Sports
Port Vale FC of Lugbe Seal Dramatic Penalty Shootout Win in Seasiders Final
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.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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