Sports
AFN To Commence Trials, Feb
The Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) said it has fixed Feb. 18 to Feb. 23, 2013 for trials ahead of the Africa Athletic Youth Championships holding in Warri, Delta, between March and April 2013.
The Federation plans to use the All-Nigeria Secondary Schools’ Championship to test-run in readiness for the African champions.
Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, AFN Technical Director, told newsmen in Lagos at the weekend that a fitness test would also be conducted for officials and volunteers ahead of the championships.
“We have fixed Feb. 18 to Feb. 23 next year to carry out a test-run of all the facilities, the technical officials and all those that will be involved, volunteers inclusive, for the championship.
“To achieve that, I have planned to organise a technical officiating refresher course that same period between Feb. 18 and Feb. 23. The end of the refresher course will coincide with the competition to test-run the facility.
“It is after that time that we can beat our chest to say that we are fully ready or not, we still need to make one or two adjustments because we are going to test every aspect.
“The competition itself, the officials, the equipment including the timing devices.’’
Nesiama said the AFN would use the secondary schools championships in Port Harcourt in January, while some athletes from the 18th National Sports Festival would also be selected for the national team.
He warned, however, that the championships would be strictly for athletes between the ages of 16 years and 17 years, saying any athlete, who had clocked 18 years by December 2012, would not be given the chance to compete.
“It is open to youths of 16 years and 17 years old, the youth must not exceed 17 years by December 2013. It means from 16 years to 17 years can compete, 18 years old cannot.
“And we are very serious about that and that is why we are taking our preparations in that light very seriously also, in terms of a kind of selection processes we are adopting.
“We are going to use the All-Nigeria Secondary School Championships taking place in Port Harcourt early next year as one of our platforms for selection.
“And the other platform will be the National Sports Festival; we were able to get the athletes that are within the age range.’’
Nesiama also told newsmen that officials of the Africa Athletic Confederation had inspected the facilities to be used in Warri, and that they were satisfied.
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.”
