Sports
What Nigerians Said After Morocco’s Historic Win
Morocco’s historic run into the semi-finals of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup sent waves of celebrations across the world, with Nigerians among the cheerleaders of the first African country to reach the last four of the tournament, after beating Portugal 1-0 on Saturday.
Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat Portugal’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium.
As the North Africans enjoyed huge support inside the stadium, so it was on the internet, as their breakthrough attracted millions of mentions across different social media platforms.
Nigerians were not left out in the celebration of the Moroccans’ feat.
NFF’s Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen sent warm wishes to Morocco.
He tweeted, “Congratulations Walid Regragui and the entire nation of Morocco. shukran jazilan lak!”
A Nigerian journalist, Fisayo Dairo, also tipped Morocco to make it to the final amid the support the team enjoyed in Qatar.
“Morocco’s win has changed the entire prediction trajectory because I’m not sure England nor France can beat this team. Morocco fans are the noisiest in the tournament. Wow! Now I see why Nigerian teams can’t cope against them. You don’t go from a maximum of 5k fans to go to this organized chant of over 50k fans for 90 minutes and cope with it,” Dairo wrote in separate tweets.
Ace sports analyst Godwin Dudu-Orumrn wrote on Facebook, “Qatar’22: Portugal lule. Morocco qualifies for semi-finals of the World Cup.
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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