Nigeria Army emerge champions of 2024 Armed Forces Games

 

The Nigeria Army has emerged winners of the 2024 Armed Forces Games held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna State.

The Nigeria Army won 264 medals consisting of 172 gold, 60 silver, and 32 bronze.

Nigeria Air Force placed second with a total of 129 medals (33 gold, 103 silver and 187 bronze) while Nigeria Navy finished 3rd place with 18 gold, 43 silver and 129 bronze.

The Acting Director of Physical Training Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Abdulraheem Bello has dedicated the success recorded at the Armed Force Games to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja for his immense contributions and support to sports.

Brig Gen Bello revealed that Nigeria Army personnel have always dominated the national teams of the various sporting federations adding that the results are testament to the support of the Army.

He said, “Winning the 2024 Armed Forces Games is a sign that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is supporting sports in the Nigerian. The difference between our gold medal tally and second position is 139. Since Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja was appointed, the Nigeria Army has competed in all the National Championships in Boxing, Judo, Taekwondo, Shooting, Athletics, Handball, Volleyball and many others.

“This result will spur the Army to continue investing in their athletes in various sports because we have the potential of making Nigeria proud at the African, Commonwealth and Olympic Games in the near future”.

Brig Gen Bello charged the personnel to be good ambassadors of the Nigeria Army and ensure they continue to excel in their various sports.

Eight Teams Gear Up for Inaugural DanMalikin Hausa Cup

 

By Wale Mustapha

All is set for the inaugural DanMalikin Hausa Cup billed to kick off on June 17, 2024, at the Adeyemo College, Marafa, Kaduna State. 

This highly anticipated football competition promises to be an exciting event, with eight teams vying for top honors and prizes. 

The newly established tournament was put together to honor a renowned Philanthropist, grassroot developer, a silent achiever and lover of youth empowerment, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu, the DanMalikin Hausa.

Alhaji Aliyu who is also the Special Adviser to Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio is also known for his keen interest in empowering youths through sports. 

According to chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Abdul Sule, the Cup tourney which will be in knockout format is expected to set the bar high for future events. 

Sule, a former Nigerian international disclosed on Friday that talented players from the tournament will be selected for foreign scouting tour later in the year. 

Abdul Sule added that "this competition is expected to be fierce, with fantastic prizes at stake for the top scorer, most valuable player, and best goalkeeper to recognize individual excellence and add an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.

"We have also promised a memorable experience for all the participating teams as each team will be getting soccer balls and other souvenirs. 

"It is our little way to appreciate Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu who has been relentless in his quest to development of this environment and empowering the youths, especially through sports," he said.

The final of the tournament is expected to take place on 23rd of June at the same Adeyemo College, Marafa, Kaduna State.

Ibrahim Babangida: Hon Ekene Adams offers condolences to Babangida family over tragic death of former Nigeria international

 

The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon Ekene Abubakar Adams, has expressed his condolences to the Babangida family following the tragic accident that involved the two former Nigeria football Internationals Ibrahim Babangida and Tijani Babangida.

The fatal accident that occurred along the Zaria/Kaduna Expressway took the life of Ibrahim Babangida who has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Honourable Ekene who is currently not in the country said it was very sad to hear that Ibrahim Tijani lost his life and he is still in very big shock over the news. He promised to go visit the family the moment he returns to the country while urging Nigerians to keep on praying for the Babangida family.

According to the lawmaker representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal constituency, the Babangida family needs the prayers of every Nigerian at this time because of the nature of the accident that involved the two brothers and other family members.

"This is a very difficult time for the Babangida family and I want every Nigerian to put them in their prayers because they need all our support now more than ever."

"The Babangida family have been a good servant to our country producing great football brothers like Tijani, Haruna and the late Ibrahim Babangida who had represented Nigeria at major tournaments like the World cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

"The Death of Ibrahim Babangida is not just a loss to the Country but a major loss to us in Kaduna because himself and his brother Tijani have been very key to developing young talents and grassroot development in the state for many years."

Honourable Ekene said on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Tajudeen Abbas, who is also very sad with the news and the House Committee on Sports, the National Assembly will do her best to support the family and be by their side in this critical time.

Signed 

Media , House Committee on Sports Chairman

NTA Sports, Blend TV to beam New Year Mega Lottery NLO season opening game

 

The Secretariat of the nation's third-tier league has informed that Africa's largest television network, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), via its sports channel and Blend TV will show the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One season-opening game. 

The Ahmadu Bello Stadium is billed to host the Kaduna Centre Match 1 fixture between  Kaduna United and Yoca Crocodiles FC at 3 pm on Saturday. 

Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo told NLO Media Channel of the development. 

 “We are delighted to be able to showcase the best of the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One football live "To our million viewers across Nigeria and beyond."

"The opening new season match between Kaduna United and Yoca Crocodiles FC will be broadcast live on NLO TV and Blend TV. 

"The live broadcast on NTA Sports will be delayed owing to a advertorial, while it will go live on Blend TV. 

"With the season hitting the ground running with live broadcast of our official first match, we intend to show Nigerians the quality of its grassroot football, and to the globe the abundant potential in it, in terms of raw talents. 

"However, besides Saturday's opening season match, selected 2024 NLO matches from other centres as of the 20th will be on live stream, so am urging fans to subscribe to our TV Channels on YouTube via Nationwide League One TV and NLO TV 001.

Nigeria Army wins 2024 Kaduna FA Cup

 

Green Beret and Gallant Queens of the Nigeria Army have emerged champions of the 2024 Kaduna State Football Association (FA) Cup in the men and women’s category respectively.

Green Beret defeated Simoiben Football Academy 2-0 goals in the men’s final while Gallant Queens humbled Kada Queens 6-0 goals in the women’s final played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) on Saturday.

The Acting Director of Physical Training Army  Brigadier General Abdulrahim Bello expressed delight with his side’s victory adding that the club would represent the state creditably at the national Federation Cup.

Brig Gen who admitted that Simon Ben FC gave his side the best that it was a real test for Green Beret to get prepared for the league.

He said, “I am super excited with the performance of both teams in the final; they have shown a high spirit of determination on the field. The teams are dedicating the trophies to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja for his support in financing the teams.

“It’s an opportunity for me to be part of Green Beret and Gallant Queens; the first time Organisation winning both trophies at a time. the Nigeria Army is determined to give the necessary support to both teams in their respective leagues.

Revealing his assessment on the club’s technical crew, he commended the efforts of the technical crew while admitting the club has bounce of quality players capable of helping the club compete for honours.

He assured the coaches his best support while promising not to interfere in their selections of players but insisted he will be ready to offer technical observations to achieve good results.

Infantino, Gusau, Mourinho, Zidane, Ronaldo, Tiger Woods to grace Chikun/Kajuru Constituency Mini Stadium project, Sports Academy -Hon. Ekene

 

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams is set to fulfill his campaign promise of establishing a world class Sports Academy to his  constituency.

According to the lawmaker representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal constituency, Honourable Adams informed that the Federation of International Football Association boss Gianni Infantino, Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, ormer Chelsea and Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, France and Brazil World Cup legends Zinadine Zidane, Ronaldo de Lima, American golf icon Tiger Woods and Tennis star Serena Williams will grace the foundation laying stone of the sports facility.

Also to storm Kaduna in a yet to be decided date are President of Remo Stars Hon. Kunle Soname, President FC Ebedei, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, and other top stakeholders will be giving fatherly advice on how best the academy can strive.

African legends and Super Eagles legends Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto, Elhadji Diouf, Austin Okocha, Garba Lawal, Daniel Amokachi, Peter Rufai, Victor Ikpeba and a host of others are expected to grace the event.

Recall, His Excellency Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State gave his greenlight to the project with the allocation of 25 hectares of land for the establishment of a Mini Stadium to host a Sports Academy within the Chikun/Kajuru Federal constituency and vowed to make Kaduna a hub for sports business.

This initiative stems from the efforts of Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, whose House Committee had hit the ground running since the assumption of office.

The astute football administrator and former General Manager of high-flying Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Remo Stars  disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development has incorporated the project into its 2024 budget, signaling imminent commencement.

A delighted Adams said: "I want to thank Governor Uba Sani for this project, as he is a die hard sports fan and shares the same vision of using sports to empower the youths in Kaduna State.

"We want to use School Sports to take the youths off the streets. The coming of the FIFA President, other top icons  in sports and of course the former Super Eagles stars will change the orientation of our youths.

"The long run effect of this will amount to a decline in banditry, kidnapping and hooliganism.

"The Sports Academy will go into partnership with top football clubs in Europe like Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and others. In next few weeks, the Sports Ministry will move to site."

Meanwhile wife of Kaduna North Federal Constituency Rep Member who's Chief Consultant of the project, Mrs Bello El-Rufai stated: "The Sports Academy will be an envy of all, as am giving my assurance that all hands will be on deck, including professionals to making sure we provide a world class sports facility for all sports lovers in Kaduna State."

Recall that during his campaign leading up to the 2023 Elections, the Member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal constituency pledged to establish a Sports Academy in the region, underscoring his commitment to fulfilling electoral promises.

Tijani Babangida to head Senator Sani UBA Unity Football Competition

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Honourable Sadiq Mamman Lagos has inaugurated a 25-Man Main Organizing Committee, (MOC) of Senator Uba Sani Unity Football Cup Competition 2023/2024.

While inaugurating the committee, Mamman Lagos tasked the  members to organize a befitting competition targeted at discovering talents from the grassroots across all the 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

“You must organize a football competition that will serve as an avenue for recruiting raw talents from the grassroots; a competition we will be proud of.” he said.

Speaking further, the Commissioner called on them to be fair to all and not to allow their Interest to interfere with the general aim of the competition, 

"You should organize a competition that the people of Kaduna State will be happy and proud to associate with”.

According to the Commissioner, it may interest you to know that youth and sports development form a critical part of the ‘SUSTAIN AGENDA’ of this administration, and Governor Uba Sani is committed to not just developing the youths through sports, but to the general youth empowerment through other economic activities in such a way that they will contribute positively to the development of the state”, Mamman Lagos stated.

“With these few words, I inaugurate you and I wish you success in this endeavor. I assure you that my doors are always open to your needs toward the success of the competition”. He concluded.

Responding Chairman of the Committee, former International and Super Eagles of Nigeria, Tijani Babangida who appreciated the ministry for finding him worthy to lead the MOC.

He expressed confidence that the best caliber of members on the committee are drivers of grassroots football.

“I am so happy that the people serving in this committee are people who are engaged in organizing grassroots football competitions and I am lucky to be their chairman”.

Tijani Babangida said each of the 23 local governments will present a team to compete for honor during the competition. He said.

Honorable Ekene Adams sets for sports tour in Europe, United States

 

Poised to fulfil one of his campaign promises to the good people of Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency by establishing one of the best citadel of learning for Sports/Football in Africa, House of Representatives Member, Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams is set to embark on a sports tour.

The sports tour will take the vibrant football administrator, businessman and philanthropist to three countries in Europe, (Switzerland, France, Portugal), the United States of America and Brazil.

Honourable Adams disclose to his Media Aide in a brief chat during the week in Abuja.

"After getting the greenlight from international sports consultants, I will be on a sports tour of Europe, the United States and Brazil, for the first ever Sports Development programme for Schools and Academies," said Honourable Ekene Adams.

"My travel will be towards the end of next month, as the  Green Chamber will be on its first recess for two months. I will be consulting with stakeholders and best experts in the field of football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, handball, wrestling amongst other sports.

"My first port of call, will be in Switzerland, the Zurich headquarters of the Federation of International Football  (FIFA), where I'll meeting football experts and get the required blueprints on how to develop the round leather game at school level.

"The idea of my visit to France and Portugal, is to see how they have developed their tennis, handball, wrestling and other sports, that has made them the best in the world.

"You cannot talk about basketball and not make reference to the United States. Though Europe and China are doing respectively well in the sport; however, the NBA has got a global attention as its a top brand.

"I will be interacting with experts to have a first hand knowledge about the module they have used to develop their basketball and see how we can bring the US basketball culture to Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.

"Brazil is rated among the top 5 in volleyball and beach volleyball, with a view of growing the sport in my constituency and indeed Nigeria, arose the need to visit the Americas.

"Its my belief that our youths can be empowered via sports and aside establishing one of the best sports/football school in Africa as one my campaign promises, I have not held back in the making life meaningful to humanity. 

"I will keep providing health facilities and assistance to the needy, provide transformers to boost electricity, make soft loans available for people who are into small scale businesses."

'Plan your present for a better future', Hon. Ekene Adams charges Nigerian players

 

Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams has charged Super Eagles stars and their counterparts in the Nigerian domestic league to plan for life after their peak in football.

Honourable Adams, House of Representatives member on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State gave the charge during a dinner in his honour by All Stars Football Club, Yelwa, Kaduna State Chapter.

The All Stars Football Club, Yelwa, is made up of all ex-footballers (veterans) of the beautiful round leather game, that are resident in the state.

In his thought-provoking speech, Honourable Adams while showering praises on Super Eagles winger, Simon Moses and other VIPs at the event said: "I want to express my delight in the honour given me with this dinner by the leadership and members of All Stars Football Club, Yelwa.

"I have seen it all in football, as a former player, club manager/owner and now a lawmaker in the Green Chamber, so I feel pained when I see players who made a career out of the round leather game, living in poverty after they retire.

"Many of such players during their peak in football were ignorant, had unnecessary egos, didn't invest wisely, let alone give back to society. Not knowing that, when you give to society, it will accept you with open arms when you come back.

"A few kind hearted Super Eagles stars like Moses Simon to mention a few are giving back to their society and I want other Nigerian players to emulate him in this regard.

"My new status as member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, didn't come cheap, as I believed in it, struggled and worked hard to achieve it.

"Irrespective of that, my success is all geared towards giving back to society. I have not relented and will continue serving humanity as in the last one week I have done a project worth N120 million with collecting a kobo from the government.

"However, it's sad that despite all the efforts I have put over the years in trying to make football an envy for all in Kaduna State, I am being crucified for no just cause.

"Many of you who toll that line are just being naive and used as tools by politicians who have no positive agenda for the development of football in Kaduna let alone Nigeria.

"For the fact that we don't share the same football ideologies, those crucifying me forget I have made more impact in football viz-a-viz empowering our youths in and out of Kaduna with KADA City Football Club.

"Many of you (internationals) didn't know that I coughed out N9.6 million monthly to players and staff of KADA City. 

"Without contributing anything to football development, they sit in their comfort zones trying to destroy the football ecosystem I have built in the state.

"For the game to reach it's highest pedals, we all must stop the blame game, throw away our different ideologies, and find common grounds to develop football in Kaduna and indeed Nigeria."

President Buhari, save Ahmadu Bello Stadium from El-Rufai Now

By Gafar Yusuf

I want to believe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari is not aware that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) is about to be handed over to Kaduna State Government. In fact, the people of Kaduna State are of the opinion that the plans to hand over the Ahmadu Bello Stadium is an arrangement between Nigeria's Sports Minister, Sunday Dare and the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai.

The Federal Government of Nigeria will kill the only existing sports facilities (only *FUNCTIONING* STADIUM) if they hand over the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to Kaduna State Government as over 1 million youths excluding women and children will be rendered jobless and the rate of crime will increase geometric sequence. 

I am sure that President Muhammadu Buhari is unaware of the state of Muritala Muhammed Square in Kaduna. *Since it was renovated by the administration of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai and privatised, no sporting activities have taken place there; sporting associations have been denied access to the facilities*. No sporting competition, championship or challenge have taken place at the Muritala Muhammed Square despite the huge resources spent to rehabilitate the infrastructure. In the past, the Muritala Muhammed Square was also used for recreational purposes where families engage in exercises during the weekdays as well as picnics but all are history today.

The Rancher Bees Stadium suffered the same fate in the hands of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, demolishing the stadium that brought us memories during the 90's and early 2000's. He practically rendered the football community homeless for years and now the only place that brings joy to the good people of Kaduna is about to be handed over to El-Rufai again. 

When the minister of sports, Sunday Dare said after the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a novelty match between the Governor and the Minister, organised to motivate young footballers who have chosen to develop the game as a career, I smiled. Kaduna State does not have any club in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL); the only time Kaduna State Government supports sports are during the National Youth Games and National Sports Festival (with prayers). The various sporting associations get little or no support from the State Government led by Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai.

Dear Sunday Dare, be rest assured that once you sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to handover ABS to Kaduna State Government, hundreds of thousands of youth will not have access to sporting facilities to train for national and international engagements. Due to the rate of kidnapping in the state, the only safe place to engage in sporting/recreational activities is the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

The Kaduna State Football League (KSFL) that produces football stars across the world will die a natural death, our annual Inter Local Government Area (LGA) football competition, the football academies will not have access to training pitches; the Athletics Association will not have tracks to train their athletes for subsequent championships, the badminton athletes will not have courts to train; families can't engage in their regular rituals on weekends. Kaduna State might not have access to watch Nigeria Premier Football League again due to the forthcoming draconic policy that will be put in place by the Governor.

The legacy of the Sardauna of Sokoto, the first and only Former Premier of Northern Nigeria, masterminded Northern Nigeria through the independence of Nigeria in 1960, Sir Ahmadu Bello will be destroyed TOTALLY if this move of handing over the AB Stadium is done.

Let me use the words of one of the Presidential candidates in the forthcoming election, "GO AND VERIFY" from the good people of Kaduna State before making this huge mistake that will not only cost sports lovers in the state but the other 18 Northern States. 

I want to appeal to  President Muhammadu Buhari to review his approval for the handing over of Ahmadu Bello Stadium and save the only existing sports facilities.

God bless Kaduna State,

God bless Nigeria.

Ekene Adams, Remo Stars GM embarks on UAE trip for medical check-up

 

Remo Stars General Manager, Ekene Adams will travel to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) for another round of his medical check-up.

The former KADA City boss who returned to football management this season with the Sky Blues Stars after staying away for about two years, on the advice of his doctor, has concluded plans for another medical trip as he bids for full recovery.

In a chat a few days to his departure, as he also expressed his delight after Remo Stars pipped 3SC by a lone goal on MatchDay 11 at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

"I was supposed to travel back three months after I had my first surgery, but the date elapsed after our NPFL game against Rivers United.

"But due to a slight delay in the issuance of a travel visa, I then decided to be part of the games against Kano Pillars and the Southwest Derby against our rivals Shooting Stars. Am set for another trip and I should be staying in the U.A.E for about 10 or more days," said Adams.

Speaking further, "My health has improved after the first surgery I had, as I have been active in all matches Remo Stars have prosecuted this season.

"My absence won't be felt by Remo Stars as the structure is on ground, winning mentality is in the team is much active and the togetherness in the team has kept us going.

"The success achieved by the club this far is not attributed to anyone rather It's has been a collective achievement from every Remo Stars staff, so I hope to be back on or before our game against Akwa United.

"I want to use this medium to give thanks to God Almighty for seeing me through this challenge, also my appreciation goes to the President of Remo Stars, Honourable Kunle Soname.

"Soname has been a father figure to me and my family as the money he has put to foot the bills of my surgeries can not be quantified and I pray God to give him good health and long life."

Fosla Academy to honour Nasir E-Rufai, Ogunjobi, Sarki Karshi, others at 10th Anniversary

 

Fosla Academy, the Premier Football College in Nigeria will honour Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir E-Rufai at the 10th year anniversary and graduation ceremony holding on 11th December 2021.

Announcing this in Abuja, the Secretary of the Fosla Academy Board, Patrick Ngwaogu said the honour bestowed on the Kaduna state Governor will be in recognition of his efforts in ensuring that the dreams of establishing the Academy came into fruition while he was the FCT Minister in 2006.

Ngwaogu said that the success stories of the Academy can not be written without a mention of the then FCT Minister who gave approval for the establishment of the premier football college in the capital city, which has gradually turned out to become a reservoir of talented football players in the country.

"we have to recognize the former Minister who is today the Governor of Kaduna State, because he helped in laying the foundation of what  we are celebrating today " the scribe said.

Continuing, Ngwaogu who also combines as the Director of Fosla Football Club said other important personalities that will recognized at the event will include former NFA Secretary General Late Taiwo Ogunjobi who was a Board member of Academy before his death, the Emir of Karshi Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, who incidentally is the Fosla Academy Board Chairman, Late Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, a former Director of the Academy, NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, FCT FA Chairman, Murthar Muhammed among others.

Fosla Academy was established by the former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi to provide opportunities for players who are naturally endowed to combine football with their academics. The Academy since inception has won the FCT Principals Cup from 2015 to date, won the National Principals Cup, won the silver medals of the NNPC /Shell All Nigerian Secondary Schools Football Competition, won silver and bronze medals of both Copa Coca-Cola and Etisalat U. 15 competitions among others.

The Academy has over 40 of her scholarship students running various Undergraduate programs at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, all of whom are members of the Fosla Football Club that plays in the Nigeria League One (Division 1).