IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Heartland Queens FC of Owerri produced a scintillating performance to dismantle Onimarg FC of Ondo 5-0 in a one-sided Round of 16 clash at the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, securing a comfortable passage into the quarterfinals of the 2025 President Federation Cup.

From the opening whistle, the Owerri Landladies signaled their intent with relentless attacking play, pinning the youthful Onimarg side deep in their own half. Despite a spirited early resistance from the Ondo-based club, the breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Emmanuella James latched onto a clever assist from Umejiaku Oluebube and clinically slotted past the goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

Barely two minutes later, team captain Chimebere Opara doubled the advantage with a composed finish, leaving the Onimarg defence in disarray. The pressure continued to mount, and Heartland’s third came in unfortunate fashion for Onimarg as a mix-up between goalkeeper and defender Olaiye Gbemisola led to an own goal, thanks to relentless pressing from Umejiaku.

The Owerri side showed no signs of letting up, and in the 33rd minute, Emmanuella James bagged her brace with a towering header off a pinpoint cross from Kelechi Orgii, making it 4-0 before the halftime whistle.

Heartland Queens adopted a more conservative approach after the break, content with their commanding lead, but substitute Chiwendu Orji added gloss to the scoreline with a well-taken goal in the 84th minute, capping off a dominant display.

The emphatic victory sees Heartland Queens march into the last eight of the competition, awaiting results from other centres to determine their next opponents.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Obi Ogbala expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance:

 “We came here with only one objective in mind, which is to win so we can advance to the quarterfinals, and we have done that. I want to appreciate His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State, for his love and continuous support to the team. This victory is another way of the girls saying thank you to His Excellency.”

With their attacking prowess and defensive solidity on full display, Heartland Queens have sent a strong message to other title contenders as they continue their hunt for Federation Cup glory.

The Coal City is gearing up for a landmark moment in its sporting history as the first-ever Enugu City International Marathon, certified by World Athletics, takes off this Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. The international race, which will now be held annually, was officially unveiled during a high-profile world press conference on Friday.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu Jr, confirmed the state’s commitment to making the marathon a recurring event, citing its economic potential and community impact. “The Governor, His Excellency Peter Mbah, has approved the Enugu City International Marathon as an annual event,” Ekweremadu announced. “We believe this race will not only promote health and fitness but also significantly boost our local economy.”

He further explained the rationale behind choosing a marathon over other sports:

“Marathons engage a large number of athletes at once and provide a platform to involve our youth actively in meaningful sporting activities.”

Also speaking at the event was Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Company, the consulting firm organizing the race. She praised the Enugu State Government for its strategic investments in sports infrastructure and development.

“Governor Peter Mbah has laid out a clear roadmap for sports development,” she said. “His administration is positioning Enugu to become a sports powerhouse in Nigeria.”

The press conference attracted some of the biggest names in Nigerian sports, underlining the growing prestige of the event. Among the dignitaries in attendance were:

Chief Solomon Ogba, Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee

Tony Okowa, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)

Yusuf Ali, Technical Director of the race and former Nigerian track star

Nollywood legend Nkem Owoh

Officials from World Athletics and Nilayo Sports Management

The Enugu City International Marathon will feature over 3,000 runners from within Nigeria and abroad, competing in both the 42km full marathon and the 10km race.

In a show of leadership by example, Governor Peter Mbah will join participants in the 10km race, running alongside thousands through the streets of Enugu.

The countdown is on, and excitement is building as Enugu prepares to host what promises to be a defining moment in Nigerian and African road racing history. 

Ogun State is counting down the final two weeks to what is being described as Nigeria’s biggest and most ambitious National Sports Festival yet. Nearly 20 years after the unforgettable 2006 Gateway Games, the state is once again poised to host the nation in a grand celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and talent. With the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival just around the corner, preparations have reached fever pitch.

From May 16 to 31, more than 12,000 athletes from across Nigeria will converge on the Gateway State to compete in over 32 sports disciplines, rekindling the spirit of national pride that has long been the hallmark of this event. At the helm of this year’s festival is Hon. Bukola Olopade, who played a pivotal role in the 2006 edition and now returns with even greater influence serving as both Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee and Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Also leading the charge is Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, whose leadership has been credited with injecting fresh energy and strategic direction into the festival’s planning. His drive to mobilize stakeholders, align sectors, and push performance standards is helping to set the tone for a landmark edition.

State-of-the-Art Venues Set the Stage

Central to the action is the upgraded MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, now boasting brand-new tartan tracks, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and modernized handball and tennis courts. Other key venues include the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja completely revamped to host martial arts, squash, volleyball, and more and the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.

Babcock University, playing host as a dynamic athletes’ village, will offer accommodation, medical facilities, and catering to thousands of participants.

Organizers say logistics and finishing touches are in their final stages, and all signs point to a world-class sporting experience.

A Festival to Remember

Beyond the games, Gateway Games 2024 is being positioned as a cultural and unifying experience one that celebrates Nigeria’s enduring sports legacy and sets a new benchmark for future festivals.

As the clock ticks down, Ogun State is ready. The athletes are ready. And Nigeria is watching. 

Deputy Speaker lauds President Tinubu for establishing South East Development Commission, says Igbo will reward him at the polls.

 Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win more than 70 percent of the votes from the South East in the 2027 general election. Speaking during a grand reception in his honour at Ntalakwu, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Kalu attributed this projection to President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the region, particularly through the recent establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

“The people of the South East will not forget this gesture,” Kalu said. “No President has fulfilled the post-civil war promise of reconstruction and reintegration like President Tinubu has done with the SEDC.” The event, hosted by the Atuma Grace Movement led by former federal lawmaker Chief Emeka Atuma, also saw Kalu conferred with the chieftaincy title “Dike Eji Aga Mba,” meaning “The People’s Warrior,” by King Larry of Ntalakwu ancient kingdom.

Kalu used the occasion to welcome several high-profile defectors from the Labour Party (LP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Retired Major Akubundu Awa, former Abia State House Majority Leader Chief Wisdom Ogbonna, and former Oboro PG Chief Kingsley Uwa. “President Tinubu signed the SEDC bill into law and backed it with funding, despite skepticism,” Kalu noted. “He loves Ndi Igbo, and we remember those who love us.”

Kalu also addressed growing concerns over alleged attempts by Abia State authorities to limit traditional rulers' involvement in federal engagements. He criticized any restrictions preventing local monarchs from interacting with federal officials. “It is wrong for traditional rulers to be barred from receiving representatives of the federal government,” Kalu stated. “Now is the time for governance, not division. Let Abia be free.”

In his welcome address, Chief Atuma reaffirmed APC’s growing strength in Abia, declaring Kalu as the party’s leading figure in the state. “This is your day,” Atuma told Kalu. “You are the pinnacle of APC leadership in Abia, and we are with you on this journey to greater heights.” The event reflected renewed political momentum for the APC in the South East, with growing support consolidating ahead of the 2027 elections. 

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has issued summonses to the Governors of Benue and Zamfara States, along with the leadership of their respective Houses of Assembly, to appear before the committee on Thursday, May 8. 

The move follows a formal petition by civil rights group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, calling on the federal legislature to take over the legislative functions of the two state assemblies.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Mike Etaba, who personally signed the summons, said the invited parties are already acquainted with the issues at hand and emphasized the committee's commitment to upholding constitutional order. “Ours is to ensure that the rule of law is upheld at all times. 

The parties have a wonderful opportunity to state their cases clearly so that Nigerians can know what is going on. Anarchy would never be given any space in our polity,” Etaba stated.

The development signals heightened concerns at the federal level over alleged dysfunction in the legislative arms of both state governments. 

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has dissociated itself from coalition talks. There have been talks by major opposition parties to form a strong coalition that will defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.

While Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been holding talks with some opposition figures, Abure distanced his party from such a plan. Briefing journalists after the party’s NEC meeting in Abuja, Abure noted that LP under his leadership would not surrender its leadership under any guise. “NEC declared that the Party is not and will not be part of any coalition towards the 2027 General Election. The party will rather continue to rebuild, reposition, re-strategise, reconcile, strengthen, drive its programs and policies, win more members towards winning the 2027 General Elections,” a communiqué issued by the party read in part.

“NEC expressed its commitment to continue to seek peace and reconciliation within the ranks of the Party and again extends an olive branch to all aggrieved members of the party to sheath their swords in the overall interest of the Party and our dear Nation. “NEC reiterated its belief in the Nation’s Democracy and the party’s commitment to its growth and deepening as the only means to national development,” it added.

Abure set up a disciplinary committee to investigate complaints of anti-party activities against the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and other purported errant members.