Sports
‘Rangers Sure To Bounce Back’
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rangers International Foot Ball Club of Enugu, Ozor Paul Chibuzor, has expressed optimism that the team which ended last season on a distant 5th position on the League Table has been re-positioned with a view to restoring its lost glory during the forthcoming season billed to kick off later this month.
Making his feelings known in a chat with sports writers in Enugu, the soft spoken club administrator stated that his team was fully prepared for the new season with the retention of about 75 per cent of players that featured for the Coal City ‘Flying Antelopes’ last season, while arrangements have been concluded to get quality players to replace the exited ones.
“I must tell you that Rangers is very much ready to reclaim all its lost glory this coming season. We have learnt our lessons from last season, which, to some extent, have to be celebrated because, for a long while, Rangers have not had the opportunity of playing teams from outside our shores and with our fifth place finish, our fans can enjoy some sort of international football when next season WAFU cup starts,” he said.
Chibuzor further continued that “I can tell you that as I talk, only two players are yet to sign the contract papers with us, and it is because they are in the senior national team. So, we are ready to give Enyimba a run for the trophy they won last season.”
Commenting on reports that players were not willing to sign for the club, and that he was not in the good books of the club’s financier, the club boss declared, “There is no iota of truth in that as I can conveniently tell you that 98 per cent of players that we need for the new season have all signed for us. “All the noise that the club’s supporters want me out is the handiwork of the club’s detractors that are operating within the club.
“But, for some few selfish individuals that are self-seeking, we are an organised group that has one goal of leading Rangers to the promised land this season. For the new season, we can boast of a very dedicated set of players that are willing to spill their blood for the club,” he said.
While enumerating some of them to include the likes of Francis Okammor, Uche Oguchi, Uche Ugochukwu, James Okwosah, John Aguda, Ozor said: “I don’t have any doubt that we will come tops in the coming season.”
On the players and coaches entitlements, he revealed that “ I have had fruitful talks with the state SSG and before the start of the new season, the backlog of dues owed will be settled with something for the new season also offset.”
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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