Sports
NWFL:Heartland Queens’ Winger Sure Of Victory Against Abia Angels
Heartland Queens’ winger, Emmanuella James has enthused that her side will go for a double against neighbours and visitors, Abia Angels in Wednesday’s NWFL Premiership match day 11 Oriental derby at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
The first term derby between the premier leaguers at Enyimba Stadium in the commercial city of Aba, Abia state ended 1-2 in favour of the Owerri mainstreams.
James said her side verily appreciate the complexities and intricacies of derbies and will not treat the neighbours nor the points in the matchup with kid’s gloves.
“I strongly believe we will still defeat them again, we defeated them right there at their backyard in Aba, and we will do it again come Wednesday.
“The momentum is quite high same as team’s mood and spirit, we have upped our work schedule and everyone is roaring to go aimed at ensuring nothing goes amiss in the derby game.
“We the attackers are well-oiled and motivated to go all out to score the necessary goals and I am more than ever determined to add my goals to ensure victory.
“Yes, I have not yet scored a goal but Wednesday will be a new day, a new chapter in my career, I am going to score my first ever premier league goal on Wednesday against Abia Angels. I’m hitting and shaking the net on Wednesday.
“Wednesday’s match will end well for us despite the fact that it’s a derby game, that day will end in praises for us,” said the bullet-packed and sleek finisher.
The petite wizkid said it will be a crowning glory to her burgeoning career to be part and parcel of Heartland Queens to cement a first time ever Super Six spot.
“It’s a thing of joy to me personally to be among this history chasing side as we hold the bragging rights in our group at the moment. Heartland Queens is my first Premier league team, it’s a huge honour to partake in the unfolding successes.
“I believe we are going to make the Super Six cut as well as effectively contest very well for the podium.
“However, we are continuing with our work until the dreams come true, we are not going to relax or take anything for granted till we hit the landmark,” said the pin size sharpshooter.
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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