Sports
Oyo State Vows To Retain U-19 Cricket Title
Oyo State team, yesterday vowed to retain its title at the South-West U-19 Cricket Tournament tagged “The Jide Bademosi Cup”, currently underway at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
Johnson Idakwo, Head Coach, Oyo State Cricket Association (OSCA) told newsmen that its cricketers were fully prepared and motivated to win.
“We are here to defend our title which we won at the maiden edition in 2017. The tournament is superb and fantastic. I have seen a lot of good talents from other states taking part.
“This tournament is like a talent hunt discovery and it’s a very good one for the development of cricket in Nigeria.
“We are prepared and not scared, we will approach every game as they come. I’m optimistic that we’ll retain the title,” he said.
Tidesports source reports that four states, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun are participating in the competition ending on Saturday.
Idakwo added that five players from the Oyo State are currently in the national team.
“Three of the players were at the U-19 World Cup and presently we have two players at the national camp preparing for a tournament in Kenya.
“Akachukwu Chima, Vincent Adewuyi and Sulaiman Runsewe are all grassroots players doing both Oyo State and Nigeria proud. They are all in the national team right now,” he said.
He added that there are lots of improvement in the players from what he saw at the 2017 maiden edition.
“There is no underdog in this tournament. I’m surprised to see that Osun is being represented by a formidable strong team. I see them bat, bowl and their warm-up is fantastic,” he said.
It would be recalled that Oyo State won the maiden edition in 2017 after defeating Ogun by 191 runs to 113.
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.”