Sports
Poor Officiating Responsible For Our Draw – Coach Eguma
Poor officiating was responsible for our one all draw against visiting Sunshine FC , in Match day 16 in the Nigeria Professional Football League( NPFL). The Coach of Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt, Stanley Eguma said.
He expressed their preparedness of the game considering the position his team occupied on the log, but admitted that the visitors from Akure were also a good team.
Coach Eguma said this on Sunday in a post match interview, shortly after his side forced the visitors to one all draw at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
“We should have won the game in the first half. But up till now I did not know how that penalty came against us ” he stated.
He explained that playing draw against Sunshine Stars at home is a huge set back for his team, saying that he will go back to drawing board to correct the grey areas in the team.
“We have to talk to our players. The game has come and gone we have to fashion out different ways to approach our next matches.
The game was going on normal until the referee gave them a penalty which I did not understand” he explained.
The technical adviser, noted that football is not Mathematics where the answer will remain same. However, he confirmed that Sunshine Stars is also a good team.
Both goals of the game were scored through a spot kick.
Ossy Martins of United converted the spot kick at the 68th minute, while the Sunshine Stars, Otebeji Ajibola also scored the equaliser through spot kick at 81st minute.
The pride of the state have played 15 matches, won five, draw five,lost five and currently on eight position on the log with 20 points
Earlier, the Head Coach of Sunshine Stars, Kabiru Dogo said his team has lost valuable points at home, adding that struggle will continue until they qualify for super six.
Kiadum Edookor
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.”