Sports
Odili Calls For Equall Attention To All Sports In Rivers
A former president of Port Harcourt Club, Barrister Henry Odili has appealed to the Rivers State government to give equal attention to all sports in the state.
Barrister Odili, who made the call while fielding questions from sports journalists at the just-concluded 25th edition of October Open National Single and Doubles Darts Championship at the club said that by so doing, more talents would be discovered for the forthcoming National Sports Festival, due to be held in the state next year.
He said that it was unfortunate that during, the four-day tournament, no government, especially, Sports ministry’s presence was felt financially and otherwise. According to him, members of the club and the section had to single-handedly sponsor the tournament in order to promote the game and the state in general.
Odili said that, they decided to finance the game with the determination to do a good job, and it was confirmed as the best organised national Darts tournament, with over 100 participants from all the states of the federation.
Barrister Odili, who was the chairman of the local organising committee of the tournament hinted that, although Darts is relatively new in the state and was revived recently at the Port Harcourt Club the games were exciting.
He promised that they would do better next year as they have learnt a lot and discovered talents that if groomed, could represent the state in national tournaments.
He gave kudos to all the players for their performance.
Winners of the 2009 Federation Cup with 701 points include Makoshi Ayuba from Katsina State, who took the first position, followed by Bassey Omokpagha from Red Lion Dart Club and Soloki Awobotu from Abeokuta Dart Club.
Collins Barasimeye
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”
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