Sports
7th NYG: Director Tasks Coaches, Secretaries On Age Limit
Ahead of the 7th National Youth Games, Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Braveman Wodi, has charged coaches and secretaries of the various associations to adhere to the age limit of the competition.
The 7th National Youth Games is expected to take place from 7th to 17th of September, 2023.
Wodi gave the charge at the Indoor Hall of Samson Siasia Stadium while addressing the coaches, secretaries alongside his management on arrival from the National Youth Games Joint Technical Meeting held in Asaba.
He noted that the zonal elimination for the games will come up from the 12th to 14th August in Calabar, Cross River State to decide the team sports that would represent various states in the youth version of national sports festival.
He explained that the format of qualification for the team sports has changed from the previous edition where the first and the second runner usually qualify, stating that it was ratified that only the team that finishes first will qualify for the games.
The Director also urge the coaches and secretaries of the participating associations to stick to the age limit of under 15, maintaining that every athlete going to the games must have National Identification Number NIN in compliance with the rules.
He pointed out that the essence of the national Identification number was to annihilate age cheating in line with the vision of the competition as a breeding ground for the future, noting that Bayelsa would not be involved in falsification of age for. athletes.
The Odi born Seasoned Sports Administrator added that the National Youth Games will see three hundred sixty (360) athletes from each state seeking glory in thirty four (34) Sports.
This year’s National Youth Games promises to be a showcase of young talent, with Delta State prepared to host this significant sporting event with zeal and enthusiasm, having previously been held in Illorin Kwara.
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.”