Sports
Football Organisers Promise Players Good Education
The organisers of the an
nual youths competition — FAB 5 Football Challenge — on Thursday restated their commitment to sponsoring outstanding footballers to pursue their educational career at all levels.
A former executive member, Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Deji Tinubu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the move was to bridge the gap between education and football.
He spoke against the backdrop of the last edition of the tournament held from January 26 to February 5 and had 48 schoolsparticipating.
The Five-A-Side competition was sponsored by Dufil Prima Foods Ltd. in partnership with Sportvision.
Tinubu, who is also the Managing Director of Sportvision, said the competition had taken more kids off the streets since its inception in 2011.
“This competition has been a life changing experience for many children over the years and this year will not be an exception.
“Some participants will benefit from scholarship to further their education to any level they want to attain.
“This will also ensure that they get good contract instead of enslaving themselves out of ignorance,’’ he said.
The competition’s Coordinator, Dare Amokeodo,said that the tournament would continue to produce new breed of footballers.
“We intend to continue with the work we started some years ago by producing new footballers that will combine their career with education.
“By doing this, the players will be able to fall back on education when football fails,’’ Amokeodo, who is the founder of Pet-Bamok Company said.
Head of Public Relation and Events of Dufil Prima, makers of Indomie, Tope Asiwaju, said that the competition was part of the company’s social corporate responsibility to the society.
Asiwaju said that the company would continue to sponsor the event because of the caliber of organisers of the competition.
The Lagos State representative of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Olu Akapo, commended the organisers of the event.
He said that it was through such an event that the state would develop sports at the grassroots.
“I commend the organisers of this competition for involving primary school pupils.
“To start with primary school is a very good initiative that should be commended and we want to thank them for giving scholarship to our pupils,’’ Akapo said.
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.”