Sports
Commonwealth Games: Miracle Keeps Hope Alive In Judo Trials
Despite coming out tops in his weight category at the recent 2022 national trials for the Commonwealth Games held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Delta State-born Cyprian Miracle’s hope of representing the country in Birmingham, United Kingdom, still hangs in the balance.
Miracle, who won gold medal at the last 2020 National Sports Festival hosted by Edo State, is in the Ibadan, Oyo State camp alongside Micah Frank Damini vying to be selected for the Games, holding from July 28 to August 10 in Birmingham.
Speaking to newsmen, yesterday, Miracle, who said his target is to travel out for better exposure and also improve on his game before the next Olympics, now has a chance to fulfill his ambition.
“The situation in camp right now is fine and we are doing our best. Everyone is training extremely well to make the cut for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
“Even though I won at the recent trials among about 16 judokas, no one is sure yet who will make it to the Commonwealth Games.
“This is because the camping is still in its first phase and there is a second phase, which we do not know when it will hold.
“There is a tendency for the first phase of camping to be appraised before the second phase holds. Though we do not know what is going to happen, all we are doing is to train well and get ourselves in good shape in case anything happens,” he said.
Miracle, told newsmen at the Edo 2020 Sports Festival in Benin City that the sport got him out of the streets.
added, “Hopefully, I still see myself making it to the Commonwealth Games to fulfill my ambition,” he stated.
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.”