Sports
Our Chances Are Bright -NTF
President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Abdullahi Saidu-Baba, says the country’s taekwondo team is ready to assert its dominance at the African Games in Ghana.
Saidu-Baba exuded confidence in the team’s preparedness, emphasising their focus on strengths and minimising risks to maximise medal prospects.
“The medal prospects of our athletes at the Games are very bright. Despite the non-Africans’ dominance of the sport, we are concentrating on our areas of strength in both Poomsae and Kurigi,” Saidu-Baba said.
The NTF boss then outlined the meticulous preparations underway, highlighting the aWe don’t have any injury worries, as all the athletes are on top of their game, working hard to pick a ticket to represent Nigeria at the Games,” he said.bsence of injury concerns as a testament to the team’s physical readiness.
We don’t have any injury worries, as all the athletes are on top of their game, working hard to pick a ticket to represent Nigeria at the Games,” he said.
“Under the supervision of our coaches, sports doctors, and physiotherapist, working hard and observing the athletes day by day and ensuring that risks are being minimised to the barest level.”
NTF General Secretary, Adamu Maikano, told our correspondent that the list of taekwondo athletes at the African Games will be released on Friday (today).
Paris Olympics-bound Elizabeth Anyanacho, who won a bronze medal at the 2019 African Games is expected to make the list alongside Korea Ambassador Cup champion Benjamin Okuomose.
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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