Sports
Osaji, Edwards Shines At Junior Tennis Tourney
Fast-rising Ndidi Osaji and David Edwards, who just returned from the ITF/CAT West and Central African Junior Tennis Championship in Togo, are already showing why they excelled at the West African tournament.
The pair were outstanding on the second day of the ongoing Azimuth Shipping Lines Limited Junior Tennis Championship holding at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.
Osaji, one of the U-14 girls, who won gold for Nigeria in the team event in Togo, was a tough nut to crack for Sarah Adisa in the girls U-14, as she won in two straight sets of 4-2, 5-4(3) to advance to the quarterfinal of the competition. She showed no sign of fatigue or burn out from the event in Togo, having returned less than 24 hours before her encounter on Tuesday afternoon. She matched her opponent stroke for stroke, while also hitting aces during the contest.
David Edwards, on the other hand, appeared jittery, at the start of his game against youngster, Oizen Ayoola. He dropped the first set 3-5, but the lad, who won one of Nigeria’s first matches at the AJC in Togo, stepped up his game in the second set, racing to a brilliant 4-1 lead before finishing the game with a super tiebreak 10-2 win.
As at the end of the competition yesterday evening, the U-16 boys and girls had yet to hit the court, but the boys and girls’ 14 had already reached the quarterfinals stage.
The competition, which served off on Monday, will end on Saturday at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan. The winners will be rewarded with trophies and cash.
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.”
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoEkpo, , Mshelbila Elected Gas Exporting Countries Forum Chiefs
-
News3 days agoTinubu commissions seven new projects at Unilorin
-
Business3 days agoNAICOM Tasks New NCRIB President On Innovation, Professionalism
-
Nation3 days agoOgoni Cleanup Programme, Enabling Pathways To Development Of Ogoni – Zabbey
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Tompolo’s Visit To Bayelsa Bothers Coalition … As Stakeholders Want Security Checks
-
Oil & Energy3 days agoMonarchs Task FG On Host Communities’ Welfare ………As PINL Targets 2000 Women For Empowerment
-
Opinion3 days agoDon’t Kill Tam David-West
-
Business3 days ago“W’Bank To Invest $14bn In Agric Transformation