Sports
Big Guns Enter CAF Champions League
TP Mazembe Englebert of DR Congo begin the defence of their CAF Champions League title today, playing away in Kigali against APR FC in the competition’s second round.
The champions were given a bye in the opening stage, but that advantage has been negated by a match-up with Rwanda’s most successful club side, APR FC, who have won the Cecafa Clubs Cup in 2004 and 2007.
The weekend’s second round, first leg ties across the continent sees the arrival of several of the other favourites, including Egypt’s Al Ahly and last year’s runners-up Heartland FC of Nigeria in the competition.
SuperSport United will be hosting Mozambique’s Ferroviario Maputo.
TP Mazembe only started their domestic campaign in the last month but have already been handed massive affirmation of their new found status in African football.
They won the CAF Africa Super Cup over Stade Malien last month and then last week were named Club of the Year at CAF’s annual awards in Ghana.
Indeed, they have further improved their squad since last November’s Champions League triumph, adding Zambia goalkeeper Stopirra Nsunzu to their ranks, who was previously on the books of Chateauroux.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly’s first Champions League appearance this year is at Gunners FC in Harare today; one of three matches to take place in the Zimbabwe capital this weekend, while Heartland of Nigeria are away at Tiko United, who won the Cameroonian league title for the first time last season.
Hopes are high for last year’s silver medalists after Nigeria saw their other representatives in this year’s campaign embarrassingly eliminated in the first round.
Bayelsa United lost to Gazelle, whose reward is a tough home game against Al Merreikh from neighbouring Sudan.
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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