Sports
Karate Federation To Consolidate On Achievements
The Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN), says it will continue with its achievements in 2010 in the New Year.
KFN Secretary, Clement Iyaluegbeghe made the assertion while reflecting over the out gone year in an interview with newsmen early in the week in Lagos.
“We in the federation must say that in 2010 we made great strides in developing the sport in the country and we are glad that we accomplished most of the activities on our calendar,’’ Iyaluegbeghe said.
He said that the federation introduced four new championships — the first Karate Classics, Sardauna of Sokoto Karate Championships, Armed Forces and Para-military Championships and the National Karate Invitational Championship.
Other activities accomplished are the staging of the Second Delta State National Open Karate Championships, Pre-season National Camp, Camping for UFAK Zone III Championship and UFAK Zone III African Senior Karate Championships.
The rest included the National Technical Training Courses for the Six Geopolitical Zones and KFN Full Council Meeting and the 20th World Senior Championships and WKF Congress.
Iyaluegbeghe said that though they attended one of the three international competitions on their calendar they recorded great success.
He said Nigeria could not go to Serbia with athletes to compete at the 20th World Senior Championships and Congress but was able to attend the congress.
The scribe said that Nigerian athletes at the UFAK Zone III African Senior Karate Championship in Niamey, Niger Republic topped the medal table with three gold, three silver and six bronze medals.
He said the federation had hoped to attend all the proposed international championships but there was not enough financial support from corporate organisations.
The KFN secretary said from the local competitions they organised, they discovered talents who were able to dethrone champions, indicating a bright future for the sport.
He attributed the successes to the determination and sacrifices of the federation’s officials, promising their fans that “we will continue with the success story in 2011’’.
Nathaniel Taiwo-Ojo, KFN President said most of the competitions were organised with their personal fund make sure the game grew against all odds.
He said that attending international competitions this year would be given priority attention.
Bola Akinkunmi, a karateka said that they were satisfied with the federation’s performance in 2010.
“I am very happy with our experiences in the out gone year as we were very busy.’’
He expressed the hope that the board and technical officials would strive to make this year better.
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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