Sports
As Alimi Laments Harassment After 3SC Clash
Remo Stars striker, Sikiru Alimi has lamented the poor treatment meted out to him by Shooting Stars fans during their Nigeria Premier Football League Southwest derby clash at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan last Sunday.
The striker, who was on the roster of 3SC last season, was sent off for a second bookable offence as Remo lost 2-0 courtesy of a brace by former Heartland man, Christian Pyagbara.
The defeat and sending off was, however, made worse for the 27-year-old, who bemoaned his nightmarish experience on his return to Ibadan.
“I don’t know what you were told or what you all heard, but the harassment was really unnecessary and uncalled for to a former player,” Alimi posted via his X account after the game.
“I have been a professional footballer for 10 years and thank God I have also played in different countries and derbies. I know the bants and boos are also part of the game, but tonight, I was ‘physically harassed’,” he said in another post.
Remo Media Officer, Dimeji Oshode also affirmed that the player was treated inhumanly by the fans of his former club.
“The embarrassment was much, to the extent that some of their fans had to spit and pour him water. Disappointed! You got your victory, move on. Victory you haven’t gotten over your rival since 2017,” Oshode also wrote on X.
In a viral video that was also reposted by the player, 3SC fans were also heard chanting, “Alimi, ole!” repeatedly. Meaning ‘Alimi, thief!,’
Meanwhile, 3SC captain, Malomo Taofeek, apologised to Alimi.
“I was not happy about that either. So sorry. Remember you’re loved by many. Goodluck in the next game, goal poacher,” Malomo wrote.
Alimi will now miss Remo’s visit to Gombe United on Sunday and that could see him left behind again in the NPFL golden boot race.
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.”
