Sports
Go Round/SWAN Athletics: MOC Assures On Facilities, Readiness
A cyclist in action during a recent competition in Port Harcourt
With six days to go be
fore the Mascot Unveiling Ceremony of the forthcoming Go-Round/SWAN Secondary School Athletics Championships next Tuesday, the Main Organizing Committee (M.O.C) of the Competition has assured sports enthusiasts in the state that facilities to be used for the main event from the 31st of this month would be fully ready.
Chairman of the M.O.C, Honour Sirawoo gave the assurance in a chat with our correspondent after leading a team of technical officials of the committee on an inspection tour of facilities at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium where the Championships will be staged.
Sirawoo gave a frank assessment of the current state of the facilities and assured that with help from the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, they are good to go.
“Well, we need to put some touches to what we saw on ground. They’re not in too good a state but thank God we have assurances from the Commissioner for Sport (Hon. Boma Iyaye) that he is going to do whatever is possible to make sure that the competition is successful. So we are convinced that with the input from the government to put the facilities in good shape, we will have a successful competition.” said Sirawoo
Sirawoo, who is also the National Vice President South-South of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) however moved to quickly allay any fears by emphasizing that “just minor things” need to be put in place.
“Just minor things, very very minor things,” he emphasized. “(They are) not too consequential although we have put in place a Plan B in case that does not work but if we are able to put it (the Plan A), it will also add more colour to what we are doing.” he added.
Some of the facilities inspected include the tracks, technical control room, changing rooms and other outdoor facilities at the arena.
While the Championships is expected to start at the end of this month, the Mascot Unveiling Ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre is expected to spark a flurry of activities ahead of the Athletics championships.
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.”