Sports
Jaja Advises Eagles Against Cameroon
Coach of Opobo United Football Club, Michael Thomas Jaja, has advised both the technical crew and players of the national team not to lose focus when the team battle against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the group match later next month.
He enjoined them to do their best to maintain the lead by beating Cameroon in the Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifying series and not to rely solely on their two victories recorded so far against Zambia and Algeria.
Nigeria, pitched alongside former African Champion, Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia has recorded victories over Zambia and Algeria, amassing six points in the process. Cameroon with two points is next to trade tackle against the Super Eagles of Nigeria while Algeria and Zambia take the rear with a point appease.
Despite the foregoing, Jaja is still not comfortable as he said the team must avoid becoming complacent.
Speaking at Opobo Town on the chances of Super Eagles of Nigeria qualifying for the mundial, he said Eagles, with six points already in the kitty and in pole position for the next World Cup, need throw away what they have achieved so far. “We need to work more harder and ensure we don’t lose focus in the field of play and slip along the line. We should not relax because Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia would not go down with a fight. Every team in the group still have potential opportunity of qualifying for the World tournament”.
He believes with the gains so far achieved, the Eagles only have themselves to beat. “We have got lots of talents and it will be sad and unacceptable to see the team fail in their quest for the 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket”.
Jaja further advised the technical crew as headed by Gernot Rohr to always carry the home-based players along as they continue their search for players that can make the team unbeatable. “You have to give chance to every players to prove their worthy,” adding, “we have talented and hard-fighting players in the domestic league who can also help the national team to advance”.
Bethel Sam Toby
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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