Sports
CHAN2025Q :“I Saw Hope” – Gusau
Joel Ajayi
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian football following the CHAN Eagles’ emphatic victory over Ghana in Uyo on Saturday.
The jubilant NFF President described the win as a symbol of brighter days ahead for Nigerian football, particularly in 2025. He highlighted the team’s determination, noting that their performance demonstrated the resilience of Nigerians to overturn expectations.
“We are thrilled to close the year on such a high note,” Gusau remarked. “Securing a spot at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been a key goal, and we’re delighted to have achieved it. Now, the real challenge is to prepare the team thoroughly to compete for the trophy in East Africa next year.” Gusau also congratulated the team and commended Nigerians for their unwavering support in the face of adversity.
Nigeria achieved a landmark moment by defeating Ghana for the first time in an African Nations Championship qualifier, securing their ticket to the tournament’s eighth edition, scheduled for February 2025 in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. A scintillating 3-1 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium rewrote the narrative of Nigerian-Ghanaian contests at this level.
Three brilliantly executed goals within six minutes defined the encounter, delivering a crushing blow to Ghana’s aspirations. The Black Galaxies, despite their pre-match confidence, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s relentless attacking display.
The game began with Nigeria on the front foot, and in the 18th minute, Captain Junior Nduka’s precise long ball found Ismaila Sodiq, who broke Ghana’s offside trap and slotted past goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Two minutes later, Nigeria almost doubled their lead, but Adamu Abubakar’s close-range effort was deflected by defender Abban Ebenezer.
From the ensuing corner, Nduka capitalized on Ghana’s defensive lapse, sending the ball into the net for Nigeria’s second goal. Just three minutes later, Saviour Isaac exploited a mix-up between goalkeeper Asare and defender Nurudeen Abdulai to score the third.
The Black Galaxies, overwhelmed and disoriented, were fortunate not to concede a fourth before halftime when Sikiru Alimi missed a golden opportunity after being set up by Isaac.
In the second half, Nigeria maintained their dominance, with Isaac and Alimi coming close to increasing the lead. Despite Ghana pulling one back through Stephen Amankona in the 72nd minute, the damage was already done.
The loss capped a dismal year for Ghana, marked by the Black Stars’ early exit at the Africa Cup of Nations, their failure to qualify for the next edition of the tournament, and the Black Starlets’ inability to reach the Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
Nigeria, silver medalists at CHAN in 2018, celebrated their return to the tournament with gusto. The victory over perennial rivals Ghana was particularly satisfying and underscored the promise of a brighter future for Nigerian football.
Sports
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
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