Sports
Supporters Club Chairman Frowns At Poor Officiating
Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt Supporters Club Chairman, Comrade Franklin Owhor has attributed the one all draw against their visitors FC Ifeanyi Uba to poor officiating, saying that the centre referee was not fair to the host team.
He stated that the referee overlooked most fringe benefits that are supposed to be in favour of United, saying that if such officiating is not addressed our League will not improve and attract spectators to match venues.
Comrade Owhor, said this in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, on Wednesday, in Port Harcourt, saying that in spite of the fact that United goal keeper, Sunday Rotimi as carelessness earned him a red card the referee was harsh to the host team.
The encounter was one of the week 11 matches played at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, last Sunday, in Port Harcourt, at the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
According to him, he was impressed with the standard of play of both teams, most especially his side.
“Honestly we the supporters club members are not really happy about how the centre referee handle that match, we are also aware that our goal keeper, Sunday Rotimi, made tactical blunders.
We observed that the referee overlooked most of the fringe benefits that were supposed be in our favour. If such officiating is not properly addressed, our League will go back where it was before, besides it, will no longer attract spectators to match venues.
The supporters’ club chairman used the forum to commend fans and supporters over their calmness and peaceful conduct during League games and advised them to continue in that spirit.
Tonye Orabere
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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