Sports
NFF Wants Presidential Taskforce For 2014 World Cup
Chairman of the Nigeria
Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari, has said the association was not averse to a Presidential Task Force (PTF) overseeing Nigeria’s 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Maigari told newsmen in Abuja that the introduction of a task force, just as it happened about four years ago, would reduce the World Cup burden currently placed on the NFF.
The Federal Government had in 2009 set up a PTF headed by Governor Rotimi Amaechi ahead of the 2010 World Cup finals.
The task force was to oversee the Super Eagles’ qualification for the mundial and the team’s eventual participation in South Africa.
It had gone on to steady the team’s shaky qualification campaign.
The PTF also helped to raise funds for the team’s eventual participation in the mundial, where the Eagles however failed to go beyond the first round.
“We need that presidential backing. If President Goodluck Jonathan will step in, it will be a blessing to the country and our football.
“So, we need the President very well, because we will need presidential blessing, backing and support.
“We need the Task Force because football is part of the presidential support and we need it.
“Football is a game of numbers, and you need everybody to come and give input. It is a case of let me learn from you and let everybody learn from each other,’’ Maigari said.
Maigari also said team head coach Stephen Keshi has the final say on the list of players to be invited to camp for the World Cup finals.
Keshi had recently submitted to NFA’s Technical Committee an initial list of 38 players.
“It is the prerogative of the coach alone, and not any other person, to select the players. But I know Keshi is up and doing as far as the World Cup is concerned.
“Usually, the NFA only advises. We don’t impose players on coaches.
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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