Sports

UCL: Dortmund Shows Concern Over PSG’s Stars

Published

6 years ago

February 18, 2020

Borussia Dortmund have more to worry about than just fit-again Paris St-Germain forward Neymar, says the German team’s boss Lucien Favre.
Brazil forward Neymar has been named in the PSG squad for the Champions League last-16 tie, today having missed the last four games with a rib injury.
“They have so many players with great qualities. They beat Real Madrid even without Neymar,” said Favre.
“Neymar is a great player but so are (Kylian) Mbappe and (Angel) Di Maria.”
PSG have exited at the first knockout round of the Champions League in the last three seasons.
This season they progressed by topping a group containing 13-time European champions Real Madrid with five wins from six games.
“I can name at least 10 players on that team with huge potential,” Favre added.
“They are a dangerous team. When you lose the ball, they move very fast up front. The key will be how we defend.
“It’s important we’re very strong on winning the ball and then, when in possession, that we stay calm.”
Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel agrees with his manager that PSG are far from a one-man team.
“If Neymar plays, and I am pretty sure he is going to play, then we have to take care of him,” said the Belgium player.
“But they have so many good players we have to be compact and we have to defend as a team and really be strong.”
The tie between Ligue 1 leaders PSG and Dortmund, who are third in the Bundesliga, could be a thriller – PSG’s last five game have contained 29 goals, while Dortmund’s have witnessed 27.
Tonight’s game sees the return of PSG boss Thomas Tuchel to Dortmund, whom he managed from 2015 to 2017, before being sacked shortly after winning the German Cup.

Sports

Division One Volleyball League kicks off in Abia

Published

20 hours ago

October 27, 2025

The Tide

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.

Sports

Lagos Women Race set to empower participants

Published

20 hours ago

October 27, 2025

The Tide

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.

Sports

“Nigeria will go to World Cup”

Published

20 hours ago

October 27, 2025

The Tide

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has vowed to guide Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging his players to adopt a warrior-like mentality as they prepare for a tense playoff run.

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.”