Sports
LSFA Restates Commitment To MFM’s Continental Campaign
The Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, (LSFA), Seyi Akinwunmi, yesterday said that the state government and the FA would not relent in their support to MFM FC’s continental campaign.
Akinwunmi made the pledge in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Tide sports source reports that as part of Gov. Akinwumi Ambode’s policies of driving the state economy through sports and creating enabling environment for sports to thrive, the government remodeled Agege Township Stadium.
The stadium which is the base of MFM was refurbished to meet international standard for CAF competitions.
The stadium’s VIP Lounge, Media Tribune, Dressing Room (Players and Officials), Conveniences and a brand new cover area was put up within a short notice.
On the commitment of the state government at creating enabling environment for sports to thrive, Akinwunmi said that the administration would provide more to the yearnings of the sports-loving people of the state.
“I am very happy with the development of sports in Lagos and football in particular which is my constituency. We have been having it good and the people are happy for it.
“This edifice is part of the effort of the government at creating enabling environment for sports to thrive and football in particular, thanks to the sports-loving Gov. Ambode.
“Lagos is the commercial nerve centre of the country, hence we should be talking about the best that can come out of it. In Nigeria, in all contexts, football is the most commercialised commodity.
“Even, all over the world, football is seen as a rallying point, so Lagos will not shy away from that, we will continue to satisfy the yearnings of the people by providing the necessary,” he said.
Akinwunmi said that the government’s support to MFM FC was important as it wanted the team to excel in their continental pursuits.
“The support to MFM is commendable and we are ready to provide more support. The club has made us proud and we will also grant any wish they have within the government’s capacity.
“Government is giving the supports and we give kudos to them, Agege Stadium renovation is one of the many that we will see in Lagos in times to come.
“MFM is a club in Lagos and presently in the continental football championships, so we will ensure that the campaign is done in an enabling environment,” he said.
The Tide source reports that Lagos-based MFM FC are currently campaigning in the CAF Champions League and has qualified for the second round after beating AS Bamako 2-1 on aggregate.
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.”