Sports
Bordeaux Aims To Bounce Back On Lyon
Bordeaux welcome back midfielder and captain Alou Diarra after he missed the first leg through suspension.
Centre-back Marc Planus could return for the French champions from a knee injury but midfield duo Fernando (toe) and Gregory Sertic (cheekbone) are out.
Lyon, leading 3-1 from the first leg, are without defender Mathieu Bodmer (thigh) and Jean Makoun (adductor).
Fit-again Jean-Alain Boumsong deputises for Bodmer, with Bafetimbi Gomis set to replace the suspended Lisandro.
Lyon take a two-goal advantage into tonight’s second leg all French encounter at Bordeaux thanks to a brace from Lisandro and one from Michel Bastos.
But Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc has urged his side to overcome their recent slump in form and take their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
“We have some glaring weaknesses at the moment and our opponents are taking advantage,” said Blanc.
“It’s up to us to rectify the situation and not let things drop. It’s at moments like this that you see the worth of the men and the worth of the group.
“To be honest, I can’t wait for the match. It will allow us to throw ourselves back into a match, and what a match.”
Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris has warned his side to expect a backlash from Bordeaux, today.
“When you receive a setback, you want to re-assert yourselves immediately and produce big performances. That’s where Bordeaux are at the moment,” said Lloris.
“We’re expecting a very complicated match and we’ll have to be just as rigorous as in the first leg, if not more so.
“The first 20 minutes will be decisive because Bordeaux will do everything to turn the score around in front of their fans.”
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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