The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Dike

  • Dike takes Poetry to OAU

    Dike takes Poetry to OAU

    Amidst recent ethnic strife and calls for dissolution of the country, ace Nigerian Performance Poet, Dike Chukwumerije, has called for unity in Nigeria

    Speaking ahead of his next “Made in Nigeria” performance poetry show slated to hold at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on July 29, 2017, Dike described the calls as unwarranted because the average Nigerian today is a product of shared experiences drawn from multiple sections of the country and the uniqueness of the character of the Nigerian is a result of his/her interactions with other Nigerians over time.

    “Call me what you will, but Nigeria is my mother,” Chukwumerije said.

    “She is responsible for it all. If I amaze you with this ability to constantly pull light out of darkness, to combat recession with a heady mixture of kokoma and gyration, to climb out of any pit you throw me into, and instantly become recognizable anywhere I go, it is also because of this, that I was shaped by her contradictions and forged in the fierce furnace of her womb, so that somewhere on my soul, burned into its very essence, is a stamp no adversity or hate-filled speech will ever erase… And it reads, simply: ‘MADE IN NIGERIA’.”

    He was quick to point out that these do not mean that there aren’t conflicts or misrepresentations but that these should always be seen for what they are – the exceptions and not the norm.

    “Remember that for every recording of two people talking xenophobia, there are hundreds of conversations, up and down the country, about tolerance that no one ever records and sends around on Whatsapp. This urge to inherit the fights of our ancestors is the greatest abdication of responsibility possible. For they lived their lives. Shall we not live ours?”

    The ‘Made in Nigeria’ Performance Poetry production is a 120-minute long linked series of poems telling of Nigeria history from amalgamation to the present day, projecting the uniqueness of the Nigerian experience, and conveyed through a mix of comedy, music, dance and drama. It has been performed before thousands from Abuja, Lagos, Enugu and Benin over the last 10 months.

  • Dike explains quitting Heartland

    Dike explains quitting Heartland

    Coach Alphonsus Dike has resigned his appointment as technical adviser at Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Heartland.

    The former Enugu Rangers coach tendered his resignation letter to the Owerri outfit management on Monday upon return from the NPFL matchday 27 clash 0-2 loss at newcomers, Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC in Lagos on Sunday.

    Dike cited internal wrangling and unhealthy politics among the entire fabric of the team as reasons for ditching the side.

    “Yes, I’m no more with Heartland, I left the side yesterday (Monday) on arrival from Lagos after the clash at MFM FC on Sunday.

    “I’m no more comfortable with the happenings in the team and have decided to discontinue with them.

    “The internal quarrelling in the team is quite unhealthy for a sane person to achieve result.

    “Everything right now at Heartland seems to be working against the team even in their worst moment in the history of the club.

    “Everybody seems to be quarrelling with every other person and the atmosphere has badly affected the psyche and psychology of the players as well as the coaches.

    “The things I mentioned to the management to implement to help the team in their trying period are not being done aside low morale as a result of delay in payment of the players’ salaries.

    “Management did not help matters, as key players that would have been of immense help to the team were allowed to go to other clubs without my approval or knowledge.

    “I came to contribute my own quota to the growth of the team but I’m being compelled to beat a quick withdrawal to keep my sanity.

    “Heartland is my team, I’m from the state, played and coached the team so the team is part and parcel of me but the situation there right now is quite demoralising.

    “I did not abandon the team in their toughest period I cannot just help it but wish them well in the on-going league season and future endeavours,” said the former Nasarawa United coach to supersport.com.

    The 2009 CAF Champions League finalists are just better than the bottom-placed side, Ikorodu United on the top-flight log on 29 points from 26 matches.

  • Dike: Heartland won’t be relegated

    Dike: Heartland won’t be relegated

    Heartland head coach, Alphonsus Dike has predicted a turnaround for the Naze Millionaires in their bid to escape relegation at the end of the season after their 1-0 home win over neighbours, Enyimba in a NPFL Match Day 26 tie played in Owerri on Saturday.

    The game was destined to end goalless at the Dan Anyiam Stadium before Heartland pulled the trigger through Bright Ejike who scored his first goal of the season from the penalty spot after Enyimba’s skipper, Chinedu Udoji upended the Naze Millionaires’ striker, Akpoveta Ojevwe in the 91st minute of the encounter.

    Speaking with SportingLife after the tension soaked encounter, Dike opined that he is more than sure that his boys would escape the relegation battle and that he is delighted that the newly acquired players are bonding with the other players at this crucial time of the season after losing some of his best legs during the mid season transfer.

    Dike praised Enyimba players for giving the crowd at the stadium something to cheer about with their impressive display but added that his boys never lost hope even after the match officials indicated the five minutes added time and was happy that their patience paid off.

    Heartland improved to 29 points on the log from 25 matches and will face MFM in Lagos this weekend.

  • Heartland’s Dike calls for fans support

    Heartland’s Dike calls for fans support

    Heartland FC head coach, Alphonsus Dike has called on fans of the Naze Millionaires to be patient and support the Owerri side at all-time despite their current position on the log.

    Dike in a brief chat with SportingLife said he was brought in on a rescue mission and that he would do everything within his powers to ensure that the club finish the season strongly.

    He rued the missed chances of last Sunday in their goalless draw at home to Wikki Tourists  but assured that Heartland will start the recovery mode with their away tie in Umuahia on Sunday against Abia Warriors in a NPFL Match Day 23 tie.

    Dike, a former Golden Eaglets coach also called on the state government and all lovers of the club to do everything possible to motivate the players and officials so that there won’t be distraction  before, during and after matches.

    Heartland are 18th on the log with 22 points from 21 matches.

  • Dike bemoans NPFL draw at Wolves

    Dike bemoans NPFL draw at Wolves

    Heartland head coach Alphonsus Dike is dumbfounded over his side’s 2-2 draw at Warri Wolves.

    Dike said he is yet to fathom an acceptable answer why his wards were unable to hold their ground with just 20 minutes left to end the clash.

    “As I speak with you I cannot understand how the boys squandered a comfortable 2-0 lead in less than 20 minutes to play in the match, I’m so sad as I was already celebrating a victory after we scored the second goal.

    “I cannot place the problem as today’s (Wednesday) carelessness has been behind the away losses so far in the ongoing top-flight. I thought we would have started to redeem the six points we lost at home to Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers.

    “At least we would have claimed this one to start looking for where to make up for the remaining points. I have given them right away an assignment to explain to me whether the 2-2 draw is the right result we deserved in the match. Well, I thank God we got a draw but I’m unhappy with the final result.

    “We will quickly head home to up preparations for the next clash against Wikki Tourists. We hope to win to commence the repair work and repositioning with the expected additions the team will bounce back to reckoning,” said the former Enugu Rangers and Nasarawa United coach to supersport.com.

  • Dike calls Sunshine tie tough

    Dike calls Sunshine tie tough

    Heartland head  coach, Alphonsus Dike has admitted that yesteray’s NPFL clash against Sunshine Stars of Akure was tough.

    The Naze Millionaires pipped the Owena Waves 1-0 in the game played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

    Ifeanyi Onuigbo’s 55th minute goal was enough to hand the Owerri-based side the whole three points at stake in the clash.

    Dike said though his side committed some careless mistakes at goal they were largely the better of the two sides on matchday.

    “It was truly a hard match from start to finish but we thank God for the hard fought victory at the end of the day.

    “The players performed hugely well compared with the previous games determinations were there to win the match despite stiff challenge from the visitors.

    “Though there were unpardonable mistakes at goal which we have to quickly correct before the next match they were the better side on matchday.

    “Of course, the victory against Sunshine Stars is a great morale boost heading into Wednesday’s rescheduled matchday 6 oriental clash at neighbours, Enyimba in Umuahia.

    “We are in high spirit right now looking forward to another five-star performance against champions, Enyimba,” said the former Enugu Rangers and Nasarawa United coach to supersport.com

    The hotly contested win against the Akure outfit has taken Heartland total earnings to 17 from possible 39 with a game at hand at neighbours, Enyimba.

  • Dike calls Sunshine tie tough

    Heartland head coach, Alphonsus Dike has admitted that yesteray’s NPFL clash against Sunshine Stars of Akure was tough.

    The Naze Millionaires pipped the Owena Waves 1-0 in the game played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

    Ifeanyi Onuigbo’s 55th minute goal was enough to hand the Owerri-based side the whole three points at stake in the clash.

    Dike said though his side committed some careless mistakes at goal they were largely the better of the two sides on matchday.

    “It was truly a hard match from start to finish but we thank God for the hard fought victory at the end of the day.

    “The players performed hugely well compared with the previous games determinations were there to win the match despite stiff challenge from the visitors.

    “Though there were unpardonable mistakes at goal which we have to quickly correct before the next match they were the better side on matchday.

    “Of course, the victory against Sunshine Stars is a great morale boost heading into Wednesday’s rescheduled matchday 6 oriental clash at neighbours, Enyimba in Umuahia.

    “We are in high spirit right now looking forward to another five-star performance against champions, Enyimba,” said the former Enugu Rangers and Nasarawa United coach to supersport.com

    The hotly contested win against the Akure outfit has taken Heartland total earnings to 17 from possible 39 with a game at hand at neighbours, Enyimba.

  • Dike happy with Heartland form

    Dike happy with Heartland form

    • Eyes top four finish  • Prays for Enyimba in champions league pursuit

    Heartland Coach Alphonsus Dike has expressed satisfaction with his boy’s current form and their impressive run in the 2-1 defeat of Rivers United Sunday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. The former Eaglets and Enyimba coach revealed his desire for a top four finish this season even as he urged the club’s fans to continue to offer maximum support.  “So far so good we had a good game against Rivers United and generally I think the boys are doing well. It is our hope to continue to do our best and hopefully make it to the top four that is certainly the desire of every team as the season progresses,” he said in a chat with SportingLife on Monday.

    Apparently eager to see the two-time champions league heroes win the title once more,  Dike who handled Enyimba in 2005/2006 season said the Aba landlords can make it all the way to the CAF Champions league finals following their 3-0 win over Tunisian club, Etoile du Sahel   at the Adokiyie Amiesimaka stadium on Sunday.

    “That was a good result for Enyimba and will certainly put them on a good standing for the return leg in Tunisia.  I believe the team can go all the way with total determination,” he submitted.

  • Dike hails Heartland’s players’ resilience

    Dike hails Heartland’s players’ resilience

    Heartland FC head coach, Alphonsus Dike has stated that the Naze Millionaires‘ commendable performances in recent matches showed that the team is taken shape and in good stead since he rejoined the club few weeks ago.

    The Owerri side have won three league matches with wins over Lobi Stars, MFM and Giwa FC and the club secured a place in the final of the 2016 Imo Federation Cup after beating Saso FC 2-0 in the semi-final match played on Wednesday.

    Dike, a former coach of the Golden Eaglets, told SportingLife that he is delight with the progress and effort made by his players and that he is looking forward to Sunday when he will lead out his boys in the final of the state Federation Cup final against Pilo FC.

    He said the performance exhibited by his players against Giwa FC and the way they got their goals against the Jos Elephant has given him hope that the club can contest for the league title and the Federation Cup competition.

  • Russian club’s form excites Bright Dike

    Russian club’s form excites Bright Dike

    Nigeria striker, Bright Dike has expressed his delight over the good form of his Russian Premier League side, Amkar Perm.

    Amkar Perm are unbeaten in their last two games, 3-1 win over  Dinamo Moscow in the Russian Cup and won a league game at Anzhi ,1-0.

    “Two wins in a row!! Up next Spartak Moscow!!,” Dike tweeted.

    The former Portland Timbers and FC Toronto striker was an unused substitute in both games. He scored three goals in pre-season games for Amkar Perm.