Sports
Senator Seeks Re-Election As FA Chairman
The Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, Senator Obinna Ogba (PDP-Ebonyi Central), says he will still vie for the state Football Association (FA) chairmanship position which he has occupied for eight years.
Ogba, a Former Vice President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) made the declaration in a telephone chat with the Tidesports source last Monday in Abakaliki.
The senator, who was re-elected into the senate during the last general elections, said that his leadership of the state’s FA has impacted positively on football in the state and this necessitated his desire to continue in that position.
“We have to consolidate on the achievements on ground especially with the revamping of the sports sector by the Gov. David Umahi led-administration,” he said.
He debunked the notion that he had abandoned his privately-owned club Ebonyi United FC, runners up in the 2019 state federation cup final, decided on April 27.
“I registered the club for the just concluded state federation cup, provided kits and other logistics while offsetting the salaries of the officials and players.
“How then can people say I abandoned the club as one should not reply to every insinuation,” he said.
Supporting Ogba’s assertion, Ikechukwu Itumo, Team manager of the Ebonyi United FC club, said the senator had been doing his best to run the club.
“You know that politicians who took part in the just-concluded general elections spent lots of money and would need time to stabilise financially.
“I believe that when things normalise, those who are saying that he abandoned the club will speak differently,” he said.
Itumo noted that the club had learnt its lessons from its federation cup loss to Cynosure FC of Abakaliki, promising that noticeable flaws would be corrected before the national stage of the competition.
“The officials for instance, released the players’ feeding allowance late before the final and we are happy to notice these flaws presently, before the national competition,” he said.
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.”