Sports
Fans Optimistic Eaglets ’ll Qualify For W/Cup
Nigerians have attributed
the late equaliser by the Golden Eaglets against their Guinean counterparts as an indication of the team’s zeal to excel at the ongoing African Youth Championships.
The U-17 national team drew 1-1 with Guinea at the competition in Niamey, Niger Republic on Wednesday.
The fans, who spoke in separate interviews, were optimistic that the Eaglets would defeat their Zambian opponents in their next group match tomorrow.
The Head, Football Department, Nigerian Institute of Sports (NiSports), Ndak Lawrence, said the Eaglets would play better in their next match.
He said that team’s goal showed that they were determined to succeed but that they failed to exhibit team spirit. “We played a good game though the boys lacked cooperation, especially in the first half of the game.
“The second half saw a better game and we had our goal, it shows that the boys wanted to win but did not channel their chances right.
“I believe that we will do better in our next game against the Zambians and we will qualify to the Youth World Cup,” he said.
A former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Joe Erico, said the boys would succeed in their next match though they did not play in unison against the Guineans.
“The boys played their best, but I guess it wasn’t good enough.
“I saw that they wanted a win in the second half when they realised that they were at a loss. “I strongly believe in our next match, we will perform better giving the fact that they have learnt from their mistakes.
“I believe in the coach and his technical team are up to make us proud,’’ Erico said.
A former Green Eagles forward, Henry Nwosu, said the boys should be more proactive in their approach to the next match and learn how to play together as a team.
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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