Sports
Association Wants Handball Programme For Tertiary Institutions
The President, Handball Referees Association, Moses Balogun, has urged the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) to develop programmes for students in tertiary institutions to discover the talents among them.
Balogun told Tidesports last week in Lagos that talents were hidden in Nigerian tertiary institutions which could be tapped to promote the game.
“In the move by the federation to reposition the game, I will like the technical committee to look into talents that are hidden in our higher institutions.
“Many of our tertiary institutions have talents who are not in clubs because of their academic programmes. We can bring them out if we develop a programme for them this year, “ he said.
Balogun said the federation should concentrate more on tertiary institutions in its talent discovery efforts, adding that programmes could be fixed, not to clash with their academic work.
“There is no doubt that if the tertiary institutions are well combed, talents there can redeem the country’s image in handball, at even at the Olympics,’’ he said.
According to him, sports and education are inseparable and talents discovered from educational institutions have lots of future in the sport.
The HFN referees president, who is also a member of the NHF technical committee, also urged coaches to regularly update themselves with the international rules of the game.
“If we must move forward at all, coaches must update their knowledge regularly because the technical rules keep changing.
“Let them watch video clips of international championships, read and study the do’s and don’ts of handball because the more they do it, the better their future.
“Everything is not formal training; coaches need experience too and nobody buys experience, it is acquired,’’ he added.
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.”
-
Sports5 days agoFBN, C’River gov partner to boost tourism
-
Oil & Energy5 days agoFG Pledges Solar Power Hospitals, Varsities
-
News5 days agoNigeria Records $50bn Cryptocurrency Transactions In One Year
-
Business5 days agoNCAA To Enforce Zero-debt Rule By 2026 ……….As Airlines Face Compliance Sanctions
-
Rivers4 days agoRivers Community Absolves Kingsman of Land Grabbing Allegations, Gives Seven-Day Ultimatum
-
Rivers5 days ago
Shippers Council moves To Enhance Service Delivery At Nigerian Ports
-
Oil & Energy5 days agoEkpo, , Mshelbila Elected Gas Exporting Countries Forum Chiefs
-
News5 days agoTinubu commissions seven new projects at Unilorin