Sports
NTF Targets Four Gold Medals At African Games
The Nigeria Taekwondo
Federation (NTF) has assured that it would win no fewer than four gold medals at this year’s All African Games (AAG)., Coach of the team, John Victor gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He said expressed belief that the team would surpass its previous achievements at the 2011 AAG held in Maputo, Mozambique.
According to Victor, athletes in camp are capable of exceeding the previous record of two gold medals.
Team Nigeria finished at third place at AAG 2011 with 31gold, 28 silver and 39 bronze medals.
But Victor said the 2015 edition of AAG would be a different event going by NTF’s target.
“The federation is chasing a minimum of four gold medals; it is either we meet or beat that target.
“A lot of athletes are promising because we keep record of our training; we study our record every evening and from our findings, the athletes are showing high degree of improvement every day.
“If it continues like this, we will be the toast of taekwondo in Congo, because the athletes are all growing together.
“The athletes are ready to surprise the coaches because their rate of improvement is very astonishing’’, Victor said.
According to him, the experience of the coaches and the technical crew is an added advantage to the team’s preparation for the Games.
“The coaches in camp are very experienced and we have been studying the video clips of our opponents and based on that we are narrowing our training programme to the specifics of the AAG.
“Beyond that, we have competent hand in the technical unit in the person of Chika Chukwumerije, who is supplying technical help to the coaching crew.
“With this team on ground as coaching crew, I think we have nothing to fear.
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.”
-
Rivers2 days ago
NLNG, NCDMB Launch ICT Hub To Boost Tech Skills In Nigeria
-
News2 days agoResident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Nov 1
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoProffer Solutions To Energy Crisis, PTI Urges FG. Stakeholders
-
Business2 days agoCustoms Launches Digital Vehicle Verification System To Tackle Smuggling
-
News4 days agoNLNG, NCDMB Unveil ICT Centre In P’Harcourt To Boost Tech Skills
-
Maritime2 days agoBoard Approves Disciplinary Actions Against 31 Immigration Officers
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoNMDPRA To Clamp Down On Illegal Oil And Gas Facilities
-
News2 days agoPerm Sec Bags Award Of Excellence