IBADAN, September 15, 2025|GMTNewsng

Oyo State has announced no gate fee for Falconets match against Rwanda under-20 team slated for Sept. 27 at Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

The state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke announced this on Monday in Ibadan while briefing newsmen on the preparations for the FIFA World Cup qualifier match.

Adegoke said a projected audience of about 20,000 Falconets’ fans were expected at the stadium during the match.

She said hosting the match at the Lekan Salami Stadium , Ibadan would make Ibadan “once again shine as a centre of culture and unity.

“Entry to the stadium for this historic match will be free for all spectators.”

According to her, the gesture by Gov Seyi Makinde is to give every football loving Nigerian, especially our people in Oyo State, the opportunity to be part ofo molly njomjnng lol luyoopbbhuiuy up the global event.

She, therefore, called on the people of the state to come out in their numbers to fill the stadium and cheer Falconets to victory.

“Let the world see the strength and hospitality of Oyo State reflected in the energy of our people.

“The match is more than 90 minutes of football, but an opportunity to showcase our pride and identity as  people,” she said. GMTNewsng

The state government had on Tuesday approved the sum of N110million for camping and hosting of the match.

The Enugu State Government has formally constituted a Central Planning Committee (CPC) to coordinate the funeral arrangements for Nigerian football legend, Christian Chukwu, who passed away recently at the age of 73. The announcement was made in collaboration with the family of the late former Super Eagles captain and coach, signaling the beginning of activities lined up to honour one of Africa’s most iconic sports personalities.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Enugu State, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu, has been appointed as the chairman of the Central Planning Committee, while Barrister Alexander Egbo will serve as the committee’s secretary. According to the government, the committee comprises individuals drawn from both the public and private sectors, particularly seasoned figures in the sports community and public service, to ensure a befitting farewell is accorded to the football legend.

Christian Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman,” made history as the captain of the Green Eagles squad that won Nigeria’s first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980. His death in early July 2025 drew tributes from across the globe, including from FIFA, CAF, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), former teammates, and countless admirers. The Enugu-born football icon is celebrated not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his mentorship and administrative roles in Nigerian football.

The Enugu State Government, in concert with the bereaved family, also unveiled a comprehensive weeklong funeral programme to celebrate Chukwu’s life and legacy. The activities will commence on Sunday, August 10, 2025, with a special memorial church service in Enugu and will culminate in a thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in his hometown, Obe, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Highlights of the funeral programme include a public lecture and colloquium in his honour, a novelty football match involving ex-internationals and Enugu Rangers legends, a lying-in-state ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, and a night of tributes. The actual burial will take place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, following a funeral mass at St. Vincent Catholic Church, Obe. These events are expected to attract prominent figures in Nigerian sports, politics, and religious circles.

The Enugu State Government called on all well-wishers, football lovers, and members of the public to participate in the activities, describing Chukwu as “a symbol of excellence, discipline, and unity.” Governor Peter Mbah, in an earlier condolence message, had described Christian Chukwu as a national treasure and promised to work with relevant stakeholders to give him a hero’s farewell. With the inauguration of the burial committee, preparations are now in full swing to honour the life and contributions of one of Enugu State’s most illustrious sons. GMTNewsng

● GMTNewsng Staff Reporter 

Enugu State’s rising para-athletics sensation, Ebuka Orji, delivered a spectacular performance on Saturday, May 24, 2025, as he stormed to a silver medal finish in the fiercely contested 100 metres para-athletics race at the ongoing National Sports Festival. In a race decided by a razor-thin photo-finish, Orji was narrowly edged out by the eventual gold medallist, a decision that lit up the stadium and kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Orji’s silver adds to Enugu State’s steadily growing medal haul, taking the silver count to seven as the contingent pushes harder in the race for gold. All eyes are now on Daniel Mbamalu, whose result in the javelin event is being anxiously awaited and expected to boost the team’s overall tally.

The medal hunt continues today, Sunday, May 25, as Emmanuel Ugonna and Destiny Agbo gear up to launch their final throws in the shot put para-athletics (male and female) events. Ebuka Orji, fresh from his 100m heroics, will also return to the track to battle for glory in the 400 metres para-athletics race.

Enugu State’s camp is brimming with confidence, especially with wrestling events still on the card. The state boasts strong contenders in the sport and is optimistic of securing at least five more medals across disciplines as the Games enter a crucial phase.

However, the journey has not been without its setbacks. A controversial “raza technicality” – a rule in para-athletics where the result favors lighter weight athletes if they are not beaten by a specific margin – denied Enugu a well-deserved gold in the men’s discus event. Emmanuel Ugonna, who threw a remarkable distance, outclassed his nearest rival by 9.3 metres. But in a surprising twist, the gold was awarded to the lighter category athlete, in line with competition rules.

Para-athletics coach, Chukwuemeka Okafor, clarified that under the raza rule, an athlete in a higher weight category must outthrow a lighter opponent by at least 13 metres to claim victory – a margin Ugonna fell just short of, despite his impressive performance.

“The raza technicality became our undoing in what should have been a gold-winning performance,” lamented Coach Okafor.

Despite this hurdle, Team Enugu is determined to bounce back. The squad remains hopeful and focused, showcasing resilience and talent that signal what to expect when Enugu State takes center stage as host of next year’s edition of the National Sports Festival.

With Orji’s silver medal sprint lighting the path, the coal city athletes are fired up to finish strong – and perhaps, rewrite their golden story. GMTNewsng