Sports
NSC Explains Life Bans For Athletes At Eko 2012
Placing life bans on some athletes at the just-concluded 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) was all in a bid to sanitise the festival, a National Sports Commission (NSC) official has said.
“It was all done to ensure that participating states and athletes play by the rules in future Games,’’ Tony Ohaeri, NSC’s Director of Press, told newsmen in Abuja.
The NSC had wielded the big stick on some athletes and states whose actions ran foul of the rules and regulations during the festival held from November 27 to Dec. 9 in Lagos.
Ohaeri said a lot of sharp practices were going to be curbed with the way the NSC had come down hard on erring athletes, states and officials at the 18th NSF.
“The Commission had to take that step not because it wants to jeopardise the athletes’ respective career but to sanitise our sports for the sake of the future,’’ he said.
The NSC Director of Press said the commission had since communicated the punitive decisions to the concerned states and all other necessary organs.
“These decisions, which were arrived at by the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the 18th NSF in Lagos, have been communicated to the Commissioners of Sports of the concerned states.
“Other relevant bodies that should know about these have also been informed for necessary action,’’ he said.
Athletes punished for various violations of the rules included Oladele Ojo, also known as Alaba Joseph, and Olubunmi Olamide, also known as Olubunmi Olayemi, both from Ekiti.
Other two teammates in the state hockey team, Olubunmi Emman and Ademisoye Olamide, were also banned from participating in the NSF for life.
They were also banned from participating in any event organised by the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (NHF) for two years for violating the eligibility rule of the sports festival.
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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