Sports
Bafana ’ll Be Under Pressure – Carteron
Mali’s Head Coach, Patrice Carteron, has said that the hosts South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will be under pressure when both sides meet at the quarter-final stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mali qualified for the stage as Group B runners up and will play the Bafana Bafana tomorrow in Durban.
Carteron told a newsmen that the Eagles of Mali would be at their best, stressing Bafana Bafana fans could be out to vent their frustrations, if the team’s game plans fail to materialise.
“We will be at our best but South Africa will be the team that everybody sees in the semi-finals, and so all the pressure will be on them.
“The stadium will be filled with people expecting Bafana Bafana to win and we could put more pressure on them if things do not go according to their plans,’’ he said.
The coach said that the Eagles would not be distracted by the massive support by the home fans in the 57, 000-capacity stadium in Durban.
According to Carteron, our focus will be to bring joy to the people of Mali who were presently facing a turbulent political era.
“We are not thinking about distractions from our fans, instead, we will be thinking about the 15-million Malians who will be watching the game.
“The whole team has spoken about what is going on in Mali and the players are determined to give them more joy and good news,” Carteron said.
The coach added that he was not concerned that his side was already playing their fourth important game in less than two weeks.
Mali has been ravaged by a civil strife at which a multilateral international force led by France has presently been rallied to flush out militants that had been out to illegally seize control of political power in the country
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.”
-
Niger Delta4 days agoOando Recommits To Education …Assures Continuous Partnership With RSU
-
Sports1 day agoFBN, C’River gov partner to boost tourism
-
Oil & Energy1 day agoFG Pledges Solar Power Hospitals, Varsities
-
News1 day agoNigeria Records $50bn Cryptocurrency Transactions In One Year
-
Business1 day agoNCAA To Enforce Zero-debt Rule By 2026 ……….As Airlines Face Compliance Sanctions
-
Politics4 days agoReps Ask FG To Curb Arbitrary Rent Hike Nationwide
-
Rivers1 day ago
Shippers Council moves To Enhance Service Delivery At Nigerian Ports
-
Oil & Energy1 day agoEkpo, , Mshelbila Elected Gas Exporting Countries Forum Chiefs