Sports
Ondo Sets Schools Sports Committee
The Ondo State Commis
sioner for Education, Jide Adejuyigbe, has inaugurated a 10-man committee for the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) School-based Academy.
Adejuyigbe, while inaugurating the committee, noted that it comprised of people who had made sterling contributions to the growth of sports in the state.
The committee members were drawn from the State Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports, ODSFA and State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB).
“ When we have four organisations working together, the objective of coming together will always be achieved.
“ I believe the way we started, we will get the wanted result and years to come, Ondo State will be on the map of football development in Nigeria,” Adejuyigbe said.
Also speaking with newsmen after the event, Bekekhimi Idiarhi, the Commissioner for Youth Development, said that he was proud of the initiative aimed at discovering talents in primary and secondary schools across the state.
He said all members of the committee were seasoned sports administrators, adding that the school-based academy would help in developing and discovering disciplined footballers.
In his address, Akin Akinbobola, the Chairman of ODSFA, said that the School-based Academy would be in six zones, with the league meant for primary and secondary schools.
He, however, listed Ore, Akure, Ondo, Ikare-Akoko, Okitipupa and Odigbo Local Government Areas as the zones.
Akinbobola noted that no fewer than 25 talents would be discovered within six months, adding that they would have the chance of playing in Rising Stars Football Academy.
He added that parents of those selected would be made to complete a form as commitment to the programme.
Akinbobola explained that the primary school edition would be for the U-13 football academy while the secondary school would be for the U-17.
Sports
Division One Volleyball League kicks off in Abia
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.
Sports
Lagos Women Race set to empower participants
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.
Sports
“Nigeria will go to World Cup”
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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