Sports
Wan-Bissaka Set To Switch To DR Congo Ahead Of AFCON
Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been approached by DR Congo and could decide to switch his international allegiance from England.
DR Congo want Wan-Bissaka to be part of their squad for the 2024 AFCON tournament. Wan-Bissaka is said to be considering the opportunity of playing for the Leopards and switching his international allegiance from England. The Manchester United defender has played for England at Under-20 and Under-21 level but has never made a senior appearance for the Three Lions. The closest he came was back in 2019 when he was called up by Gareth Southgate. However, he subsequently pulled out of the squad for the two Euro 2020 qualifiers due to injury, meaning he is still uncapped and eligible to play for DR Congo.
It remains to be seen whether Wan-Bissaka will accept the offer from Congo, but if he does the decision may not go down well with Manchester United. The AFCON 2024 tournament kicks off in January in Ivory Coast and runs until February 11th. If Wan-Bissaka were to be involved then United could potentially lose the defender for over a month due to his international commitments. The Red Devils are also expected to be without first choice goalkeeper Andre Onana during that time as the stopper is expected to play for Cameroon at the tournament.
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 & Energy2 days agoOil Theft: Economic Council Urges NNPC To Strengthen Security In Creeks
-
News2 days agoAir Peace Begins Direct Flight From Abuja To London
-
Business2 days agoNigeria Exits FATF Grey List For Global Financial Crime ………..NFIU
-
Nation2 days agoCommunity Health Practitioners Marks 2025 Week
-
Sports2 days agoFBN, C’River gov partner to boost tourism
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoFG Pledges Solar Power Hospitals, Varsities
-
News2 days agoNigeria Records $50bn Cryptocurrency Transactions In One Year
-
Business2 days agoNCAA To Enforce Zero-debt Rule By 2026 ……….As Airlines Face Compliance Sanctions