Sports
Golden Eaglets Depart Nigeria For Niger Republic
The Golden Eaglets are ex
pected to depart the country this week for Niamey, Niger Republic, ahead of the 11th African U-17 Championship scheduled to kick-off on February 15.
The Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Musa Amadu,said this in Abuja on Wednesday that adequate security arrangement had been made to escort the team from Sokoto to Niamey.
He said that Mohammed Sanusi, NFA’s Director of Competitions would lead the delegation of 21 players.
“Our first game is on Sunday, February 15 against Niger Republic and we are confident that even though Niger is playing at home, we will be able to win this game.
“We know that Niger Republic, just few days ago, played a friendly match with South Africa, which they lost 0-1 in Niamey.
“We are trying to get the tape of that game so that we look at how their team is.
“We are confident that when we play these three matches in the first round, we should be able to get to the semifinals and that guarantees us a place in the World Cup later this year in Chile.
“Two years ago in Marrakech, Morocco, we lost the final to Cote d’ Ivoire, but we want to go to Chile as African Champions and that is the target and objective of the team.“
According to him, the team’s preparation coupled with the harsh weather condition in Sokoto will be enough to see the team to the end.
Amadu explained that none of the players that failed the Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) test was included on the final 21-man list for the championship.
He said: “A group of 60 players were put on the MRI test, which was done at the National Hospital, but a few of them failed.
“Those that failed were not included on the 2-man list, which we have already submitted to CAF since Feb. 7.
It was reported that the Eaglets, who are expected to travel to Niamey by road, have been in Sokoto for nearly 10 days now for the last phase of training in preparation for the championship.
The team is expected to be lodged at the Royal Palace Hotel in Niamey.
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.”