Sports
NWFL:Delta Queens Confident To Keep Clean Sheet
Head coach of Delta Queens, Tosan Blankson is confident his players can keep up their winning momentum as they maintain perfect unbeaten start to the Nigeria Women Premier League after their away win against Osun Babes.
Delta Queens emerged as deserved winners after dominating possession all through the game with a 1-2 shoreline result to maintain top spot position in Group A, Tidesports source reports.
In an exclusive interview with the foremost Nigeria grassroots sports outfit, Tosan admitted he never thought the game will be so difficult as it is no disrespect to their opponent but he was happy that they ran away with the maximum three points.
Speaking on another away win, “this is not the first away win we are having in the season. Our first league match was away to Heartland Queens and we won two nil but beating Osun Babes was not an easy game.
“We never knew Osun babes is this good , but we never underrated them, that gave us an edge over them, the Delta Queens has decided that their slogan this season is winning. So winning this season is part of their mentality.”.
On the reception away, “It wasn’t easy coming out of that arena with the referees after the match, but we (Delta Queens) never had any problem, because the fans enjoyed themselves with good football from both sides. The fans wanted every decision to go their way.”
On what this win gives to the girls, “after the win in Osun the players confidence has increased seriously coming from the State Aiteo cup final to the National Aiteo cup final, the Betsy Obaseki cup in Benin and the Sheroes cup in Abuja, where the team won the trophy beating Edo Queens in the final. The feeling in the team right now is a champion feeling.”
“They are aware of this, it has been discussed. Every match in the league is a cup final. Definitely they will maintain it,” he explained on if the team can keep up the wining momentum.
Blankson further lauded the efforts of the state Governor and the Delta State Sports Commission Chairman, Chief Tonobok Okowa and the entire management Staff headed by Herrienta Erhabor for thier incessant contributions in terms of welfare and development which has been a massive source of motivation for the 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.”
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