Sports
Club’s Director Apologises To Fans Over Drop
The Director of Football, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Ilorin FC, Alloy Chukwuemeka has said relegation was not part of what the club bargained for at the start of the just concluded 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
He said this after the Saraki Boys lost 2-1 to Nasarawa United in Lafia on Saturday in the final game of the season.
The Nigeria Premier League Club Owners’ Scribe, said he was very disappointed with the outcome of the season but has learnt some great lessons from the bad season.
He added that although the club started the season on a brighter note but were later affected by what he described as ‘ the usual Nigeria football environmental factors’.
Chukwuemeka however expressed hope that with the solid football management structure in his club, the Ilorin side would make a quick return to the Premier League next season.
“ With our sustainable football management structure I can assure you that we will bounce back to the NPFL soonest because that is where we belong “
“The objective of our proprietor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, for the club was to give young boys lifeline through football.
“We have been able to achieve this, we had three of our victorious NPFL/LALIGA U-15 Promises boys playing in the main team now.
“Few of the other young players we discovered may also move on to bigger clubs too.
“The beauty of it is that we have plenty talents in Kwara and Nigeria in general and we will discover more when we start the season” Chukwuemeka said.
Chukwuemeka apologised to the fans for the embarrassment brought them with the relegation but assured them the team would bounce back sooner than expected.
The Saraki Boys still have the Aiteo Cup to compete for as they tackle Unicem Rovers in the round of 16 of the competition on Wednesday in Calabar.
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.”