Sports
Rivers Hosts Duathlon Cycling Championship In PH
In a bid to discover hidden talents in cycling in Rivers State, the State Cycling Association, in conjunction with Lifestyle Cycling Club, Port Harcourt, on Saturday organised Easter Holiday Sprint Duathlon Junior Championship.
Speaking at the occasion, one of the national cycling coaches, Miebaka Aggo, who is also one of the organisers of the competition said the purpose of the championship was to keep Rivers State cyclists fit and ready for any competition that would come either national or international.
According to him, this is the way talents are been discovered in any sports by training them at tender age.
“Today we have four categories in this championship. They are: Under 5, 10, 14 and 18.
The meaning of Duathlon is for an athlete to run some kilometers and also ride some kilometers. In fact this is one of the most difficult aspects of cycling because it required a lot of energy.” Aggo said.
Miebaka Aggo, who is also an athlete and coach in the State and life style club explained that the greatest challenge facing cyclists in the State was lack of sponsorship to attend competitions within and outside the country.
“What we are doing here today is to train and discover future Olympian because the junior athletes are already breaking records,” he stated.
Aggo, the only ‘Iron man’ in Nigeria in cycling used the forum to appeal to multinationals to assist the cycling association in all ramification, mostly when they have competitions outside the country.
At the end of the championship, Ibitamuno Miebaka Aggo emerged winner in the under five category, as Chisom Ovua clinched the first position in U-10 male category, leaving Anthony Philip and David Klaibi to occupy the second and third position respectively.
In female category U-10 Martha Aggo came first, while Thelma Donaldson came second; while in the U-14 category male, Isaac Dana, emerged winner, Emperor Philip and John Ekong came second and third respectively.
Gideon Ekina, won the U-18 male category, Bright Emmanuel came second and Abdulmalik Yusuf occupied third position, while Alice Alaibi emerged winner in the female category, as Elizabeth Jacob and Oruma Wachukwu came second and third respectively.
Stories by Tonye Orabere
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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