Sports
Athletes Target National Record At Golden League
Some track and field ath
letes have expressed optimism to make the national standard as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Golden League ends on June 7 in Benin.
The trio of Precious Okoronkwo, Nkem Eziala and Mercy Abiere as saying that their efforts would earn them the required grade.
They spoke with our correspondent in Lagos during their training at the Tesilm Balogun Stadium in Surulere.
The athletes added that they were looking forward to the final of the league which started in March in Abuja to know their fate.
Okoronkwo, 200m gold medalist from the events in Abuja and Akure, said that with his performance, nothing would separate him from the standard.
“I am going to Benin to seal my achievement in the league as I don’t aim at anything less than a gold medal,” he said.
Nkem Eziala, third place winner in the 100m in Abuja and Ilorin events, said that the Edo event would be a better outing for him.
“I went to the 3rd edition in Akure in bad mood because of the non-payment of our outstanding prize money.
“With the payment made by AFN, I am now in a mood to perform better in the next leg,” he said.
According to the 17-year-old sprinter, the Akure leg witnessed a low turnout of athletes unlike the previous editions.
“The more the athletes, the better for the league. It will bring about stiff competition which makes for better evaluation of athletes,” Eziala said.
Mercy Abiere, a long jumper, said that with two gold medals in her possession from Abuja and Ilorin events, that the coast was clear to make it to the national standard.
The AFN’s league is organised every two weeks in different states to harness talents for national assignments.
The winner of the first position earns N40, 000, second place N30, 000, while the third and fourth positions are to get N20, 000 and N15, 000 respectively.
Super Eagles player trying to outsmarth an opponent during World Cup qualification campaign in Nigeria, recently.
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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