Sports
FG Appoints 12th African Games’ Chef De Mission
The former Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhassan Yakmut has been appointed Team Nigeria’s Chef de Mission to the 12th Africa Games in Rabat, Morocco.
Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youth and Sports, who disclosed this in a statement signed by Nneka Ikem-Anibuze, his Special Assistant on Media, said the appointment was in recognition of his contributions to sports in the country.
According to Dalung, the sports family will gain much by tapping into Yakmut’s wealth of knowledge.
“The appointment of Yakmut as Chef de Mission to the African Games in Morocco is in recognition of his wealth of experience in sports administration and his contributions to sports.
“I believe that one of the challenges of sports development is what I refer to as the ‘Theory of abandonment’.
“Once you are out of the system you are not associated with the sports family but once in a while, your experience is tapped into for the benefit of sports development.
“So I came up with the policy thrust of appointing former sports administrators and former ministers to serve in such capacity so that we can benefit from their wealth of experience.
“This is to give them a sense of belonging and also recognise their contributions,” Dalung said.
He said that last year, a former Director-General of the defunct NSC, Gbenga Elegbeleye, was appointed to lead the delegation to the Winter Olympics in Pyongyang, South Korea.
He said that other former administrators would also be considered for such roles as the opportunity avails.
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.”
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
Partnership With Security Chiefs’ Excites Ogbuku … As NDDC Unveils Naval Outpost In Bayelsa
-
News4 days agoN’Assembly Committee Approves New State ForS’East
-
Maritime5 days agoNIWA Launches Operations To Tackle Water Hyacinth Menace
-
Rivers5 days agoReps’ Committee On Health Lauds RSG On Primary Healthcare Delivery
-
Sports5 days agoLagos Women Race set to empower participants
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
Oborevwori Seeks Private Sector Partnership In Security … As Delta Launches Security Trust Fund
-
News4 days agoSERAP Demands NNPCL Account For Oil Revenues, Threatens Legal Action
-
Maritime5 days agoCustoms Intercepts N5.3BN Illicit Drugs AT TIN CAN PORT