Sports
Deaflympics: Tennis Boss Promises Good Outing
Ahead of the forthcoming Deaflympic Games billed for Sofia, Bulgaria, the National Chairman of the Nigeria Deaf Table Tennis Association, Prince Elemchuku Eke, has expressed optimism that his ward’s participation would be a success story for the country.
Fielding questions from sports writers in Port Harcourt at the weekend, Prince Eke said preparations were in top gear as the deaf ping-pong players were seriously training in various states in the country with ten of them currently camped in Lagos, adding that when the final selection is made, the athletes would be moved to Ibadan.
He said some of those selected to represent the country included players who excelled during the last National Sports Festival just as he noted that the coaches were yet to shut the camps, since the possibility of discovering more medal prospects exist.
The Chairman, who maintains that ‘there is ability in disability’ also revealed that the squad included some of the players who brought glory to Nigeria at the last London Paralympics.
“We are going to Sofia to win medals. The players are in high spirit with a strong physical and mental fitness” he said.
Prince Eke, a Port Harcourt based businessman, however averred he was conscious of the fact that other countries were coming to the Games not as spectators but to fight for medals. He likened the scenario to what he called a ‘wedding cake’.
His words: “It should be seen like a big cake. You don’t expect me to eat all the cakes in a wedding. I will cut part of it and I will allow others to cut part of it too. Whoever that gets the greater part of it during eating and digestion; you now know the ability of how your body can carry. So, it’s a game where you don’t have to be greedy. You need to relax and let’s share. It’s a game where we all go and some will win while others will lose. But winning makes you happier and that’s what we are set to do. There are medals to be won and we will win some of them.”
Prince Eke, who was inaugurated Chairman of the board of the Nigeria Deaf Table Tennis Association last February told journalists that the 13-man body was on course and working to achieve its set objectives despite challenges.
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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