Sports
Eaglets Pipes New Zealand …Pick Q/Final Ticket
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets yesterday at the National Stadium, Abuja secured a quarter final ticket at the on-going Under -17 World Cup after they white –washed New Zealand by 5-0.
Edafe Edgbedi’s 14th minute goal gave the Eaglets the lead after the attacker sold a dummy to the New Zealand defence before taking a sliced left foot shot to the keepers extreme right.
The assured underdogs raised their game and mounted pressure seeking an equalizer, but they could not , as the Eaglets snatched the game off them and piled more pressure, resulting in a 24th minute goal scored by Stanley Okoro, before Edgbedi scored his brace in the 28th minute to go in the break three goals up.
On resumption in the second half, the Eaglets became more aggressive and played a more purposeful football.
They maintained their dominance of the beginning of the second stanza, following which substitute Sani Emmanuel scored his own brace in the 75th and 79th minute.
All through the game, the Europeans fought like wounded lions to at least have a consolation goal, but to no avail.
The fact that they were one man down from the 35th minute did not help matters either.
The centre referee had given a straight red card to Cameron Lindsay for attacking Okoro from behind.
By the end of the game, the Eaglets shone like a million stars contrary to pre-match insinuation that given their inability to find the net during the group stage, New Zealand could be a stumbling block to the team retaining the title they won two years ago in South Korea.
With this outstanding win, Nigerians seem unanimous that perhaps the Eaglets may be the first team to retain the trophy back –to-back since its inception in 1985 which the Eaglets won.
Tonye Orabere
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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