Sports
Motorsport To Contribute To Nigeria’s GDP – President
President of Motorsport Club of Nigeria, Oduwa Okao says the game has the potential to contribute a lot to the nation Gross Domestic Product (GDP), if fully harnessed.
Okao made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Benin, yesterday.
He spoke on the forthcoming Motorsport race, tagged “Easter Motorsport Festival” which will hold at Evbuobanosa, near Benin City, from April 19 to April 21.
He noted that Motorsport race had contributed a lot to the economy of the UK, USA and Austria, but had yet to be given any serious thought in Nigeria.
According to him, the potential of the sports spread across boosting of tourism, employment generation, technological development, sporting events as well as knowledge transfer.
“This sport needs to be given serious attention by government, private individuals as well as corporate organisations for its potentials to be brought to bear on the economy of the country.
“It is a sport whose multiplier effect transcended mere promotion of tourism; a huge employment opportunity can be generated through the sport.
“Aside the aspect of employment generation, knowledge transfer and local technology development are part of the benefits derivable from the sport.
“The sport would help the country diversify and would be less dependent on oil,” he said.
Okao said it was time the country gave the sport its pride of place and put Nigeria in the global Motorsport family.
He said the club was trying to professionalise the sport so that those involved drivers, riders and mechanics will start earning a living from it.
On this year’s annual Easter Motorsport Festival which is 8th in its series, Okao said the event would be in series and the grand finale would be on November 30.
“We usually have six races in a year and the Easter event is the first of the series; this will be followed by races in August while the final race is on November 30, when the championship will be decided.
“All this will take place at Evbuobanosa, near Benin City, where we have built the first motor race track in the country,” he said.
The president of the club however, lamented the lack of sponsorship of the event, saying that it had slowed the progress of the sport in the country.
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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