Sports
Preparations for 19th NSF Stall In States
The forthcoming 2015
General Elections seem to have stalled preparations for the 19th National Sports Festival, NSF, Chistened centenary games billed for Calabar, Cross River State from the 19th of April this year.
Already, coaches and athletes seem to lack the needed attention needed to put them in good stead for the festival.
According to the Head of Coaching Department, Rivers State Sports Council, Evangelist Ezekiel Ordu, the shift in date of the upcoming 2015 general elections may affect preparations especially the stages for the 19th NSF.
“It is evident that the forthcoming elections have affected our preparations for the 19th NSF, because, everything is on hold, there is little or no funds to organize or travel outside the state for competition to further prepare athletes for the finesta”, he said.
He said that the postponement of the elections from its original date of 14th and 29th February to March 28th and April 11th, this year might also affect the festival proper, which is scheduled to hold 19th April.
Meanwhile, the various sporting Associations in the state are still doing their normal training in order to ensure that they are adequately ready in case the fiesta kicks-off suddenly , Ordu expessed oncern that the festival has suffered several shifts of its own.
Evangelist Ordu, therefore, advised the State athletes to be focused and disciplined at all times and take endeaour to take their chosen sports seriously. He advised them to strive to be in shape and ready to deliver at all times.
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.”
-
News4 days agoReps Summon NAFDAC, Police, Others For Illicit Drug Probe
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Coy Advocates Indigenous Innovation For Africa’s Energy Future
-
News4 days agoDangote Begins Refinery Expansion To 1.4mbpd
-
Business4 days agoNDDC Unveils Naval Facilities To Boost Region’s Security
-
News4 days agoRIVERS PEACE EFFORTS YIELDING RESULTS, SAYS FUBARA ….Promises Rehabilitation Of Internal Roads, GSS Akabuka
-
Sports4 days ago“Nigeria will go to World Cup”
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Partnership With Security Chiefs’ Excites Ogbuku … As NDDC Unveils Naval Outpost In Bayelsa
-
News4 days agoN’Assembly Committee Approves New State ForS’East