Sports
LOC Refuses To Declare Revenue
Nigeria’s Local Organising Committee for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup has refused to declare their revenues from the organisation of the tournament. Mike Itemuagbor, the LOC’s Chief Marketing Officer, pointedly refused to answer the question when it was posed to him at the LOC’s press conference in Lagos on Wednesday. “That is not what we are here to talk about,” he said in response to the question of what the LOC’s project revenues were prior to the tournament and what the actual inflows to date have been. For the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, FIFA set a revenue target of $3 billion, but as far back as November 2007, South Africa LOC (SALOC) CEO, Danny Jordaan, has already made it public that target had already been exceeded, with FIFA having signed contracts to the tune of $3.2 billion. Final figures are now expected to be in the region of around $3.4 to $4 billion, according to FIFA. This outstrips the $2.8 billion generated by the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. But Nigerian officials, despite signing deals with a host of local sponsors, have remained tight-lipped about generated revenues, with just one match day left to play.
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.”
-
Rivers5 days ago
NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria
-
News5 days agoResident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Nov 1
-
Oil & Energy5 days agoProffer Solutions To Energy Crisis, PTI Urges FG. Stakeholders
-
Business5 days agoCustoms Launches Digital Vehicle Verification System To Tackle Smuggling
-
Maritime5 days agoBoard Approves Disciplinary Actions Against 31 Immigration Officers
-
Oil & Energy5 days agoNMDPRA To Clamp Down On Illegal Oil And Gas Facilities
-
News5 days agoPerm Sec Bags Award Of Excellence
-
Oil & Energy5 days agoHysteria Clashes with Missing Oil Barrels