Sports
Rivers United shape up for CAF Champions League with refresher course on latest rules
Highly-respected CAF/FIFA Instructor, Peter Edibi on Thursday oversaw a refresher course for players, coaches and officials of Rivers United FC as the reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions shape up for exertions in the 2022-23 CAF Champions League.
In a bid to leave no stone unturned and also to ensure that the United give Nigeria creditable representation in the competition, an intensive course was arranged to keep the team in the loop as regards the latest regulations of the game.
“What I and the team did (on Thursday afternoon) was to prepare them for the continental competition they are going into – the CAF Champions League,” Edibi said.
“The basic things we looked at were the amendments in terms of the application and interpretation of the laws of the game.
“We looked at (physical) challenges (during matches), offsides, illegal use of arms, we went to handball situations, and others.
“I think with these, the players are well equipped now to go into the (CAF Champions) League.
“We will continue with the process (of teaching the team) because this is a learning process and it will not be a one off,” he said.
Rivers United won last season’s NPFL title with four games to spare, playing swashbuckling, attacking football while maintaining the meanest defence in the division.
The “Pride of Rivers” will now be looking to transfer that dominance onto the continental stage as they shape up for a two legged battle in the first (preliminary) round of the CAF Champions League against Liberia champions, Watanga.
Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barrister Chris Green, who also attended the session on Thursday did not mince words as he weighed up the scale of the task to listening members of the club.
“You are all ambassadors of Rivers State and Nigeria in the upcoming CAF Champions League,” Barrister Green stated.
“No Nigerian club has won this competition since 2004 and many years have passed since a Nigerian club last reached the group stages of this competition.
“We as Rivers United must go into this season’s competition with a mindset of conquerors and we are leaving no stone unturned in our drive to participate with distinction, pride and honour.
“It is not enough to just walk into the pitch for games without a firm grasp of the rules of the game.
“Playing without knowledge of the rules of the game will be useless to us.
“So you all have the opportunity to go through the rudiments of the new rules of the game through an expert, Mr. Peter Edibi.
“It is important to be conversant with the amended rules so you (the players) get aquatinted and also assimilate what will be taught,” he implored.
The Sports chief concluded by reminding the players of continued support from the sponsors, the Rivers State Government.
“We are not taking part in the Champions League to make up the numbers,” he said.
“The Governor of our dear State (Rivers), His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has promised that each member of the team will receive $40,000.00 USD of you reach the group stages of the competition.
“So you can imagine what will happen if the team goes past that stage and reaches the quarter finals, semis and even the final.
“You (players and officials) also know what the management of the team will do for you if you perform creditably in the competition.
“So I implore you all to put in your very best to ensure you make everyone proud.
“On our part as sponsors, we will ensure that the team is totally prepared and catered for in all respects.
“The refresher course co-ordinated by Peter Edibi is just a minute part of our comprehensive preparation of and for this team, not just fir continental games but domestic exertions as well,” he concluded.
United will proceed with the next phase of their preparations for the CAF Champions League when they make the trip to Ikenne, Remo, Ogun State where they will participate in the Value Jet Cup.
The competition will also integrate three of Nigeria’s other representatives in CAF’s inter club competitions, namely Plateau United, Remo Stars and Kwara United.
Sports
Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building
Joel Ajayi
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, says the federation has launched an ambitious reform programme anchored on structured planning, grassroots development, and long-term athlete progression across all levels of the sport.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, after two-day retreat at ANOCA building where board members, technical experts, and stakeholders gathered under the theme: Repositioning Badminton for Sustainable Growth’ gathered to chart a way forward for the Game.
Orbih said the sessions were designed to align stakeholders on a unified four-year strategic roadmap focused on improving governance, strengthening performance systems, and expanding participation nationwide.
He noted that key priorities discussed include technical development, coaching education, athlete welfare, and a more coordinated grassroots structure through school-based programmes.
According to him, the federation has approved the creation of 11 committees to drive implementation of its reforms, with emphasis on accountability, coordination, and measurable performance outcomes.
“We wanted a collective approach where decisions are jointly owned and implemented, with clear and measurable results.
‘’A major pillar of the plan is grassroots badminton development, particularly in schools.’’
He explained that while outreach programmes have existed, the federation is now shifting toward a more structured and data-driven approach with wider national coverage.
Orbih disclosed that the federation currently reaches an average of 25 to 30 schools per zonal outreach programme, but plans are underway to expand coverage across more states and increase consistency of engagement.
He also highlighted gaps in coaching capacity, noting that the number of certified coaches in Nigeria remains relatively low compared to other countries. The federation, he said, will intensify coaching education and certification programmes to close the gap and improve technical standards.
“We have over 100 coaches in Nigeria, but many are not actively engaged in continuous training. We want to strengthen that system and raise the standard,” he added.
The BFN president further confirmed the introduction of structured age-grade development pathways, covering under-12, under-15, under-19, and other youth categories to ensure seamless progression from grassroots to elite level.
President added that, federation plans to organise more age-group tournaments to sustain player development and improve competitive exposure.
Speaking also, the Technical Director of the federation, Tunde Kashim, also emphasised that the technical department remains central to the reform agenda, describing it as the “engine room” of badminton development in the country.
He said the department is reviewing player databases, coaching structures, and competition pathways to ensure a stronger performance system.
Kashim added that efforts will be made to upgrade coaching levels across the country, including progression through certification tiers, while also addressing the declining number of active coaches in the system.
He further revealed plans to expand youth competitions across multiple age categories, including under-12, under-15, under-16, and under-19 levels, aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline from schools to elite competition.
According to him, the federation is also working with state stakeholders to improve facilities and increase participation, while preparing for upcoming national and continental engagements.
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