Sports
Rivers United, Enyimba, Others Secure Naija Super 8 Finals Tickets
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The current winner of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Enyimba International of Aba, has joined others to clinch the tickets for the Naija Super 8 Finals.
Enyimba edged Heartland 1-0 in a cagy Oriental Derby on Sunday after opening the scoring in the 25th minute through Murphy Ndukwe.
The People’s Elephant had a chance to double their lead in the 39th minute but fluffed their lines from close range. Heartland pushed for the equaliser and drew another fine save from Enyimba goalkeeper, Olorunkeke Ojo in the 43rd minute.
Earlier in the day, Yobe Stars dominated the opening stanza of the Northeast derby with their crisp passing. The Desert Stars drew a brilliant save from Gombe United goalkeeper with a long-range freekick in the 21st minute and hit the bar nine minutes later.
Gombe United were uncoordinated, especially in the final third and were duly punished on 40 minutes by Tony Elaigwu, whose close- control allowed him to elude his marker before poking the ball into the net. The Desert Stars kept the momentum and were rewarded with another goal by Shuaibu Adamu in the 45th minute.
Gombe United began the second half on the front foot and were rewarded for their effort when Ogunjimi Samuel converted a free header from close range in the 54th minute. The NPFL side pushed desperately for the equaliser, but their task became more difficult after Sadiq Shuaibu was sent off in the 82nd minute. The ten men almost snatched a late equaliser but were denied by a goal-line clearance.
In another game, the Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Katsina United, and an NPFL side, Rivers United have clinched the last two slots in the Naija Super 8 finals after securing victories in their zonal play-off matches on Sunday.
Katsina United defeated Kano Pillars 1-0 in the battle for the North-West ticket, while Rivers United beat Bendel Insurance 3-2 to nick the ticket for the South-South geo-political zone at the Eket Township Stadium on Sunday.
United and Pillars fought a long-drawn battle until Samson Souley beat a poorly set offside trap and kept his composure to find the net. In the goalless first half, Pillars fashioned the first chance in the ninth minute, United’s Kolimba Alladoom stood up to Pillars’ Kokoette Udoh.
United responded shortly after when at 17 minutes, Yahaya Nazifi produced a decent half-volley that drew a brilliant save from Joshua Enaholo in Pillars’ goal. A veteran midfielder, Rabiu Ali, hit a long-range freekick in the 27th minute, which Enaholo well handled.
Ten minutes later, Ali drew another save from the goalkeeper with a rocket shot from 35 metres. United continued to look the more dangerous side at the break as well as in the second half, which saw them fashion the first big chance of the match in the 63rd minute, but Souley somehow missed an open goal from six yards.
Four minutes later, Emmanuel Junior hit the upright with a long-range shot as United mounted the pressure, which eventually yielded a dividend in the 84th minute to break Pillars.
In the following five-goal thriller, the 2022 NPFL champions took the lead against the 2023 FA Cup winners in the 10th minute through Albert Korvah. Monghara Dede drew Insurance level from the penalty spot in the 45th minute.
Korvah restored Rivers United’s lead early in the second half, tapping home from close range in the 50th minute after a smooth passing move cut the Bendel Insurance defence open. Rivers United had good opportunities to extend their lead in the 56th and 61st minutes but failed to make them count.
Ten minutes later, substitute, Okon Ini-Obong restored parity with a sumptuous volley from the edge of the box. Just as the match looked set for penalties, Rivers United were gifted a late penalty in the 90th minute after a clumsy challenge in the box by Daniel Ogungbe. Morice Chukwu converted the penalty to seal the victory.
The six zonal champions, Katsina United, Lobi Stars, Enyimba, Remo Stars, Yobe Desert Stars and Rivers United, will be joined by two wildcard teams to be picked by the tournament organisers.
Draws for the Naija Super 8 finals will be held on June 29, live on SuperSport, while the tournament will be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from July 7-16.
Flykite Productions organise Naija Super 8 in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance.
Sports
When Weather Hijacks Betting Odds
Weather conditions such as rain, wind, snow, or extreme heat could have an impact on the nature of both teams’ style of play, the way that goals might happen, and the way they are priced by bookmakers like 1xbet. Therefore, in recent years, the weather has been seen as one of the quickest, non-visible influences on wagering and gambling.
In the final hours leading up to a game, many individuals who wager money will either check the weather or look to confirm it has been altered before they access the relevant sites to wager on the game. The result is often that there has been a change in price immediately after the event has been confirmed. There is no requirement for a weather press conference to take place, as weather conditions will dictate when to make price adjustments.
Mobile alerts make weather-driven moves faster
Modern weather surprises spread instantly in modern betting with radar images on social media; waves of bets have begun flooding in before even national broadcasters are reporting current weather conditions. The overwhelming influence of weather bets is multiplied by players being able to place their wagers using mobile devices, as they are able to follow thick and thin markets by paying close attention to their mobile betting devices via 1xbet apk, to be ready and able to react immediately when weather-related news breaks. When rain starts to come down heavily or winds start to pick up, bettors adjust their expectations and place bets on things like totals, corners, and/or cards, respectively.
The fact that bets can be processed and accepted instantly when betting with mobile devices provides tremendous value and importance to how pre-match odds can be pushed up and down quickly, even though the movements in pre-match odds may have been created with only a small portion of the total stake being made by the total number of bettors.
Why wind and rain hit the goal markets first
Players from getting enough distance on long balls, which can cause problems with crossing the ball. Heavy rainfall can affect pass accuracy and create unexpected deflections due to players slipping or losing their footing. High temperatures can affect the pace of play and increase fatigue.
Bookmakers commonly will alter goal-related markets first when weather has a significant impact on shot quality and chance conversion. If the pitch is heavy, teams may be able to create attacking chances but not be able to finish them. Strong winds can disrupt how set pieces are taken, which makes them unpredictable.
Typical types of weather effects that drive odds adjustments include:
- strong wind reducing the accuracy of crosses and long shots;
- heavy rain reducing pace of play and increases slips, getting muddy pass accuracy and less cleanly taken.
- waterlogged playing surface, creating difficult passing;
- very high temperatures causing slower second halfs;
- and cold weather reduces stamina and touch.
These elements affect total point spread lines and sometimes also point spread lines in instances where either team is using more of a certain style of play.
How odds shifts look when the forecast changes
Weather-based movement often follows a recognizable sequence: forecast update, market pause, then adjustment. It can happen in minutes.
| Weather shift before kickoff | What bettors expect | Where odds usually move |
| Wind picks up sharply | Fewer clean chances | Under goals shortens |
| Heavy rain starts | Slower play, more mistakes | Totals and corners adjust |
| Heat wave confirmed | Lower tempo late | Second-half totals drift |
| Sudden storm warning | Match may stop or delay | Markets suspend briefly |
| Pitch declared heavy | Physical game, fewer patterns | Cards and unders tighten |
The public reacts late, the market reacts early
Oddsmakers adjust the line in their favor before the average bettor has even thought to make a wager on a particular matchup. Many recreational players are betting based on team name and recency—weather is an afterthought, if that at all.
Trained bettors will typically make their move much earlier in the process by being tuned into the weather forecast and any stadium information. Once they get their money in early, the oddsmakers adjust the odds and the recreational players will wager at a different price.
That’s why the weather has such a huge ability to create a “pre-match surprise”; it can quickly change assumptions and betting markets are based on assumptions.
Smart ways to handle weather-driven chaos
The weather offers chance and also risk. Quick checklists come in handy when making smart choices:
- Check the current market movement before betting on a new weather event.
- Don’t accept forecast headlines generally; look back for context.
- Assess style of play: crossing the touchline, tempo, and physical size.
- Don’t rely solely on morning weather updates; check late changes to match timing as well.
- Be cautious when betting on the live market after the weather created chaos.
The forecast does not match, but the forecast could create a change to the match, which can createa change to the odds.
Weather is not background noise anymore
Today’s weather plays a major factor in today’s gaming and gambling markets. Weather conditions can completely alter game pace and a gambler’s approach to betting. Many times, sportsbooks have to adjust pricing for an entire section of the board at the last minute due to these changing weather patterns.
The important piece is understanding the reasons behind odds movement in order to take advantage of them rather than just noticing they have moved. As weather conditions change at the end of a sporting event, the betting market is reacting to uncertainty, and when uncertainty increases, the odds do not typically remain as displayed on the betting screens.
Sports
Golf Training, Tournament Hold March 8 in Warri North
By Henry Ovie
A one-day golf training and tournament specifically for girls has been fixed for Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Koko, in the Warri North of Delta State.
A statement from the organisers of the event, Canaan Land Golf Training and Tournament, disclosed that about 50 girls would be accommodated.
Tagged The Biggest Giving Day of the Year, the programme, according to the chief executive of Akogate Group, Mr Felix Aganbi, will entrench the attitude of excellence and develop young, highly quality golfers in terms of their golf quality and personal character.
He urged parents in Nigeria and abroad to allow their daughters to attend the event, saying it will build their confidence.
“The golf training and tournament will introduce girls to golf in a social and engaging environment. It will also help them build confidence, learn vital skills, and connect with others in a friendly community,” he was quoted as saying in the statement on Thursday.
The programme, which will take place at the Canaanland Golf and Country Club, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women as well as raises awareness for accelerated gender parity
“Open to girls in years 8-16, the training and tournament provide high-quality coaching to assist the girl child in pursuing excellence in the sport of golf,” Mr Aganbi noted, listing technical skill development, comprehensive fitness and mental conditioning as key features of the training.
“The girls will learn the basics of golf grip, stance, posture alignment, golf rules and etiquette. They will also be taken for an 18-hole playing lesson.
“The training and tournament will broaden opportunities for girls in Nigeria to realise their potential through education.
“Canaanland Country Club shall continue to encourage the education of females, improve the economic position of women and enhance their participation in matters relating to both the family and the society.
“It is also to join hands with the government in making our state a better place to live, campaign for the dismantling of systemic barriers and push for the power of reciprocity and abundant giving,” he disclosed.
Driven by Sir Alfred and Mrs Warami Temile, Mr Aganbi said the “club would continue to provide necessary assistance for the general development of people, especially those who live in the rural areas.”
In a related development, Mr Aganbi said the Oluremi Tinubu Golf Classic would take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Canaanland Golf and Country Club, Koko.
“The tournament will attract international talent, create opportunities for emerging players and motivate the next generation to see what is possible in the women’s game,” he stated, adding that over 75 women are expected to participate.
The event is another important step in strengthening the women’s game in Nigeria, delivering significant benefits to the Niger Delta, drawing women, officials and fans to Warri North and boosting tourism and hospitality industries in Delta State.
Sports
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Top 10 Finishers Share N10m from Aquafina
Aquafina took centre stage at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on 14 February 2026, rewarding the first ten groups to complete the 10-kilometre race with N1 million each. The initiative highlights the brand’s continued investment in fitness, wellness, and the spirit of collective achievement within Nigeria’s growing running community.
Under its campaign theme, “Run am with your Padi of Life,” Aquafina encouraged runners to participate alongside friends, teammates, and running crews, celebrating the role of support systems in pushing limits and sustaining performance.
Throughout the race, Aquafina ensured strong on-course visibility while providing hydration support to help participants maintain energy levels. Its on-ground activations added excitement for both runners and spectators, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
By rewarding groups rather than individual runners, Aquafina spotlighted the value of shared goals and mutual accountability. The N1 million prize elevated the competitive energy of the 10km race while reinforcing the importance of collaboration within Nigeria’s evolving fitness culture.
Widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most prestigious road races, the marathon once again attracted elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Within this high-energy environment, Aquafina positioned itself as a trusted hydration partner supporting endurance and peak performance.
Speaking after the race, Funso Elubeku, Assistant General Manager at Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), said:
“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon represents resilience, discipline, and the power of community. Through Aquafina, we ensured participants remained hydrated while celebrating the teamwork and support that helped runners push beyond their limits. Rewarding the first ten finishers underscores our commitment to recognising dedication, performance, and personal achievement.”
Aquafina’s presence at the marathon underscores its broader mission to promote active lifestyles and support platforms that inspire healthier living, strengthening its connection with Nigeria’s fitness community through meaningful engagement.
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