Sports
Cycling: Team Nigeria To Battle France, Others
Team Nigeria cyclists to the 16th edition of the Tour du Benin have expressed optimism to surpass their previous outing at the championship billed for Port Novo, Benin Republic from May 15.
According to the organisers, the 10-day cycling tour will see Nigeria competing against 10 countries across the world. Teams expected to battle Nigeria in the Benin Republic cycling tourney, which is a nine stage contest are Morocco, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire Togo, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, France, Italy among other countries.
The Nigeria team, which has been in camp in Abeokuta since May1 perfecting strategy for the Benin Republic cycling competition is working hard to surpass their last outing in 2019 where they finished second.
The team was supported with N200,000, bicycle parts, accessories and servicing’s worth N300,000 by Ft Cycle care to ensure a smooth outing in Benin Republic.
The cheque and other items were presented to the Nigerian team by CEO/ FT Cycle Care, Femi Thomas, who said it was his own token to spur the team to victory.
The contingent comprising six cyclists and three officials will depart Nigeria on May 14 for the competition, which will last 10 days.
Femi Thomas, who is Vice Chairman of Ogun State Cycling Association said cycling can put Nigeria in the world map in sports if more corporate bodies and well meaning Nigerians invest in it.
Meanwhile, a one-day fun ride cycling championship was organised in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital and Abeokuta, Ogun state, in partnership with Cycology Riding Club of Lagos and Ogun State Commissioner for Transports, as part of events to celebrate May 1 Workers Day, and also create more awareness in cycling across the country.
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.”
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Partnership With Security Chiefs’ Excites Ogbuku … As NDDC Unveils Naval Outpost In Bayelsa
-
News3 days agoN’Assembly Committee Approves New State ForS’East
-
Maritime3 days agoNIWA Launches Operations To Tackle Water Hyacinth Menace
-
Rivers3 days agoReps’ Committee On Health Lauds RSG On Primary Healthcare Delivery
-
Sports3 days agoLagos Women Race set to empower participants
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Oborevwori Seeks Private Sector Partnership In Security … As Delta Launches Security Trust Fund
-
News3 days agoSERAP Demands NNPCL Account For Oil Revenues, Threatens Legal Action
-
Maritime3 days agoCustoms Intercepts N5.3BN Illicit Drugs AT TIN CAN PORT