Sports
Anambra FA Prepares For Elections
The Chairman, Anambra
State Football Association (ASFA) Normalisation Committee, Ephraim Chukwuemeka, has said the election into the board of the Anambra State FA would be conducted before Decembe 25.
Chukwuemeka said this at the Anambra football stakeholders meeting held with members of his committee in Awka on Monday.
He said the committee was determined to do a thorough job.
“As part of our mandate, we will do a thorough job and restore normalcy to Anambra FA that has been without constituted leadership since February 28,’’ Chukwuemeka said.
He said that the election timetable would be released.
The chairman said screening of the local government council candidates as conducted by the former committee would be upheld.
Chukwuemeka, currently chairman of the Abia FA added that only the screening of the candidates for the board election would be re-conducted.
He, however, re-stated that his committee would not be intimidated in the course of carrying out their assignment.
“Anambra football has been cheated for about a year now over a lack of an elected executive board. We want you to cooperate with us maximally, so that we can lead the state back to normalcy,’’ Chukwuemeka said.
Olisa Aniuno, one of the top contenders for the chairmanship position expressed confidence in the ability of the committee’to do a thorough job that would be acceptable to all stakeholders.
Aniuno called for understanding and patience on the part of the members so that the committee could articulate and execute their programme without pressures.
Mike Umeh, a former chairman of the board and a candidate urged the committee to clear all obstacles, “including the court case that stalled the conduct of the election in August, so that there will not be impediments to a successful conduct of the election.’’
Umeh called for early release of timetable to enable the contestants to start early preparations.
Tidesports reports that the 4-man committee led by Chukwuemeka was constituted by the Nigeria Football Federation when the Iloegbune Okoye committee was adjudged to have failed to deliver elections into the board, within the allotted three months’ timeframe.
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.”