International Football
WIKE BAGS AFRICAN JOURNALISTS’ HIGHEST AWARD
Another award has gone to the highly decorated governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike who on Wednesday in Brussels, Belgium was decorated as ‘Power of Sports Award’ recipient at the 81st Congress of the International Sports Press, the AIPS.
According to the international organization, the award was in recognition for Wike’s great contribution towards sports development in Nigeria.
The Governor, who is an accomplished lawyer, administrator, politician, philanthropist and a sports diehard, did not only receive the highly coveted AIPS AFRICA Power of Sports Award. He also presented a landmark paper on Peace and Progress through Sports in The Niger Delta Region of Nigeria.
“By the time I assumed office there was disarray in sports management,” Wike narrated. “But shockingly within a short period, a lot has been achieved and hope to get to greater heights in the field of sports,” the Governor noted.
Notably, The Governor has not only contributed toward sports infrastructure development but has created a salary for top athletes, the state owned football teams, former Sharks FC, Dolphins FC plus the females team Rivers Angels FC.
He has also gone ahead to strike a deal with Real Madrid, which will see them put up an international sports academy in the River State.
The AIPS President Gianni Merlo decorated the Governor with the Power of Sport award, AIPS gifts and the history book whiles emphasizing that credit deserve to be given when it is due. Honour for Wike is not of any surprise due to his contribution to sport and becomes the first of its kind by AIPS Africa.
The former ASJU in 1980 installed Bashorun Abiola as the First Pillar of Sports in Africa. No other personality has since been given such continental honours.
According to the president of the continental body, Mitchell Obi, the River State helmsman whose government recently sponsored the African Wrestling Championship, is being recognized for consistently raising the bar of sports matters.
“He effectively uses sports as a veritable vehicle to fast-track communal growth along the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as well as engaging a booming but restive youth populace in his state and country.
“It is indeed a badge of honour, freely and independently considered and granted and we think strongly that this would serve as an apt catalyst to His Excellency as he continuously strives to put sports on the front burner of his developmental strides,” Obi remarked.
At the global level, only four personalities have been honoured by AIPS, the last being the immediate past president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge of Belgium.
The Power of Sports Award derives its inspiration from the great Nelson Mandela whose school of thought holds that sports has the power to change the world.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Hosts Mexico Defeat South Africa 2-0 To Launch FIFA World Cup 2026
German players to pay for 600 fans’ stadium trip amid soaring transport costs
World Cup 2026 Begins With History Repeating Itself
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup1 week ago
Rema, Davido, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr Make FIFA’s Star-Studded World Cup 2026 Official Album
- World Cup7 days ago
Shakira to Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony in Mexico
- World Cup7 days ago
FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums
- International Football4 days ago
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
- World Cup5 days ago
Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Hideaway Becomes Tourist Attraction as Mexico Hosts Tournament for Record Third Time
- Uncategorized6 days ago
Iran World Cup squad still in visa limbo 10 days before first match, ambassador says
- World Cup5 days ago
Strike Threat Looms Over USA-Paraguay World Cup Match at SoFi Stadium
- World Cup7 days ago
FIFA Unveils Fan-Centric Pre-Match Ceremony for 2026 World Cup