Sports
Nigerians Unhappy Over Heavy Loss To Portugal
As Nigerians continue to react to Super Eagles’ 0-4 defeat to Portugal in Lisbon on Thursday, former Green Eagles winger, Adegoke Adelabu, has told coach Jose Peseiro and his assistants to stop using the Super Eagles to advertise players.
“There is no point using the national team to advertise a player that is not regular in his team,” Adelabu told Tidesports source on Saturday. “We have to make it as a rule, that only regular players in their teams will be invited to play in the national team.”
According to the former IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan winger, the match against Portugal on Thursday night showed that the Super Eagles still have a long way to go.
“The match revealed the tactical ignorance of the players and the handlers. Despite the fact that there was nothing like situational pressure; that is, nothing at stake, at least we expect some advance and organised pattern and system of play from the Eagles.
“It was obvious that they did not have any game plan and that was why they ran with the ball as individuals rather than allowing the ball to do the running. I don’t know why our players were so much in a hurry to look for goals as soon as they dispossess the opponent of the ball. I also observed that the Eagles lacked cognitive network. That is, they seem not to be thinking as a team, and this is a clear indication of lack of game plan,” he stated.
Speaking further, Adelabu, a sports scientist said: “If we take a cursory look at the match again; you will observe that the moment Portugal got the ball, they will make at least between six to ten passes to re-organise themselves. Most importantly, the Portuguese perfected about six different types of set pieces, which they will use during the World Cup. They were not in a hurry to score. They needed to put everything they were taught to use so that the technical crew could determine the strength and weaknesses of their plans.
He continues: “Apart from winning, the Portuguese played in such a way that the Coach will be able to evaluate both tactical, physiological and psychological responses of the players at every stage. But our players hardly play with clarity of purpose rather than running towards the goal to get a goal.
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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