Sports
Bayern Wins Okporowo-Ogbakiri Football Tournament …Sponsor Assures Improvement
The Okporowo-Ogbakiri in Emohua Local Government Area, in Rivers State, Football Tournament tagged” Engr. Temple Orlu Football Compettion” drew to a close at the weekend, at Okporowo Ogbakiri Primary School field.
It was witnessed by huge crowd as Bayern Munich and Brussia Dortmund displayed what can be described as football artistry in the finals of the competition.
At the end of the match Bayern emerged champions as they defeated Brussia Dortmund 3-1 via penalty shoot out after playing goalless in regulation time.
Speaking with sports journalists shortly after the game the sponsor of the tournament Engr. Temple Orlu, expressed joy over the successful completion of the tournament, described the 2022 edition as the best so far.
According to him, next edition which will be the seventh edition will be better than previous editions because in every year there will improvement and scholarship will be awarded to deserving students in next edition.
“I am grateful to God for seeing us through in this competition. I also thank the community leaders for supporting me to actualize the tournament.
“I further appreciate the nine communities that made up Okporowo-Ogbakiri for their participation. In next edition I will introduce female participation and other sporting events.
“The overall purpose of this tournament was to unite the people, love and harmonious living, especially to ensure that youths are engaged meaningfully and shun social vices”, Engr. Orlu said.
Earlier, the registrar of Rivers State University (RSU) Enyindah Sydney eulogised Engr. Orlu for taken the bold step to unite the people through football.
He said the sponsor deserves commendation for spending his hard earned resources on peace and development of the community.
He further pledged to support the next edition to sustain the annual event, saying that the development of Okporowo should be paramount to every indigene.
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.”
