Sports
12 Schools Feature In Treasure FM Soccer Kids Challenge
Maiden Treasure FM Rivers Football Kids Challenge, kicked off in Rivers State, last Monday, with 12 schools competing in the competition.
The Challenge was organised by Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), South South.
Speaking at the event, the chairman of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Hon Solomon Eke, pledged to partner FRCN in their Kids football competition.
He explained that as government, they will meet with the sponsors of the competition to work out the modalities on how they can partner.
Hon. Eke, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Due Process, Nweneka Chinda, said this last Monday, at the official opening ceremony of the Maiden Treasure FM Rivers Football Kids Challenge, held at Treasure FM field, in Port Harcourt.
According to him, as local government we will support the competition to achieve its desires.
“As local government council, we are very happy that this is happening within our area and we will monitor and support the competition to achieve its desires.
We are also partnering with you to catch them young. But we are going to meet with the sponsors to work out the modalities,” “Hon. Eke said.
Earlier, the Zonal Director of FRCN, South South, Jonas Emechebe, said the purpose of the competition is to nurture children in football.
He stated that such competition would help to keep children away from social vices and reduce criminal activities in the society. According to him, 12 schools registered in the maiden edition of the competition and it will go round the South South states in the region.
“This competition will go round the South South states so that it will be roboost and young talents will be developed” Emechebe said.
The Zonal Director revealed that the competition would be sustained and urged the players to abide by FIFA fair play rules.
In the opening games of the competition, De Devine Shammah School walked over Isam School, in group A, while Trinity School thrashed Christabel 4 nil, in Group B, in Group C, Vessels of Honour ran over Nazareth by 2 goals, as Goshen wiped Sleek Angels 6- 0.
Tonye Orabere
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.”