Sports
Flamingoes In Impressive Mood Ahead U-17 W/Cup
Kickboxers struggling for honours during a national event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently.
The Flamingoes continued their impressive build-up towards the FIFA Under-17 women World Cup in Costa Rica with a 3-1 spanking of Portuguese club U-14 boys on Monday.
The Nigeria U17 women who landed in Faro, Portugal on Saturday faced their first tune-up encounter in a 19-day training tour against CDR Quarteirense of Portugal at the Browns Sports football pitch, Faro, Portugal.
The Flamingoes who were still in a buoyant mood following their run of victories in the previous tune-up games, scored twice in the first half and launched the third in the second half, to clip the wings of the Portuguese club’s age-grade boys in Faro.
Goals from Rasidat Ajibade, Cynthia Aku and Agams Nkechinyere established the confident of the Bala Nkiyu led side ahead of the less than a-month oncoming World youth women football championship.
Rasidat Ajibade opening the scoring for the Nigerian ladies in the 18th minute before Cynthia Aku stepped up in the 29th minute to make the inexperience boys pay for their defensive blunders by firing home the second.
In the second half, the Portuguese boys who returned into the half more motivated secured a breakthrough in the 66th minute.
However, the home boys’ expectation of getting something off the game failed to materialize as substituted Agams Nkechinyere’s 78th minute stunner, completed the rout for the Flamingoes to prove superiority at the regulation time.
Speaking after the game, Head Coach of the Nigerian side, Bala Nkiyu expressed delight at the improved play and stressed the readiness of the team for the World Cup in good time.
“We had a great game today (Monday), the ladies are putting in their best and they have really improved with every game. I’m happy with what I’m seeing and am sure we are close to getting the strong team.
we need to make Nigerians proud in Costa Rica,” Nkiyu said.
In a related development, the Nigeria U17 women will slug it out with their Spanish counterpart by 5pm Nigerian time at the Browns Sports football pitch, Faro, Portugal on Wednesday.
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.”
-
News3 days agoWAEC Conducts Trial Computer-based Essay Test Ahead Of 2026 Exams
-
Business8 hours ago“W’Bank To Invest $14bn In Agric Transformation
-
News3 days agoFubara Vows Full Support For Independent, Effective Judiciary
-
News7 hours agoNECO Opens UK Exam Centre For Nigerians In Diaspora
-
City Crime8 hours ago
RSG Ready For 2030 Digital Transformation
-
Opinion7 hours agoA Renewing Optimism For Naira
-
Niger Delta3 days agoRSG Tasks NIS On Expatriate Attachee Policy
-
Business8 hours agoFG Fixes Uniform Prices for Housing Units Nationwide, Approves N12.5m For 3-bedroom Bungalow ……..Says Move To Enhance Affordability, Ensures Fairness