Sports
Handicapped Tennis Player Wants NSF Restored
A physically challenged table tennis player, Omowunmi Bello, has appealed to the Federal Government to restore the National Sports Festival and other competitions that enable athletes to train with positive expectations.
The Tidesports reports that the last National Sports Festival was staged by Lagos State in 2012 and tagged “Eko 2012’’ with the 36 states and Abuja participating.
At the conclusion of Eko 2012, Cross River won the hosting right of the biennial multi-sports competition but since then has been unable to host.
The competition has suffered several postponements even after the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports took it over late in 2016 with a promise to stage it in Abuja this year following the failure of Cross River to stage it.
However, many reasons ranging from inadequate facilities to scarcity of funds have been adduced for the inability of the state or any other to host.
Bello, whose only son is three-year-old, lamented that since Eko 2012, nothing has been done regarding competitions, adding that it had affected handicapped persons who depended on competitions for their livelihood.
Bello, who resides at Palm Avenue, Mushin in Lagos State, said: “I move myself on wheelchair to and from Mushin to the National Stadium, Surulere to train four times weekly.
“I have a kid but lack the money to take care of him. I don’t want to think and that’s why I still come out to train hoping there will be a competition someday’’.
She noted that in the past, different companies, including Nigerian Breweries Plc., brewers of Malt drink, Amstel Malta, and Nigerian Bottling Company, bottlers of Coca-Cola, had organised competitions for athletes and awarded cash prizes and allowances.
“I was given some cash which I will not disclose during Eko 2012 but for over 5 years now there has been no competition.
“We are suffering as handicapped persons and there is no job employment in the country.
“Government at all levels should hear our cry as handicapped persons and help us to live our life like the normal citizens of Nigeria,’’ she said.
Bello added that the roof of their training ground at the stadium had been removed by wind; the government should please urgently carry out repairs on the Knock-up Hall for athletes’ safety.
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.”