Sports

Asaba 2022: Okowa Tasks Contractors On Projects

Published

3 years ago

November 17, 2022

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged contractors handling various projects for the 21st National Sports Festival, tagged Delta 2022, to double their effort and deliver the facilities as scheduled.
Okowa, who is the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), paid a visit to the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, where he expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far.
He, however, advised the site engineers to be safety conscious.
Okowa was accompanied by some members of his executive council, including the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah (who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee), the co-chairman of the LOC, Chief Tonobok Okowa, and the Adviser to the LOC, Evangelist Solomon Ogba.
The governor inspected facilities, including the new indoor sports hall and multi-purpose complex, the new swimming pool, the new weightlifting gymnasium and the main bowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, where new tartan tracks are being laid.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the LOC, Chris Anazia, has said that the November 28 to December 10 scheduled date for Asaba 2022 National Sports Festival still stands.
Anazia, who is the Director General of Delta Sports Commission, revealed on Wednesday, that work has reached an advanced stage in both the indoor sports hall and the tartan track.
“All the necessary facilities inside the indoor sports hall are being fixed. Those in charge of painting are also working. The tartan track is getting shape. In a couple of days from now, the entire complex will change and we are looking forward to welcoming athletes from all over the country on November 28,” Anazia stated.

Sports

Division One Volleyball League kicks off in Abia

Published

1 day ago

October 27, 2025

The Tide

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.

Sports

Lagos Women Race set to empower participants

Published

1 day ago

October 27, 2025

The Tide

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.

Sports

“Nigeria will go to World Cup”

Published

1 day ago

October 27, 2025

The Tide

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has vowed to guide Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging his players to adopt a warrior-like mentality as they prepare for a tense playoff run.

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.”