Sports
COVID-19 Limits Participation In Golf Tourney
This year’s entry for the sixth edition of the Kwara Open Golf Tournament has been limited to 100 participants in a bid to allow for full compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
A former board member of the Nigeria Golf Federation and Consultant/Marketer for the event, Luqman Owolewa, said the number of golfers registering online has been increasing by the day, but a decision was taken to restrict the number of entries to 100 as having a full course will be counterproductive to efforts of the government in curbing the spread of COVID-19.
“Golf by design allows for easy compliance with social distancing already but other measures that will limit contacts and promote hygienic practices during play have been put in place,” he further assured golfers.
Aside from players from the host club, a number of golfers came in from Ibadan, Ekiti, Minna, Shagamu, Kaduna, Abeokuta, Tiger, Shiroro, Ikeja, and Ikoyi Golf Clubs, among others.
Top among players included, Dr Isaac Ishola, the proprietor of Hassabary Golf Club, Shaki, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, former Commissioner for Works, Osun State and Ganni Elelu Sanni, the Managing Director of Northern Nigeria Investment Limited, Kaduna.
Meanwhile, Chief Dele Arowolo, Director of OPAS Nigeria Limited one of the co-sponsors of the event has also arrived to be part of the event. “Kwara Open is a major event for us here and most golfers across the country have come to identify it as one trademark event and that is why it has such a huge following,” Owolewa added.
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.”