Sports
Ogun 2024 Will Surpass Delta 2022 – Commissioner
Ogun State Sports Commissioner Oludare Kehinde says the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State will surpass the just-concluded 2022 edition of the event in Delta State.
Kehinde stated this on Saturday, while speaking with journalists at the closing ceremony of the festival in Asaba, after sports minister Sunday Dare announced that the 22nd NSF would be hosted by Ogun.
“Let me assure you that we will surpass what you have seen here (Asaba). Don’t forget that the sports ministry came to Ogun State for an assessment and the Governor assured them that we will do anything possible to put everything in place before they return.
“We have done it in the past and we have the facilities in Ogun, the environment is also conducive and when it comes to issues of security, I think we are okay. I assure you that we shall do anything possible to create that hospitable environment,” Kehinde said.
The commissioner assured journalists that Ogun had learnt from their past experience hosting the festival, adding that it would count in 2024.
“Well, I will just assure you that we have put the technical know-how in place and we have the experience. We also have a technical committee in place. By the time you see the position of the local organising committee, I’m sure you will know that we have the ability and we are capable of hosting the NSF in our state.
“My message to other states is that they should rest assured that we will create a hospitable environment, we will make it possible so that when they have the opportunity to come to Ogun, they will,” Kehinde 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.”
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Bayelsa Lauds WHO, Others Over Support For Healthcare … Flags-Off Statewide Immunization
-
News3 days agoDrug Party: NDLEA Arrests Over 100 Suspects At Lagos Night Club
-
Maritime3 days agoMOWCA Partners Indonesian Govt For Maritime Capacity Development
-
Rivers3 days ago
NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria
-
News3 days agoResident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Nov 1
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoProffer Solutions To Energy Crisis, PTI Urges FG. Stakeholders
-
Business3 days agoCustoms Launches Digital Vehicle Verification System To Tackle Smuggling
-
Maritime3 days agoBoard Approves Disciplinary Actions Against 31 Immigration Officers