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The  Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has affirmed that the resumption of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has brought a big relief after months of uncertainty. Warri Wolves team against MFM FC in the match Day 1 fixture of NPFL 2020/2021  Mr Dare made this assertion in a  media chat following the kickoff of the new NPFL season last weekend. "Truly, it is really a sign of relief to see the NPFL return. You can see the excitement on the social media and economic activities in different venues talking about the hotels, restaurants and hosts of others who  are beneficiaries of the restart of the league. "The return of the league brought about economic gains and it will  reduce social vices among the youth  "Even the gladiators of the  game are not left out of the party, players get travel allowances, Refrees, match officials and as well back room staff," Dare posited. MFM FC during the procession of opening league m...

Left fullback, Reuben Nicodemus, scored twice to hand Nasarawa United Football Club a hard-fought 2-1 victory over northern neighbours, Wikki Tourists FC (Bauchi), during the opener of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League Season decided at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday. In a game that was played behind closed doors in line with the directives of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, the Nigeria Football Federation, and League Management Company, the visitors took the lead four minutes into the first-half through Promise Damala following some poor defending. Nasarawa United, however, drew level courtesy of workaholic defender, Reuben Nicodemus, whose close range thunderbolt could not be dealt with by the visitors' goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, to end the first-half 1-1 apiece.  The mobile left fullback increased the tally for the Solid Miners seven minutes into the second-half(52nd minute) after spinning with the ball inside the box before releasing a low shot that...

A plucky Sunshine Stars side slipped to a narrow 1-0 loss in Sunday's NPFL 2020/21 opening round meeting with Jigawa Golden Stars at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna. Jigawa Golden Stars and Sunshine in action. It was Gbenga Ogunbote's first game in charge of Sunshine Stars since returning to manage the club in September and of course, the first taste of league football for both clubs, following a nine-month hiatus occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. The game gathered momentum slowly and it was Sunshine Stars goalkeeper, Ariyo David that was called into the first save of the encounter, repelling a goal-bound effort from point blank after seven minutes of play. Sunshine Stars had an attempt of their own five minutes later with Waheed Adebayo forcing Godwin Paul into saving his fierce low drive before Fu'ad Ekelojuoti was flagged offside on the rebound. Chances were few and far between until the 42nd minute when Ariyo parried into safety off the frame from a well-taken free ...

Aminu Balele Kurfi, Chairman of Katsina state Football Associatio n Splashes .3m on Jigawa, Sunshines teams. Chairman of Katsina state Football Association Alh. Aminu Balele Kurfi has praised the efforts of the League Management Company LMC and all the Football stakeholders across for the successful kick off of the Nigeria Domestic league the NPFL.  Alh. Balele Kurfi who was amongst the top dignitaries that witnessed the encounter between Jigawa Golden stars FC and Sunshine stars FC played at the ABS stadium Kaduna particularly showered praises on the match officials for their excellent performances. The philanthropist who is also a member of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF Technical and Development committee gave kudos to players of the two teams for their high level of discipline, maturity and good display of soccer artistry.  He thereafter presented a cash donation of one hundred and fifty thousand naira to each of the two teams even as he took a group photograph with t...

Nigeria Professional Football League returns on Sunday, after over nine months of inactiveness due to COVID-19 global emergency, with Sunshine Stars among the clubs gearing up for the start of a season that has given the 2020 yuletide a welcome disruption. The Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS), Kaduna will be the epicentre when the Owena Whales battle hosts, Jigawa Golden Stars.  It is a game that will mark the beginning of coach Gbenga Ogunbote second spell in charge of the Akure lanlords following a largely succesfully first stint between 2010 and 2012. Speaking with Sunshine Stars FC Media on the eve of the season's opening round, The Oracle as the vastly experienced and tested coach is fondly called, affirmed his readiness for a positive start and give fans in Akure something to cheer about at the end of the campaign. The Oracle stated: "Every match is a serious game, Jigawa is not a bad side. We have done our best to make sure we represent the state and the Club very well and n ...

Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has re-affirmed that government alone can not develop sports, insisting that only public, private partnership could off shoot Sports Development. Dare Sunday with Private investors at a stakeholder's meeting According to Mr. Dare: "In an Egalitarian society, sports is developed alongside private investors. Look at countries like United kingdom, Jamaica, United States, South Africa and a  host of others that have successfully done this.  "We need to develop sports deliberately with the help of public, private partnership with Government.  We believe in a holistic sports development which is a total departure from funding sporting competitions  and waiting for the next Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games or the All Africa Games.But as important as these events  are, they do not equate to sports development.But we came in clearly with the vision of developing a template that speaks to sports developm...

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has assured that the National Stadium pitch in Surulere, Lagos could  be ready to host Super Eagles and other  International matches by May 2021. Sunday Dare inspecting the ongoing work at the National Stadium, Lagos The Minister made this assertion during an inspection tour of the Surulere National Stadium, Lagos which is under going rehabilitation. According  to him,  "it's high time we had a familiar ground for our national teams. The  Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja and the Surulere National stadium, Lagos will be ready to host matches next year and it will be a major plus to our teams when they have a familiar ground. “This arrangement is under the adopt initiative which is a public-private model that we developed. We were able to pitch that to the private sector. we discussed with a philanthropist and lover of sports Sir Adebutu Keshington, who was convinced about the proposal. He is someb...

Over 100, Under 13/15 players from different part of the country participated at the MEES Palace Youth Football Tournament. The Chief Exexutive Officer (CEO) of Mees Palace Football Academy, Emmanuel Adukwu said his mission is to give opportunity to young players and marry education with football. Adukwu lauded the coaching crew and officials of Future Eagles for attending the program. He said, "Mees Palace Football Academy is thriving in youth  football development even within a challenging football environment that allows tremendous opportunity not just to develop skills to marry education with football. "I must commend the entire coaches and officials of the Future Eagles for deeming it fit to attend this year's program". Meanwhile, National U15 coach, Haruna Ilerika led other youth coaches to scout for young talented players between 13 and 15 years to select the best for possible national team camp in 2021. Ilerika commended Mees Palace Football  Academy for host...

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has said football is 'Content Stupid' insisting that Nigerian Football Leagues cannot thrive without Contents. Dare made this assertion during an inspection tour of the Surulere National Stadium, Lagos currently undergoing rehabilitation. According to the Minister;  "Our football league must be 'Content Stupid' to develop because football is content stupid. We watch the English Premier League, we are transported to Wembley through the power of television. It is clear that our domestic league cannot develop without content.  "We have agreed with the NFF and LMC that there must be content in our League. We may not be able to cover or show five or six matches, but the content must be there. I have received an assurance from the LMC that there would be content. The content might be gradual, but there must be some clear markers laid down, especially now that stadiums will be empty due to the Covid-19 pand...

In the presence of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, along with an enthusiastic physically distanced crowd, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium hosted the 48th Amir Cup final on Qatar National Day to become the fourth fully operational FIFA World Cup 2022™ tournament venue to be inaugurated. Today’s inauguration took place exactly two years ahead of Qatar’s 2022 final. The stadium – which will become the new home of Al Rayyan Sports Club – follows Khalifa International, Al Janoub and Education City in being declared ready to welcome the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East and the Arab world. The 40,000-capacity venue will host seven matches during Qatar 2022 up to the round-of-16 stage. Following a spectacular pre-match ceremony featuring music, cultural performances and stunning visual effects, along with a riddle recited by presenters Hamad bin Mohsen Al Naimi and Ali bin Rhema Al Marri, the final between Al Sadd and Al Arabi kicked off. Among the dignitaries in attendan...

The League Management Company (LMC) has confirmed December 27 as the commencement date for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2020/2021 season. The league organiser said the commencement date was arrived at after consultations with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the participating football clubs of the NPFL and Redstrike Media Group UK, the NPFL commercial rights holders and strategic commercial partners of the LMC.   The Federal Government through the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Development was also  briefed in this regard which included steps to be taken to ensure full compliance with the mandatory COVID-19 Protocols. LMC said that the absolute need to ensure appropriate compliance with the clubs licensing regulations among other regulatory requirements resulted in the delay in commencing the league as envisaged.  However, the LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko said huge progress has been made especially in the areas of the infrastructure upgrad...

BEING THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE NIGERIA OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (NOC), ANNUAL GENERAL VIRTUAL MEETING HELD  ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 17, 2020.                  The communique of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Annual General meeting held  on Thursday December 17, 2020 via the online videoconferencing platform, zoom because of the covid 19 pandemic which requires special attention and social distancing as directed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The AGM was chaired by the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel. Present also were the Hon Minister of Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Gabriel Aduda, the Executive Committee, International federation; ANOCA President representative, Mr Jonathan Dyagas, all members of the Executive Board, our esteemed Patrons, Sponsors, members of the various NOC c...

Kenya Airways, Wednesday joined the rich list of partners for the 2021 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. The official presentation of partnership deal between Access Bank Lagos marathon and Kenya Airways  The deal to bring Kenya Airways on board the award winning Access Bank Lagos City Marathon was brokered by the Project Consultant and Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Bukola Olopade. With Access Bank as Headline Sponsor, the rich list of partners include 7UP Bottling Company, Eko Atlantic City, Eko Hotels, Revolution Plus Property, Bet9ja, and Skechers. The Center of Excellence, Lagos is the Host City In a statement signed by Olukayode Thomas, Head Communication and Media of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Olopade said: “We are happy to have Kenya Airways as the official airline partner of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, an event that has redefined the trajectory of races in Africa and across the rest of the world. “This is a partnersh...

2020 Sun Newspaper Sports Personality of the Year recipient, Engr Musa Kida is hopeful of a better 2021 as basketball stakeholders continue to savour the new found status of its teams on the global scene. Engr Musa Kida, President, Nigeria Basketball Federation Albeit its achievements in 2020, the Nigeria Basketball Federation President said 2020 is a year that many will hope to wish away amidst the global lockdown occasioned by covid-19 Despite D'Tigress booking its 2020 Olympics ticket and the conclusion of the Total Division One League earlier in the year before the covid-19 global pandemic, Kida opined that the federation could have achieved more. "By now, we should have concluded the Olympics in Tokyo and maybe return as a medalist in the Men and Women categories, but because of the pandemic, there was a postponement." "On the local scene, the Zenith Women League, Total Men Divisions One and Two Leagues as well as the President Cups all suffered postponements wh...

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) December 17, 2020 via the online videoconferencing platform, zoom. According to the Secretary General of the NOC, Olabanji Oladapo, the 2020 AGM will be via zoom because of the prevailing condition of this season which requires special attention, care and social distancing. "Though it's painful that we can not come together as one big family this year, it's good to adhere strictly to the laid down rules and regulations of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and stay alive hale and healthy", Oladapo said. The President of the NOC, Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel, has also expressed his happiness for the re-election of Babatunde Fatayi - Williams as Vice President, African Swimming Confederation (CANA). Gumel congratulating Babatunde Fatayi - Williams on his mandate said, it's a thing of joy to see my former 2nd Vice President being re-elected by the General Assembly of the African Sw...

Japanese Company Suzuki has officially become the Automobile Partner of the Abeokuta 10KM Marathon and the ValueJet IAU African Championship. The groundbreaking partnership was sealed between Suzuki and the organizer of the athletic events Nilayo Sports Management Limited today at the headquarters of Suzuki in Victoria Island, Lagos. Bukola Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited  Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited Hon. Bukola Olopade expressed confidence that the partnership will further strengthen a foundation that is already solid. He said "As for the Abeokuta Marathon, it's a plus for the 10km event, it would definitely add new and obvious touches". Hon Olopade who is a former commissioner for sports in Ogun State also added that the Remo Ultra Race will take a beautiful shape in 2021, adding that the partnership with Suzuki means more value has been added.  Aissatou Diouf, General manager of Suzuki  On ...

Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organizers of the Abeokuta 10 KM Marathon and the Remo Ultra Race will on Friday, December 11 Unveil Suzuki CFAO as the official automobile partner for the 2021 edition of the Abeokuta Marathon and the Remo Ultra Race. Managing Director of NSML Bukola Olopade confirmed that the unveiling will come up on Friday at a Press briefing at the Suzuki headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos starting from 10am. According to a statement, representatives of the automobile company and Nilayo Sports Management Limited will be present at the Press briefing where details about the events will be revealed. The two events began in 2019 with 21-year-old Kenyan Athlete Biwott Kemboi dictating the pace at the Abeokuta 10km race winning the $5,000 prize money after completing the race in 28 minutes and 16 seconds. In the category for Nigerian winners, Emmanuel Gyang won N1,000,000 first prize in the male category and fourth overall having crossed the finish line in 31 minut...

In line with the promise made  by  Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare  to begin early preparation for next year's Tokyo Olympics, the second phase of camping began on Monday in three centers across the country.  Dare Sunday, Hon. Minister for Youth and Sports According to the Acting Director Of Field and Elites Athletes, Dr. Simeon  Ebhojiaye, the athletes will be camped for three weeks in Port- Harcout, Abuja and Yenogoa. In Port- Harcout, fourteen track and field athletes under the supervision of two coaches are in camp, in Abuja, 8 para athletes, 14 para table tennis players and 8 weightlifters are in camp, while 8 wrestlers are camped in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State under the supervision of two coaches. The first phase of camping was conducted at the High Altitude training center, Federal College of Education, Pankshin, Plateau state with Four athletes in attendance. The Pankshin camp was used as a  prelude to reviving middle and long d...

Excitement is mounting ahead of the UEFA preliminary draw for the FIFA World Cup 2022™, which will be hosted virtually from Zurich on 7 December at 18:00 CET. The teams drawn will be allocated to a group in alphabetical order, from Group A to Group J (i.e. the first team drawn will be allocated to Group A, the second team to Group B and so forth). When a draw constraint applies or is anticipated to apply, the team drawn will be allocated to the first available group in alphabetical order as indicated by the draw constraint programme. As Pot 6 will only contain five teams, these teams will be drawn into the sixth position in groups F to J. All teams within a group will play each other twice in a home-and-away format between March and November 2021. The ten group winners will qualify directly for Qatar 2022, with the ten runners-up advancing to the play-offs. Besides the ten runners-up from the group stage, the play-offs will also include the two best group winners from the UEFA Nations ...

The Headline Sponsor of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Access Bank, and the race partners over the weekend restate their commitment to the race which within half-decade has become the biggest one-day event in Africa and a World Athletics Silver Label event. Hon. Bukola Olopade, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Project Consultant  This was disclosed by Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Project Consultant Bukola Olopade while speaking to media men on Sunday after watching the Valencia Half Marathon where Kenyan Kibiwott Kandie set a new world record of 57.32 seconds. Olopade  revealed that he has held several meetings with top officials of Access Bank the headline sponsor and partners like 7UP Bottling Company, Kia Motors, Revolution Plus, Skechers, and Eko Atlantics to ensure that 2021 is bigger and better than the previous editions. “We have already started activities for the 2021 edition with registration online a couple of months ago. The physical form is out this month a...

Stadium to be inaugurated on 18 December, exactly two years before the FIFA World Cup final Sustainability and efficiency measures embedded in the design to reduce the stadium's carbon footprint The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has announced its latest milestone achievement on the road to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. The inauguration of the stadium located in Al Rayyan will take place on 18 December – Qatar National Day – exactly two years before the country hosts the FIFA World Cup final. The stadium – which will become the new home of Al Rayyan Sports Club – is the fourth Qatar 2022 tournament venue to open following Khalifa International, Al Janoub and Education City. Earlier this year, it was announced the venue would host seven matches up to the round of 16 stage during the World Cup.  The 40,000-capacity stadium is adjacent to the Mall of Qatar and within walking distance of Al Riffa Station – on Doha Metro’s Green Line. The stadium’s most striking feat...

Nationwide League One Division One side Magate Football club continued preparation ahead of the NLO 2020/2021 Season as they came from behind to beat Big Daddy Academy 4-3 in their second tune up game played today at the club's training ground, Supreme Distilleries Field Iju Ota Ogun State.   Big Daddy Academy were the brightest of the two sides in the first 15th Minutes of the encounter going 2-0 up after nine minutes, forcing Coach Umar Farouq into an early defensive substitution for Magate FC.   After going 2-0 up Big Daddy Academy took their foot of the pedal as the NLO side stepped up the tempo with Adebayo Rasaq reducing the deficit in the 35th minutes as he headed home from close range.   Big Daddy Academy regained their two cushion just after Magate had pulled one back following a defensive hola, but Magate reduced the goal tally through John Daniel coverted from the spot to make it 3-2 just before the break, after captain Akinboboye Abiola had fouled just inside ...

The Secretariat of the Nigeria Women Football League in Abuja this evening  released the new fixtures for the 2020/2021 NWFL Premiership season, without listing the two relegated clubs; Adamawa Queens and Heartland Queens. The two teams that fell short of club licencing and registrations were condemned to the second tier league, the NWFL Championship whose season will commence very soon. With the new NWFL Premiership draws, the season opener comes up on December 9, 2020, with Nasarawa Amazons hosting FC Robo of Lagos at the Lafia Township Stadium, with kick off scheduled for 4pm, same as other league games on same date. In match number 2, former Champions Bayelsa Queens will host Sunshine Queens of Akure at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. The third game of the day would see defending champions, Rivers Angels playing away against Confluence Queens at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja. Match number 4, would see Delta Queens host Dream Stars of Lagos at the Agbor Stadium, while Edo...

Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has charged the Flying Eagles to make Nigeria proud by winning  the WAFU competition in Cotonu which begins on Saturday. Speaking during a  visit  to the  team's training  in Abuja, Mr Dare said: "The Flying Eagles have always  made us proud, go there and make Nigerians proud. We believe you are young, talented and determined.  Your coaches have impacted much on you, go there and come back  victorious" The team is expected  to depart for the competition on Friday via Lagos. Nigeria plays her first  match against  Cote d' Ivoire on Sunday.

The recent impressive performances  of the National Basketball  team D' Tigers is an indication that there would soon be a revolution in Nigerian Basketball development, declares Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare.  Sunday Dare, Minister for Youth and Sports with Engr. Musa Kida, President of NBBF. Mr. Dare made this assertion when NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida paid the Minister a courtesy visit on Tuesday after returning  from the just concluded Afro Basketball qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda where 'D Tigers' won all their matches. According to the Minister: "My position is consistent that beyond football, Nigeria has talents and competences in several other sports and our ascendancy in Basketball is no longer stoppable. That ascendancy has been proven. We are Africa Champions in both male and female, we are headed to the Olympics, it has  never happened before and that shows that beyond football Basketball has come to stay. We are Africa C...

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi on Monday paid a visit to the camp of the U20 National Boys Team, Flying Eagles who are on the final leg of preparations for the WAFU B U20 Tournament. Dr Sanusi, who was in Benin Republic where he was match commissioner for a CAF Confederations Cup match in Cotonou as well as put finishing touches to the Flying Eagles’ accommodation and welfare issues for the WAFU B Tournament, charged the players to do Nigeria proud. Citing experiences playing in African tournaments, the General Secretary told the players they have to be physically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead. “I must, first of all, congratulate you for being selected among all the players that came to try out for selection to represent Nigerian in the WAFU competition,” he said. “You must use this a springboard to show your coaches and Nigerians that it was not a mistake that you were picked to represent the country. I must warn you it will n...

“Our elite field good for a World Athletics Gold Label” says Alli Though the number of runners that will participate at the 2021 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has been pegged at 10,000 instead of the over 100,000 that normally grace Africa’s biggest one-day event due to Covid-19, the event is still attracting much buzz. Equally, despite the 10,000km race been suspended for this edition and the cream de la cream of global entertainers may not grace the finish point at the luxurious Eko Atlantic City in large numbers, the 2021 edition of the Lagos race may turn out to be the best in the series and even earn the race the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label. In a statement signed by Olukayode Thomas Head Communications and Media, he said the race General Manager Yussuf Alli has signed quality elite runners for the 2021 race. According to World Athletics regulations, top races in the world must draw their elite field from the top 300 runners in the world who are gold, silver, and bronz...

The Latvian team completed an unbelievable come-back win to beat Liman (SRB) in the final and defend their FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters title on November 21, 2020. Down 20-15, the number 3 team in the world Riga (LAT) relentlessly bridged the gap until Karlis Lasmanis hit an impossible Tissot Buzzer Beater off the dribble from way behind the arc to earn his team a 21-20 win. The 26-year-old lefty stepped up in the final with a game-high 11 points. It was a team effort for Riga all weekend though as sharpshooter Edgars Krumins topped all scorers (34 points in 5 games) and the speedy Nauris Miezis received the MVP trophy - from Qatar Olympic Committee first vice president and FIBA Asia president H.E. Sheikh Saud Bin Ali Al Thani and Qatar Basketball Federation president Ahmed Abdulrahman al-Muftah - after leading his team in key assists, rebounds and player value. Riga went 5-0 in the state-of-the-art Al Gharafa Sports Complex and Liman confirmed their domination on 3x3 in Doha. The ...