Sports

SWAN Mourns Its Patron, Ifeanyi Ubah, Condoles Family, Senate, Anambra Government

Published

2 years ago

July 27, 2024

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed shock over the demise of its Patron, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died on Saturday.

SWAN in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, described Senator Ubah’s demise as desvasting.

The SWAN President said the serving Senator’s death has created wide vacuum within the sporting sector as he had invested prominently as a football club owner amidst his numerous philanthropic supports to the youth, women and all.

He said, “Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is one man who has done so much in uplifting Nigerian sports.

“Aside being a football club owner, Distinguished Senator Ubah has been sponsoring numerous sporting activities in his State and parts of the country.

“He is such a detrabilised Nigeria who knows no bound. He is such a committed and passionate man who believes in raising men and women.

“The entire sporting media are saddened by his passage. However, we are consoled by his ubiquitous impacts while he was alive.”

The number one Sports Writer in Nigeria also commiserated with his family, community Nnewi, Anambra State Government and the Nigeria Senate over Senator Ubah’s death, while urging those related and associated with him to honour him by keep his legacies alive.

He then prayed God to give his wife, children and everyone connected to him the fortitude to bear the loss.

Senator Ubah, 52, passed on in London, United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, SWAN has also mourned the passage of Patriarch and President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Chief Iwuanyanwu who died on Thursday, aged 82, was also a football club owner for several years, and was dedicated to Sports development.

“Nigeria has lost one of its finest humanitarian who used Sports as a veritable means of touching lives.

“His life and times were full of fond memories especially for those his resources impacted their careers,” Benjamin said.

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.