Sports
Confed Cup: Dolphins Swim Past Vegetarianos
After a pulsating ninety
minutes of football, Dolphins scored one goal, took the game to penalty shoot outs and won 5-3 to edge past Leones Vegetarianos FC of Equatorial Guinea in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at the Weekend.
Dolphins lost the 1st leg 1-0, and started the return leg at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt the same way they did in Malabo by missing glaring chances.
As early as the second minute Ifeanyi Egwim found space in the Vegetarianos area but his cross went way of mark and an overlapping Ayobami Asekunowo could not connect.
In the 16th minute it was the turn of Victor Alegbe to miss as some good passing moves by Dolphins completely split the Vegetarianos defence open but Alegbe who had just the post in front of him with goalkeeper Yannick out of the way blasted wide.
Fredor for the visitors had his chance to get a crucial away goal for his side in the 27th minute when they had a free kick after Jonathan Zikiye had fouled his man but his free header went wide after Sunday Rotimi had been beaten.
However, it was Emeka Atuloma who turned hero of the day a minute later as he curled a free kick from about 25 yards to put Dolphins 1-0 up and tie the game on aggregate.
On the hour mark, Stanley Eguma took off Ifeanyi Egwim for Omoh Johnson and then Isiaka Olawale replaced Chidiebere Okolie who had missed a chance just a minute before he was substituted.
Christian Pyagbara freed him and with just the goalkeeper facing him after beating the offside trap, he blasted wide.
With eight minutes left on the clock, Victor Alegbe shook off his marker and tried a shot that was spilled by the goalkeeper but Pyagbara failed to bury the rebound.
In the ensuing penalty shootouts, Tijani Adamu, Emeka Atuloma, Victor Ezuruike, Chigozie Ihunda and Christian Pyagbara all scored while Yumby Nicanor, Pendah and Esoto Ada scored for Leones but Sunday Rotimi saved Guy Yannace’s kick.
Dulphins skipper, Sunday Rotimi (22) leads team mates in celebrations after overcoming Vegetarians via penalty shootout
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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