Sports
Young Tennis Star Targets International Circuit
Young tennis player Rebecca Ekpenyong has said that her ambition is to play tennis at the International level.
Little Ekpenyong who made this known in a chat with Tidesports after Training session at the Anchorage Sports Club, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Rivers Port Complex, Port Harcourt stated that aside from her educational pursuit, she Is interested in becoming number one tennis player in Nigeria, Africa and in the World.
According to her, she had intensified her training in order to achieve her heart desire.
She expressed optimism that having won so many tournaments in the country and beyond, she would excel with necessary assistance from government, Corporate organisation and sports-loving spirited individuals, and appealed for sponsorship to achieve her dream.
Rebecca Ekpenyong hinted that she is leaving no stone unturned to become the world number one female tennis player as she currently prepares to play in the senior category of the National Sports Festivals, having appeared three times in the junior cadre, and to move on to represent the country in All African Games, Common-wealth Games and Olympic Games in the near future, adding that her greatest challenge had been sponsors to attend tournaments abroad and also gain admission to further her education in the United States of America (USA).
She used the forum to commend the Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, NPA,
Alhaji Abubakar Garba Umar and the management of the Anchorage Sports Club for their encouragement and assistance to train on their tennis court while she is praying and waiting for her dreams to come true.
The Senior Secondary One (SSI) students also thanked her father, Coach Ekpenyong Peter Effiong who is an International Tennis Federation Coach for given her the basic trainings and encouragement, praying God to protect and bless them.
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.”
