Sports
Handball Is Still Active In Nigeria – Team Captain
The captain of FRSC’s
handball team, Sunday Daniel has said in Abuja that the handball sport had not gone to sleep in the country.
Daniel told newsmen that the sport only had some internal problems to grapple with last year.
He said the situation had forced the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) into having plans on ground to revive the sport in the country.
“From my own perspective, handball has not gone to sleep. There are so many plans on ground to reawaken the sport in the country.
“As at last year, there was a championship held here in Abuja by the veterans of the sport. They have been in charge with the HFN in organising and sponsoring handball events.
“They are also involved in improving and trying to uplift handball in Nigeria,” the player said.
The team captain insisted that the sport was still the way it was known before.
He said this was because the sport was known for its development through the categorisation of players into under-12, under-14 and under-16 categories up to the senior level.
“Handball is still the way it was before, because we still have the under-12, under-14 and under-16 and so on. In fact, we have more champions in the junior categories than in the senior categories.
“With the emergence of the new Handball Federation Team in conjunction with the veterans a lot will happen to handball this year.
“So, I believe with the grassroots programme and the FRSC players, people will be hearing more about handball in the nearest future,” Daniel 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.”
-
Business2 days ago“W’Bank To Invest $14bn In Agric Transformation
-
News2 days agoNECO Opens UK Exam Centre For Nigerians In Diaspora
-
City Crime2 days ago
RSG Ready For 2030 Digital Transformation
-
Opinion2 days agoA Renewing Optimism For Naira
-
Business2 days agoFG Fixes Uniform Prices for Housing Units Nationwide, Approves N12.5m For 3-bedroom Bungalow ……..Says Move To Enhance Affordability, Ensures Fairness
-
News2 days agoReps Summon NAFDAC, Police, Others For Illicit Drug Probe
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Coy Advocates Indigenous Innovation For Africa’s Energy Future
-
News2 days agoDangote Begins Refinery Expansion To 1.4mbpd