Sports
2010 W/Cup: Ike Uche Ready, Raving To Go
Real Zaragoa striker Ike Uche has denied reports in the local media that he is battling with a fresh injury concern ahead of Nigeria’s 2010 World Cup camp.
Uche is angry with reports which suggest he has been out of Real Zaragoza last two matches due to an undisclosed injury.
The 26-year-old only just returned from almost seven month lay-off for Real Zaragoza in late April and has been a regular fixture in the training squad.
But two days after being named in the Nigeria provisional World Cup squad, the forward is rocked by rumours and speculations regarding his absence in club action.
“I do not know where these stories have come from,” he said. “There is nothing at all wrong at the moment. I have been training like other players and feel perfectly okay.
“I was given the all-clear in March and since then there has been nothing to worry about for me or the doctors.”
Fears over Uche’s fitness surfaced when he was not included Real Zaragoza’s back to back fixtures against Espanyol and Xerez on 6 and 8 May respectively.
The fact that it became a constant discussion back home in Nigeria left the player and his club bewildered.
“I was in the team for our game against Deportivo La Conma at the Riazor ten days ago but the coach decides who travels and play not me,” said Uche.
Uche is now looking forward to Saturday’s final game of the season at Estadio La Romareda against visiting Villarreal who are chasing a Europa League spot.
With one mind in Spain, the forward is also casting an eye on the challenges ahead in the coming weeks for country.
“It will surely be a tough encounter; they (Villarreal) want a place in Europe, and we are seeking a better finish in the league,” Uche added.
“Hopefully I will get a chance to play on Saturday, move to the next phase, which of course is to switch the mindset towards the fight for a place at the World Cup.
“Everyone wants a chance to be in South Africa but only form, fitness, determination and hard work will take me there.
“That is all I can say because previous performance counts for nothing if you cannot prove to the coaches that you deserve a place in the team.
“I wish other players all the best because it will be a healthy competition for a place on the plane to South Africa, and if everyone is fit to fight then the country gains.”
Nigeria, who are struggling to schedule warm-up matches, face Argentina, Greece and South Korea in Group B at this summer World Cup.
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.”