Sports

Port Vale FC of Lugbe Seal Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win in Seasiders Final

Published

1 month ago

August 31, 2025

Port Vale FC have emerged as champions of the 8th edition of the Seasiders Football Tournament, following a dramatic finale on Sunday at the Seasiders Stadium in Lugbe, Abuja.
The tournament, which spanned nearly two months, reached a thrilling climax as Port Vale edged past the host team, Seasiders FC, with a 3-2 victory on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Head coach of Port Vale, Lucky Osagbode, credited the team’s success to the relentless effort and discipline shown by both the players and technical staff.

“We knew we had to go the extra mile to win,” Osagbode said. “After a goalless draw with them in the group stage, we expected a tough match. We thank God for this victory—it’s the result of hard work on and off the pitch.”

Port Vale captain Bright Ogbonnaya echoed his coach’s sentiments, expressing pride in the team’s commitment. “All the hard work in training has finally paid off,” he said. “We’re already looking ahead to defending our title in the next edition.”

Despite the heartbreak, Seasiders FC coach Jamiu Hassan and captain Omotayo Lawal showed great sportsmanship in defeat.

“We gave it everything during regulation time, but once it goes to penalties, it becomes a game of luck,” said Coach Jamiu. “Congratulations to Port Vale. We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”

Tournament sponsor representative, Afeez Babalola, applauded the organization and competitive spirit of this year’s edition. He also revealed that plans are underway to expand team participation in the 9th edition, building on the success of this year’s event.

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Sports

Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish

Published

9 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.

The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.

“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.

Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.

“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.

To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.

“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.

The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.

Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.

“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.

Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.

“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”

Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.

“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.

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