Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Davidson Owumi, is set to be honoured with the University of Port Harcourt Excellence in Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the institution’s development.

The award ceremony is part of the events marking the 50th anniversary of the university and will take place on Thursday, July 24, at the CBN Centre of Excellence within the university campus.

The awards will be presented during the Pro-Chancellor’s Dinner scheduled for the evening of the same day.

In a formal letter signed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, the university expressed its appreciation for the roles played by distinguished individuals and organisations in the school’s growth over the decades.

“As part of the University of Port Harcourt’s 50th anniversary, we are pleased to recognise and honour individuals and institutions whose invaluable support has significantly contributed to our growth and success over the years,” the letter stated.

Owumi, an alumnus of the university, was a celebrated member of the school’s football team during the 1980s, a period in which the team achieved remarkable success.

 His leadership and service in Nigerian football, both as a former player and administrator, have been widely acknowledged.

“It is with immense pleasure that I inform you that you have been selected to receive the Excellence in Service Award for your outstanding contributions to the university,” Professor Georgewill added.

“This award is a testament to the enduring partnership and impact you have made in advancing our mission of excellence in education, research, and community service.”

Owumi joins a list of eminent personalities and organisations being recognised for their role in shaping the legacy of one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Six-time African Player of the Year to bow out at 30, leaves behind a legacy of excellence

Super Falcons forward and Nigerian football icon, Asisat Oshoala, has announced she will retire from international football after the ongoing 2024/25 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking the end of an extraordinary era in African women’s football.

The 30-year-old made the announcement on her official Facebook page, describing the decision as a “legendary exit” and a necessary step to pave the way for emerging talents to shine on the global stage.

“At 30, with six African Women’s Best Player awards, I will bow out to start a new chapter after WAFCON 2024/25,” she wrote.

 “Thank you for your unwavering support. I’m forever grateful for the love and sacrifices shared with me through this journey.”

Oshoala’s glittering career is adorned with a record six CAF Women’s Player of the Year titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023), making her the most decorated player in the history of African women’s football. Her relentless drive, goal-scoring prowess, and global impact have made her a role model for countless young athletes across the continent.

She opened scoring for Nigeria at the ongoing WAFCON when she scored against Tunisia after just four minutes in the opening Group B match.

A product of Nigerian grassroots football, Oshoala burst onto the global scene with a breakout performance at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she won both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. Since then, she has featured prominently in multiple senior World Cups and Olympic Games, representing Nigeria with distinction.

Beyond her on-field brilliance, Oshoala is also a fellow of Rooney FC, a platform supporting football talent development and advocacy. Her influence has extended beyond sport, inspiring a generation of African girls to dream big.

As Nigeria eyes a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, Oshoala will hope to cap off her international career with yet another trophy—one final flourish for a true legend of the game.

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Nigerian football icon and former Green Eagles star, Segun Odegbami, has provided a reassuring update on the ailing former teammate, Kadiri Ikhana.

He shared news on the health status of his fellow ex-international who was recently reported to be in critical condition.

Odegbami, in a late-night statement shared with the public, disclosed that Ikhana’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous.

After being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for three days, the former Enyimba coach responded remarkably well to treatment and has since been discharged.

“All his medical bills were settled by the Edo State Government,” Odegbami noted, adding that preliminary medical tests have been completed, with further evaluations scheduled for three weeks’ time.

Despite still wearing a catheter and being on serious medications, Odegbami said Ikhana was in high spirits when they spoke earlier in the day.

“He was cheerful and very grateful to all those who came to support him morally, physically, financially and spiritually,” he said.

In a move aimed at facilitating his recovery, Ikhana, with the approval of his elder brother, sisters, and some of his children, has temporarily relocated from Auchi to Abuja to rest and continue his treatment. He arrived safely in the capital on Sunday night.

On behalf of the Ikhana family, Odegbami extended profound gratitude to the Edo State Government and individuals who rallied around the ailing legend.

He specifically mentioned Shettima, Hon. Austin Braimoh, Chief Peter Dunia, and “several other concerned Nigerians” for their outpouring of support and prayers.

Kadiri Ikhana, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 Africa Cup of Nations squad and a revered coach who led Enyimba to CAF Champions League glory in 2003, remains one of the nation’s most respected football figures. His improving health is welcome news for fans across the country.

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