Sports
NFF Meet Over Women’s Football
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has commended the efforts of some State governors and owners of women football clubs in the country for their commitment in sponsoring the various clubs participating in the Women Professional League and Challenge Cup competitions.
NFF President, Sani Lulu Abdullahi made the commendation at a meeting the football governing body convened with chairmen of Women Professional Clubs in Abuja during the week.
He told the women football stakeholders that the Executive Committee of the NFF appreciates the roles of Clubs Chairmen for ensuring that the clubs are funded, despite several odds, thereby putting smiles on the faces of young girls and coaches who have committed to the game.
Alhaji Lulu Abdullahi explained that the NFF on its part is making frantic efforts to see that corporate bodies and organisations come into women’s football sponsorship, and urged the chairmen and other stakeholders to be steadfast in ensuring the successful completion of the coming League season.
NFF Board member and Chairperson of the Women League Committee, Princess Bola Jegede also tabled the desire of the stakeholders to participate in continental championship.
The meeting welcomed the idea, saying that it will expose the players. The meeting resolved to concentrate on achieving set targets such as consistency in the management and operations of their clubs, before focusing on continental challenges.
Another thorny issue which the women football administrator addressed was whether or not the league should be abridged or straight.
After exhaustive debates, they endorsed the decision of the last NFF Congress in Lokoja, Kogi State which favoured the abridged league.
The meeting attracted all the chairmen of Women Professional Clubs (except Bayelsa Queens) and members of the NFF Women Committee, as well as the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Youths and Sport, John Harry.
Women Football Clubs represented at the meeting include Nasarawa Amazons, Pelican Stars, Ibom Angels, Adamawa Queens, Inneh Queens, Kogi Confluence, Makwada Queens, FCT Queens, Pellican Stars Feeders, Ucon Babes, Delta Queens, Tokas Queens, Nito Queens, Oyinlola Queens, Rivers Angels, FC Robo, Tewo Babes, Oguche Babes and Police Machine.
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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