Sports
Cameroon’s Coach Expects Matip Return
Cameroon coach Hugo Broos reveals he would like to have Joel Matip back in the national team set up after the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon.
The Indomitable Lions are through to the quarter-finals of the biennial continental showpiece after playing to a 0-0 draw in their final Group B match against hosts, Gabon on Sunday.
Matip reportedly announced his retirement from the national side, yet Broos called him for AFCON with the defender rejecting the call-up to focus on Liverpool instead.
“I hope he’ll change his mind and we’ll see him in the next game (after the Nations Cup) because he’s a fantastic player,” Broos told Tidesports source
“I’m very happy that this problem is solved and he can play again for Liverpool and I hope, really I hope, that he’s thinking again why shouldn’t I play with Cameroon.
“I think everyone is free to make a decision and he made the decision not to come with us here for the Nations Cup.
“I respect his decision but I also think the Cameroon Federation had to do what it has done because they are the FIFA rules and it’s too easy to say no, I don’t come.
“But this problem is solved now, for me there is no problem anymore and I still hope, as I have done since I was coach of Cameroon, that he will come back and play with us again.”
Meanwhile, FIFA rules state, a player may be blocked from featuring for his club if he refuses to play for his country, but on Friday Matip was cleared to play.
The Reds defender last played for the national team in 2015 and was not included in their final 23-man squad for the tournament.
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.”