Sports
Proprietress Wants Govt To Build Sports Institutes
Considering the growing interest among Nigerian youths in sports and games and the role they play in physical and mental development, the Director of Nobles Academy and College (NOBAC), Pastor (Mrs) Oku Elijah Sam has called on governments to establish sports academy to train budding talents.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide shortly after the 2nd Inter-house Sports competition of the school held last weekend in Port Harcourt, Mrs Sam said that the establishment of sports institutes by state governments would help to encourage children with talents and divert their attention from indecent behaviours and criminal tendencies.
According to her, when a child engages in sporting activities and grows in any specialized area, it will afford him or her the opportunity to participate and excel in national or international competitions that would boost their well-being.
“If governments set up sports institutes, it will encourage children to not only identify their talents but also boost their financial pursuit when they take it seriously”, he stated.
Encouraging Rivers State Governor, Chief NyesomWike to actualize his plan to establish a sports academy in the state, the school proprietress enjoined children to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship as it would take them to greater heights.
She stressed the need for parents to encourage their children who are interested in sports and games, pointing out that the days are gone when sportsmen and women were seen as never-do-wells.
Sam called on philanthropists and sports lovers to encourage and promote sporting activities by donating equipment to schools and regretted that lack of sports facilities was a major challenge facing sports development.
The woman of God also called on the states Ministries of Sports and Education to include sports and games in the school curriculum, especially at the secondary and primary schools levels in order to catch them young.
Shedie Okpara
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.”