Silver News Ng., Nkwogwu Mbaise, Imo (2025)

18/12/2025

Abajah Unity Cup: Night Football Takes Centre Stage as Floodlights Pass Test
Organisers of the Abajah Unity Cup Competition have confirmed that night football will feature prominently in the 2025/2026 edition of the tournament following the successful testing of newly installed floodlights at the venue in Abajah, Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State.
The development marks a significant milestone for the community-based championship, often described by stakeholders as the kingdom of football in Imo State, and is expected to enhance both matchday experience and spectator turnout.
The 2025/2026 Abajah Unity Cup, powered by the Abajah All-Stars (AAS), will kick off on December 25, 2025, with the final scheduled for January 3, 2026. The competition is being coordinated under the leadership of the President of AAS, Mr. Anthony Ebgula, and the Secretary General, Mr. Cosmos Onuoha, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Hamburg Resort and Bar, Owerri.
Eight branches will compete for honours in this year’s edition. They are Owerri, Enugu, Home, Orlu, Lagos, South Africa, Aba and Abuja.
Fixtures released by the Unity Cup Committee indicate that defending champions, South Africa Branch, will open their title defence against the Enugu Branch in the first match of the tournament, slated for 4.00 p.m. on the opening day.
Chairman of the Unity Cup Committee, Mr. Onyema Kingsley (Atanda), a former Iwuanyanwu Nationale player and ex-international, said preparations have reached an advanced stage to ensure a hitch-free competition.
He disclosed that the Abajah All-Stars are in the final stages of constructing a mini-stadium for the tournament, adding that with the floodlights now fully operational, selected matches will be played under lights, with kick-offs scheduled for 6.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m.
Stakeholders believe the introduction of night football will further raise the profile of the Abajah Unity Cup and consolidate its growing reputation as one of the most vibrant grassroots football competitions in Imo State.

18/12/2025

Abajah Unity Cup: Night Football Takes Centre Stage as Floodlights Pass Test

By Silvernews

Organisers of the Abajah Unity Cup Competition have confirmed that night football will feature prominently in the 2025/2026 edition of the tournament following the successful testing of newly installed floodlights at the venue in Abajah, Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State.
The development marks a significant milestone for the community-based championship, often described by stakeholders as the kingdom of football in Imo State, and is expected to enhance both matchday experience and spectator turnout.
The 2025/2026 Abajah Unity Cup, powered by the Abajah All-Stars (AAS), will kick off on December 25, 2025, with the final scheduled for January 3, 2026. The competition is being coordinated under the leadership of the President of AAS, Mr. Anthony Ebgula, and the Secretary General, Mr. Cosmos Onuoha, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Hamburg Resort and Bar, Owerri.
Eight branches will compete for honours in this year’s edition. They are Owerri, Enugu, Home, Orlu, Lagos, South Africa, Aba and Abuja.
Fixtures released by the Unity Cup Committee indicate that defending champions, South Africa Branch, will open their title defence against the Enugu Branch in the first match of the tournament, slated for 4.00 p.m. on the opening day.
Chairman of the Unity Cup Committee, Mr. Onyema Kingsley (Atanda), a former Iwuanyanwu Nationale player and ex-international, said preparations have reached an advanced stage to ensure a hitch-free competition.
He disclosed that the Abajah All-Stars are in the final stages of constructing a mini-stadium for the tournament, adding that with the floodlights now fully operational, selected matches will be played under lights, with kick-offs scheduled for 6.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m.
Stakeholders believe the introduction of night football will further raise the profile of the Abajah Unity Cup and consolidate its growing reputation as one of the most vibrant grassroots football competitions in Imo State.

18/12/2025

Burkina Faso releases Nigerian aircraft, military personnel after Tuggar meeting
The Federal Government has confirmed the release of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and 11 military personnel earlier detained in Burkina Faso following a forced landing.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development on Wednesday night. Its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the aircraft and personnel had been released.
“Yes, they have been released,” Ebienfa said.
The confirmation followed a diplomatic engagement earlier on Wednesday, during which the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, met with Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou.
Details of the forced landing and the circumstances surrounding the detention were not immediately disclosed. However, the release is understood to be the outcome of diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government to resolve the matter amicably.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued further details on the condition of the personnel or the timeline for their return to Nigeria.

18/12/2025

Winners Emerge at EIZOG Juniors Tennis Classic Final

By Silvernews

The EIZOG Juniors Tennis Classic ended on Monday with exciting matches across all categories, bringing the curtain down on a highly competitive junior tennis championship.
Earlier, semifinal encounters and final group games had set the stage for the decisive matches. In the Gold Category, Otuka Ebube reached the final after defeating Uwaleke Ginika, while Otuka Praise overcame Uwaleke Amarachi in the second semifinal to set up an all-Otuka final.
In the final, Henry Nwosu emerged champion of the Gold Category after defeating Chimaobi. Nwosu won the first set before Chimaobi was forced to retire due to an abdominal strain, handing Nwosu the title.
The Silver Category also produced keen contests, as Otuka Adachukwu booked a place in the final with a victory over Benjamin Dirichukwu, while Ejike Emeka defeated Nwosu Ngozi in the other semifinal. Ejike Emeka eventually emerged champion in the category following an impressive performance in the final played on Monday.
In the Platinum Category, final group matches determined the semifinalists. Onuegbu Chinaemere topped Group A after defeating Otuka David, who finished second to also qualify. Group B was led by Lucky Favour, who defeated Ndem Samuel, with Samuel finishing second as both advanced. At the end of the tournament, Onuegbu Chinaemere clinched the Platinum title.
Final Winners
Gold Category: Henry Nwosu
Platinum Category: Onuegbu Chinaemere
Silver Category: Ejike Emeka
Bronze Category: Otuka Praise
The championship’s conclusion on Monday marked another successful edition of the EIZOG Juniors Tennis Classic, showcasing rising talents and reaffirming the event’s role in grassroots tennis development.

17/12/2025

Niger Delta Games: Abia, Imo gear up as Delta holds Summit for Coaches

State Liaison Committees for the Niger Delta Games in Abia and Imo States already began functioning before they were officially inaugurated on Tuesday even as Delta State organised a working session with the 17 sports that would be competed for at the second edition of the games in Benin, Edo State from February 20-27, 2026.

Harrison Ocholor, the Secretary of the Delta State Liaison Committee met with the Coaches on Tuesday and charged them to ensure that only the best athletes were selected to represent the state from a fair and competitive state trials.

Ocholor told the Coaches that the organizers of the Games, Dunamis Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has left no stone unturned in ensuring the process of selecting talents for the games followed the rules and regulations.

He enjoined them to study and make effective use of the technical booklet for the games which was issued to each Coach during the meeting.

In Abia State, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, the Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee inaugurated the State Liaison Committee and charged them to implement all schedules of the games from athletes registration to local government and state trials.

Represented by the Project Director, Fred Edoreh, the Dunamis Icon Limited boss emphasised the importance of abiding by the regulations set forth for the games and warned that "age cheat and failure to present the required number of athletes for each sport will lead to disqualification of any offending state".

The Abia State Commissioner of Sports, Hon Ananaba Nwaobilor, assured the organisers and sponsors of the Niger Delta Games that the state is in total agreement with the objectives, rules and regulations of the Niger Delta Games, and would go the extra mile to maintain, promote and defend them in all processes of the 2nd Niger Delta Games.

Nwaobilor spoke at the Aba Sports Club in Aba, and described the games as having added impetus to the state government's drive under Governor Alex Otti, to use sports as an instrument to emancipate talented youths in the state.

Nwaobilor who was represented at the ceremony by the State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, said "Abia State is an ardent believer in the objectives, rules and regulations of the Niger Delta Games. Our aim is to provide access to sports in all communities of Abia State, to discover and groom young talents and empower them unto successful careers in sports, and we thank the sponsors, the NDDC, and the Project Consultants led by Sir Malik Ikpokpo for initiating the Niger Delta Games".
The Abia State Liaison Committee for the 2nd Niger Delta Games is chaired by the Commissiomer of Sports, Hon Nwaobilor, with Hon Onyebuchi Chukwu as Secretary, and Comrade Obioma George, Director of Sports, and Kingsley Kanu, Abia State interim SWAN Chairman as members.

In Owerri, where the Imo State Liaison Committee was inaugurated at the office of the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Ikpokpo, the Atanaru of Irri Kingdom, also harped on the age limit for athletes and charged members of the committee to ensure massive mobilisation and timely registration of athletes on the Games’ official portal, stressing that only duly registered athletes would be cleared to participate. Ikpokpo was again, represented by Edoreh, the Project Director.

In his remarks, the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon Limited for initiating and sustaining the Games for two consecutive years, describing the championship as a credible platform for talent discovery and development in the region.
Hon. Onyeocha noted that the Niger Delta Games align perfectly with the sports development vision of the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, assuring that Imo State is fully prepared to participate and comply with all rules and regulations guiding the competition.

“It is the mandate of His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, for us to go to the grassroots to discover talents, and these Games have come to help us achieve exactly that,” Onyeocha said.

“On behalf of the committee, I assure you that we will insist on quality, thoroughness, discipline and total compliance.”

The Imo State Liaison Committee is chaired by Onyeocha, with Hon. Willie Okolieogwo serving as secretary. Other members include the Director of Sports, Lady Justina Akpulo, and Kennedy Onwunali.

17/12/2025

Winners Emerge at EIZOG Juniors Tennis Classic Final

By Silvernews

The EIZOG Juniors Tennis Classic ended on Sunday with thrilling matches across categories, as semifinal encounters and final group games set the tone for an exciting climax to the championship.
In the Gold Category, Otuka Ebube progressed to the final after defeating Uwaleke Ginika in the first semifinal, while Otuka Praise overcame Uwaleke Amarachi in the second semifinal to set up an all-Otuka showdown. The tournament later concluded with outstanding performances that crowned the eventual champions.
Action was equally intense in the Silver Category, where Otuka Adachukwu booked a place in the final with a win over Benjamin Dirichukwu, while Ejike Emeka defeated Nwosu Ngozi in the second semifinal. Ejike Emeka eventually emerged champion after a strong display in the final.
In the Platinum Category, the final group matches determined the semifinalists. Onuegbu Chinaemere topped Group A after defeating Otuka David, who also qualified in second place. In Group B, Lucky Favour finished top with a win over Ndem Samuel, with Samuel also advancing. At the end of the competition, Onuegbu Chinaemere claimed the Platinum title.
Final Winners
Gold Category: Nwosu Henry
Platinum Category: Onuegbu Chinaemere
Silver Category: Ejike Emeka
Bronze Category: Otuka Praise
The successful conclusion of the EIZOG Juniors Tennis Classic once again highlighted emerging young tennis talents and reinforced the tournament’s growing importance in junior tennis development.

17/12/2025

AVIATION SAFETY: POLICE CONFIRM INCIDENT INVOLVING CHARTERED AIRCRAFT AT SAM MBAKWE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, OWERRI

The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Command, Lagos, confirms an aviation incident involving a chartered aircraft at the Sam Mbakwe International Airport, Owerri, Imo State.

On Tuesday, 16th December 2025, at approximately 6:58 p.m., a chartered aircraft with call sign ASR, registration number 5N-SKR, and aircraft type Cessna 172 (C-172), en route from Kaduna to Owerri, experienced a crash landing at the threshold of Runway 17. The aircraft sustained varying degrees of damage.

There were four (4) crew members on board at the time of the occurrence. Upon receipt of the distress information, the airport police patrol units in collaboration with airport emergency response teams, were swiftly deployed to the scene. All occupants were successfully rescued. Two of the crew members were in stable condition, while the remaining two, who were initially unconscious, were immediately evacuated to the hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention.

Airport operations remained uninterrupted, as the situation was promptly brought under control. The affected area remains under close monitoring to ensure continued safety and security, while relevant aviation authorities have commenced the necessary technical assessments in line with standard operating procedures.

The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Olufunke Ogunbode, commends the professionalism and rapid coordination of all responding agencies and reassures the public of the Command’s unshaken commitment to aviation safety, public security, and effective emergency response across all airports.

ASP Mohammed Adeola
Police Public Relations Officer
Airport Command, Lagos

17th December, 2025

17/12/2025

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16/12/2025

Imo Inaugurates Liaison Committee as Preparations for 2nd Niger Delta Games Gather Momentum

By Kennedy Onwunali

Preparations for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games received a major boost on Tuesday as organisers of the championship inaugurated the Imo State Liaison Committee ahead of the event scheduled to hold next year in Edo State.
The inauguration took place at the office of the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, where the Managing Director of Dunamis Icon Limited and Project Consultant for the Games, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo–Atanaru of Irri Kingdom, formally set the committee in motion.
Sir Ikpokpo, who was represented at the ceremony by veteran sports journalist, Sir Fred Edoreh, announced that the 2026 Niger Delta Games would strictly be an under-20 competition. He charged members of the liaison committee to ensure massive mobilisation and timely registration of Imo athletes on the Games’ official portal, stressing that only duly registered athletes would be cleared to participate.
In his remarks, the Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon Limited for initiating and sustaining the Games for two consecutive years, describing the championship as a credible platform for talent discovery and development in the region.
Hon. Onyeocha noted that the Niger Delta Games align perfectly with the sports development vision of the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, assuring that Imo State is fully prepared to participate and comply with all rules and regulations guiding the competition.
“It is the mandate of His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, for us to go to the grassroots to discover talents, and these Games have come to help us achieve exactly that,” Onyeocha said. “On behalf of the committee, I assure you that we will insist on quality, thoroughness, discipline and total compliance.”
The Imo State Liaison Committee is chaired by Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, with Hon. Willie Okolieogwo serving as secretary. Other members include the Director of Sports, Lady Justina Akpulo, and Kennedy Onwunali.
The committee is charged with the responsibility of coordinating all pre-Games activities and handling logistics to ensure a hitch-free participation of Team Imo at the 2nd Niger Delta Games.

16/12/2025

Udezue Calls for Unity Amongst Nigerian Basketball Stakeholders

investors leave, sponsors disappear, and the game collapses under its own chaos.

He pointed the way forward.

“As stakeholders, we owe Nigerian basketball more than noise — we owe it assets such as arenas, academies and Operational excellence.

“This is why I have consistently championed sustainable private enterprise and equity participation in basketball. Ownership models that attract serious investors. Systems that allow value creation over time.

“I have seen it done properly — by firms like Webber Engineering, by professionals who understand that real development is not loud, it is competent. Even in organization, presentation, and graphics, excellence signals seriousness. That seriousness attracts sponsors. That attracts capital. Basketball does not grow where chaos lives.

“Sustainable basketball ecosystems are built on: Private capital and Long-term equity; Professional leagues and Serious infrastructure. They are not built by naming leagues after yourself. They are not built by creating teams as personal monuments. They are not built by short-term projects designed for applause or political positioning. That approach is not development. It is personal promotion disguised as reform — political banditry wearing a basketball jersey.

If your project cannot survive without your name on it, then it was never about the game.”

15/12/2025

Ngologolo Eziokwubundu U-21 Tournament Holds Dec. 27–28 in Ezinihitte Mbaise

By Silvernews

The 2025 edition of the Ngologolo Eziokwubundu Under-21 Football Tournament will kick off on December 27 and end on December 28 at St. Dominic’s Field, Umuelegwa, Onicha, in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
The grassroots competition, which is aimed at discovering and grooming young football talents, will feature four communities from Ezi East in Ezinihitte Mbaise. The organisers disclosed that the tournament is strictly for players under the age of 21 and participation is limited to indigenous youths of Ezi East.
Two matches will be played on the opening day, December 27, while the final match will take place on December 28 to crown the overall champion.
Attractive prize money has been earmarked for the competition, with the winners set to receive ₦700,000, while the runners-up will pocket ₦300,000. In addition, each participating team will receive ₦5,000 per player as participation support. Awards will also be presented to the Best Player and Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
The organisers further revealed that top football scouts and talent managers are expected to grace the event. Those expected include Prince Okwy, a Lagos-based super agent; former Super Eagles stars General Chikelu Iloanunsi, Kanu Nwankwo (Papilo) and Mobi Oparaku, alongside several sporting directors from European countries.
The Ngologolo Eziokwubundu Tournament is expected to provide a platform for young talents from the grassroots to showcase their abilities, while also promoting unity and sports development among communities in Ezi East, Ezinihitte Mbaise.

15/12/2025

Aboh Mbaise Chairman Barr Alaribe Flags Off Governor's Project at Afor Enyiogugu Market

• As Hon. Anokwu Pledges to Attract More Projects Benefiting His Constituents.

By: D**e Godspower

The executive chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA), Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, has officially flagged off the Governor's project at Afor Enyiogugu Market. This project is a ward constituency initiative successfully secured by Hon. Michael Anokwuru, the Councillor for Enyiogugu Ward.

Speaking at the formal flag-off ceremony, Vice Chairman High Chief Donatus Nnamdi Anyanwu, representing Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, thanked the Governor for ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every ward in Aboh Mbaise. He noted, 'This project is a deliberate and strategic step toward deepening democracy and ensuring that the government’s presence is widely felt by our people," the Vice Chairman stated.

During the traditional blessing of the kolanut, HRH Eze Justin Chukwuma Nwaneri, the Eziagu III of Ezigaragu Autonomous Community, expressed his deep appreciation and thanked the Executive Governor, Distinguished Sen. Hope Uzodinma, for graciously approving this vital project for Enyiogugu Ward. He commended the Executive Chairman, Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe, and the Vice Chairman for their people-oriented policies, praying that God continues to bless and guide their leadership.

The Councillor for Enyiogugu Ward, Hon. Michael Anokwuru, expressed his gratitude to the Executive Governor and reaffirmed his dedication to his constituents. He revealed that the project involves a 6-room lock-up shop, which will benefit the community upon completion.
He thanked Gov. Hope Uzodinma for listening to the needs of Enyiogugu residents and pledged to maintain effective representation and diligent oversight. Hon. Anokwuru reiterated his commitment to continue introducing motions and attracting projects that positively impact the lives of his ward.

"As your representative, I commit to overseeing every phase of this construction carefully to ensure the contractor delivers top-quality lock-up shops that will enhance commerce and serve our community well into the future," the Councillor stated.

The event was attended by several community stakeholders, including Okenze Julian Nwaogu, Nze Chika Iwuamadi (APC Party Chairman Enyiogugu Ward), Barrister Ofoegbulem Julius Mbilitem (FEWDU President Enyiogugu), Chief Victor Duru (Palace Secretary, Egbelu-Umuhu Autonomous Community), Arc. Chinaedu Iroegbulam (Project Manager, Dzignmax Consultant Services Limited), Mr. Charles Amah (SA to the Executive Chairman), and others.

Silver News Ng.

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