Sports
…Kefas Secures Long Distance Double
Williams Kefas of the Nigeria Police won the men’s 5,000 metres event to secure a long distance double at the 21st Nigeria/Mobil/NNPC Track and Field Championships.
Kefas, who had on Thursday at the opening won the 10,000 metres event with a time of 30 minutes 48.28 seconds, clinched his double after running 15 minutes 52.59 seconds.
Kefas beat an eight-man field that also had defending champion John Bulus of the Civil Defence Academy (CDA) and last year’s runner-up, Danjuma Kopkuddi.
Emmanuel Gyang of Plateau came second with a time of 16.04.57, ahead of Bulus, who came third with a time of 16.04.66.
In the race, Bulus had led after the first two laps with Kefas taking over by the halfway mark and Bulus dropping to second position with Gyang and Taiwo Osuolale of Ondo State following closely behind.
But as the race gained momentum after 4,000 m, Kefas maintained his lead, with Gyang firmly steadying his place and surging to second place behind him.
Bulus briefly kept the spectators on their feet when he surged forward to overtake Gyang with about 200 metres to go, but the 17-year-old athlete regained his position with about 15 metres to the finishing line.
Osuolale finished fourth with 16.35.78 while Ben Emmanuel of Kaduna State and Michael Haruna of Adamawa State finished fifth and sixth with a time of 16.42.48 and 17.35.65 respectively.
John Long of Oyo State, who finished last in the race with 19.03.10, however, got the event’s biggest applause as he arrived at the finishing line.
Danjuma Kopkuddi of the Nigerian Immigration Service had earlier dropped out of the race.
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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