Sports
Rivers Hoopers Return To Winning Ways
Rivers Hoopers bounced back from defeat in their opening game with a 76-75 win over SLAC of Guinea on day two of the FIBA Africa Basketball League Group A games in Sale, Morocco on Saturday.
Abdul Yahaya had a team high 19 points and eight rebounds, Precious Osigbodi got off the bench to score 15 points and seven rebounds, Emmanuel Balogun had 15 points while Victor Anthony Koko made 13 rebounds and nine points, one short of a double-double.
Osigbodi shot all his four 3-pointers in the game and made 4/5 from the free throw line in 26 minutes of play.
Rivers Hoopers took a six-point lead going to the break 44-38, returned for the third quarter and were outscored by SLAC 20-15.
The Nigerian representatives overcame a nervy last 60 seconds of the game to clinch their first win at the FIBA Africa Basketball League.
With 30 seconds remaining, Balogun shot 2/2 from the line to draw the score level at 75-75 and was later increased to a point lead by Solomon Ajegbeyi’s 1 /2 free throw with 7 seconds remaining on the clock. SLAC failed to capitalise on the team defensive rebound with Dane Miller missing the jump shot which would have snatched a victory for the Guineans.
Shaquille Mc Farlan scored a game high 24 points and four assists, Malick Kone had 12 points and six rebounds while Bachir Bella added 10 points and seven rebounds for SLAC.
Rivers Hoopers will play their last group game on Sunday against JS Kairouan of Tunisia for a place in the Elite 8 of the FIBA Africa Basketball League.
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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