Sports
Nigeria Vs Liberia: Keepers’ Form Excites Shorunmu
Super Eagles’ Goalkeepers Trainer, Ike Shorunmu, in Calabar
expressed his excitement at the readiness of the team’s goalkeepers for
tomorrow’s match against the Lone Stars of Liberia.
The team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, told newsmen that
Shorunmu was in a buoyant mood this week in training.
“After the team had its second training session at the U.J.
Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Shorunmu was really excited with what he saw.
“At the time of the session, Shorunmu was the only coach
that had his team of players: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim,
in camp.
“He promptly seized the opportunity of the goalkeepers’
early arrival to drill them maximally and he came away smiling at their form.
The former Stationery Stores FC of Lagos and Besikstas FC of
Turkey goalkeeper, was said to be spoilt for choice because the goalkeepers
were all in top form.
He added that all they needed was a little pep-up from the
public perception of them and that they (the technical crew) were already
getting results even on that.
Alaiya further quoted Shorunmu to have called on Nigerians
to always support the team and not to put the blame of any mishap in games at
the doorstep of only the goalkeepers.
“According to Shorunmu, the goalkeepers we have are some of
the best goalkeepers in the world and there is no goalkeeper, no matter how
great, that cannot make mistakes.
He said Nigerians needed to be careful with the way they
criticised the players, “so that they don’t destroy the team and even the
careers of our players”.
The Eagles who arrived in Calabar on Monday are billed to
lock horns with the Lone Stars in the crucial make or mar 2013 AFCON scheduled
for South Africa.
The first leg had ended in a 2-2 draw in Monrovia in
September and the October 13 showdown would decide the fate of the two
sub-regional rivals.
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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