Sports
NPFL: Players’ Rotation Yields Good Result – Biffo
Coach Abdullahi Biffo of Kwara United, has justified the need for players’ rotation in a bid to build confidence around the team.
Speaking to newsmen after their 3-0 victory over Jigawa Golden Stars, he disclosed that no player will be alienated in his project saying they might need to come on board at different times.
The former Giwa FC boss spoke about some players who have been missing in his line up and said the decision was guided by technical reflections.
“Football is all about mistakes. If a goalkeeper doesn’t make mistakes that means he may not need a coach, so same thing applies to footballers” the former Katsina United Boss said while stating reasons Dele Aiyenugba has not been featured in the last two games.
He noted that Aiyenugba,who is a former Super Eagles goalkeeper needed some rest and the introduction of Emmanuel Iwu between the sticks doesn’t indicates that Aiyenugba has lost his place.
“Dele kept almost 20 straight games, so I think he needs a rest and that’s why we gave him a two weeks rest. He might likely return in the next away game or so. It depends on how we see him in training” he remarked as he explained the basis of fair judgement in engaging their four goalkeepers.
Aiyenugba was caught off guard in the game against Rivers United where Joseph Onoja curled in a wide range strike in 47th minute to fire the visitors into the lead before Christopher Uwaeze restored parity for the Harmony Boys later in the 74th minutes.
Reacting to another player who has been missing from the team since he was red-carded in the match against Nasarawa United, the gaffer revealed that the team is currently doing well with it’s pairings in the defense line adding that the player in question, Jide Williams would come back to the team when the need arose.
“It’s not difficult to pick players but the only problem is that you want make everybody happy. All of them want to play but I always explain to them that they should wait for their time”. concluded the tactician who said the team has almost 40 players in its stead.
Kwara United will face FC Ifeanyi Ubah later this evening away from home in the match day 26 of the NPFL.
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.”