Sports
TotalEnergies Brings 2021 AFCON Trophy To Nigeria
The trophy for the 2021 African Cup of Nations, is in Nigeria on a tour by sponsors of the competition, TotalEnergies.
At the activation press conference announcing the tour in Lagos, TotalEnergies Managing Director, Dr Samba Seye, who was represented by the Executive Director and Secretary-General, Mrs Lesley Baxter, said they are bringing the $4.5 million golden trophy to Nigeria because of the importance of the country.
“TotalEnergies is a multinational integrated energy company committed not only to providing clean, affordable and accessible energy to our customers in the more than 130 countries where we have a presence, we are also committed to the development of sports especially in Africa.
“This is why we decided to embark on a long-term eight-year partnership with Confederation of African Football to further push our support to those who bring the passion of football to life. We want to be at the heart of this experience by connecting football lovers around the continent to the sports they love so dearly.
“Nigeria is very important in African football. This is why we are having the trophy tour in Nigeria. This tour is displaying the actual golden trophy; the much-coveted trophy that will be given to the TotalEnergies AFCON winner.
“The tour will see the celebration of football across our country, particularly in Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja. This tour will be an opportunity to celebrate this monumental tournament and give our beloved Nigerians a feel of the tournament rush,” he said.
General Manager, Retail and Cards, Abdulahhi Umar said, “Football is very dear to our hearts and as it is in the hearts of many Nigerians and AFCON is home to us at TotalEnergies.”
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.”
-
Featured4 days agoFubara Pledges Cleaner Gateway To PH City …Visits New Dumpsite At Igwuruta
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
Tompolo’s Visit To Bayelsa Bothers Coalition … As Stakeholders Want Security Checks
-
Oil & Energy1 day agoMonarchs Task FG On Host Communities’ Welfare ………As PINL Targets 2000 Women For Empowerment
-
Opinion1 day agoDon’t Kill Tam David-West
-
News4 days agoWAEC Conducts Trial Computer-based Essay Test Ahead Of 2026 Exams
-
Business1 day ago“W’Bank To Invest $14bn In Agric Transformation
-
News4 days agoFubara Vows Full Support For Independent, Effective Judiciary
-
News1 day agoNECO Opens UK Exam Centre For Nigerians In Diaspora