Sports
U23 AFCON: Ogunniyi Savours Chance To Represent Nigeria
Olympics Eagles midfielder, Abiodun Ogunniyi, is relishing his impact in the Nigeria U-23 team as they continue their quest to play in the 2023 U-23 AFCON as well as the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The midfielder scored a sublime free kick and also won a penalty to help Nigeria record a 2-0 win over Tanzania in the second leg of the first round qualifier in Ibadan, last Saturday.
In a chat with our correspondent, Ogunniyi said he had always dreamt of representing Nigeria at the biggest levels.
“I got the call from my agent that I’ve been invited to U-23 and I was so happy when I heard the news. It’s a great feeling when you are called upon to represent your country, it’s every player’s dream,” Ogunniyi said.
The midfielder was also involved in the first leg of the Tanzania game in Dar es Salam but was substituted few minutes into the second half.
He however made his impact felt on home soil, netting a second half free kick that broke the deadlock to the delight of the fans.
“It was an amazing experience for me playing for Nigeria in Tanzania though I was in awe, asking myself am I really putting on the Nigeria jersey?
“You know it’s a great feeling to put on the jersey but it’s another feeling entirely to score in that jersey in front of Nigerians and not just that in front of the people of Ibadan cause that’s where I grew up.
“I was so confident at the moment that I placed the ball. I just had the feeling and believed I was going to score because we practiced free kick training a day before the match and I was so good while taking some,” he told Tidespports source.
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.”