Sports

Rivers United shape up for CAF Champions League with refresher course on latest rules

Published

3 years ago

August 25, 2022

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.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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