Sports
Harry Berates Corporate Bodies Over Sports Sponsorship
The Rivers State Director of Sports, Sir Daobu Harry, has called on multinational companies in the state to step up and assist in promoting sports development in the state.
Sir Harry, who made the statement in an interview with Tidesports in Port Harcourt, noted that much have not been contributed by multi-national organisations to the upliftment of sports in the state and wondered if there was no budget set apart for sports development in their respective annual fiscal operations.
According to him, all efforts made to reach the companies to assist in sponsoring one competition or the other had proved abortive, as they (multinationals) seem not to be interested in sports promotion in the state.
“I can assure you that most sports competitions organised by individuals and that has been generating lots of questions on the involvement of the big companies who are making huge amount of money in the state,” he said.
He thus, reiterated the need for all and sundry to join hands to develop and promote sports, since the government alone should not be allowed to shoulder the whole responsibilities in the society.
Earlier, Sir Harry expressed shock over the sudden demise of the secretary of Rivers State Judo Association, Mr Michael Venom, who died recently in a motor accident while travelling with his judo team for a competition in Abuja.
He described the late Venom as a very dynamic and efficient young man whose dedication to duty was exemplary.
“Truly, the death of Mr Venom was great blow not only to the family but to the state, especially at this period of time that Rivers State is preparing to host the 17th National Sports Festival next year,” he remarked.
He prayed the Almighty God to give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
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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