back his promises, the 37-year-old businessman signed a notarised personal guarantee committing to pay 100% of the membership fees for all Real Madrid socios (members) next season if he fails to deliver on signing either player.

(THE SUN)