Sports
Total Threatens Legal Action Over Sponsorship Rights
Total Promotions threatens legal action against the LMC over the non-performance of their settlement obligations relating to the handover of the League title sponsorship rights.
The last has not been heard of the NPFL title rights crises as Total Promotions have handed a one-week-ultimatum to the League Management Company, organizers of the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), to fulfil their end of the title rights resolution agreement by commencing payment of the N100,000,000 compensation which is due to them.
In a statement released to newsmen by their spokesperson, Funke Akerele, Total Promotions decried recent reports in the media that inferred the payment had been made.
The letter which was addressed to the chairman of the League Management Company, Hon. Nduka Irabor read thus:
“On March 22, 2013 this company wrote to you demanding that you honour your public statements to the effect that you have received and released to us N100m cheque being payment for relinquishing Title Rights we duly won from an open bidding conducted by NFL bid committee.
“In the accompanying MOU signed by all the three parties, including your LMC, you committed to releasing the cheque on or before March12 and to sign Title Rights agreement seven days after Total Promotions shall have received the payment.”
The company also criticised the LMC for reneging on their agreement by going ahead to sign a contract with GLO before to making the payment, which is contrary to the MOU that was signed by the three parties.
“Your company without regard to the MOU chose to immediately sign the agreement with GLO as announced to the media while not releasing the money to us till date.
“In further expression of our good faith, we shall extend the period for payment which was due on March 21 to April 11. We might be forced to seek redress at this expiration as the action of LMC and Glo might jeopardise the signed agreement”.
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.”