Sports
NPL: Sharks, Dolphins Thrash Kaduna United , Jigawa 7-0
Nigeria Premier
League champions, Dolphins FC is still on course to defend their title, as they thrashed Kaduna United 3-0 in the rescheduled week two match, yesterday, at the Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium.
Homeboy Emem Udouk opened the scoring at the 15th minute through a header that beat goalkeeper Rabiu Hassein of Kaduna United after a goal mouth scramble.
Chidi Osuchukwu increase the goal tally at the 40th minute, as he mesmerized the opponent’s defence and displaced the goalkeeper and chip the back into the net with his right foot.
The visitors did not given up, even as they are two goals down, they were determined and mounted pressure on the home team, at the 63th minute lost a clear scoring chance.
Dolphins FC absolved the pressure and played more purposeful football, which resulted a brace for Emem Udouk at the 65th munite through another header occasioned by a well taken corner kick.
Generally, both teams played a highly technical and entertaining football.
Speaking with sports journalists, shortly after the match, the chief coach of Kaduna United, Maurice Coleman, attributed the defeat to the exit of 15 regular players of the tam and lack of effective training as a result of shifting the matches.
“I told my players to play with caution and ensure that their defence is not loose because the tam they are about to play are the league champions,” Coleman said.
Meanwhile, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt in one of the re-scheduled week two matches played on Wednesday, walloped new entranced Jagawa Golden Stars 4-0 to move up in the log.
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.”