Sports
Director Confident Of Flying Eagles’ Qualification
Director of Competitions,
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi, has said he was confident the Flying Eagles would qualify for the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC).
Sanusi expressed the hope in an interview with the newsmen on the team’s preparation for the competition.
He commended the Flying Eagles for beating their Tanzanian counterparts 4-1 in Kaduna on Saturday in the second leg of the qualifying match.
The national U-20 team had defeated the Tanzanian 2-0 in the first leg of their encounter in Dar-es-Salaam.
With the victory over to Tanzania, the Flying Eagles have qualified for the third and final round against Lesotho.
It would be recalled that Lesotho edged out Angola 4-1 on aggregate after their home and away encounters.
Sanusi told newsmen that the Flying Eagles’ performance in the AYC qualifiers had been outstanding, adding that no team could stop them from picking the 2015 AYC ticket.
“The boys have done very well so far in the qualifiers.
“There is cohesion in the team stemming from the fact that the crux of the players came from the U-17 team that conquered the world.
“Also the introduction of some new discoveries added to the strength of the team.
“And I believe just as the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elebeleye once said, this is a team that can conquer the world,” he said.
He also commended the Flying Eagles technical crew for a job well done.
The NFF director, however, restated the fact that there were no longer pushovers in the game.
“There is no pushover in the game of football anymore, so, the Flying Eagles must continue their fine run by ensuring that they win the two-leg final round match against Lesotho,’’ he said.
The national U-20 team will host the Southern Africans on August 16 in the first leg clash, while the return leg is slated for Lesotho two weeks later.
The overall winners will qualify for the 2015 AYC to be hosted by Senegal in March.
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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