Sports
FG Tasks Olympic Federations On Tokyo Games
The Federal government has called on the Chairmen, Caretaker Committees of the Olympic Federations to ensure they record more victories for the country during the Tokyo Olympic Games.
According to Mohammed Manga, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare made the call last Friday in his office in Abuja when he received in audience the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih.
Dare said that Nigeria stands the chance of winning more medals at the Tokyo Games, particularly with the recent development when a 15- year-old Bolaji Eniola became the first Nigerian and African winner of gold medal during the Spanish Para-Badminton games which ended yesterday.
“Eniola’s feat is a morale booster for the youths which validates that Badminton has come to stay as a game, and a glimmer of hope that Nigeria will surely record more medals during the upcoming games” he said.
The Minister therefore called on the Chairmen, Caretaker Committees of Federations to be more patriotic in nurturing and training players as well as athletes, so that Nigeria can record more successes during the games.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Francis Orbih said that his visit was to present Bolaji Eniola, the first Nigerian and African winner of gold medal during the Spanish Para-Badminton games to the Federal Government, and to appreciate the Ministry for coming out in full to sponsor Para-Badminton games for the first time.
He assured further that the Caretaker Committees would continue to work assiduously in partnership with the Ministry with a view to ensuring that Nigeria records more medals during the Olympic Games.
The Permanent Secretary, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, in his remarks assured that the ministry will continue to support the Federations through the implementation of government policies and programmes which aim at enhancing youth and sports development.
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.”