Sports
FIFA U-20 Final: Ayew Doubtful Against Brazil Today
The captain of Ghana’s Black Satellites Dede Ayew may be out of action for today’s Under 20 World Cup final against Brazil in Cairo.
The player picked up an ankle injury during Ghana’s semi-final against Hungary.
Coach Sellas Tetteh told the BBC he only had a “50/50” chance of making the final.
Striker Ransford Osei is ready to stand-in as skipper if Ayew is unavailable, according to Tetteh.
Ayew’s attacking flair has brought huge benefits for Ghana during this tournament, and Osei and his striking colleague Dominic Adiyiah will badly miss his service if he is out.
His passion for the team is obvious – he seemed furious about being substituted with 15 minutes to go in Ghana’s high octane 3-2 win in the semi.
Coach Tetteh says the team’s defensive frailties are “a serious headache” for him and the side as a whole.
But he claimed they would not be forced into a change of style.
“We tighten things up and make less mistakes,” he said.
“I am not saying that we will make a change, or change the formation.
“We need to bring some variations in our game. We shouldn’t be predictable. But we need to keep our shape and keep our balance.”
There has been huge concentration on the front pair of Osei and Adiyiah – who have scored 12 goals between them so far.
But Tetteh said the whole squad had worked towards their victories and would do so again in the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.
“Our game doesn’t rely on the strikers, we rely on the whole team and Brazil have to worry about our whole team.”
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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