Sports
Federation Cup: Sharks FC Picks ¼ Final Ticket, Dolphins’ Fate Hangs
Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt on Saturday at the MKO Abiola stadium, Abeokuta topped the zone with a 2-1 victory over Akwa United of Uyo to confirm their qualification for the quarter final stage of the 2009 Federation Cup competition.
With the victory, Sharks finished the group stage with a remarkable 100 per cent record, winning three out of three matches and scored an impressive eight goals while conceding two.
Kola Anubi and Michael Egbeta were the goal scorers for the Blue Angels.
Reigning Globacom League champions, Bayelsa United picked the second ticket from the group with a lone goal victory over Bussdor United.
Bayelsa, had to bounce back from the opening match loss to Sharks to beat Akwa United and Bussdor to go through.
Meanwhile, in Jalingo, Dolphins may depend on a toss of coin to know their fate after a goalless draw with Rangers International, on Saturday.
Lobi Stars of Makurdi claimed the zone’s first ticket after a 1-0 victory over Enyimba International.
The Stars chalked up six points from two wins after the 1-0 loss to Dolphins in their first match.
After the results, Dolphins and Enyimba are tied on the same three points, three goals for and three against in three matches.
As at press time, Tidesports learnt that organisers of the competition were to hold a closed door meeting to decide whether to use head-to-head, toss of coin or replay to resolve the deadlock.
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.”