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Azeez Yusuf Delighted With Niger Tornadoes Debut Win Over Enyimba, Targets Strong Finish In NPFL

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Azeez Yusuf Delighted With Niger Tornadoes Debut Win Over Enyimba, Targets Strong Finish In NPFL New Niger Tornadoes defender Azeez Yusuf has expressed his delight after making his debut for the Ikon Allah Boys in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Enyimba in Minna. Yusuf, who recently joined Niger Tornadoes from El-Kanemi Warriors, was handed his debut in the important league encounter and helped the home side secure a valuable victory against the former Nigerian champions. The centre-back looked composed in the heart of the defence, contributing to the team’s efforts as Niger Tornadoes held on to claim all three points and begin Yusuf’s career with the club on a winning note. The former Kwara Football Academy graduate said he was pleased to mark his first appearance with a victory, describing the result as a positive beginning to his journey with the Ikon Allah Boys. Yusuf, a two-time President Federation Cup winner with El-Kanemi Warriors, is now targeting a stro...
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Gov Bago directs resumption of work on abandoned Maikunkele stadium — NSSC Chairman

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Gov Bago directs resumption of work on abandoned Maikunkele stadium — NSSC Chairman By Abubakar Hassan Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has directed the resumption of work on the abandoned stadium project at Maikunkele in Bosso Local Government Area of the state, Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission (NSSC), Hon. Amb. Danjuma Abdul Masu, has disclosed. Hon. Masu, who made this known in an exclusive interview, said the stadium project had remained abandoned for more than 10 years, adding that work on the facility was expected to resume next year. According to him, the proposed stadium would have an initial seating capacity of about 10,000 spectators, with provision for future expansion, stressing that the project would complement the recently upgraded Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium in Minna. The NSSC chairman described the upgrade of the Bako Kontagora Stadium as a major development for sports in the state, but cautioned that the facility must be pr...
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AVM Ibrahim Floats Unity Cup to Sustain Late Father’s Community Development Legacy

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AVM Ibrahim Floats Unity Cup to Sustain Late Father’s Community Development Legacy Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Oluwatoyin Lanre Ibrahim (Rtd.) has disclosed that the Unity Cup tournament was organised in memory of his late father, Alhaji Adam Olohuntoyin Akanbi, 19 years after his demise, as a way of honouring his legacy of community development. AVM Ibrahim, who spoke with journalists shortly after watching the Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 1 clash between Kwara United and Kano Pillars in Ilorin, said his late father died while he was still in active service and therefore did not have enough time to fraternise with members of his community. According to him, the tournament is aimed at preserving his father’s legacy while using sports as a tool to promote unity, peace and community development. “I lost my father 19 years ago. He was a community developer, and I am honouring him with this tournament to further foster unity and community development, es...
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Ezenabo Somtochukwu: Kwara United Young Defensive Star Makes NPFL Full Debut Against Kano Pillars

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Ezenabo Somtochukwu: Kwara United Young Defensive Star Makes NPFL Full Debut Against Kano Pillars  Ezenabo Somtochukwu Rapheal is steadily announcing himself as one of the promising young talents coming through the ranks of Kwara United, with the central defender offering another glimpse of his potential during his full debut for Harmony Boys against Kano Pillars FC. The 19-year-old defender, who wears jersey number 15 and is comfortable using both feet, was promoted to Kwara United’s senior team last season after impressing with the club’s youth setup. His progression represents a testament to the club’s vibrant youth development system and its growing commitment to providing a pathway for young talents into the senior team. Somtochukwu made his full debut on Sunday in Kwara United’s 2-2 draw against Kano Pillars FC at home, putting in a composed performance at the heart of the defence. Despite the intensity of the encounter, the young centre-back displayed confidence,...
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Tornadoes beat Enyimba to begin 2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL on promising note

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Tornadoes beat Enyimba to begin 2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL on promising note By Abubakar Hassan Niger Tornadoes opened their 2026/2027 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign on a promising note with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Enyimba FC at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna, on Sunday. Aliyu Mohammed gave the Ikon Allah Boys the lead from the penalty spot in the 40th minute after Ismaila Sarki was brought down inside the penalty area following sustained pressure from the home side. Enyimba responded with an equaliser in the 71st minute when Wonah Williams connected brilliantly with Iheme Peculiar’s free-kick to level the scores, but Michael Olalusi sealed maximum points for Tornadoes with a superb late finish that sparked wild celebrations among the home fans. Speaking after the match, Technical Adviser of Niger Tornadoes, Coach Kabiru Suleiman Dogo, described the opening-day victory as a reward for the team’s hard work and thanked God, the stat...
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Oyo Football at crossroads: Time for Oyo FA ,Government and coaches's to account

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Oyo Football at crossroads: Time for Oyo FA ,Government and coaches's to account  The declining fortunes of football development in Oyo State have reached a point where silence can no longer be an option. A state that once served as one of Nigeria’s foremost football nurseries, producing outstanding players for the Super Eagles, leading domestic clubs and teams across Europe and Africa, now appears to be struggling to translate its rich football heritage into a sustainable development structure. The situation demands urgent introspection from the Oyo State Football Association (OYSFA), the Oyo State Government, the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Oyo State Chapter, and every stakeholder entrusted with the development of the game. If the current leadership structures cannot provide a clear roadmap for grassroots development, talent identification, coach education, competitions, player welfare and institutional growth, then they should be prepared to give way to fre...
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SWAN Congress: Benjamin Re-elected SWAN President As Nyong, Gangwaja Win Contested Seats

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SWAN Congress: Benjamin Re-elected SWAN President As Nyong, Gangwaja Win Contested Seats The 2026 National Triennial Delegates Congress of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) ended in Kaduna on Friday with the election and inauguration of a new National Executive Council to steer the affairs of the association for the next three years. The elections, held on August 28, brought to a close activities at the congress, which provided delegates from across the country an opportunity to review the affairs of the association and determine its leadership for another term. Incumbent President, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin (JP), was returned for a second term after emerging unopposed, while only two positions — Deputy President at the national level and Vice President for the North-East Zone, required voting. The contest for Deputy President was between Nyong Bonny Silas of Akwa Ibom State and Chigozie Chukwuleta of Anambra State. At the end of voting, Nyong secured 21 votes to...
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