Sports
Japan, Honduras, Brazil Arrive For U-17 W/Cup
Japan arrived Nigeria yesterday ahead of Saturday’s kick off of the FIFA Under-17, World Cup. The Gambia also arrived while Switzerland were also been expected to arrive the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos as at press time last night. Evelio Aleman was at the head of a 37-man Honduras delegation that arrived Abuja at 8p.m last night. In a chat with reporters he said that their trip was smooth. “We came here to win the cup. We will beat Nigeria, Argentina and Germany to top the group,” boasts the leader of the delegation.
Brazil, favourites for the trophy are also expected to hit Lagos today to begin their campaign to redeem their image dented with Ghana’s triumph at the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt at the weekend.
Ben Alozie, media manager of the Lagos sub-seat confirmed the arrival of the Japanese and said that Brazil were being expected to arrive Lagos last night.
Meanwhile, in the drive to ensure smooth traffic operations and sensitise Lagosians on what to expect on match days during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup kicks off in Lgos, the Transport, ceremony and protocol committee in conjunction with LASTMA and the security committee, will stage a trail traffic management exercise around Teslim Balogun stretching to Akerele, Adeniran Ogun Sanya Street, Bode Thomas Street and Funsho Williams Avenue from Barracks to Alaka.
The chairman of Transport, ceremony and protocol for the subseat, Kayode Opeifa disclosed that the exercise will afford concerned agencies of state to perfect strategies for traffic management of match days.
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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