Sports
Nigeria Has Players That Can Beat Any Team — Ezeno
Nigeria has abundance of talents with capacity to beat any team across the world if the sports authorities could select players on merit above other considerations.
G.O.C Ezeno made the assertion when his team, G.O.C Ezeno FC, was forced to a 2-2 draw in their match against FC Ifeanyi Ubah Feeders at the FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium in Nnewi, yesterday.
Ezeno said managers of Nigerian football should go back to the grassroots and tap from the potential world football stars scattered across the country.
The team was selected from the six teams taking part in the G.O.C Ezeno football competition for Aguata South Constituency which is in the semifinal stage.
“I am impressed with the display by brilliant talents here, these boys have just trained for three days but see the way they played against a professional side.
“Nigeria has the players that can beat any team in the world, the problem is that merit is not placed first in the selection of players, even from our local scene, the best selection can win us the World Cup,’’ he said.
He said that in addition to the understanding he has with FC Ifeanyi Ubah, he was holding talks with Heartland FC of Owerri and Rangers International of Enugu.
Ezeno said his desire was to see that youths from his constituency got the best support possible to enable them realise their highest potential in their chosen endeavours.
The coach of the team, Austin Onokpise, said the friendly match was a huge opportunity for him to assess and work on his young team for future engagements.
Onokpise, however, said that for the game to grow in Nigeria and be comparable to any league in the football world, administrators and match referees must come clean.
He said his team was better, adding that the first goal by FC Ifeanyi Ubah Feeders which made them to draw level was demoraliser for his enterprising side.
“It was a great match, my boys were good, they scored the first goal and our opponents equalised with a controversial goal, it was a clear off side but the referee awarded it to them.
“The 2-2 result is good for a team that has trained for just three days, but we are looking ahead to our next matches,’’ he said.
Tidesports source reports that Uga will play Umuchu, while Achina will lock horns with Mkpologu in the second semi-finals matches of the G.O.C Ezeno which will come up on September 19.
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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