Sports
Supporters’ Chairman Canvasses Dolphins, Sharks’ Welfare
Chairman of Dolphins Football Club Supporters Club, Mr. Otis Asonye has called on the Rivers State Ministry of Sports to look into the problems of players and management of all the state-owned football clubs.
Asonye, made the call yesterday in a telephone interview with Tidesports. He said, it was not enough to pay salaries and sign-on fees to players and coaches and leave the clubs to malfunction.
According to him, the appropriate authority responsible for the clubs should know the internal problems of the clubs with the view to solving them inorder for them to achieve success.
“ I will say that to pay salaries and sign-on fees to players and coaches, are not the only problems of the clubs, there are other problems that the teams are facing, like welfare and motivation, including misunderstandings between the coaches” Asonye said.
He believed that the recent unimpressive performance of the teams, especially, their 1 – 0 defeat by Heartland FC, last Wednesday, in the Federation Cup match was due to lack of motivation.
He said that it was disheartening that the players had not received their sign-on fees and some months’ salaries.
“My brother, this players have their families, most of them are breadwinners in their family, they need to eat and take care of their families.
“How can a player in Premier League be comfortable borrowing, most of the players are really demoralised and you know what that can do to their productivity,” said Asonye.
The Supporters Club boss, continued that one of the ways to get good results from every sportsman was to motivate him or her morally or financially.
He used the forum to appeal to the clubs’ sponsors to ensure that the players and coaches get their entitlements to enable them focus on getting the desired result.
It will be recalled that the new Commissioner for Sports, Hon Fred Igwe last week declared that he would focus on ensuring that athletes’ welfare were given priority attention in the state.
He also promised to ensure that the entitlements owed Sharks and Dolphins FCs were settled sooner than later.
Tonye Orabere
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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