Sports
Eaglets Lost To Lucky Team – Jaja
Former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Board member, Dr Sam Sam Jaja, says Golden Eaglets of Nigeria were unlucky to have lost 0-1 to Switzerland in the final match of the FIFA Under -17 World Cup decided penultimate Sunday at the Abuja National Stadium.
Speaking with Tide sports Thursday, in a telephone chat, Jaja said the Eaglets did not lose to a better side, but to a lucky team, which was able to convert the only chance that came their way.
“Besides, soccer fans should not see the outcome of the final game between Eaglets and Switzerland as a taboo because one thing is certain in football, either you win, draw or lose at the end of every match.”
He continued that the Eaglets actually gave a good account of themselves as well as acquitted themselves creditably not withstanding that they lost gallantly in the final game.
“After all, not too many people gave the team the chance of getting to the final stage from the beginning of the championship,” he said.
On the general overview of the tournament, the immediate past president of Nigeria Referres Association (NRA), did not mince words to score the standard of the game above average, even as it was not as high as previous editions.
Reacting to calls on the elevation of Coach John Obuh to the Under-20 national team job, the football administrator stated that it is only NFF, which employed Coach Obuh that knows where to place him, having seen him perform well within six months he was drafted in to groom the Eaglets team.
“Truly, I do not think it will be too much of a reward if the NFF happens to promote him to handle the Under-20 team, but if they insist to allow him continue with the Eaglets, nothing is bad as well, rather it would make him consolidate on his experience and properly get mature to move to the next level.
On the Super Eagles qualification for 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the amiable Jaja commended the team, but he did not fail to attribute the victory to players’ determination rather than the technical input of any one.
“Truly, let the management of the Super Eagles team be well informed that qualifying for World Cup is not the ultimate but good representation is what matters”, he warned.
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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