Sports
RFF Announces 15 Players For African Games
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation unveiled a 15-man Lady Stallions Sevens’ official squad to compete in the African Games 2023.
The list includes nine home-based and six foreign-based players.
Standout athletes Augustar Efe and Becky Okitikpe from Edo Rugby Club top the list of players in the squad alongside Aladeyelu Blessing and Umude Blessing, representing Eco 11 and Delta Rugby Club, respectively.
Joining the squad from abroad are seasoned players including Precious Felix from Lion’s Women’s Rugby Club in South Africa, Fedelia Omoghan, Glory Ezeude, and Ada Okonkwo hailing from Canada while Achele Agada brings her expertise from England.
Speaking before their departure to Ghana on Monday, national team coach Steve Lewis expressed confidence in his side to impress on their debut.
“It will be a historic and proud moment when these Nigerian rugby women represent their country in international competition for the first time, let’s get to work!” Lewis said.
Lewis will be assisted by Jeremiah Egbuwe and the team will be managed by Azeez Ladipo.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Ademola Are supports Lewis’ claims saying, “With this formidable lineup, Nigeria aims to make a strong impression on the African stage, and set to unleash the country’s growing prowess in Women’s rugby.
The team will depart Nigeria alongside Team Nigeria Batch B on the 11th of March. The All Africa Games Rugby event will be held from March 18 to 21 at the newly built Rugby Stadium at the University of Ghana, Accra.
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.”
-
Sports4 days agoFBN, C’River gov partner to boost tourism
-
Oil & Energy4 days agoFG Pledges Solar Power Hospitals, Varsities
-
News4 days agoNigeria Records $50bn Cryptocurrency Transactions In One Year
-
Business4 days agoNCAA To Enforce Zero-debt Rule By 2026 ……….As Airlines Face Compliance Sanctions
-
Rivers4 days agoRivers Community Absolves Kingsman of Land Grabbing Allegations, Gives Seven-Day Ultimatum
-
Rivers4 days ago
Shippers Council moves To Enhance Service Delivery At Nigerian Ports
-
Oil & Energy4 days agoEkpo, , Mshelbila Elected Gas Exporting Countries Forum Chiefs
-
News4 days agoTinubu commissions seven new projects at Unilorin