Sports
Foundation To Organise Football Competition In IDP Camps
Youth scattered across some of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in North West Nigeria will soon have a reason to smile.
This follows the planned move by the Ozoya Football Foundation, OFF, to reach out to youngsters in IDP camps through a popular sport like football.
Monday Ozoya, who heads the Foundation and is also the Chairman of Manchester Bulls Football Club, said plans were in the works to take the round leather game to the IDP camps.
“Ozoya Football Foundation is moving away from the normal development aspect which we are known for, to the humanitarian aspect. We’re looking at how to get talent from some of the IDP camps in Nigeria, to represent Nigeria in about 10 years’ time at the Olympics or Commonwealth Games, because we know that there are a lot of talents.
“We’re looking at young players at the IDP camps to play in the Premiership. That’s the kind of vision I’m having and what we want to work on for our humanitarian journey.”
Ozoya, who is currently the Divisional Secretary of the U-12 Suffolk League and District League in the UK, said he would be working with his English partners, Nigerians in the diaspora and other well-meaning individuals as well as corporate bodies to actualise the laudable vision.
“For now, we will be looking more into the North West. Yes, we can provide food, shelter and accommodation and other essentials, but we need to give them hope, and I don’t think we’re doing much for them in that aspect.
“We can’t have kids, a generation that has no good education, skill or sporting opportunities, so I think we need to do more to support the IDP camps, that’s why we at the Ozoya Football Foundation are looking at the humanitarian aspect, while we also continue with the developmental aspect which we started in 2013.”
According to Ozoya, this new IDP initiative is targeted for launch before the end of the year.
“For the IDP project, we’re still working on the strategic planning and the budget, but we’re hoping to launch the new project in the UK before the end of the year. Nigerians in the diaspora will be invited as well but hopefully, before the end of the year, we will be launching the project. We will get to the media and let people know that something is coming and there is hope for the IDPs. At least let’s remove all the barriers the IDPs are facing through football,” he 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.”
-
Maritime4 days agoCustoms Intercepts N5.3BN Illicit Drugs AT TIN CAN PORT
-
Rivers4 days ago
Organization Seeks Office Space From Council Boss
-
Sports4 days agoDivision One Volleyball League kicks off in Abia
-
Niger Delta4 days ago
Bayelsa Lauds WHO, Others Over Support For Healthcare … Flags-Off Statewide Immunization
-
News4 days agoDrug Party: NDLEA Arrests Over 100 Suspects At Lagos Night Club
-
Maritime4 days agoMOWCA Partners Indonesian Govt For Maritime Capacity Development
-
Rivers4 days ago
NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria
-
News4 days agoResident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Nov 1