Sports
Inadequate Funds Threaten 2013 College Of Education Games
The President of the Nigeria Colleges of Education Games Association (NICEGA), Mohammed Sanusi, has said that lack of funds could affect the standard of the 2013 sports fiesta.
Sanusi told newsmen in Abuja that the Federal Government had stopped allocating funds for the games.
“As I am talking to you, there is no single fund that has been released to us or we have gotten from any source.
“We used to get funding from the federal government but now this year, and last year, nothing was released.
“We are going to try our very best to host this Games come what (may), but I believe the standard that will be expected for the Games is not likely to be there when the funds are not available.“
He said that there was no hope of getting funds from the government because the funds were not appropriated.
“I do not even think that it (money) is coming because it has not been appropriated for.
“It has been removed from last year’s appropriation and even this year’s appropriation, it is not there at all, and that is the snag we have.”
Sanusi decried the lips service paid to sports development in the country especially poor funding of grassroots sports.
“It is very important that these funds are made available for NICEGA and (other) tertiary institution games, because if we are talking of sports development, we are talking of going back to (the) grassroots.
“And we are neglecting collegiate sports, then, it is just paying a lip service to sports development in Nigeria.“
He, however, noted that other preparations were on course for the sports fiesta, billed to hold in Minna, Niger State, just as the zonal preliminaries would soon be completed.
“Most of the zones are through with their zonal preliminaries with the exception of one or two of them.
“Immediately after the zonal preliminaries, we will compile the results and we will call for a congress to determine the date the games are expected to come up at the College of Education, Minna.“
The 2012 edition of the Games held at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Rivers State where FCE Kano won with 10 gold and four bronze medals.
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.”
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