Sports
It’s Time For Ivory Coast – Tiote, Drogba
Cheik Tiote believes the time has come for Côte d’Ivoire to fulfil their potential and finally win their second CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Since their 1992 triumph, the Éléphants squad has consistently been full of star names, but they have not been able to turn that into continental success.
With reigning champions Egypt and the likes of Nigeria, South Africa and Cameroon all failing to qualify for this year’s African finals, the Ivorians are one of the favourites to emerge victorious in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, and Tiote is determined to see his side live up to that billing.
“We have great players, so we have to win something,” said the Newcastle United midfielder, who counts players such as Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Yaya and Kolo Toure, Gervinho and Didier Zokora among his international team-mates.
“Every time there is an African tournament people tell us that we are favourites to win, but when you look at our trophy cabinet there is nothing there. Absolutely nothing. We have to win this Cup of Nations.”
Despite the absence of several leading nations, Chelsea striker Drogba believes his country still have a tough task on their hands to end their long wait for CAN glory.
“I think the 2012 Cup of Nations will be very difficult, perhaps even more difficult than previous editions,” said the two-time CAF African Footballer of the Year. “Our ambition is to improve on two years ago when we were eliminated in the quarter-finals.”
Côte d’Ivoire have been drawn in Group B alongside Angola, Burkina Faso and Sudan, who they face in their opening match in Malabo on Sunday.
The tournament kicks off one day earlier with two Group A matches, including co-hosts and debutants Equatorial Guinea facing Libya and Senegal meeting Zambia.
In Group C are Tunisia – the last country to win the tournament before Egypt’s recent domination – Morocco, Niger and the other co-hosts Gabon. Meanwhile, Group D is made up of 2010 runners-up Ghana, Mali, Guinea and Botswana.
The highly-fancied Black Stars, who have striker Asamoah Gyan available again after injury, have been Cup of Nations champions on four occasions, but their last success was back in 1982. However, Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic is in optimistic mood heading into this year’s event.
“I am sure after the first game Ghana will show the people of the world that we are really really favourites for this tournament,” he declared. “Senegal and Ivory Coast are our biggest opponents, but in a tournament everybody can surprise.”
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.”