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The hammer of the Nigeria Women Football League, Wednesday fell on five NWFL Premiership clubs for failing to meet the the deadline for players licencing and registration for the 2020/2021 season. The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode, announced in Abuja Wednesday afternoon, that, the five clubs that failed to beat the deadline for club licencing and registration, are hereby relegated to the second tier of the NWFL league, the Championship. Falode, noted that, the decision to relegate the five erring clubs; Sunshine Queens of Akure, Dream Stars of Lagos, Ibom Angels of Uyo, Adamawa Queens of Yola and Heartland Queens of Owerri, was taken by the board, after invoking the NWFL rules and regulations bothering on failure to register at the time set out by the NWFL Secretariat for such procedures.  Corroborating the announcement made by the Chairperson of the NWFL, the league's Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Faith Ben-Anuge, said in a statement that: "Fo...

 Jenny Anusiem gives reasons for floating Imo Angels FC; seeks partnership with Imo SWAN The Chief Executive Officer, Imo Angels FC, Jenny Anusiem has reiterated that her decision to float a female club was borne out of her curiosity to fill the apparent space in women's football in the Eastern Heartland. Lady Jenny Anusiem who disclosed this when she and her management team paid Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter a visit on Tuesday in Owerri to seek partnership noted that she had held series of competitions for the female folks in her community but that the urge to take it to the next level informed her decision to float Imo Angels FC. She said a lot has been put in place to change the narrative regarding how women's football is viewed in the state and that all these would be unfolded at the unveiling/ public presentation of the club on Saturday, November 28 at the City School field along Wethedral Road, Owerri as from 9 am. "Imo Angels FC is a female foot...

Kano Pillars and Nigeria Customs Service will lock horns in the men’s final of the ongoing Nigeria Volleyball Cup today at the University of Ilorin, Kwara state. Kano Pillars outclassed Nigeria Security Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) 3-1 (19-25, 27-25, 27-25, 26-24) in the first semifinals of the men’s event while Nigeria Customs Service spanked Sunshine Spikers 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 27-25) in the men’s second semifinal event. The head coach of Kano Pillars VC, Musa Babamusa said his only obstacle to the Super Cup trophy was the NSCDC team. Babamusa revealed that his players played according to his instructions and the reward of tactical discipline paid off. The former Kano Super Star player said, “First and foremost, I want to give glory to Almighty God for giving my team this grace to play this game. When we came here, I told you that my mission is to take this trophy and God scaled me through the hurdles of the NSCDC team; they are the obstacle I have to the trophy here in Ilorin. “The ga...

The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has given the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) the marching orders to hold Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr to the higher standards contained his contract following the team’s dismal two-leg draw against the Sierra Leonean side in the AFCON qualifier. The Minster of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare made this position known at a meeting with NFF officials on Tuesday to review the Technical Report of the Nigeria/Sierra Leone AFCON Qualifiers and other matters. He said, “The recent dismal performance of the Super Eagles in their qualifiers against SIerra Leone has raised a few concerns and brought to fore the need to do a quick critique.  The Government, while concerned about the dismal performance and non discernible pattern of play and team harmony in the Super Eagles  is looking beyond the outcome of the Nigeria versus SIerra Leone  matches and AFCON.  We are looking at the present and future adm...

The President Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod has urged the Federal Government to revive training facilities at Mambilla, Plateau state for training of marathoners. Engineer Musa Nimrod, participating at the Kaduna marathon Nimrod made the call after the successful completion of the maiden edition of the Kaduna Half Marathon on Saturday. Nimrod who participated in the 5km race, said that if the training facility is set up in Mambilla, it will give Nigerian athletes comparative advantage and improve their skills. He said, "This is a wake up call for the Federal Government of Nigeria to rehabilitate the Mambila facilities. In the past, the country had great Marathon athletes who trained in Mambila but it is now a shadow of itself. "I have a strong feeling that if this is done, Nigeria athletes will give East African athletes a run for their money". The NVBF President said that he started running in marathons over fourty years ago and still runs 5...

Basketball lovers in Plateau state are getting set for the much anticipated J-Town peace games slated for 8th-15th of January 2021. Former Nigeria Basketball international Samuel Oguche who is sponsoring the event stated that he is ready to help stem the sliding tide in the Nigeria basketball by embarking on serious grass-roots basketball development in line with his passion for the game. The J-town basketball peace  tournament is part of the efforts in fostering unity among youths living in Jos town. The Jos town basketball tournament is expected to dunk off at the Azi Iyako youth center, Jos township stadium in Plateau state. A visit to the orphanage, music, dance performances and lots more are all lined up for the one week  basketball tournament.

The Nigeria Fotball Federation on Friday announced the appointment of Amina Sani Zangon Daura as its new Head of Women’s Football.   Recruitment firm, Phillips Consulting, noted that during the entire exercise, Ms Daura “demonstrated a strong passion for the development of women’s football from grassroots to elite level” and that “she was able to prove to the panel her capacity for stakeholder management and funding”. She fitted the bill of a Nigerian and a female as stipulated by the NFF for the position.   A UNICEF ambassador, Ms Daura will oversee the development of women’s football across the nation and also provide technical support to the Head Coach, Randy Waldrum. She will be responsible for increasing the participation of women in football at all levels and developing opportunities for women in football with respect to grassroots education, performance and administration.   A total of 11 candidates were interviewed for the position, including 7 Nigerians. There we...

 The Chairman Technical Committee, Kaduna State Marathon, Yusuf Ali (OLY) said Kaduna state stands a chance of dominating the marathon event in the nearest future. Yusuf Ali stated this at the World Press conference to herald the maiden edition of the Kaduna Marathon event. Ali said former Nigeria marathon runner, Abass Mohammed who was on the verge of breaking the World Record in his hay days, is a Kaduna born athlete. He said, “I am happy and delighted to know that Kaduna is gradually doing the needful in terms of marathon. I can guarantee you that in the next 4 to 5 years, most of the distance race athletes in the country will probably come from Kaduna state. “The maiden edition of the Kaduna marathon is providing platform for the revival of the event. The former national record holder, Abass Mohammed ran 2 hours and 15 minutes in 1984 while the World Record in the same year was 2 hours 8 minute; this shows you that Kaduna has the chances of dominating the marathon event”. He co...

The global governing body for athletics recognises Kaduna Marathon as an event on its sporting calendar. This was disclosed in Kaduna today at the unveiling of elite runners and sponsors of the event. The Acting Governor of the state was presented with certificates confirming this status today in Kaduna by officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria led by its president, Olamide George.  Ex-Olympian Yusuf Alli, who is the technical director of the race, said that any records set at the Kaduna Marathon will be accepted as valid by the world athletics authorities, and will be entered into the history books. Alli disclosed that the route of the Kaduna Marathon was marked by one of the leading experts in the field and that the global standing of the race is such that it can be accepted as an Olympic qualifier. He assured that the Kaduna Marathon which will begin by 7:30am on Saturday, 21 November 2020, will conform to international standards and will be run in a loop similar to th...

The Medical & Scientific Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) under the auspices of the Olympic Solidarity began their 3 day Sports Medicine Seminar themed, “Building Blocks of Protection of Clean Athletes Health - Strategy to Actualize the Mandate of the International Olympic committee (IOC)”, on Thursday, November 19th, 2020 at the Sir Molade OkoyaThomas SportsHall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel, President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). The programme is tailored to highlight best practices obtainable in sports globally, in accordance with the IOC Medical Commission Guidelines and Medical Resources in the Protection of the Health and Integrity of Clean Athletes.  President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel, while addressing over one hundred and fifty coaches, athletes and sports medicines officials, who attended the first session of the workshop, enjoined the participants to take advantage of the le...

Over 23 elite runners from African countries have arrived Kaduna for this weekend Kaduna marathon. The athletes, male and female, who are from Kenya, Ethiopia Cameroon and other Sub Saharan Africa countries are all excited to be in kaduna. The Chairman of the technical committee Yusuf Alli confirmed that over 80 Nigeria top runners too have also arrived the centre of learning for the race scheduled for this  Saturday. The race is divided into three categories 21 kilometres, 10 kilometres and 5kilometres male and female version. Meanwhile the world Press briefing to herald the event comes up on Friday at 10am. The Kaduna marathon is fully sponsored by the Kaduna State government to showcase the rich tourism potential of the state and improve fitness of its citizens.

Sport philanthropist and businessman Honourable Kunle Soname has said sports, if properly harnessed, will curb social vices among youths in the state and Nigeria at large. Soname stated this while playing host to the Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde and members of technical Committee on resuscitation and repositioning of sports in the state to seek for his support towards the forthcoming National Sport Festival tagged "Edo2020" at his residence in Ikenne, Ogun State. Soname who explained that sport can be a major tool in assisting the government to engage the Youths as an engaged hands will find it difficult to get involved in any untoward behavior that will impact negatively on the society.  The philanthropist who promised to look into areas that he can support sports and its development in the state admonished them to look into other sport apart from football as it is cheaper and more rewarding in organizing and funding.  In his opening remarks, the St...

Ahead of the maiden edition of Kaduna Marathon scheduled for Saturday, 21st November 2020, the Kaduna State Government has urged to citizens participate in the race and to support the runners and officials involved.  The government has also announced that in order to stage a successful and safe race, some roads in Kaduna metropolis will be closed on Saturday, from 6am to 3pm.  A statement from the Steering Committee of the Kaduna Marathon said that the government and the race organisers regret the inconvenience that the temporary closure of roads may cause to residents. Commissioner of Sports, Professor Kabir Mato disclosed that the about 30 roads within the state capital will be fully or partially closed between 6am and 3pm on Saturday.  He explained that the security agencies who will be implementing the road closures expect the cooperation and voluntary compliance of residents. Prof. Mato added that sponsors of Kaduna Marathon and the elite athletes participating in th...

The first edition of the Queens Cup Pre-season Tourney is set to take place at the Agege Stadium, Lagos. Organisers of the Pre-season competition have highlighted the importance of the tourney which is geared towards sporting collaboration and Unity between the top clubs in the region. Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the Executive Director, Mr Abolore AbdulRahmon, noted that it's imperative to give women's football every necessary attention to triumph, and this tourney is ready to go beyond football to a great initiative in the Southwest". "We won't leave no stone unturned while we shall ensure adequate preparation of the Southwest teams ahead of the 2020/2021 NWFL Premiership Season". "It is a collective efforts between the clubs and most importantly for the growth of the women's game in the region.  "This is the first edition and we hope to make it bigger as the years come by.  This year's Queens Cup PreSeason Tourney will feature DreamS...

The Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, NMMAF President, Ambassador Henry George has described his recent award from News and Media Company Dez Mayorz as a source of inspiration and says it will help propel the Federation’s journey. Ambassador George emerged winner of the Sports Personality of the year, 2020, beating competition from Super Eagles and Leicester City Defensive Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Professional Bodybuilder and a fitness model Ifesinachi Friday. Speaking to the Federation’s media, George said the award is very significant and shows the effort of members of the Federation is not going unnoticed. He explained, "It's very important, it's very significant to us, Martial Arts has never been noticed in the media before, it has never been noticed in award schedule, or awards that has to do with other sports, that you see Martial Arts coming out. "Because of our work and what we have been doing, trying promote, we are trying to let people know the impo...

All is set for the Ottasolo U15 Football Competition, an initiative for Grassroot teams in Lagos. Chairman of Ottasolo International, Gabriel Davies said the gesture is aimed at giving back to the society. The 1st edition of the competition will see 20 Grassroot teams in the state accredited to participate in the tournament billed to kick off on November 21. Venue is Idowu Fadeyi Field, Ayobo, Lagos. "We want these kids to embrace football because the game brings people together. It's my dream for these boys to see the sport as a means of livelihood," Gabriel Davies said. "The aim is to make the U15 competition continue to grow from strength to strength. There would be a lot of side attractions to entertain fans. He said the gesture aside empowering youths in the state would help to discover talents that would in turn make the state and nation proud in terms of performance on the pitch, club football and international fixtures. "We have sponsored numerous projec...

Nigeria’s delegation to Tuesday’s 2022 AFCON qualifying match against Sierra Leone arrived in Freetown on Monday afternoon aboard a chartered flight that flew the team from Benin City, and after a 30-minute ferry ride on the Atlantic from the International Airport in Lungi to the Sierra Leonean capital.   The chartered aircraft touched down at the airport in Lungi at 12:15pm local time, and players and officials were received by the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigeria High Commission, Mr. Sona Charles, the Consular, Mr. Paul Alabi and some members of the Sierra Leone Football Association.   There was a hiccup at the airport as Sierra Leonean immigration officials insisted that the Nigerian players and officials must undergo COVID-19 tests right at the airport, even after evidence was provided by the Nigeria team that all delegation members did the tests and all returned negative just hours before boarding their flight in Benin City.   Efforts by the top officials from the Ni...

Respected football administrator and member of the NFF technical committee Aminu Kurfi has joined millions of passionate football fans to express his disappointment with the result of Nigeria's AFCON Qualifier with Sierra Leone but has cautioned that this is not the time to cry over spilt milk, rather it is a time to pick up the pieces of our broken hearts and go for maximum points in Freetown.  Balele, whose contribution to the success story of Katsina United cannot be underestimated, was only last week, reappointed as member of the technical and development committee because of his rich knowledge of football which he utilized to the fullest in helping Katsina United dominate the Nigeria National League on their way to gaining promotion to the elite league in 2016. Ever since then, the Chanji boys have never looked back.  Speaking on the match, the Katsina state FA Chairman said the Super Eagles were in total control in the first half but became complacent after the break, as...

The National president of Authentic Nigeria Football Supporters club, Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi has described the unfortunate result that the Super Eagles of Nigeria recorded at home against visiting Sierra Leone in Benin as a sad one. The supporter's club boss called on Nigerians to accept the apology tendered by the Super Eagles' captain Ahmed Musa on behalf of the team. Prince Abayomi who agreed that it was unfortunate for the team to throw away 4 goals advantage in front of Nigerians in Nigeria, he said  "It is purely football, you lose, win or draw, what happened in Benin yesterday is what makes football fun, unfortunately we were on the receiving end. We need to accept the apologizes of the team and the federation " he concluded. He urged the Super Eagles to look beyond the apologises about what happened in Benin and grab the maximum point in the return leg against Sierra Leone coming next week. The fans will forget about the sour result if Sierra Leone is beaten ...

Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles technical adviser, may be in the dug-out for the last time after Nigeria’s second leg clash against Sierra Leone on Tuesday, TheCable understands. His fate might have been sealed on Friday night after a meeting was held following the Super Eagles shambolic performance which saw them throw away a four-goal lead to draw with Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin city. TheCable can report that a visibly disappointed Sunday Dare, minister of youth and sports development, had a meeting with Amaju Pinnick, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the Super Eagles at their Eterno Hotel after the game. He demanded a technical review report on how the team threw away a four-goal advantage after starting like a house on fire, a source told TheCable. It will be a miracle if Rohr is not sacked after the reverse fixture in Freetown on Tuesday,” the source told TheCable. “The country of football talents cannot be disgraced like this,” a disappoin...

The third Module of fifth edition of Sports Administration and Advanced Sports Management Course (ASMC) started on Tuesday November 11, 2020 at the National Olympic Committee (NOC) boardroom, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) course which the NOC is partaking in, is a global sport management course put together to produce and promote excellence in sports administration. Engineer Habu Gumel, President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) at the opening session told the participants to see the course as a key to national development and an opportunity to know and as well have first hand information as regards sports administration globally. "The International Olympic Committee (IOC) through the Olympic Solidarity designed this course to provide National Olympic Committees the needed assistance to conduct administrative courses in their respective countries. This is to enhance their skills as sports administrators in their day to day act...

 The Central Board received a detailed report on the upcoming window of the FIBA Continental Cup Qualifiers, set to be played during November 23 to December 1, across the regions. FIBA has decided to conduct these tournaments in bubbles, following recommendations from its Medical Commission and Competitions Commission, with the health and safety of players, coaches and officials being the primary consideration.   FIBA this year has successfully executed the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Hungary Masters 2020 in Debrecen with participation of players from Europe, Americas and Asia, the Basketball Champions League Qualifiers in Cyprus and Bulgaria and also the Basketball Champions League Final 8 in Athens and implemented strict health protocols at each of these events. These protocols have been developed after consultation with the WHO and the NBA and will be enforced at the FIBA Continental Cup Qualifiers in each region. Update of FIBA Competitions for 2021-2023 Status reports were p...

The CAF Emergency Committee validated on Friday the specific measures for the resumption of Days 3 & 4 matches of Total Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 ™ Qualifiers. These rules issued by the Organizing Committee for the African Cup of Nations, in accordance with the FIFA rules of the game, relate in particular to the conditions for holding matches, the number of authorized substitutions and the conditions for postponement or cancellation of matches. Only the cases not provided for by these special COVID-19 rules and in the competitions regulations would be considered as exceptional cases, which would be decided by the Organizing committee of the competition. Game and players •      Each match must be played if the team has at least eleven (11) players (including a goalkeeper) and four (4) substitutes. •      If a team cannot travel to the host country and/or venue of a match due to any travel or other restriction relating to COVID-19, the team in q...

The board of the Nigeria Women Football League has applauded the proprietor one of Nigeria's Premiership clubs, FC Robo of Lagos, Emmanuel Osahon. The Chairperson of the NWFL, Aisha Falode, at the weekend poured plaudits on the management of FC Robo for coming out as the first privately owned club in the country to complete the Club Licencing/Registration procedures ahead of the kick-off of the 2020/2021 Premiership season. Falode, expressed her delight for the milestone achieved by the Emmanuel Osahon-led club, especially as they joined the list of elite women's clubs in the Premiership league doing due diligence. "It's not easy running a league club privately. I really commend this gentleman." Falode, added at weekend that, what the management of FC Robo did, showed a marked improvement on what used to be their situation over the years. "They have succeeded in showing everyone that, they are a very serious club. I am happy for Osahon and the club. It's ...

Super Eagles’ camp will officially open on Monday, November 9 in Benin city for their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone billed for Friday November 13 at the  Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The Super Eagles will lodge at Eterno Hotel while the match officials and the delegation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will be  accommodated at the Edo Heritage Hotel. Super Eagles team officials and other backroom staff are due in camp  on Sunday, November 8 ahead of the players who are expected to arrive  Benin City on Monday, November 9 after this weekend’s games for their  respective clubs. The Sierra Leoneans who will lodge at the prestigious Lush Hotel in  Benin City, are expected to fly into Lagos on Wednesday, November 11 from where they will connect another flight to Benin same day. Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports insists that the match must observe the Covid-19 protocols.

A 22nd minute goal from Lobi Stars' Ossy Martins proved to be the difference in the opening match of Governor Wike Pre-season tournament against hosts, Rivers United.  Martins capitalised on an error to score a superb lob into the top right corner that caught goalkeeper Ospina Egbe napping. Lobi Stars thought they had scored the goal in the 72nd minute, but it was ruled out for offside by the referee.  Rivers United made multiple changes to salvage at least a point but it proved too little as the Pride of Benue withstood all forays from the home side. Special Guest for the opening match, Ambassador Desmond Akawor commended the organisers for a job well done.  Akawor, who is also the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State stressed that Governor Wike's support for sports has become legendary, which also earned him Power of Sports (POS) in Africa.  Rivers Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye expressed satisfaction with the level of organisation and fair p...

The Technical  session of  National  Council on sports has recommended  December  3rd 2020 for the opening  ceremony  of the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival, with the closing  ceremony  holding on Friday December 18th. According to the communique issued at the end of the Council meeting, it was agreed that the games would open on Thursday December 3rd, opening ceremony scheduled for December 5th, closing ceremony takes place on Thursday December 17th.The competition proper is staggered in two phases from December 12th- 16th. The communique noted "The Virtual meeting held earlier this year  unanimously agreed to host the Festival this year. The Committee  of Experts set up during the Virtual meeting  made specific   recommendations regarding the successful organisation of the 20th National Sports Festival. It has become imperative to tinker with the modus operandi of the Festival". The recommendations are however...

The Nigeria Olympic Committee and Nigerian University Games (NUGA) will start the second phase of the Olympic Value Education Programme (OVEP) at the Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State from November 8 to 11, 2020. This programme according to the Olympic Movement is to educate young citizens on the spirit for better understanding and friendship, thereby helping to build a better and more peaceful world. Olympism is a philosophy of life which spans more than the seventeen days of the quadrennial Olympic Games. Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel, President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), expressed his happiness for the uniqueness of this event. He said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is really focusing on the promotion of the Olympic Values through Olympic education in the schools. Gumel commended NUGA, one of its partners and a member of the Nigeria Olympic Committee for the collaboration and the interest they show in training the young athletes. He asked that they do not relent ...

  Organizers of 2020 AMAPRO Football Championship have secured a media partnership deal with Prosoccer Company for the Media Coverage, Scouting and updates of the results of matches as they are going on.  Prosoccer is a prestigious soccer Analytics Company that is focused on structuring grassroots activities in Nigeria by providing proper data storage and system. The company's domain is http://www.prosoccer.com.ng. The company was founded in 2017 and has currently offered its services to over 72 tournaments in over 7 states.  They currently have over 1,000 registered teams that benefit from its livescore services across Nigeria.  SportFlames Radio (https://radio.sportflames.com/?m=1) is an online Radio Station that is responsible for broadcasting football tournaments. It gives you the latest in sporting events all around the world. Shogo Shodunke, the brain behind Amapro and Owner of Phreestyle Sports expressed his delight with the partnership. "Firstly, I am delight...

The Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, NMMAF has hailed Nigerian Mixed Martial Artist, Loveth Young on her victory against United State’s Reena Norville in the Legacy Fighting Alliance, LFA. The Federation took to their official Facebook handle to send their congratulatory message to Young the 'Nigerian Terminator'. “The Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation congratulates Lovethpathra ‘The Nigerian Terminator’ on her win against Reena Norville in the Legacy Fighting Alliance, LFA. This shows that more Nigerians can do well in the MMA if giving the right support." Young who is also the chairperson of the women committee in the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation beat Norville by technical knockout in her fourth professional fight in the straw weight division on Friday night in the United States. Speaking to reporters after the bout, Young said she never underrates her opponents and followed her team’s game plan. “The thing is whoever steps into the cage to fight with...