Olamide Adugbe: A teenager at the forefront of Nigeria women football

Olamide Adugbe has proven to be one of the best players of her age, and is already compared with some of the best Nigerian women footballers. 

The young forward broke into the scene earlier this season, scoring important goals for NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels. The Edo-born striker scored one of the best goal in the league on Matchday two against Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. A special goal that earned her side a precious point in Benin, wowing everyone at the Stadium. 

The former Nigeria Women National U-17, Flamingos Star, has scored four goals in just five matches in the top Women Football League in Nigeria (NWFL Premiership). She primarily plays as a striker and sometimes plays from the wing and has proven to be highly effective from both wings. 

She likes to dribble past defenders, has got a tremendous pace and takes great long shot. She gets involved in link-up play as well with fellow teammates Aminat Bello, Blessing Sunday and Motunrayo Ezekiel. 

The 18 year Old special talent also gets into good positions in attack, in order to receive threatening passes from her teammates, lays off defenders and cuts inside with short passes linking up with other attacking players.

Meanwhile, Adugbe has attributed her phenomena skill to Bayern Munich and Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski, who she described as her role model in the world of football. 

Lewandowski is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, and is even considered by many to be one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time. An accurate and efficient finisher with his head and both feet, Lewandowski is a prolific goalscorer and Olamide feels she just want to be like him. 

The young forward also noted that her parents gave her the full supports, from childhood, especially her dad, who was always gifting her soccer balls to play with right inside their living room.

"I started playing football right from when I was a kid." She said.  

"My Dad played a huge role in my career, from when I started kicking the ball. He always gifts me the soccer ball and played it with me. It was kind of weird for some people, because in Africa, the girl-child isn't expected to play football. 

"Then when I started growing up, I started watching Robert Lewandowski. Learnt alot from him, his aura for goals and the way he positions himself on the pitch of play. One day I hope to be as popular as he is." 

Adugbe also hailed her present team Naija Ratels and the Club's President, Barrister Paul Edeh, who have been so supportive since she arrived at the Abuja based club. 

"He (Edeh) has been a  father figure to me and all the players in the team. He regards us as his daughters and that says alot. It is one of the reasons we always put all our efforts whenever we wear the yellow and green shirt of the Ratels."

Adugbe is no doubt, one of the most sought out players in the NWFL Premiership and surely do have a bright future ahead of her.

Amobi breaks silence on how Rangers won NPFL title in 2016

Former Team Manager of Rangers International F.C of Enugu, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku has attributed the success recorded by the Flying Antelopes in 2016, as a conceited efforts of the Enugu State government. 

Ezeaku who spoke as a Guest to the FCT SPORTS UPDATE Personality Interview Segment said the he State Government in 2016 had the deep desire to lift the trophy and break the 32 years jinx.

" In a bid to do so people were asked to apply for the positions they felt they were capable of working in. That singular act to me started that journey to glory. I recall the Governor particularly telling me he wanted international best practices". 

"In 2016 when I got to Rangers, we made frantic efforts to get the players to hold us in trust and to hold us accountable. We first found that most of the players didn’t have copies of their contracts and we had to start from there. The structure at Rangers then was good. All we did was to get a psychologist and a physio on board. And of course with the sound technical crew we were good to go".

Continuing, Amobi said "In a nutshell I would say that once the players trust the Manager/Management the work becomes easier". 

 

On his recent course overseas, the former school boy player said "For my UEFA Certificate in Football management Course, I had always believed in improving myself, but when I served at the NFF in 2013 and the trio of Barr. Musa Amadu, Okey Obi and Dr. Emeruwa drummed those sermons about personal improvement as an avenue to generating values to the society.

"I knew it was worth it. Coming from very experienced seniors and achievers, you could bet I was not going to relent on that. Of course everyone prays to grow, so it would be correct to say I look forward to greater opportunities for the future".

LMC is work in progress - Barrister Amobi

Former Rangers International F.C of Enugu Team Manager, Barrister Amobi Paulinus Ezeaku has described the League Management Company (LMC) as a work in progress. 

The legal luminary who entered the history books as the youngest team manager to have won both the Premier League and Federation cup with Rangers said a trip down memory lane would attest to the fact that the League is on an ascendancy. 

"It has improved to an extent. In addition to the Mobile app where we can watch games, it is my humble thoughts that when games are on TV it would bring back deeper ecstasy and the desired followership" .

 

He said that most of the other issues that affects clubs, are behoove on such Clubs to sort themselves out towards taking the league to an enviable and adorable state .

 

He maintained that for Nigerian Clubs to perform excellently in CAF tournaments, there must be a roadmap, a strategic plan that would be consciously followed. "When such strategic plans are executed there is every tendency that that we would go far in continental games. Strategic Plans take about 3-5 years" .

Barrister Amobi who spoke as a Guest of the FCT SPORTS UPDATE Personality Interview Segment added that there are various  business angle that Nigeria clubs should embrace, among which are the numerous avenues on transfer of players to merchandise sales, and so many other things. 

"I would encourage a business investor to invest In sports in Nigeria and get top class and seasoned administrators to run the club" he concluded.

Edet stars as Dino SC spoils business for Atlantic Business

Defense marshal, Timothy Edet was a Trojan for Dino SC on Wednesday as his side returned to winning ways with a 2-0 away win over Atlantic Business in the Matchday 8 of The Creative Championship, TCC League.

Two first half goals from Hyacinth Ogonna and Elijah Adekunle ensured the boys of Coach Gibson Godwin remained third on the log. 

Ogonna gave Dino the lead inside opening minute of the match played at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode as he finis up a beautiful team build up.

Atlantic tried to grow into the game with some spell of dominance but their hopes were slimmed at the stroke of half an hour when in form Dino attacked, Adekunle Elijah doubled the lead for his side making Dino headed to the dug out with two goal cushion.

The resumption of the game was all about the hosts, Atlantic pulling all the strings to get back into the game but met a rock solid defense led by Edet who controlled Dino's defense and ensure his side recorded a win with a clean sheet.

The victory has however earned Dino SC 16 points from eight games, same points with defending champions, Beyond Limits who have superior goals. 

Dino SC will be traveling to Lagos for their Matchday 9 clash where they will be taking on league leaders, Gbagada FC. 

Oxford City captain ready to dump England for Nigeria

Oxford City FC U23 captain, Pelumi Maxwell has revealed his readiness to shift his allegiance to Nigeria if given the opportunity.

The skillful defender who was born in England, but of Nigerian parents said it will be a thing of joy for him to represent his country in at any level.

Quoting his words, he said "I first started playing football at the age of 6 for my local football team Blackbirds Leys FC. I played there for 4 years. I then joined my local team Littlemore FC. I was doing very well at the club in my first season, in that same season, I got scouted for Oxford City FC.

"I joined Oxford city in 2014 aged 12 since then, I have played up the age groups, in 2019 I got called up to County football which includes the best players in around Oxfordshire to play other counties. 

"I have all the qualities, and will hopefully sign up for the first team next football season. I am very versatile in the defense line"  he said.

Pelumi who is defensively though and very aggressive said he will be available to play at the U23 level if called upon.

Prince Vincent Okumagba inaugurates Super Falcons Supporters Club

In a bid to give the senior women's national team more support during matches, President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, Prince Vincent Okumagba has launched a dedicated support group called the Super Falcons Supporters Club, SFSC. 

In a statement made available to the media department,  Prince Okumagba said this was necessary as the Super Falcons are the pride of the nation and have distinguished themselves in so many ways.

"We have always supported the Super Falcons of Nigeria and our female teams since the creation of the Super Eagles Supporters Club. 

"We have looked at it closely that we need to give our support towards the Falcons and also give them an identity, being the most successful team in Africa and a role model for our age grade teams; hence the creation of Super Falcons Supporters Club".  

Prince Okumagba hinted that the Super Falcons Supporters Club, an affiliate of SESC will support all national female teams. 

"The Super Falcons Supporters Club will  hence forth support the Super Falcons, Under 20, being the Falconets and the U17 team, the Flamingos. 

"The Super Eagles Supporters Club will cater for the Super Eagles, the Under 23, the Flying Eagles and the Golden Eaglets". 

Before the new name was birthed, the Super Eagles Supporters Club was in Ghana to cheer the Super Falcons to victory as they won the Africa Women's Cup of Nations in 2018, at the 2019 FIFA Women World Cup and at the 2018 FIFA U20 Women World Cup both in France. 

Ahead of the 2022 AWCON Qualifiers, the Super Falcons Supporters Club will be on ground at the MKO, Abiola Stadium, Abuja to cheer the team against the Lady Elephants of Cote D'Ivoire.

The 11-time champions  will play the Lady Elephants on Friday, February 18 at the refurbished MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

The second leg, on Wednesday, February 23, will take place at the Stade Robert Champroux, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

TCC League: Dino SC go to Atlantic with Business mindset in Matchweek 8

Without a win in their last four, Atlantic come into this one, desperate for one, as they look to distant themselves from the bottom of the table.

Scoring has not been a problem for Atlantic Business. However, with only one clean sheet in their last four, keeping opponents at bay has been a Herculean task. And that’s the Achilles Heel Dino will be looking to exploit.

For Coach Gibson’s side, MatchWeek 7 was the first time in four games they dropped points. After a three-game winning streak, Dino failed to get the better of Valiant.

Since picking their first win of the season against Iganmu, they have not looked back since. They have scored in each of their last five games, They have however failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four, a streak Atlantic Business will be happy to make five.

FORM

Atlantic Business: DDLD

Dino: WWWD

STAT ATTACK

Dino have scored at least two goals in each of their last five games.

MAN TO WATCH

Okoro Hyacinth Ogoona (Dino SC)

On a two-game scoring streak, Ogonna is the lethal scorer to watch out for.

NLO Boss, Alkali reveals reasons for NLO/Berackiah Coaching Clinic

Chairman Nationwide League One, Mohammed Alkali has stressed that capacity building of coaches in the nation's third-tier league is the essence of the NLO/Berackiah Grassroot Football Coaching Clinic.

The second edition of the Coaching Clinic kicked off on February 15 at five (5) centres Lagos, Otukpo, Birini Kebbi, Akwa and Uyo.

In his address delivered by his representatives at the five centers to all participating coaches, a delighted Akali said: "We are very proud to have partnered with Nigeria Football Coaches Association and Berackiah on this coaching clinic. The clinic is good for Nigerian football. The NLO as a body is very committed to improving the league and as such will go the extra mile to ensuring capacity-building events like this holds regularly with support from the Technical Department of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) .

"The coaching clinic will be on technical football session to facilitate knowledge for our local coaches and to develop the quality of the Nationwide League One. We are confident that this will significantly improve the technical expertise of our local coaches.

"The clinic will equip our coaches with the tactical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the game. I’m proud to say that the course content is very rich and encompassing and the resource persons are top-notch Nigeria's best football instructors.

"Youth development is the future of football. We are committed to developing capacity at the grassroots level, with the Coaching Clinic, we’ll get the desired results. 

"We will continue to collaborate with our partners, in ways to develop our football and our league,"

The five-day clinic is expected to end on Saturday February 19th.

TCC League: Elijah's late strike save Dino blushes against Valiant

 

Adekunle Elijah's 89th minute goal ensured Dino SC avoided their second defeat home as they played out a 2-2 draw against Valiant FC on Sunday. 

The Matchday Seven encounter of the ongoing The Creative Championship, TCC League produced four good goals but without victor between both sides. 

Dino had to come back twice to salvage a home point against a resurging Valiant. 

Samuel Maleek had given Valiant the lead with just two minutes after the half hour mark when converted from the spot. 

Dino tried all they could to even the score before the end of first half but fell short of ideas in their final third. 

But the hosts would soon get their acts right in second stanza as they find the equalizer with six minutes into restart when Henry Azimi latched on to a through ball at the edge of the box.

Celebration for the equalizer didn't last long for the hosts as Valiant regained the lead when Elegalam Sixtus puts Dino's smile into scissors with a curling effort. 

Valiant thought they have secured a famous win on the road but Dino had other plans as they rallied to safe their faces with a stoppage time equalizer. 

They weave some passes together in their opponents' half before Adekunle Elijah finished it with a well taken effort. 

The result however mean Dino will remain third on the log with 13 points from seven league games.

Beyond Limits (16) and Gbagada FC (15) are the only two sides with more than Dino SC.

Dino's next match is a local derby against Atlantic Business FC at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday while Valiant FC hosts Gbagada FC in Lagos. 

Evolution Cup attracts top UK licensed football agents

The duo of Lindi Ngwenya and Anthony Verrill from United Kingdom will be on ground for the NLO invitational pre-season tournament, Evolution Cup which runs from February 21 to 26 at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

Lindi and Anthony who are both top football agents would have the opportunity to scout for talented footballers that would feature for the 10 NLO teams participating in the competiton.

Olatoye Olawale, the Project Strategist, while reacting to the development revealed that the decision to attract top football agents is to leverage on the  platform to further market Nigerian players to the world. 

"The need for us to invite these agents is a product of our research which indicates that NLO teams house talented and impressive players- It would be a disservice on our part if these players doesn't get to exposed themselves to this kind of life-changing opportunity" he said.

Olatoye believes that the players would make good impression on the agents who have impeccable track records in creating opportunities for players across the world.

Evolution Cup is sponsored by Alphakay International Sport and packaged by Sportsflames Communication.

NLO set to kickoff 2nd NLO/Berackiah Grassroot Coaching Clinic

 

Secretariat of the Nationwide League One says all logistics have been put in place to ensure a smooth commencement of the second edition of the NLO/Berackiah Grassroot Coaching Clinic.

The five days grassroot football coaching clinic will kickoff simultaneously on 15th to 20th February at the catchment area of Lagos, Otukpo (Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba), Birini Kebbi (Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamafara), Awka (Anambra, Eboyin, Enugu, Abia, Delta and Imo) and Uyo (Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta and Cross Rivers).

In a statement from the media department of the NLO, it's Chairman, Mohammed Alkali said: "The NLO is set to hit the new season running with the 2nd NLO/Berackiah Grassroot Coaching Clinic, which is aimed at equipping coaches in the league with the new trends in football coaching. 

"This followed the successes recorded in the maiden edition of the football clinic. In this year's edition, the technical aspect of the game will be the crux of the lectures which will be practical based.

"Our coaches will be lectured by some highly qualified and respected tutors we have selected to come impact in them the acts of winning matches at the end bringing the best out of their players.

"I want to further urge all our coaches present  to make the most out of this coaching clinic as no knowledge is lost, as they have a lot to learn. As they say, a coach is rated based on his/her last result."

Eminent football coach, High Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, former Super Eagles Head Coach and a FIFA/CAF retired instructor will lead other qualified resource persons, such as coach Adesina Asunmo, King Emmanuel, Moses, Alphonsus Dike, John Obuh, Maikaba Fagge, Justin Madugu, Haruna Usman Ilerika, Evans Ogenyi and host of others for the laudable project.

Recall in 2021, the NLO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Berackiah Grassroots Coaching Clinic to help develop the skills of its league coaches which in turn would assure the broad development of the game as well as the talents spread across the nation.

HEARTY FELICITATIONS ON YOUR EVENTFUL AND PURPOSEFUL OF LEADERSHIP AS THE SUBSTANTIVE RECTOR, KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC LOKOJA

 

Unbehalf of the entire Staff of the Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Kogi Staten Polytechnic, Lokoja, I heartily felicitate with Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, the ever resourceful Rector of the Polytechnic on the anniversary of your one year of exemplary and purposeful leadership in office as substantive Rector of our dear Polytechnic.

Your track records of quality leadership, decisiveness, thoroughness, honesty, vision-driven initiatives and doggedness have been instrumental in the transformation of the Kogi State Polytechnic to one of the most vibrant and leading Polytechnics in the country.

We pray that God, in His infinite mercy, ontinue to protect, strengthen and guide you in your quest for

more achievements as the Rector of Kogi State

 Polytechnic and Beyond.

Congratulations Sir.

Sign:

Mrs. Uredo Omale

Head of Department,

Public Relations and Protocol Unit,

Kogi state Polytechnic Lokoja.

DOVE-HAVEN FOUNDATION TAKES THE LEAD IN CLOSING ''CANCER CARE GAP'' AMONG THE RURAL POPULACE IN NIGERIA

 

Cancer remains a major cause of death worldwide with increasing rate of mortality yearly. Its burden has been so overwhelming and forms a big threat to both the rich and poor. 

The World Cancer Day is celebrated every February 4, aims to prevent millions of deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.

 

Dove-Haven Foundation, a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization located in Isanlu, Kogi State, joined her local and international counterparts to celebrate the 2022 World Cancer Day. 

As part of the objectives of the organization to eliminate cancer threat with high focus on rural areas, the DHF organised a symposium, titled: "Closing the Cancer Care Gap Among The Rural Populace In Nigeria", as part of activities to mark the ''World Cancer Day'' 2022.

In his remarks, the DHF Executive Director, Dr. Ekundayo Samuel, described the scourge of cancer faced by the rural populace and how there is a major care gap, as most of the advocacy efforts are focused in urban areas. 

Samuel noted that closing the cancer care gap require proper evaluation of the epidemiology of cancer, saying its inaccurate statistics in Nigeria would be a limiting factor to closing the gaps. 

He enjoined governments and all relevant stakeholders to work hard to present the real cancer data in the country.

According to him, the data would help in proper planning and implementation of other strategies that focused on closing the care gap. 

Dr Samuel further advised that more cancer intervention centres should be situated in the underserved rural communities where the scourge is causing havoc. 

Speaking, Dr Abubakar Bello, the immediate past President, African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), said, “being human is a major risk factor to cancer”. 

Bello highlighted four major pillars of cancer care as; prevent all preventable cancer, treat all treatable cancer, cure all curable cancer, and palliate cancers that need palliation. 

He said that the inability to institutionalised national vaccination and screening programmes for cancers such as cervical and prostate cancers remained the major gaps. 

According to Bello, with about 86 per cent of pati

ents present late and low capacity for diagnosis and treatment, the gaps keep widening. 

He explained that about 250 radiotherapy machines were needed for the Nigerian population estimated at 250million, but yet there are less than 10 in the country. 

Dr Bello advocated that government should enact policies that will enable the private sectors to thrive such as tax relief; grants and partnerships; increase oncologists training; and create an enabling work environment to reduce brain drain. 

On his parts, Dr Adamu Umar, the President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NSC), said the cancer care funds from the government should be properly utilized and bureaucracy removed. 

Dr Umar added that NAFDAC should speed up the process of approving application for the importation of HPV vaccine which could help to prevent over 90 per cent of cervical cancer. 

He reiterated the need to adopt a multidisciplinary and holistic approach in order to close cancer care gap involving the governments, private sectors, NGOs, individuals and other relevant stakeholders. 

Also speaking, Dr. Omolola Salako, the CEO, Oncopadi Technologies Limited, said low number of oncologists remains one of the major cancer care gaps in Nigeria, 

According to her, it is so sad that Nigeria has only 81 clinical and radiation oncologists distributed in 18 states; suboptimal care due to inadequate resources; high cost of care which comes mainly from out-of-pocket. 

Dr. Okpakpo Okpikpi, the National Coordinator, National Cancer Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, said the federal government was already considering intervention fund for eight additional health centers for cancer across the country to support care.

Okpikpi, who was represented by Dr Uche Nwokwu from the ministry, said the target would be that, ''no patient will need to travel 100 kilometers before accessing a cancer care centre''. 

Mrs. Moji Animashaun, Executive Director, St Cyril Cancer Treatment Foundation, said closing the time between awareness creation and screening, screening and diagnosis, diagnosis and treatment are critical in cancer care advocacy.

On her parts, Dr. Foluke Sarimiye, the Founder, Patella Care Foundation, said closing the care gap would take a multidisciplinary approach. 

She urged the government to embark on training and retraining of oncologists, while she emphasised the need to encourage medical students to go into the oncology specialty. 

A Survivor of cancer, Mrs. Janet Adetoro, stressed the need to actively involve patients in the disease management. 

Adetoro, who is a retired Director, Nursing Services and Administrator, urged cancer patients to always seek for help from the appropriate place.

She further advised patients to comply with treatment regimens and not be religious about this deadly disease.

Dr. Ishak Lawal a Technical Expert of DHF, said radiotherapy machines and other resources should be deployed to rural communities for easy access. 

Dr. Lawal also advocated that direct non-medical care or support should be considered in closing the care gap. 

Summarily, the stakeholders in their separate remarks, all admitted that government alone cannot close the cancer care gaps, and called for joint action to reduce cancer scourge in Nigeria and globally.  

They called for advocacy efforts and awareness creation from primary to tertiary institutions, adding that information should be made available especially at the grassroots.

The stakeholders commended the DHF for its awareness and cancer care initiatives which are important to bridging the cancer care gaps. 

End

Nigeria Teqball Federation selects Oyemade, Ijeoma, two others for 2022 Teqball World Series

The Nigeria Teqball (NIGTEQ) has selected the four athletes that will represent the country at the 2022 Teqball World Series slated for Paris, France from March 18th to 20th, 2022.

The world series will be held at the Departmental De Formation et d' Animation Sportives and the Nigeria Teqball has picked Yahyah Akorede Khalid (Kwara State), Oyemade Ademoye Victor(Kwara State), Obi Ijeoma Juliana (Plateau State) and Salau Bukola Rashidat (Kwara State) who are Nigeria's best ranked Teqball players at the moment in the current International Federation of Teqball (FITEQ) rankings.

Nigeria will take part in three categories: Men's, Women's and Mixed Doubles and the nation will be represented by two males and females at the global competition.

Making this known in a press statement, the head of Competition, Nigeria Teqball (NIGTEQ), Promise Uwaeme who wrote on the behalf of the NIGTEQ General Secretary said:  

"On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Teqball (NIGTEQ) and the International Federation of Teqball (FITEQ), it is our pleasure to officially invite the underlisted Athletes to compete at the 2022 Teqball World Series, to be held from 18-20 March 2022 in Paris, France.

"This event will feature three categories: Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Doubles. The competition will be held at the Centre Départemental de Formation et d'Animation Sportives, which is one of France’s largest multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment venues.

We kindly invite the following Athletes to represent the country in the World Series:

"1. YAHYAH Akorede Khalid- Kwara State

2. OYEMADE Ademoye Victor-Kwara State

3. OBI Ijeoma Juliana-Plateau State

4. SALAU Bukola Rashidat- Kwara State

The above athletes were selected based on current FITEQ ranking.

The press statement implored the Kwara and Plateau States Teqball Associations to do within their powers to prepare the athletes for the world series while the athletes are instructed to submit the data pages of their international passports and the acknowledgement of the receipt of the invitation and availability within the next 24 hours to the General Secretary of NIGTEQ

"You are kindly requested to acknowledge the availability of each of the Athletes within 24hrs of receipt of this invitation and also attach the data pages of each of the Athletes to the General Secretary of the federation via email on nigteq@gmail.com and competitions@nigteq.com.

"The State Associations concerned are expected to appoint a coach to work with the Athletes and submit progress report to the Head, Technical and Education on weekly basis."

Volleyball: 1st Captain Bukar Bah invitational challenge kicks off February 11th

 

All is set for the first edition of Captain Bukar Bah Invitational Volleyball Challenge, according to the Organising Secretary, Lawal Musa on Thursday.

The first edition of Captain Bukar Bah Invitational Volleyball Challenge will take place at the Army Cantonment Volleyball court, Kaura-Namoda road, Gusau from 10th to 14th February, 2022.

The State Volleyball Organising Secretary, Lawal Musa told news men in Gusau that the competition is to foster peace in the host community.

Musa revealed that the competition will help reduce youth restiveness  and social vices in the State capital.

The State Volleyball Organizing Secretary who is also double as National Assistant Secretary General, Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association, commended the Sponsor for investing in volleyball; the fastest growing sports in Nigeria.

He said, "The aim of the competition is to preach love among the host community and foster peace. As you are all aware that volleyball is a team event and everyone on the court must be at peace if they want t win any game.

"In our society, you will discover that there is high rate of social vices. The competition will help curb violence and inculcate discipline and unity in the youths.

"I will not fail to commend Captain Bukar Bah for choosing to support volleyball in Zamfara. In Nigeria, volleyball is the fastest growing sports and I am happy he is keying into it."

Musa revealed that the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod will grace the final of the competition as the Zonal Representative of the North West.

Six teams will be participating in the invitational challenge and they are; Army Cantonment VC, Correctional Service VC, MOPOL VC, Samaru VC, Tsafe Local Government VC and FCET VC