Sports
S’Eagles, Others To Get New Kit Sponsor, April
The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has said that plans were on to secure a new kit sponsor for the Super Eagles by April.
The NFA Director of Marketing, Idris Adama, told newsmen in Abuja that adequate planning was being made to ensure that other national teams were captured in the deal.
“Though the contract has come to an end, we have a grace period which we need to play around with and within the grace period we will still be wearing Adidas and within that period, we will get a new sponsor.
“At least before the end of March-April, we should be able to launch something new into the market; we are working hard to get there and we will definitely get there because the Super Eagles and the other national teams are great brands in the world’s football market.
“Despite the fact we not in the Africa Cup of Nations, we still remain the champions of Africa until a winner emerges from the ongoing AFCON.“
Our correspondent reports that the quest for a new kit sponsor follows the expiration of the Adidas contract with NFA in December. 2014.
Adama said the sponsorship deal would have been sealed by now were it not for the leadership crisis in the football association.
According to him, no organisation can make significant progress with the kind of challenges that bedeviled NFA in the past few months.
He expressed optimism that the football association would revive its fortunes in the next two months.
“We have a lot of companies across the globe that have expressed their readiness to take over the Nigeria Super Eagles as kit suppliers, but we are weighing the options.
“We need kits for all the 10 national teams; not every team in Africa has the number of teams that we have, so you should understand that the volume of kits we require from one single kit company is big.“
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.”
