Sports
AFN Officials Inspect Coal City Marathon Routes
Officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) led by the Technical Director, Sunday Adeleye on Monday inspected routes for the first Coal City International Half Marathon in Enugu State.
Briefing newsmen after the inspection, Adeleye said that they were impressed with the level of readiness as well as the form of the routes mapped out for the race.
He said that the overall management of the event was encouraging, adding that what was left was for the AFN to give its nod for the hosting of the event.
“The routes are one of the craftiest I have seen in this clime and we are pleased with it. We are equally impressed with the overall management of the event and we shall report back to the federation for the necessary approval,” he said.
Adeleye said that though the event would feature athletes from other African countries “but we have to put into consideration our indigenous athletes.
“Let there be concessions for our local athletes that are participating in the event,” Adeleye said.
Also, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Joseph Udedi said that no fewer than 1,500 athletes had so far registered for the race which would cover a distance of 21kms.
Udedi said that the half marathon slated for Nov. 24 would feature athletes from Cameroon, Ethiopia and Kenya.
He said that participation was free “but participants must be healthy. We have engaged a hospital that will check participants to ensure they are in good health condition.
“We have so far registered about 1,500 athletes including those from Cameroon, Ethiopia and Kenya,” he said.
The commissioner said that the organisers had made adequate arrangement for the control of traffic in liaison with the State Ministry of Transport.
“We believe that the AFN will approve the routes after the inspection,” he said.
Udedi said that a total of 20 male and female prizes respectively would be up for grabs including 3,500 US dollars prize for the first position and lots of consolation prizes.
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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