Sports
We’re Eager To Resume New Season – Players, Coaches
Coaches and players have declared their readiness ahead of the kick-off of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League season Today.
Action begins in Lagos with a game between MFM and newly-promoted Remo Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
Champions Akwa United will be hoping to retain their title but will face Kano Pillars in their opening game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
In Aba, the Abia Derby will kick-start Enyimba’s campaign when they square off against neighbours Abia Warriors. The People’s Elephant on Tuesday showed their readiness for the league when they posted a video on Twitter showing players involved in serious workout sessions ahead of the new season.
Enyimba midfielder, Cyriel Olisema, says preparation is in top gear for the derby game.
“We are eager to see the league begin. We were preparing for our CAF Confederation Cup against Al Ittihad but we don’t know what is happening. So, our attention is focused on our opening match against Abia Warriors.”
Speaking on their readiness for the season, Gbenga Ogunbote, head coach of newly promoted Remo Stars says their aim is to ensure they avoid the drop at the end of the season.
“We are ready for the league, our first assignment is to ensure that we remain here at the end of the season and I know we have the players to make that happen. The boys are ready and we can’t wait to get started,” Ogunbote said.
Plateau United coach, Fidelis Illechukwu, also spoke of his team’s preparedness for the start of the campaign.
“We are ready for the league. We’ve played a lot of pre-season games and I know we are sharp and good to go.”
Veteran NPFL midfielder, Dayo Ojo, who is currently with Remo Stars, stated, “We’re set, we are good to go. We’ve been together for over two months, we’ve been playing several preseason and continental games.”
“The management has told us that what they want is to see us remain in the league next season, but for us as players, our aim is to get a continental ticket and we are ready.”
Kano Pillar’s forward, Ebuka David, said preparation for the start of the season had been smooth.
“We are expecting that it’s going to be a good season because we’ve put in a lot in terms of preparations, so we are hoping to put up a good performance,” David said.
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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