Sports
Minister Savours F/Eagles Victory
The Sports Minister, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, has said that Nigeria’s victory over Cameroon last Sunday in Johannesburg is a further demonstration of the country’s capability.
“It is a demonstration of the fact that with total commitment, unity of purpose and good leadership, Nigeria can rule the world in all aspects of human endeavour,” he said.
The minister who spoke as the head of a federal government delegation to receive the victorious Nigerian team in Lagos earlier in the week, said that determination gave it the victory.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles had beaten the Cameroonian men’s under-20 football team 3-2 after extra time in the South African capital city.
The victory was in the final match of the 17th CAF African Youth Championship (AYC), giving Nigeria her sixth title in the competition since its inception in 1979
The Flying Eagles whose last title win was in 2005 at Benin Republic had taken a 2-0 lead late into the second half of the match at the Dobsonville Stadium.
But Cameroon had stormed back to draw level for the match to go into extra time, with substitute Terry Envoh’s 92nd minute goal clinching victory for the team.
Adedoja noted that the victory showed that Nigerians can always achieve all they set out to do with determination and patriotism.
“For the Nigeian team to come back and beat the Cameroonian team which had beaten them 1-0 at the first round group stage, it is a demonstration of determination and true patriotism.
“It shows that Nigeria can achieve her goal of being one of the top 20 countries in the world by the year 2020,” he said.
The minister then charged the Flying Eagles to see their victory as a step towards winning the 2011 FIFA Under-20 World Cup later this year in Colombia.
Adedoja who is also Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) praised President Goodluck Jonathan “for the immense support and good guidance he has given Nigerian sports”.
He equally praised the team for fulfilling its promise to Jonathan to win the AYC, promising that the NSC would give the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) the required assistance.
“We will do all that is required to enable all national football teams do well in all international competitions,” the minister said.
He disclosed that the federal government would continue to develop sports and all other activities that would enable Nigerian youths achieve their full potentials in their chosen fields.
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.”