Sports
Aluko, Emenike Lead Nigerian Scorers In Europea
Sone Aluko, Emmanuel Emenike, Brown Ideye and Ekigho Ehiosun all scored at the weekend for their European clubs.
In Scotland, former Under-20 international Sone Aluko provided Rangers’ fans at Ibrox with a memorable goal in the Old Firm derby. Rangers, in dire financial straits will have been lifted by the quality of the goal. Aluko nutmegged a defender 30 yards out before charging in the box, beat two players as he cut inside, before he slid the ball past an onrushing Fraser Forster to help his team to a 3-2 win over their bitter rivals.
In England, Victor Moses earned the penalty that gave Wigan a shock lead at Anfield on Saturday but had to be taken off after 42 minutes. Wigan though held on to win 2-1 to give Moses’ side a realistic hope of escaping relegation.
Taye Taiwo scored his first goal on English soil via a free kick for Queens Park Rangers in the 78th of their encounter with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. But the goal was not enough as QPR lost 3-1. QPR are now third from bottom on the league with the reality of relegation staring vividly at the player on loan from AC Milan.
In Ukraine, Ideye Brown scored for Dynamo Kiev in their 1-0 away win over Illichivets in the Ukrainian league on Sunday. Ideye has now scored 10 goals in 21 games for the leaders of the league with 64 points, three ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk.
In Russia, Emmanuel Emenike opened the scoring for Spartak Moscow in the 30th minute to help a derby day win over Dinamo Moscow away at Arena Khimki on Saturday. Spartak are fourth in the league, two points behind Ahmed Musa’s CSKA Moscow who are in second place with 64 points. That makes it nine goals for Emenike in 14 matches. Musa started the match for CSKA who lost at home to Moscow rivals, Locomotiv. Musa was replaced by Sekou Oliseh at the start of the second half.
In Turkey Ekigho Ehiosun continued his good season as he scored the two goals in Samsunspor’s 2-0 win over Mersin Idmanyurdu on Sunday to take his tally to seven goals in 28 appearances.
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.”