Sports
Rohr’s Call Relieves Amapakabo After Sack
Imama Amapakabo reveals that Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr spoke to him after Enugu Rangers sacked him.
Amapakabo helped the Flying Antelopes break a 32-year wait for a major trophy in 2016, as they lifted the Nigeria Professional Football League trophy.
A season later, Amapakabo struggled to get the right results both in the domestic league and on the continent, thus, prompting the management of the Flying Antelopes to terminate his contract.
“Gernot Rohr called me to wish me well that every good coach gets sacked, that I should take it in my strides and not feel bad,” Amapakabo told Tidesports source.
“I was highly elated that he could put a call through to me. He encouraged me to move on and that I should accept whatever it is that has happened and that it’s part of the game.”
On a possible return to Enugu Rangers in the future, Amapakabo said: “I am a professional, I will come back to Rangers in future if the opportunity comes and if they meet my terms.
“We all learn but when a repeat of past mistakes happen again then it means that experience has learned from us and we didn’t learn from experience.”
“I want to say a very big thank you to the Governor and government of Enugu state, the board, and management of Rangers international, the coaches that worked with me, the support staff, the players and the supporters of the team.”
“It was a privilege for me to have worked for this great club. It’s one that I will forever savour in my life. I had a wonderful stay in Enugu and I pray that God should continue and guide the team,” he concluded.
The former Sai Masu Gida defender has confirmed that he has penned a two-year deal with the Promise Keepers
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.”
-
Politics3 days agoTinubu Swears In New INEC Chairman
-
News5 hours agoReps Summon NAFDAC, Police, Others For Illicit Drug Probe
-
Niger Delta6 hours ago
Coy Advocates Indigenous Innovation For Africa’s Energy Future
-
News5 hours agoDangote Begins Refinery Expansion To 1.4mbpd
-
News3 days ago
Germany Promises Continued Support For Nigeria’s Anti-terrorism Fight
-
Business5 hours agoNDDC Unveils Naval Facilities To Boost Region’s Security
-
News6 hours agoRIVERS PEACE EFFORTS YIELDING RESULTS, SAYS FUBARA ….Promises Rehabilitation Of Internal Roads, GSS Akabuka
-
Sports5 hours ago“Nigeria will go to World Cup”