
Sports
Soccer: 2022/2023 S-E-S-N-M Enugu Unity Cup kicks off, Aninri humiliates Enugu North 5 -1

….ADC Gubernatorial Candidate, Pastor Ozoemena, speaks on 2023
The second edition of Save Enugu State Now Movement Unity Cup soccer tournament solely sponsored by His Pastor Donatus Obi Ozoemena, the 2023 African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, kicked off in grand-style last Saturday at Sansiro Onoli Stadium, Awgu.
The opening ceremony was a delight to watch as dignitaries from all walks of life graced the event.
The centre referee, Engineer Donatus, blew his whistle signalling the kick off of the game at 3.32 pm Nigeria local time.
Indeed, it was not a time to talk about title contenders yet as people were thrilled by mastery of the round leather game by the young jugglers from the two teams.
Instantly, fans knew that the two teams were different the ones they saw during the first edition of the tournament last year when first goal sorcerer opened the flood gate of goals through a canon shot outside the 18 yard box beating the diminutive goal keeper Abraham from Enugu North Local Government Area hands-down.

Enugu North LG Team
The first half was a ding dong affairs until a goal mouth scramble which saw a canon shot outside 18 yard box from Aninri striker, Chukwu Ebuka, that caught the Enugu North goal keeper napping. The opening goal electrified the stadium with jubilation from the fans. Bonaventure also from Aninri increased the tally at 34minutes to 2 when he headed the ball during goal mouth scramble over the diminitive goalkeeper, Abraham, who rushed out to catch the ball.
The second half saw both teams coming out from their shelves, roaring and bombarding each other flank thus epitomising their progress in the field of play.
Enugu North mesmerising yielded dividends when pressure forced defender of Aninri to hack down a striker which resulted in a penalty that was scored giving Enugu North a consolatory goal.
The Aninri boys after conceding the lone goal henceforth took upper hand in attack and defence as they controlled the game, and with their attitude and intensity, they over ran their opponents. The 3rd and 4th goals came in quick succession by Ụzọ Haaland and while the 5th goal scored by same Ụzọ Haaland which was put behind the net of Enugu North goal keeper at 91th minute by the man of the match, Ụzọ Haaland. It sealed the hope of Enugu North players.
The final scores were: Aninri 5, Enugu North 1.
The coaches of the two teams in their separate speeches, agreed that the tournament was a revolution sort-of in sports development in Coal City State which is being single-handedly powered by an individual.
Also speaking to newsmen shortly after the opening match, Rt.Hon; Okafor Onyeka Cyndia, Personal Assistant to the ADC Gubernatorial Candidate, His Excellency Pastor Obi, commended his boss for his magnanimity in sponsoring the tournament.
Rt. Hon Cyndia said the tournament was beyond winning or lossing, pointing out that it enables the players to showcase their talents to the world, citing an instance that one of the players, Ateze Emeka Fabiino, discovered in the last edition of the tournament is currently playing in Asia country while another one, Ozil, has been recruited by Enugu Rangers International football club to ply his trade.
The Aide to Pastor Obi also took time to talk on state politics, saying, “the people of Enugu State have no other choice than to elect a technocrat, eloquent scholar, erudite leader, incalculable altruist, His Excellency Pastor Donatus Obi Ozoemena as the next insurmountable Executive Governor Enugu state 2023”
His words:
“Enugu State ought to be one of the leading states in Nigeria, but due to atypical system of leadership (s) in Enugu State by the present and past leaders, Enugu State has become a paradox
“75% of Enugu state youths have been left to saunter in the streets, due to poor facility for jobs opportunities. It is the primary obligation of tier’s of government to make jobs available for her subjects, but the case of Enugu State State on job opportunities amongst others remains a dark
“If the system of leadership of Enugu state is good to go, the people of Enugu state wouldn’t have been searching for a change of leadership, which majority of Enugu State citizens and residents have been praying for a Messiah to come for their aid.
“With God being by the side of the majority of the oppressed Enugu State citizens, a Messiah came in the name of the African Democratic Congress ADC Gubernatorial flag bearer, His Excellency Pastor Donatus Obi Ozoemena, it is a thing of joy that the Messiah Enugu State citizens and residents prayed for came and it is going to be as planned by the majority of Enugu State citizens, in making sure His Excellency Pastor Donatus Obi Ozoemena becomes the executive Governor of Enugu state 2023”.
The Match Commissioners/ members of the organising committee for the on-going tournament include: Professor Ogbuoshi Victor Divine Chidozie, Hon Ajibo Sam Oluchi, Engr wisdom Tim Olufemi and Hon Nelson Onyema.
Others are: Comr Obinna Ejikeme, Amadu Nevo ObeyGod, Comr Victor Chidera Nwoobodo, Comr Egesi onyedikachi, Engr Michael Ugwu, Dr. Michael Eberechukwu Okeke, Comr Kingsley Okonkwo (Mc choice( Comr Emeruwa Anthony Kelechi, Comr Lotachi Nwafor, Comr Ositadinma Okorie, Comr Ikenna Ezema, Comr Ugwu Joel, Mr. Augustine, Rio frankizzy, Comr Sky Ikpechukwu, Hon Ugo Igwe Casmir, Prince Ozoemene Chinonso, Mr. Alfred Odo, Mr. Jude Eze Chibueze.
ENDS
Sports
BREAKING: Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick As Manager

Manchester United have reportedly sacked Michael Carrick following an internal review conducted by the club over the past 48 hours.
Carrick was informed of the decision on Thursday, November 12, 2026, bringing his spell in charge of the Premier League giants to an end.
The decision reportedly followed a series of internal discussions and an assessment of the club’s current situation, with the management deciding to part ways with the former Manchester United midfielder.
Carrick’s departure marks another managerial change at Old Trafford as the club looks to chart a new course and revive its fortunes.
The club is yet to officially announce his departure.
Sports
Toxic Politics: NFF Officials Block Peter Obi From Greeting Flamingos

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting members of the country’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, at an airport.
Obi claimed that the officials were afraid of losing their jobs if they allowed him to approach and welcome the players.
The former Anambra State governor made the allegation in a post on his X handle on Monday, expressing concern over what he described as the growing culture of toxic politics in Nigeria.
According to him, he arrived at the airport around 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu when he sighted the Flamingos, who had just returned to the country and were preparing to leave the airport.
Obi said he subsequently asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the players and congratulate them.
However, he alleged that the NFF officials turned down the request, insisting that he should not be allowed to interact with the team.
“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs,” Obi wrote.
He further claimed that the incident was not the first time he had been prevented from interacting with members of a Nigerian national team.
Recalling an incident on March 25, 2025, Obi said that when he travelled to Uyo for a World Cup qualifying match, the state governor warmly received him at the VIP stand.
He alleged that after the match, when other government officials went to greet the players, he was prevented from doing the same, with officials reportedly citing fears of losing their jobs.
Obi expressed concern that what he described as the culture of toxic politics had continued to worsen since 2025, adding that the situation appeared to deteriorate with each passing year.
He maintained that political differences should not be allowed to undermine national unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation.
“It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences,” he added.
The Flamingos arrived in Abuja on Monday following their 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
Sports
Brazilian Referee Issues 51 Red Cards After 40-Minute Football Brawl

A football referee in Brazil has reportedly issued 51 red cards following a mass brawl involving players and officials during a youth football match between Uberlandia and Mamore.
The incident occurred during a Minas Gerais Under-20 Second Division encounter on Sunday, with the confrontation reportedly lasting about 40 minutes before military police intervened.
According to Brazilian newspaper O Tempo, the violence erupted in the 54th minute after Mamore player Davi allegedly taunted the opposing team’s bench while celebrating his side’s third goal.
The situation reportedly escalated when Uberlandia’s goalkeeping coach, Paulo Sérgio Dias Dos Santos, ran onto the pitch to confront the player.
A video of the incident, which went viral on Thursday, showed the scale of the chaotic confrontation.
Chairs and stretchers were allegedly used as weapons during the melee, while the referee’s report claimed that ball boys representing Uberlandia also joined the violence, throwing punches and kicks.
The match official, Drosghic Modesto, further alleged that he received death threats and other threats of violence from different individuals following the incident. He subsequently filed a police report over the threats.
The match was suspended for 40 minutes before it was eventually abandoned.
The referee reportedly issued 51 red cards, comprising 43 players and eight members of the two teams’ technical crews.
According to Guinness World Records, the previous record for the highest number of red cards in a single football match was 36, recorded during an Argentine Primera D fixture in 2011.
The latest incident has drawn attention to the disturbing level of violence that can erupt during football matches.
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo Hangs Up Boots, Retires From International Football At 41

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 41, bringing an end to his 23-year career with the national team.
Ronaldo announced his decision on Thursday in a video shared on his official Instagram account, expressing gratitude to the Portuguese people for their support throughout his international career.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring 146 goals to become the country’s all-time leading scorer and the highest goalscorer in men’s international football.
In his retirement message, Ronaldo said it was time to hand over the iconic number seven jersey to the next generation of Portuguese players.
Sports
Super Falcons Receive $100,000 Each as Tinubu Fulfils Reward Pledge

Nigeria’s Super Falcons players have received the naira equivalent of $100,000 each, while members of the technical crew and officials received $50,000 each, following the fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s financial pledge to the team for winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The National Sports Commission (NSC) announced the payment in a statement on Monday, describing it as the completion of the financial component of the presidential reward package for the team’s record-extending 10th continental title.
The players had earlier received title documents for their three-bedroom apartments in Abuja, alongside certificates of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, commended President Tinubu for fulfilling his promise, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to recognising sporting excellence.
“The Super Falcons made Nigeria proud, and Mr President has honoured his commitment to them in full. This means a great deal to the team and to Nigerian sports,” Dikko said.
He expressed appreciation to the President for ensuring that the promised rewards were delivered within a short period.
The commission attributed the successful payment to collaboration between the NSC and the Ministries of Finance, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, and Housing and Urban Development.
Dikko noted that the fulfilment of the promise represented a departure from previous experiences in which Nigerian athletes had to wait several years before receiving rewards announced by the government.
He urged Nigerian athletes to draw encouragement from the development, assuring them that their sacrifices and achievements would be recognised.
The Super Falcons clinched their 10th WAFCON title in July 2025 after staging a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final in Rabat.
Tinubu announced the reward package during a presidential reception for the team on July 28, 2025, promising each player the naira equivalent of $100,000 and members of the technical crew $50,000 each.
He also promised the team three-bedroom apartments and national honours.
The development follows a similar reward arrangement for Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, whose players received the naira equivalent of $100,000 each in September 2026 after winning their fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket title in 2025.
Members of the basketball team’s technical crew and officials also received $50,000 each, alongside housing documents and OON certificates.
In December 2025, the Federal Government also presented housing title documents and national honours to members of the Super Eagles following their silver-medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
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