Sports
NOC Commends NRFF For Ratifying Constitution
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has commended the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) for adopting its draft constitution.
The Secretary-General of NOC, Tunde Popoola, told Tidesports source in Lagos on Monday that adoption of the NRFF Constitution was a milestone in the history of the federation.
“This is a milestone achievement in the history of NRFF; the NOC and the entire sports fraternity are happy about the development.
“You will recall that the suspension of NRFF from the international bodies was as result of an unacceptable constitution; this also led to crisis rocking the federation.’’
The secretary-general expressed satisfaction that NRFF was able to come up with an acceptable constitution which would serve as its working tool.
“We, at the NOC, are concerned about ways to resolve the crisis in NRFF because the federation is one of our new members.
“The clubs’ representatives, the board members and, most importantly, the representatives of the international body, NOC and Ministry of Youth and Sports, were all there to witness the event,’’ he said.
Popoola told Tidesports source that the event took place in a peaceful and rancour-free atmosphere.
The NOC scribe called on all stakeholder in the game to come togethers and work for the development of the sport.
The Tidesports source reports that NRFF held its Extra Ordinary Annual General Meeting in Lagos on Sunday to ratify its constitution.
Khaled Babbou, Rugby Afrique Executive Member, who came as an observer, said that the ratification of the constitution was a step in lifting Nigeria’s suspension by the international body.
“I am here to observe the process of the ratification of the NRFF Constitution, and I must tell you I am very happy about what I have seen here.
“This is one of the steps toward lifting of suspension placed on Nigeria by Rugby Afrique.
“I will write my report, and the normal administrative procedure toward lifting of the suspension on Nigeria will follow,’’ Babbou said.
Meanwhile, Kelechukwu Mbagwu, President of NRFF has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the delegates and adoption of the constitution.
“I am a very happy man, indeed; this is historic; it marks the beginning of a new dawn for rugby development in Nigeria.
“Now, we have a working tool for rugby in Nigeria; for me, the development of the game is a top priority.
“The constitution may not be a perfect one, but we have what we can work with, and there can always be amendments,’’ Mbagwu said.
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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