Sports
Company Restates Commitment To Sports Dev
Sponsors of the recently concluded Okpekpe race in Edo State, Amstel Malta Ultra has restated its commitment to the sport and benefits of sponsoring the race. The brand’s Regional Trade Marketing Manager, Benin, Martins Ubimago, says the beverage brand has reinforced its position with the sponsorship of the 2022 Okpekpe 10km International Road Race, which took place in Benin City, Edo State May 28.
Speaking on the sponsorship, Ubimago said, “As a force in the Nigerian brewing industry, we wholly understand that our brands are built by people – our loyal consumers. It is therefore always a delight to thrust ourselves into activities and programmes that yield progress and recognition for our host communities. These commitments on our part to those who keep us in business are non-negotiable and would only increase with time.”
On the competition’s impact on the state and host communities’ economy, Ubimago added, “It’s all about fostering unity and providing avenues to grow tourism within the community. If well leveraged, we will begin to see an influx of people and enterprises pitching tents in Okpekpe and its environs courtesy of the race. It is our hope that subsequent editions will see the organisers expand racing activities and allow for greater involvement of investors in the hospitality and commerce sector,” he said.
Also, a member of the Non-Alcoholic Drinks Portfolio of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chisom Uroko, said the company was poised to continually sponsor activities that fostered peace, unity and economic sustainability for host communities.
“We want to see our loyal consumers grow and prosper in their given societies and as long as we find opportunities for athletes locally and across the continent to unite, interact and compete favourably, we shall continue to find ways to support them,” he said.
Conceptualised to promote long-distance endurance-related races for athletes, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race is a brainchild of Pamodzi Sports Marketing, in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
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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