Sports
Ikpeazu Reaffirms Govt’s Commitment To Youth, Sports Dev
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia says the state government will continue to initiate policies and programmes that will enhance youth and sports development.
Ikpeazu said this on Friday at the grandfinale of the male football competition among the 17 local government areas of the state, tagged the “Governor’s Cup for U-21″, which took place at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
He described the competition as part of his admin-istration’s platforms for budding footballers to showcase their talents for possible sign-on by clubs within and outside Abia.
He said: “I believe there are scouts from Europe, Africa and Nigeria. So we are preparing the raw materials for soccer for tomorrow.
“Everybody believes that private sector partnership is better and more sustainable.
“The way to go in sports development everywhere is partnering with private sector to be able to get the kind of mileage you desire at all times.”
Ikpeazu expressed satisfaction with the quality and standard of play by the teams that competed for the trophy.
He said that the tournament would be made an annual event to help budding soccer talents to develop their skills.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Paul Mba, said that the competition recorded huge success and that the committee identified talents during the six-week exercise.
Mbah hoped that “something positive” would come out of the tournament, especially for players that showed great prospects.
He thanked the governor for the “overwhelming financial support” to the committee, saying that he was happy that the committee did not betray the governor’s confidence in it.
The Tide sports source reports Umuahia South defeated Aba South by 5-4 on penalties to clinch the trophy.
The event was attended by Deputy Gov. Ude Oko-Chukwu, top government functionaries and a former Director of Sports and renowned football analyst, Ejikeme Ikwunze, popularly called Mr Football.
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.”