Sports
Sack Director, Sports Council Staff Tell Rivers Gov
Staff of the Rivers State Sports Council, yesterday, protested and called for the immediate sack of their director, Hon. Daobu Harvest Harry. The workers, under the aegis of the Amalgamated Union of Public Trainee Recreation Employees (AUPTRE), carried for the removal in office of the director from office, locking the Director’s Administrative office in the process. The protest, which was carried out indoors in the main hall of the Afred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, pasted placards on the walls of the hall, containing such statements as “Dr H. Harry, your plans to destroy lives have been exposed,” and “Governor (Rotimi) Amaechi, Save Our South, Harry Must Go.” The chairman of AUPTRE, Mr Daniel Gogo told Tidesports that there is the need for a change in the council, saying that there are proofs for the allegations against the director. Some of Hon. Harries alleged misdemeanor are the lack of management/worker relationship with council, and indiscriminate reduction of allowances during festivals and other sporting activities. “In Abuja 2004,” Gogo explained, N5,000 was deducted from the allowances of officials to cater for central feeding, even when government had made provision for it. “at Gateway 2006 and KADA 2009, N7,500 was also deducted from each official’s allowance,” he continued. It is also alleged that the Director not only short-paid officials/athletes at KADA 2009, but also included ghost names in the council’s award list and salary payment vouchers. Meanwhile, the AUPTRE chairman said, the protest will continue today after the scheduled promotion interview of staff. He stated that but for the body’s inability to secure police permit and the intervention of the ministry of sports, the protest would have been extended to Government House. When Tideports called Hon. Harry on telephone over the matter, he declined to say anything pending the outcome of a panel set up for the purpose. “I will not say anything till the end of the panel’s findings,” he said. On his part, the public Relations Officer of the council, Mr Barisi Wifa, told Tideports that he had “not been briefed on the matter”, saying that “the case is beyond my jurisdiction.”
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.”