Sports
Registration Opens For Power Pasta Marathon
Collection of registration
forms has opened in seven centres a cross the country for the maiden Power Pasta National Marathon scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt on the 26th of this month.
The centres include the Sports Councils of Rivers, Lagos, Edo, Bayelsa, Cross River and Kaduna States, and on line.
The half-Marathon, which will become an annual event is being sponsored by De-United Foods Industries, producers of Indomie noodles and power pasta Spaghetti.
According to the Human Resources Manager of Dufil Factory, Port Harcourt, an arm of de-united foods Industry Mr. Chinedu Wali during a press briefing in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Marathon is being organised, in part to mark the world pasta Day and to contribute towards developing long distance athletes in Nigeria.
He said that Port Harcourt was chosen to host the event because of the achievement of Rivers State government in sports development, especially, the excellent hosting of the 17th National Sports Festival and provision of sporting infrastructure.
Mr. Wali announced that eventual winners of the Marathon, male and female, will earn the sum of N1 million prize money, respectively, while other top four finishers will go home with handsome prizes.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports in the State, Hon. Fred Igwe, who was represented by the Director, Sports Development in the Ministry, Mr. Edwin Amadi, recalled past Marathons that have been organised in the state and how successful they were. He appreciated the sponsors of Power Pasta Marathon and assured the state government’s support and assistance towards making the event successful.
On his part, the Director of Sports in the state, Sir Daobu Harry commended the organisers for heeding government’s call for all hands to be on deck for sports development. He thanked them for choosing Rivers State and declared the councils preparedness to partner with them.
Explaining the route and details of the race, the Public Relations Officer , PRO, of the Sports Council, Mr. Barisi Wifa said that the race will cover a distance of 21.098 kilometres, beginning from Aggrey Road through Sokoto Street, William Jumbo, Garrison, Rumuola, Rumuokwuta, Wimpey, Mile 111, Mile 1, UTC, Azikiwe to Station Road and back to Aggrey.
He said that registration forms for the event must be returned not later than the 22nd of this month for intending participants to train and be conditional for the race.
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.”