2025 Bayelsa Preseason: Bendel Insurance FC Pip Warri Wolves 1-0 To Emerge Champions
2025 Bayelsa Preseason: Bendel Insurance FC Pip Warri Wolves 1-0 To Emerge Champions
Bendel Insurance Football Club, weekend, defeated Warri Wolves of Delta state 1-0 to emerge champions of the 2025 Bayelsa Preseason Football Tournament.
Left back Adamu Yazid scored the only goal of the final match for Insurance FC in the 4th minute of proceedings. Bendel Insurance FC Feeders graduate Brorie Idiebiru made the job easy for Yazid when he curled a penetrating cross ball from the right flank, leaving the stucky left back unchallenged before his brilliant finish.
The all Bendelites Bayelsa preseason final match lived up to the pre match hype as the Deltans also proved their worth and why they gained promotion to the premier league.
The newly promoted Warri Wolves were a better preseason test for the Benin Arsenals as they raised the tempo of the game in the second half in search for an equalizer which never happened.
The Benin Arsenals hung up to their early goal lead, making it strength for strength and skills to match with resilience in the encounter at the Samson Siasia stadium in Yenagoa.
Bendel Insurance skinful midfielder Nnamdi Anthony narrowly missed an opportunity to increase the tally inside the 4 minutes extra time after 90 minutes of time had been exhausted in the explosive final match but Wolves goalkeeper was extraordinary in the goal post for his side following his incredible saves.
The Benin Arsenals remained consistent with their impressive performances throughout the duration of the tournament. They played four matches ,winning all and scoring 10 goals without conceding any goal to emerge champions
The coach Greg Ikhenoba led Insurance FC now look ready for the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League, following their new culture of discipline and cohesion.
On the road to the finals,Insurance FC began the preseason football tournament on Monday with 2-0 victory over hosts Bayelsa Utd and brushed aside Kun Khalifat FC 4-0 to lead group B and went ahead to thrash Bayelsa Utd U-20 3-0 in the semifinals clash to qualify for the finals against Warri Wolves.
Recall that the Benin Arsenals also reached the finals of the tournament in 2024 and narrowly lost to Bayelsa Utd in a shootout after a 1-1 draw at the end of the regulation period .
Ward Delineation: Warri Reclamation Trust Approaches Federal High Court, Seeks Police Investigation into Alleged INEC Fraudulent Conduct
Ward Delineation: Warri Reclamation Trust Approaches Federal High Court, Seeks Police Investigation into Alleged INEC Fraudulent Conduct
A group of Young Itsekiri Ethnic Extraction Advocates under the aegis of Warri Reclamation Trust (WRT) has approached a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State to prevail on the Nigerian Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged infractions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its handling of the recent ward redelineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency.
The applicants, Tsaye Edeyibo Mene, Bright Omaghomi, Osandatunwa Oritsematosan Priscilla, Lily-white Esigbone, Omatseyin Alfred, Edeyibo Laju, Momorin Misan, Ogharandukun Joseph Toritseju, Uremure Ayeoritsenasor, Awala Gbone, Adrian Edema, and Kwame Woods, on behalf of themselves and Itsekiri voters of Warri Federal Constituency in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/89/2025, urged the court to grant an Order of Mandamus directing the respondents, which is the Police, to act expeditiously on the allegations against the electoral body.
The applicants, through their counsel Chief Robinson Ariyo, alleged that the Police had refused to act on a petition before it on the alleged unwholesome conduct of the officials of the electoral commission, stressing that the court should intervene for justice to reign.
In an affidavit to further enforce the Motion Ex-parte filled Friday August 15, before the court, the applicants alleged that the affected INEC officials allowed themselves to be compromised and induced financially by some interested stakeholders to slant the tentative outcome of the redelineation exercise in their favour.
It reads thus: “The above-named suspects fraudulently and in a corrupt manner conducted the ongoing delineation and/or re-delineation of Warri Federal Constituency by: Creating fictitious communities to form units that make up wards; Importing communities from outside the three Warri Local Government Areas (e.g., communities from Burutu, Bomadi, Ughelli South, Udu in Delta State, and communities from Edo and Ondo States); Illegally adjusting boundaries. That I verily believe the above conduct of the said suspects manifests the following specific offences under the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Removal of boundary marks with intent to defraud contrary to Section 457 of the Criminal Code Act; Willfully causing damage, etc., to survey and boundary marks contrary to Section 458 of the Criminal Code Act; Using deception to alter boundaries or gain advantage in a boundary dispute contrary to Section 418 of the Criminal Code Act; Conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace in Warri and environs contrary to Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Act.” They stressed.
Zenith Bank @35: Delta Council Boss, Ehiwarior Celebrates Founder, Ovia
Zenith Bank @35: Delta Council Boss, Ehiwarior Celebrates Founder, Ovia
As Zenith Bank PLC celebrates 35 years of operational success,the Chairman, Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, has extended warm felicitations to the Chairman, management and members of staff of the organisation.
Engr. Ehiwarior, whose goodwill message was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Jonathan Onwuka, said he was particularly impressed with the remarkable leadership of the founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, whom he described as an exceptional entrepreneur, who had contributed immensely to the financial growth and economic advancement of Nigeria.
“It is with the greatest pleasure that I warmly congratulate you on your vision leading to the founding of Zenith Bank thirty five years ago. Your remarkable leadership as Founder has led to this historic celebration thirty five years after.
“Through your unmatched hard work, difficult decisions, painstaking analysis, visionary guidance and steadfastness, the bank has grown to become one of the best performing financial institutions in Nigeria.
“Your ineffable efforts and dedications have made Zenith Bank to truly live up to its name, taking banking to the zenith of excellence. You have set the standard in innovation, corporate governance and customer service, making Zenith Bank not only a pacesetter in Nigeria, but also a towering institution in Africa and beyond.
“Your achievements, over these thirty five years give credence to accomplishments derivable from dedication, strategic thinking, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
“As you celebrate this milestone, I wish you and the entire Zenith Bank family even greater successes in the years ahead.
“Once again, congratulations on taking Zenith Bank to the zenith in banking, the very best in Africa and beyond,” the statement reads.
NYG 2025: Kwara hosts North Central Team Sports Eliminations
NYG 2025: Kwara hosts North Central Team Sports Eliminations
Six states are already on ground in the Kwara Sports Commission Ilorin, host for the 2025 National Youth Games North Central Team Sports Eiiminations which got underway on Friday.
According to the Director of Sports of the Commission, Mallam Bako, arrival for the eliminations was scheduled for Friday August 15 and Saturday August 16
Bako disclosed that the eliminations will begin today and will come to close on Monday August 18 as departure for participating states is fixed for Tuesday August 19.
The Director of Sports further hinted that all logistics to ensure a proper, Free and fair competition are already on ground as the George Innih stadium complex is ready for a successful hosting.
States on ground are: Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, FCT, and Plateau. Benue state are yet to arrive as of the time of this report.
Kwara state, the host will participate in seven sports namely : Basketball, Football, Baseball, Softball, Cricket, Volleyball, and Handball
FIBA AfroBasketball: Nigeria Spanks Defending Champions, Tunisia 87-66 points
FIBA AfroBasketball: Nigeria Spanks Defending Champions, Tunisia 87-66 points
Nigeria’s D’Tigers on Friday in Luanda, Angola at the 19th Afro basketball Male Tournament walloped Afro Basketball defending champions, Tunisia by total 87-66 points in group B making a handsome difference of 21 points advantage to Nigeria.
Nigeria took the 1st quarter 29-16; slightly won the 2nd quarter 19-17; pocketed the 3rd quarter 20-14 and resisted the attempt by Tunisia to make a rise sharing the 4th quarter 19-19.
Nigeria dominated play with 20-14 fast breaks; chalking 33-23 points from the bench; made 22-12 points at turnover; also dunked 9-4 points on 2nd chance. Nigeria’s rebound scores were beautiful 42-37; had 14-10 ast and 5-2 blocks but conceded points on the paint 32-36 to Tunisia.
Nigeria is leading the table with 164 points for 125 points against and a difference of 39 points; Tunisia has 135 points for conceding 113 with a deficit of -42. Cameroon with one match has 86 points for conceding 65 with a +21 difference while Madagascar made 59 points so far from the only one match played conceding 77 points which lands them with -18 points
On 13th August 2025 in the same Group B opener Nigeria had beaten Madagascar 77—59 while defending champions, Tunisia lost to Cameroon 65-86.
Giant killers Cameroon is about now slugging it out with Madagascar in the 2nd match of the group.
Tunisia and Nigeria played four times with two wins each from 2007. On 24th August 2007 Nigeria won 83-82 at FIBA meet; on 29th July 2012 Nigeria won 60-56 at OGB game; on 23rd August 2015 Tunisia outstandingly out dunk Nigeria 70-59 while on 16th September 2017 also at FIBA Tunisia won 77-65.
D’Tigers of Nigeria coached by Mohammed Abdulrahman is ranked 42 in the world. Nigeria made 19 appearances at Afro basketball final tournament winning it once in 2015. She got Silver medal 4 times in 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2017 while bagging the Bronze 3 times in 1995, 2005 and 2011.
She appeared at the African Games 8 times winning Gold in 2011 and 5 times Bronze winners in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015. She was 4th at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. She went to the Olympic Games 3 times coming without a medal and FIBA world cup 3 times without a medal.
Nigeria is the only African team to have beaten the mighty USA team to qualify for the Summer Olympics in 2012 where she beat elite teams like Lithuania and Greece.
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia ranked 36th in the world and coached by 45 year old 6ft 7ins French, Mehdy Mary was at FIBA Afro games 24 times winning the title 3 times in 2011, 2017 and 2021. She won Silver once in 1965 and Bronze 4 times in 1970, 1974, 2009 and 2015. She was at the African Games where she won the Gold in 1973 and Bronze in 1978.
Tunisia’s performances nosedived along the line though she was the 3rd African representative at the FIBA world cup where she finished last in group B and placed 24th in the tournament. After 40 years lull in Africa the Tunisians have become one of the continent’s prime team.
On Sunday 17th August Group B games will be closed as Nigeria meets giant killers Cameroon at 5:30pm after Tunisia would have met Madagascar at 2:30pm.
PANASA President’s Cup: D.Warriors Find Pathway To Top On Day 1 At Triumvirate Showdown
PANASA President’s Cup: D.Warriors Find Pathway To Top On Day 1 At Triumvirate Showdown
D.Warriors, one of the 30 teams participating at the 2nd President’s Cup tagged the ‘Triumvirate Showdown’ has shown early intent as it occupied the top position in Pool E by recording 5 wins after seven rounds of games on Day 1 at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
The top-class tournament organised by the continent’s governing body Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) led by Adekoyejo Adegbesan has a total of 30 teams grouped into five where teams are then regrouped midway into 30 rounds of games based on their standings.
D.Warriors comprising Ghana’s top bingo shooter Charles Tachie-Menson, experience jammer Geria Richard and calculative Nicole Achan have all pulled their word-weapons into word-power climbing to the top of their group.
The trio rode to the top and occupied the top three positions of the individual standings with 5 wins each with Richards leading with the highest cumulative points of +640 while Tachie-Menson and Achan +479 and +223 respectively.
Their efforts propelled the team to five wins after it dropped two rounds after seven rounds of games with +1342 cumulative points.
Sitting behind the team owned by Akeem Adekunle and overseen by Khaleel Adedeji are the Pioneer (5-2) who has 116 cumulative points, LSC Drones (4-3), Sphesihle (3-4), Lexiworld (3-4) and Spotlight (1-6).
Meanwhile, Adedeji has urged the team to remain focused and maintain the momentum of staying at the top as they head into Day 2 for eight rounds of games of the intriguing but exciting scrabble showpiece.
In a related development, the 2nd edition of African Youth Scrabble Championships (AYSC) for U-15 and U-19 was also in full swing at Brighton International School, Katani with players from about 15 countries represented.
Both tournaments which began on Thursday August 14th will end on the 17th of the same month.
NPFL Unveils 2025/26 Season Calendar
NPFL Unveils 2025/26 Season Calendar
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has officially released the schedule for the 2025/26 campaign, setting the stage for another season of top-tier football action across the country.
According to the calendar, the new season will kick off on Friday, August 22, 2025, with clubs expected to hit the ground running in their quest for glory.
The league will go on a brief mid-season break from December 30, 2025, to January 6, 2026, giving teams and players a chance to refresh before the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, the mid-season transfer window will run from January 1 to January 30, 2026, allowing clubs to strengthen their squads ahead of the title run-in.
The season will come to a close on Sunday, May 24, 2026, when the champions will be crowned and relegation battles settled.
With the dates now confirmed, NPFL fans across the country are eagerly counting down to the first whistle of the 2025/26 season.
Southern Delta University Students Mourn Tragic Loss of Their Colleague, Final Year Student, Jennifer
Southern Delta University Students Mourn Tragic Loss of Their Colleague, Final Year Student, Jennifer
By: Oghenebrorhien. Shalokpe
Students of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, are mourning the tragic loss of their colleague, final year student Jennifer, whose sad event reportedly occurred Wednesday, August 13, in a hospital in Anambra State.
Our correspondent reports that Jennifer had been battling a life-threatening illness that prevented her from sitting for her final-year exams.
The deceased was a student in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies and was also known for her dedication to her craft and her passion for storytelling.
The news of Jennifer’s passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from her peers and lecturers, who remembered her as a bright and ambitious young lady, whose demise serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing mental and physical health, particularly among students.
As the Southern Delta University community bids farewell to Jennifer, many are reflecting on the importance of supporting one another and seeking help when needed. The university’s counseling services and support systems will likely play a vital role in helping students cope with this tragic loss.
The Southern Delta University students pointed out that Jennifer’s legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew her and that her passage will serve as a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and supporting one another through life’s challenges.
They also prayed to God for the soul of Jennifer to rest in peace and for those left behind, including the family, to have the fortitude to bear the irreversible loss.
4th Coronation: Dr. Agbolaya hails Olu of Warri, Atuwstse III CFR, describes his reign as divine
