Sports
Rangers Resume As 70 Turn Up For Screening
Rangers International F.C of Enugu, the ‘Flying Antelopes’, have commenced their program for the 2022/2023 football season with the arrival of players retained from last season and the new ones that have signed the dotted lines to defend the club’s colors in the fast approaching season.
Led by the Administrative Secretary of the club, Barrister Ferdinand Ugwuarua, and the Technical Adviser, Coach Abdul Maikaba, the team held a dedication and prayer session at the players’ camp along Nkponkiti Road, Independence Layout, Ogui, Enugu, Wednesday, the team prayed for a successful season laced with trophy celebrations.
In his welcome address, Barrister Ugwuarua thanked God for the journey mercies granted to all the returning players while charging all to come up with their A-game in all departments to ensure that all set targets are achieved at the end of the season.
The team continued its build-up for the season with a body conditioning session at the Rangers Training Pitch with the retained and new players doing their things under the watchful eyes of the coaching crew led by Abdul Maikaba.
Coach Maikaba, in a brief chat, welcomed both old and new players while charging them to be at their best at all times to help the club achieve its set target of ending the season on a high with the league and Aiteo cup trophy in its prime target or a continental ticket in a worst case scenario.
“I welcome all of us to the start of the new season which I believe will be very great for our careers. Last season, we made mistakes that led to our missing our set targets but, it’s my belief that with this assemblage of quality performers that you all are, there will be no stopping us this season. The league, Aiteo cup, and continental ticket placing remain our prime targets this season.”
Some of the new players that would soon be unveiled at an elaborate session include; Michael Ibeh, Shehu Sani, Inemese Sunday, Gabriel Innocent, Tunde Olaniyi, Saeed Jibrin, Chukwudi Nwordu, Daten Ogundare, Emmanuel Charles, Emeka Nwabulu, and Reuben Bala.
In a related development, over 70 football players showed up as the club commenced its open screening sessions where the eagle-eyed coaches of the club are on the lookout for talents that could make the cut to join the team being put together for the coming season.
The screening sessions are taking place at the Rangers Training Pitch, Independence Layout, Ogui, Enugu.
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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