Sports
D’Tigress Departs For Afrobasket Tourney
The Nigeria female basketball team, D’Tigress, departs the country today for Bamako, Mali aboard an Air Cote d’Ivoire flight for the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket tournament.
The team will be seeking to win the title it had won in 2003 and 2005. Nigeria were second runner-up in 1997 and 2015.
According to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) spokesman, Chimezie Asiegbu, who made the disclosure in Lagos, the delegation would be led by the Vice-President of NBBF, Babatunde Oguande.
“He will head the 12 registered players, three members of the technical crew, led by Sam Vincent and four other backroom staff.
“The playing staff made up of 14 players will be led by Captain Aisha Mohammed (University of Virginia) and third overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft.
“Also, Evelyn Akhator (Dallas Wings) who stormed the team’s camp on Monday evening, Ezinne Kalu (Savannah State University), Sarah Ogoke (RC Celta Vigo, Spain) are part of the team.
Others are: Adaora Elonu (Perfumeria Avenda, Spain), Chioma Udeaja, Nkechi Akashili and Upe Atosu (all of First Bank Basketball club),’’ Asiegbu said in a statement.
The statement added that “the 12-man list was selected from the pool of 29 players initially invited for the one week camping.
“They include: Ndidi Madu (University of Florida), Cecelia Okoye (McNeese State University), Ugo Nwaigwe (Temple University, Wanger College) and Nyingifa Atonye Jennifer (Elitzur Holon, Isreal).
“The Technical crew will consist of two assistant coaches, Peter Ahmedu and Ochuko Okworogun, while Mfon Udoka is the General Manager.
“Amachree Mactaben (Player Development Manager) will form part of the delegation for this year’s apex women’s basketball tournament in Africa.
North West zonal representative on the board, Suraju Yusuff, Larai Garba (Team Doctor) and Bakare Umulkuthum (Physio) as well as Oni Afolabi (Media Officer) will complete the Nigerian team that will be gunning for their third Afrobasket trophy,’’ it said.
The statement said in line with the NBBF’s long term plan, Adaeze Alaeze (Virginia Commonwealth University)and Elawure Tina Odion (First Bank), identified as future prospects had been added to the 12 man list.
“They are to continue their developmental programme with the national team.
“The team will start its campaign against Mozambique on Saturday.
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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