Sports
Osimhen Pleads To Drop Out Of AFCON
Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen claims Watford threatened Dennis to boycott tournament
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen pleaded with the technical crew of the Super Eagles to be excluded from the forthcoming African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon, Saturday.
Osimhen who canceled a planned trip to Italy to assess his cheekbone injury after contracting coronavirus for a second time on Thursday will have to undergo a fresh test on his face on January 4 our correspondent learnt.
Tidesports source reports that the 23-year-old has been replaced by Olympiakos striker Henry Onyekuru.
Speaking through the Nigerian Football Federation media channel on Friday, interim coach Austin Eguavoen said the Napoli striker revealed he was not fully fit to feature at the tournament which kicks off from January 9 to February 6 in Cameroon.
“We had two training sessions with six players in camp and they responded well. We are still expecting re to come in later on Saturday,” Eguavoen said after Friday’s training in Abuja.
“Osimhen, it’s a pity that he will not be at the AFCON. He told me practically and pleaded with me and I saw reasons. I tried for hours to convince him but his health comes first which is my concern.
“When he spoke with me he was disappointed and he told me he was not OK. And did not want to go to the AFCON not fully 100 per cent fit.
“I gave him a few hours and called him back to see whether he will change his mind and he told me he will be going for evaluation on his face on January 4 and 5 before doctors can make a final decision.
With that injury, you have to consider his health. It’s a tough one.”
Eguavoen was also forced to replace Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun and Emmanuel Dennis in his squad for the tournament.
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 Delta14 hours ago
Partnership With Security Chiefs’ Excites Ogbuku … As NDDC Unveils Naval Outpost In Bayelsa
-
News13 hours agoN’Assembly Committee Approves New State ForS’East
-
News3 days agoEFCC Arrests 792 Suspects In Investment, Crypto Fraud Crackdown
-
Maritime13 hours agoNIWA Launches Operations To Tackle Water Hyacinth Menace
-
Rivers14 hours agoReps’ Committee On Health Lauds RSG On Primary Healthcare Delivery
-
Sports13 hours agoLagos Women Race set to empower participants
-
Niger Delta14 hours ago
Oborevwori Seeks Private Sector Partnership In Security … As Delta Launches Security Trust Fund
-
News13 hours agoSERAP Demands NNPCL Account For Oil Revenues, Threatens Legal Action