Sports
2014 NSF: Zonal Eliminations Begin, August
Tennis players struggling for honours during a national event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently.
The zonal eliminations for team games for the 2014 National Sports Festival (NSF) would begin in August across the six geo-political zones of the country.
Mr Ademola Are, the Zonal Coordinator, North West of the National Sports Commission (NSC) disclosed this in an interview with newsmen.
Are expressed the need to kick-off the zonal eliminations early to give room for proper organisation and fixtures for the main event scheduled to begin in Calabar, on Nov. 23.
“It has to be about three months before the festival itself, except if the rules are changed.
“Ours is to conduct the zonal eliminations in the team games which will determine which of the states will represent the zones during the sports festival especially in football, handball, hockey, basketball and volleyball.
“It is not a thing for us; this is what we have been doing and we hope that by the grace of almighty God that everything thing will go well; we will definitely do our best.“
Are, who is also the Chairman of the Zonal Eliminations Sub-committee of the festival, said the six geo-political zones would be treated equally during the elimination exercise.
He pointed out that his zone (North West) would not receive preferential treatment during the exercise as he would be working with other zonal coordinators to identify talents for the country.
“This will impact positively on all the zones and on the committee because all the zonal coordinators are aware of what is expected of them; they know what to do towards the zonal elimination.
“It will be an added advantage that I am the chairman of this particular sub-committee because we know ourselves, we know the terrain and we shall definitely deliver.“
He also told newsmen that adequate arrangements were being made to ensure hitch free elimination exercises for the festival tagged “Paradise Games”.
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.”
-
Maritime4 days agoCustoms Intercepts N5.3BN Illicit Drugs AT TIN CAN PORT
-
Rivers4 days ago
Organization Seeks Office Space From Council Boss
-
Sports4 days agoDivision One Volleyball League kicks off in Abia
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Bayelsa Lauds WHO, Others Over Support For Healthcare … Flags-Off Statewide Immunization
-
News4 days agoDrug Party: NDLEA Arrests Over 100 Suspects At Lagos Night Club
-
Maritime4 days agoMOWCA Partners Indonesian Govt For Maritime Capacity Development
-
Rivers4 days ago
NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria
-
News4 days agoResident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Nov 1