Sports
SWAN Backs Inclusion Of Shooting Sport In NSF
The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Honour Sirawoo, has called for the inclusion of Shooting Sport as a competitive event in the National Sports Festival.
This is just as over 50 sports journalists from across the country have issued a communiqué calling for better recognition for shooting sport in view of its medal haul in international sports competitions.
The SWAN President spoke at the closing ceremony of a four-day Media Shooting Sport and Workshop in Abuja organised by the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF).
While reiterating that Nigeria must pay attention to other sports, he called on administrators to emulate the NSSF in organizing workshops and seminars for sports journalists, who he says are the platforms upon which talents are discovered and nurtured to stardom.
Sirawoo commended the NSSF for its pioneering role in bringing sports journalists up to date in the technicalities of the sport, in addition to training them in the art of shooting sport.
Also speaking, the President of Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation, Brigadier General Lonsdale Adeoye (Rtd) commended SWAN for partnering with the federation to give the sport a lift and also make it more popular among Nigerians.
He advocated more support for shooting sport, saying apart from its medal haul prospects, it was capable of putting Nigeria on the map of shooting sport nations.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the workshop, the participants commended the “NSSF under the leadership of its President, Brig. General Lonsdale Adeoye (Retired), Board members and the National leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) under the pragmatic leadership of President Honour Sirawoo for providing the platform for sport journalists to be equipped with requisite knowledge and skills in reporting shooting sport.”
While assuring of maximum cooperation with the NSSF in reporting the game and creating the required public knowledge and awareness about the sport, they called on other sports federations to emulate the NSSF in organising similar training and workshops for sports Journalists in order to achieve the tripod of sports development (administration, participation and promotion) in the country.
They also decried the non participation of Shooting sport in the National Sports Festival (NSF) and call on the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sport development to see to the inclusion of the game in subsequent festivals, while calling for the upgrading of the Nigeria national shooting range facilities and organization of regular competition across 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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