Sports

Govt Unveils New Jerseys For Edo Queen, Bendel Insurance, Introduces Sports In Primary, Secondary Schools Curriculum

Published

2 years ago

January 14, 2023

The Edo State Government says it has introduced sports as part of the curriculum in primary and secondary schools across the state as a fundamental step to cultivate young talents.

The governor of the state, Mr Godwin Obaseki who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, disclosed this at the New Festival Hall of the Government House, Benin City at a ceremony to unveil new Jerseys for the state’s football clubs, Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance.

INFO DAILY reports that a Nigerian construction firm, Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited is sponsoring the female Team, Edo Queens while Sterling Bank is sponsoring it’s male counterpart, Bendel Insurance.

He said the Godwin Obaseki led adminstration has been working on providing enabling environment that will ensuring the organized private sector takes over the exclusive funding of sport, particularly football as the case in other parts of the world.

The Deputy Governor told the gathering that the administration was plotting a graph that would ensure that sport funding in the state was taking over by the Private sector.

“Now our graph is at between 90-10 and 80-20, but we are working towards a situation where the graph will be 10-90, meaning that government would only be responsible for 10% of the funding and the Private sector 90% until we achieve a situation where full value of the game is maximally explored, not just as entertainment, as viable commercial and income generating tool”.

He added: “In developing sports in Edo State, we have made it part of the curriculum in our primary and secondary schools. In our public schools, we will dedicate Wednesdays for sporting activities. It will also be part of the continuous assessment in our schools. The era for sports scholarship is back to Edo State.”

The Managing Director, Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited Company, Engr Lanre Adeleke, who alongside his wife, Barrister Adeleke was at the unveiling of the new Jersey told the gathering that the sponsorship of the women’s football club was to further establish the company’s belief that patronage of the nation’s local content would not only reduce unemployment, but would also douse youth unrest and enhance the image of the country in the international space.

Engr Adeleke believed that apart from this, “the sponsorship of a women football team by our company; which is purely Nigerian in all sense, is another major avenue to build capacity of women, show that women could do more unimaginable exploits and accelerate national development with their contributions in sport, academic and politics among others if given the opportunity”.

The Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited also lauded the Edo State government under Governor Godwin Obaseki for his resolve to promote sport for development.

On his part, the Executive Director of Sterling Bank, Mr Tunde Adeola said the Bank would continue to invest in Bendel Insurance football team because the bank believed in its capacity to for quality football.

The unveiling ceremony was witnessed by the secretary to Edo State Government, Hon Osarodin Ogie Esq, Chairman of the State Sport Commission, Hon Yusuf Alli, and Edo State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Joe Acha among other dignitaries including Ex-internationals and football enthusiasts.

Sports

Super Falcons Begin WAFCON Campaign With 3-0 Win Over Tunisia

Published

17 hours ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

Nigeria began their pursuit of a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with an emphatic 3-0 win over Tunisia in Casablanca.

Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the fourth minute, capitalizing on a low, in-swinging free-kick from Rinsola Babajide. The former Barcelona star bundled the ball into the net during a scramble in the Tunisian penalty area.

Babajide, who switched allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2023, doubled Nigeria’s lead just before halftime. The winger fired past Tunisia goalkeeper Soulaima Jobrani in first-half stoppage time to register her first-ever goal at a senior international tournament.

Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the win late in the match, finishing off a precise cross from Ashleigh Plumptre in the 84th minute.

The victory puts Nigeria at the top of Group B, ahead of the group’s other fixture between Algeria and Botswana later on Sunday (19:00 GMT).

Sports

Arsenal Sign Spain Midfielder Zubimendi

Published

22 hours ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million ($75 million).

Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.

“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder, who is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

“It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

The Athletic reported that Arsenal paid above Zubimendi’s 60 million euro ($71 million, £51 million) buyout clause in order to spread the cost of the fee over a number of installments.

Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.

He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.

Sports

WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Vs Tunisia – Date, Time And Where To Watch

Published

22 hours ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a Group A showdown against Tunisia on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Nigeria eyeing record 10th title against Tunisia

The Super Falcons, nine-time champions, are aiming to extend their dominance in African women’s football with a 10th WAFCON title. Their last win came in 2018. Despite their pedigree, Nigeria has stumbled in recent tournament openers, losing their first games in the past two editions—making a strong start this time essential.

Strong preparations under Coach Madugu

Head coach Justine Madugu’s team arrives in Morocco in good form, with a 3-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Queens and a goalless draw against Portugal bolstering confidence. The squad also carries a positive mindset, with winger Rinsola Babajide expressing belief in their preparation and focus.

Adding to the excitement, key players Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade recently unveiled the newly designed WAFCON trophy, symbolizing the team’s hunger to reclaim continental glory.

Tunisia hoping to spring a surprise

Ranked 89th in the world, Tunisia enter the tournament as underdogs but are determined to prove themselves. Recent results, including friendly losses to Kenya (1-0) and Morocco (4-2), suggest inconsistency, but the North African side remains ambitious. They will be hoping to upset the Super Falcons and gain early momentum in a group that also features Algeria and Botswana.

Where to Watch

The Nigeria vs Tunisia match will be broadcast live on AfroSport and SuperSport via DSTV. The match kicks off at 5:00 pm Nigeria time at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.