Sports
Egbaland Squash Tourney On Hold
The Royalty Club of
Egbaland (RCE), sponsors of the maiden Alake of Egbaland National Junior Squash Tournament, yesterday said it would be held to commemorate the coronation anniversary of the monarch.
Tidesports gathered that the Alake, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, was installed on November, 2, 2005 in Abeokuta, Ogun as the paramount ruler of Egbaland.
The RCE’s President, Bayo Sodade, told newsmen that the club would work closely with the Professional Squash Players Association of Nigeria (PSPAN) to ensure the success of subsequent editions.
The second edition had been planned for this month but had to be postponed indefinitely as the PSPAN claimed that they were boycotting the competition because of undue demands by the sponsors.
The PSPAN President, Seun Peters, had told newsmen Wednesday that “the sponsor wanted it to be strictly for players of Egba origin which is unfair.
“We couldn’t accept his terms as the players’ representatives; we can’t sell them out like that’’.
But the Solade said: “The tournament initially billed to hold annually, has been stepped down and will be repackaged to hold at milestone celebrations of Alake’s coronation anniversaries.
“Unfortunately, there was communication gap between us and the PSPAN which was not deliberate but due to some unforeseen happenings which misrepresented our objective.
“The name Egba means “egba won sile’’ (meaning accommodate them); we don’t segregate in Egbaland.
“We believe in one Nigeria; when our king celebrates 15 years on the throne we will have an open tournament.
“RCE has being hosting a monthly squash clinic at Ake Palace in the past eight years to promote squash racket and encourage Egba youths to embrace the game in support of the Alake.
“The Alake as you know is an accomplished squash player.
Sodade told newsmen that the RCE is working in conjunction with Ajisewa Egba Foundation to intervene the areas of sports facilities’ rehabilitation, construction and equipment in Ogun.
“Our priority is to renovate the following facilities and institutions, the Oba Lipede Mini Stadium, Ijeja, abandoned Squash Court at Abeokuta Grammar School.
“And also to renovate the facilities at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and Federal University of Agriculture all in Abeokuta as part of our social responsibility,’’ Solade.
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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