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Kwange falls in thrilling ITF final as Niger Tennis Stars shine on global stage

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Kwange falls in thrilling ITF final as Niger Tennis Stars shine on global stage By Abubakar Hassan Niger State’s Elisha Kwange saw his impressive run to the final come to an end after a hard fought defeat to Nigeria’s top rated national player, Ogunsakin Seyi, in a thrilling three set encounter at the ITF World Tennis Tour Championship. In the opening set, the vastly experienced Ogunsakin stamped his authority on the contest, dictating play with precision and composure to take the set 6–1. His strong serves and tactical court coverage gave him an early advantage, putting Kwange under intense pressure. However, the second set witnessed a remarkable resurgence from Elisha Kwange. Displaying resilience and determination, the Niger State youngster elevated his game, matching his opponent shot for shot. His improved returns and confident baseline play earned him a 6–3 victory, leveling the match and setting up a decisive third set. The final set proved to be a fierce battle of s...
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Coach Aliyu Zubair Mourns El-Kanemi Warriors Chairman, Ibrahim Maina Mustapha

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Coach Aliyu Zubair Mourns El-Kanemi Warriors Chairman Ibrahim Maina Mustapha Former El-Kanemi Warriors F.C. head coach, Aliyu Zubair, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the club’s Chairman, Ibrahim Maina Mustapha, describing him as a hardworking, gentle, and highly committed administrator. Ibrahim Maina Mustapha passed away on Tuesday afternoon at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital following a protracted illness. His death has thrown the El-Kanemi Warriors family and the entire football community into mourning. Reacting to the sad news, Coach Zubair paid glowing tribute to the late chairman, noting that his leadership, dedication, and unwavering support were instrumental to the club’s recent successes.  Zubair, who guided El-Kanemi Warriors to promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and also led the team to victory in the President Federation Cup, said the late Mustapha was a pillar of stability and progress. “Ibrahim Maina Mustapha...
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Niger Sports Perm Sec Inaugurates Electoral, Appeal Committees for 2026 Local Football Council Elections

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Niger Sports Perm Sec Inaugurates Electoral, Appeal Committees for 2026 Local Football Council Elections By Abubakar Hassan The Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Sports Development, Dr. Nuhu Garba Ngaski, has inaugurated members of the Electoral and Appeal Committees for the forthcoming 2026 Local Football Council elections across the 25 local government areas of the state. Speaking at the ceremony held at the Ministry on Monday, Dr. Ngaski described the inauguration as a significant step toward strengthening grassroots football governance and consolidating democratic practices within the state’s football structure. He noted that the formation of these committees demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective leadership in grassroots football. Dr. Ngaski commended the selection of committee members, describing them as individuals of high integrity and competence, emphasizing that their willingness to serve refle...
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Winning Debut: How Coach Ogundeji Joel Begins ABS Ilorin FC Journey With A Victory

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Winning Debut: How Coach Ogundeji Joel Begins ABS Ilorin FC Journey With a A Victory There are few better ways for a coach to announce himself than with a hard-earned victory, and that was exactly what Acting Head Coach Ogundeji Joel achieved in his first game in charge of ABS Ilorin FC.  The 2–1 triumph over Mighty Jets in a Matchday 8 fixture of the Nigeria National League was more than just three points—it was a statement of intent. Taking over at a delicate stage of the season, Ogundeji understood the importance of setting the right tone. His players responded almost immediately. Within four minutes, Danjuma Mutalubi rose highest to nod home Mujeeb Atoyebi’s well-delivered ball, giving the home crowd in Ilorin an early reason to believe. It was the kind of bright start every new manager hopes for—energetic, decisive, and purposeful. Yet the match was far from straightforward. Mighty Jets fought back and found their equaliser midway through the first half when Kamal ...
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Kwara United Condemn Attack on Match Officials After 1–1 Draw Against Rivers United

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Kwara United Condemn Attack on Match Officials After 1–1 Draw Against Rivers United Kwara United were held to a 1–1 draw in the NPFL rescheduled Matchday 22 encounter played on Wednesday at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl. Samsudeen Muhammed gave the Harmony Boys the lead in the 31st minute, but Boluwaji Sholumade netted a dramatic equaliser in the 90+3 minute to ensure both sides shared the spoils. However, after regulation time, some irate fans reportedly forced their way into the technical area and attacked the referee and officials of Rivers United in an unfortunate incident. In a swift reaction, Kwara United condemned the attack on match officials and Chief Okey Kpalukwu, the respected Chairman of the NPFL Club Chairmen. The club pledged to identify and bring the culprits to book, stressing that such regrettable and inhumane conduct does not represent the team’s character. “We deeply regret the distress caused to all parties involved and extend our sincere and unreserved ...
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Harmony FA beats Tunga Pillars to win 16th Niger Pre-Season soccer tournament

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Harmony FA beats Tunga Pillars to win 16th Niger Pre-Season soccer tournament By Abubakar Hassan Harmony Football Academy has emerged champions of the 16th edition of the Niger State Pre-Season Soccer Tournament, tagged “Maikunkele 2026,” organized by the state Nationwide League One Clubs Committee. The team defeated Tunga Pillars FC 3-0 on penalties after a goalless regulation time in a highly competitive final, thrilling football fans with a display of skill, strategy, and resilience. The final, held on Sunday, saw both teams exhibit high quality football, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Despite a goalless draw in regulation time, the penalty shootout highlighted Harmony FA’s composure and focus, ultimately securing their victory. Football enthusiasts in attendance lauded the performances, describing the match as a testament to the growing talent at the grassroots level in the state. Speaking as a special guest at the final, the state Commissioner for Speci...
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Intercollegiate games: Badminton Association Chairman hails NSSC, urges investment in youth devt

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Intercollegiate games: Badminton Association Chairman hails NSSC, urges investment in youth devt By Abubakar Hassan The Chairman of the Niger State Badminton Association, Hon. Muhammad Nma Kolo (Jawon Minna), has commended the Niger State Sports Commission for initiating the maiden Niger State Intercollegiate Games, describing it as a bold step toward restoring the lost glory of sports in the state. Hon. Nma Kolo made this known during an interview with sports Journalists, at the Minna sports club complex, venue of the racket events of the Intercollegiate Games tagged “Bago Games 2026.” He particularly applauded the Chairman of the Sports Commission, Hon. Danjuma Abdul Masu, for conceptualizing what he termed a timely and impactful sporting initiative, adding that the games have rekindled hope and excitement among young athletes across the state. “You can see how happy the youths are, smiling and brimming with enthusiasm. After a long time, they now have the opp...
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