Sports
Minister Urges Special Eagles To Be Good Ambassadors
The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare has urged the Special Eagles to be good ambassadors of Nigeria during the forthcoming Cup of African Nations for Amputee Football (CANAF) in Angola.
Represented by the Lagos Liaison Officer of the ministry, Bode Durotoye, the minister gave the advice on Wednesday in Lagos as the team prepared for departure to Angola.
“I urge you to be good ambassadors of the country in Angola and be of the best behaviour out there.
“Nigeria should return home with the cup in view of its ranking in the world and at the African level.
“We are here praying for you and we expect you to give in all your best to ensure you return victorious,” he said.
The President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), Isah Suliaman, also told the team to give their best during the tournament and return to the country victorious.
Isah disclosed that the Federation sourced for money independently to ensure the team’s participation in the competition in Angola.
“Our flight is for 1:30pm Wednesday and we have already done all necessary documentations to avoid any form of delay.
“The boys are ready and they are in a very high spirit to face any team in the competition.
“We are hopeful that we will come back victorious because the boys will give in all their best.
“Like I have said before, we have not missed any appearance and we can’t afford to miss this one too. Nigerians should be hopeful and support the team with prayers,” he said.
The team’s acting Technical Director, Pius Asaba, added that he was happy that the team would be participating in the tournament in view of lots of challenges concerning sponsorship of the players.
“We are still appealing to the government to release funds for the Federation.
“ As we speak to you, there is a lot of debts on the federation especially the President, just to ensure the team leaves the country for the competition.
“The fund will go a long way to get some of the debts settled and ensure that players and the officials are comfortable.
“We pray we get good response from the government,” he said.
The captain of the team, Sarafadeen Oyeleke, urged Nigerians to look out for the team during the competition and expect a good performance from 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.”
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