Sports
Fans Urge NFF To Sack Salisu
As 32 players of the National U-23 team began their camping in Ibadan on Monday for the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania, some Nigerians have expressed doubt regarding Coach Yusuf Salisu’s ability to deliver the ticket.
Salisu, whose Super Eagles B team were eliminated by Ghana’s Black Galaxies in an African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifying tie on penalties at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, last month, is leading the U-23 team for 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Morocco.
The camp in Ibadan opened on Monday and the Nigerian team is expected to prepare for eight days before jetting out on October 18, for the first leg in Dar es Salaam scheduled for the weekend of October 21-23, 2022.
Nigeria will host Tanzania in the second leg at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on October 28, 2022.
The analysis on the list of players invited by coach Salisu to the camp in Ibadan was the talking point by sports analysts on radio and television stations, on Wednesday, with majority of fans calling on the new NFF board to replace Salisu with immediate effect to avoid another embarrassment for the country.
“I don’t see Salisu winning this ticket for Nigeria,” one fan, who gave his name as Victor from VI, said on a radio programme monitored in Lagos yesterday.
Another fan, Oseni from Surulere said: “To me, Salisu lacks the quality of a good coach capable of winning the ticket. He shouldn’t be the head coach of the U-23 Eagles. This is a new NFF board, and I want them to begin well by winning matches. We have suffered enough shocks, and it will be embarrassing to see the U-23 Eagles lose the ticket.”
Some football-loving Nigerians had kicked against the decision by the former NFF executive committee to approve the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the reappointment of Yusuf Salisu, as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles B (CHAN team), as well as the U-23 (Olympics) team.
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.”