Mr. Onome Obruthe, has been inaugurated as the new Chairman of the Edo State Athletics Association; just as he was charged to bring in fresh ideas to the association.

inaugurating the chairman and other exco, Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the appointment as strategic and timely, adding that its signals a fresh chapter for track and field development in the state.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele was quoted as saying, “Today marks the beginning of a new era for athletics in Edo State.

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“We are determined to see Edo return to the top as a powerhouse for track and field. Our target is clear: we must win big at Enugu 2026 and beyond,” he declared.

Charging the new chairman, Enabulele emphasized, “Mr. Obruthe, as you take this role, remember you are stepping in as both a leader and a key sponsor. Seek partnerships, bring in fresh ideas, and rally stakeholders. We at the Commission are fully behind you.”

He further noted that performance would be closely monitored: “We will implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track our progress. Accountability and results will guide our collective efforts.”

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In his acceptance speech, Mr. Onome Obruthe thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in him, pledging his best to reposition athletics.

“I am truly honoured by this responsibility. I promise to reposition athletics in Edo and build an environment where talent can thrive. I urge our coaches and athletes to get ready for a new era of discipline, growth, and results,” he said.

Obruthe added, “My focus will be on talent discovery, improved training programmes, welfare for athletes and coaches, and attracting meaningful sponsorships that will lift Edo athletics to new heights.”

With these renewed commitments, Edo State continues to position itself as a pacesetter in sports development, capacity building, and talent management — truly living up to its reputation as the Home of Champions.

Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo came off the bench to score a dramatic 89th-minute winner as Nigeria sealed a 1-0 win over Botswana in their Group B clash at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Thursday.

Nigeria looked set for a frustrating evening until Ihezuo met a low cross from Esther Okoronkwo and tapped home at the back post for her second goal of the tournament.

The result, secured at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, confirmed the Super Falcons’ place in the quarter-finals.

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Despite being overwhelming favourites, the nine-time champions struggled to break down a resilient Botswana side and their outstanding goalkeeper, Sedilame Boseja.

The Super Falcons were wasteful in front of goal for much of the contest, with Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne both missing first-half chances. Botswana came close to a shock lead through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, whose efforts tested Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Former Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has issued a strong word of advice to Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen amid mounting speculation linking the Napoli forward with a surprise return to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Oliseh warned that the 26-year-old striker is at a pivotal stage in his career and must carefully consider his next move to avoid future regret. He wrote, “Victor Osimhen is at a very delicate crossroad. He needs to find his way to the Premier League in a hurry or he risks so much regret! Man. United and Arsenal need this player if only…..”

Oliseh’s comments come amid reports that Osimhen is preparing for a permanent switch to Galatasaray, where he previously starred during a loan spell, scoring 26 goals to lead the club to the Turkish Super Lig title. However, the Nigerian legend believes a move to England’s top flight would better suit Osimhen’s development and global standing.

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Now 26, Osimhen’s age is reportedly becoming a factor in transfer negotiations, with some Premier League clubs cautious about making a high-value investment. Delaying a move to England any further could reduce his appeal in the competitive Premier League market, insiders suggest.

Despite being contracted to Napoli until 2026, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. The striker was expected to return for pre-season training, but reports in Italy claim that new head coach Antonio Conte has no intention of including him in his plans and could relegate him to the youth team.