Sports
Coach Obuh Lauds Gusau On Football Infrastructure
The Chairman of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, Coach John Obuh has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) , Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau on the planned construction of Players’ Hostel and a number of new training pitches in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The landmark achievement has drawn immense plaudits from major football stakeholders in the country and abroad including Coach Obuh, who expressed his delight while speaking with the club’s media.
“Words will fail me to express how delighted I am for this great football infrastructure we’re about to witness from the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF.
This is what football stakeholders and every coach especially those handling our various national teams wish for. I’m really pleased with this development”, he said.
The former Nigeria U-17 (Golden Eaglets) and U-20 (Flying Eagles) tactician continued, “I applaud the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for embarking on these projects by utilising the funds for the purpose they were meant for, and supported by the NFF board.
It is a feat that none of his predecessors were able to achieve. For this, I say a big congratulations to Alhaji Gusau and the entire Nigeria football family”.
“He is a man who understands the dynamics of Nigeria Football having come from the grassroots. I doubt who will surpass his achievements when he leaves office.”
The Umu Chineke supremo also charged Nigerians to give the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF the needed support in its quest to reposition Nigerian Football, even as he rallied support for the Super Eagles head coach.
“I also wish to use this medium to encourage Nigerians especially football stakeholders and ardent football fans to support the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, as the Eagles bid to qualify for the World Cup. And I also ask for the same support to be extended to the present Nigeria football governing body. We can see they mean well for Nigerian football so, they need every support they could get as they strive to take our football to a higher level”.
The ground-breaking ceremony will take place today, Tuesday, 18th March 2025, in Abuja, and it will have in attendance, FIFA officials, distinguished Nigerians, football icons and other invited guests.
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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