Sports
Oladapo Explains How He Clinched Victory For Enyimba
Enyimba’s Captain, Austin Oladapo has revealed how he bounced back from his penalty miss to lead his team to victory against ES Setif of Algeria last Sunday.
Oladapo, who had a 100 percent record from the spot this season, saw ES Setif goalkeeper save his penalty and denied him the opportunity to restore parity for his side after Monsef Bakrar’s had given the visitors the lead in the 13th minute.
The former Gombe United midfielder later hit the equaliser with a trademark thunderbolt from 25 yards just before the halftime whistle.
In a chat with Tidesport source after the game, Oladapo insisted that the earlier miss had no impact on his confidence.
“It’s difficult for most players; after missing a penalty everybody was hoping you score. Some players might not be able to pick themselves up in the game and their shoulders drop. But to me, I just saw it as a normal thing because even big players do miss penalties, there’s nothing to it. Sometimes, you score and other times you miss some, it’s part of football.”
“So when I missed, I didn’t feel any guilt at all; I brushed it off, continued playing, and then my goal came,” he told Tidesport source.
Oladapo’s effort lifted his team’s confidence and Tosin Omoyele went on completing the comeback in the 60th minute.
Enyimba however laboured to get the three points over the line as they failed to get the third goal that would have offered breathing space with 30 minutes left.
“We were hoping to get a third goal and the opponents were coming at us, but we had a penalty from Anayo, the referee waved it.”
“We had hoped he would give it and we could have topped our goals to three, but he didn’t. However, we thank God because everything worked in our favor,” he concluded.
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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