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Unilorin graduate, Damilola Ajala makes eye-catching Crown FC debut in NNL Damilola Ajala, a University of Ilorin graduate, made a memorable professional debut for Crown FC despite their 3-1 defeat to Smart City FC in a Matchday 14 fixture of the Nigeria National League at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Coming on in the 70th minute with his side already trailing 2-0, the young central midfielder wasted no time making an impact.  Wearing jersey number 38, Ajala created four goal-scoring chances and completed three successful dribbles in just 20 minutes, injecting energy and creativity into his team’s play. However, the debut also came with a painful lesson, as Ajala acknowledged his role in the buildup to the opposition’s third goal. “I came in in the 70th minute and created four chances. The team was already down 2-0, but we eventually lost 3-1. Unfortunately, it was a ball i missed in the final third that led to the third goal,” he said. D...

NSSC Boss assures NLO Clubs of govt support ahead of new league season By Abubakar Hassan The Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission (NSSC), Hon. Danjuma Abdul Masu, has assured members of the Nationwide League One (NLO) Clubs Forum of the state government’s support ahead of the forthcoming league season scheduled for April. Hon. Abdul Masu gave the assurance when the forum paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s office complex in Minna, stating that the government, through the Commission, remains committed to supporting clubs within available resources to ensure a successful outing. He acknowledged the challenges facing sports development, particularly funding constraints, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility due to competing demands such as insecurity, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to assist clubs within its capacity. The NSSC Chairman urged ...

NSFA Chairman dismisses crisis claims, clarifies roles of FA and Coaches By Abubakar Hassan The Chairman of the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, has dismissed insinuation of a rift between the State FA and the state Football Coaches Association, insisting that there is no crisis between both bodies. Speaking while receiving members of the Nationwide League One (NLO) Clubs Forum who paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Minna, the FA Chairman emphasized that football administration operates within clearly defined rules, structures, and responsibilities. According to him, the FA remains the custodian and administrator of football in the state, while coaches function as technical experts within the system. He explained that coaches, as affiliates of the FA, are primarily responsible for imparting tactical knowledge, techniques, and strategies of the game to players, stressing that their role is distinct from administrative...

ABS Ilorin FC speaks on Doma United Coach incident, cry out over poor officiating Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC wishes to address reports circulating following our Nigeria National League Matchday 12 fixture against Doma United at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, which ended in a 1–1 draw. The attention of the club has been drawn to allegations suggesting that a coach of Doma United was attacked during events surrounding the match. While ABS Ilorin FC acknowledges that an incident occurred after the game, it is important to clarify the circumstances and present the full facts of what transpired. Before addressing the post-match incident, the club also wishes to express serious concern over the officiating of the match by the centre referee, Mahmud Ibrahim of the Kogi State Referees Association. During the course of the game, ABS Ilorin FC were denied several clear penalty appeals after incidents inside the Doma United penalty area. ...

Ilorin Emirate Safety Education and Advocacy Initiative commends IGP, celebrates promotion of Jimoh Mashood to AIG The Ilorin Emirate Safety Education and Advocacy Initiative (ISEAi) has congratulated senior police officer Jimoh Mashood on his promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), describing the elevation as well deserved. In a statement issued by its Coordinator, Sulu-Gambari Suleiman Yerima, the organisation said the promotion is a recognition of Mashood’s dedication, professionalism and commitment to public safety. ISEAi expressed confidence that the new rank would further enhance strategic collaboration between the non-governmental organisation and the Nigeria Police Force in promoting security awareness and strengthening community safety initiatives. The group also commended the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for sustaining what it described as a merit-based promotion system within the Force, noting that the development c...

Ilorin Emirate Safety Education and Advocacy Initiative seeks collaboration to tackle insecurity in Kwara A non-governmental organisation, Ilorin Emirate Safety Education and Advocacy Initiative(IESAi) has sought for partnership with critical stakeholders to tackle insecurity challenges in Kwara State. Speaking to Journalists on Wednesday in Ilorin after courtesy visits to National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the cordinator of the body, Prince Suleiman Yerima Sulu-Gambari, stated that the initiative was established to sensitise the public on measures to forestall insecurity challenges. Suleiman noted that security is the responsibilty of all the citizens, hence the need for people to be educated on ways they could effectively be part of the solution amid the kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other insecurity challenges battling the country. He said "Our focus is ...