Sports
One Division Wins Nigerian Army Sports Festival
The 1 Division of the
Nigerian Army at the weekend emerged champions of the 2016 Nigerian Army Sports Festival with 118 medals.
Tidesports gathered that 1 Division, who were the defending champions, clinched 45 gold, 32 silver and 41 bronze medals, to beat the Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQG) to the second spot with 103 medals.
The 103 medals are made up of 32 gold, 31 silver and 40 bronze.
The 81 Division came third with a total of 94 medals comprising 31 gold, 26 silver and 37 bronze medals.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Minister of Defence, retired Brig-Gen Mansur Dan Ali, said the festival would provide more cohesion in the military.
“Sports and physical training are inseparable from the military because of the need for the personnel to be fit to be able to fight at all times.
“Maintaining good health and physical fitness is required by all to perform our daily task effectively, hence the need for more events like this.”
Dan Ali, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, urged the military authorities to further improve on the standard of the games.
Earlier, the minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, said that the Nigerian Army would be good partners in progress in the development of sports in Nigeria.
He said that with the talents harvested during the festival, Nigeria would soon take its rightful place in the world of sports.
A renowned marathoner, Abbas Mohammed put off the festival torch at 5.30 p.m. to bring the week-long event to a close.
Activities to mark the closing ceremony included the finals of the 100m, race as well as 4x100m and 4×400 combat relays for men and women.
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.”
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