Sports
12th African Games: High Jump Gold Medalist Sure Of Qualification
A high jump gold medallist at the 2018 ECOWAS Region II Championships, Cyprian Oyedele, yesterday said that he hoped to surpass the 2.12m entry standard for the African Games.
Oyedele, who expressed the optimism in an interview with Tidesports source in Lagos, said that his target was to jump at least 2.15m.
“All things being equal, my target is higher than the standard set by the Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) for the African Games.
“At least, I want to make a 2.15m to qualify for the Games, but hoping for a 2.20m, nothing is impossible through hard work and God’s grace,” he said.
Oyedele won the gold medal by jumping a height of 2.04m at the championships held in Ghana last June.
The athlete, who had recently graduated from the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, said that though he didn’t start his season on a good note, he was still optimistic of improving.
“Even though I messed up my season opener, I am not disturbed or discouraged. I am standing tall, ready to face the challenges required and overcome.
“I just need to perfect what I have learnt because consistency is key in high jump.
“Now that I have finished with my exams and project, I have been training day in, day out,” he said.
Tidesports reports that the 12th African Games will hold from Aug. 19 to Aug. 31 in Rabat, Morocco .
In a related development, Sunday Adeleye, the Technical Director, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has told said that the trial for the African Games would come up sometime in June.
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.”
-
Maritime5 days agoCustoms Intercepts N5.3BN Illicit Drugs AT TIN CAN PORT
-
Rivers5 days ago
Organization Seeks Office Space From Council Boss
-
Sports5 days agoDivision One Volleyball League kicks off in Abia
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
Bayelsa Lauds WHO, Others Over Support For Healthcare … Flags-Off Statewide Immunization
-
News5 days agoDrug Party: NDLEA Arrests Over 100 Suspects At Lagos Night Club
-
Maritime5 days agoMOWCA Partners Indonesian Govt For Maritime Capacity Development
-
Rivers5 days ago
NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria
-
News5 days agoResident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Nov 1