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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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Sa’ad Jamiu storms Israel, nets on debut for Hapoel Beit Shean

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Sa’ad Jamiu storms Israel, nets on debut for Hapoel Beit Shean Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin prodigy, Sa'ad Jamiu announced his arrival in Israel with a goal scoring on his debut for Hapoel Beit Shean U19 in their emphatic 4–0 away victory over Maccabi Irony Kir Yat. The young forward found the back of the net in the 57th minute, scoring his side’s second goal as they cruised to a comfortable win. Jamiu delivered an impressive performance throughout the encounter and featured for 80 minutes before being replaced by Mohammad Marei. The match served as a test outing for the Nigerian striker after he successfully completed his trial with the Israeli club. He is expected to link up with the senior team in the coming days as he continues his integration into the setup. Jamiu moved to Israel following a prolific spell in the Nigeria National League, where he scored five consecutive goals in the first round of the 2025/2026 season. His outstanding run earned him two Jeni...
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Kogi Poly Honours Wale Mustapha with Distinguished Service Award

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Kogi Poly Honours Wale Mustapha with Distinguished Service Award The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has conferred a Certificate of Distinguished Service Award on Afolabi Wale Mustapha in recognition of his outstanding dedication and selfless service to the institution. The award, acknowledges Mr. Mustapha’s extraordinary commitment in the discharge of his duties between 2020 and 2026, a period described by the institution as marked by diligence, loyalty, and consistent contributions to the growth of the Polytechnic. The institution commended Mr. Mustapha for his unwavering dedication and encouraged him to remain steadfast in the performance of his responsibilities towards the continued development of Kogi State Polytechnic. The certificate, dated February 6, 2026, was jointly signed and Presented by the Rector, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, and the Registrar, Mr. Sunday Aiyetan, underscoring the institution’s official endorsement of the recognition. ...
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Coach Aliyu Zubair Mourns Late Coach Baale Amosa (Baba Qurani)

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Coach Aliyu Zubair Mourns Late Coach Baale Amosa (Baba Qurani) Renowned football tactician and Technical Adviser of Telecom SC of Egypt, Coach Aliyu Zubair, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Coach Baale Amosa, popularly known as Baba Qurani. Baba Qurani, an Ilorin-born gaffer who had stints as longest Coach of Gidado Football Academy died on Sunday after a brief illness.  In a condolence message made available to the press, Coach Zubair described the late Baba Qurani as a committed and selfless servant of football whose contributions to the growth of the game, particularly at the grassroots level, remain immeasurable. “Baba Qurani was more than a coach; he was a builder of men and a torchbearer for young talents who would otherwise have been forgotten,” Zubair said.  “His passion for football, discipline, and community development set him apart as a rare gem whose impact will be felt for generations.” Coach Zubair noted that the late Baale Amosa dedicated...
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Over 168 talents participate in Next Gen Drafts in Lagos

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Over 168 talents participate in Next Gen Drafts in Lagos  Over 168 young talents, aged 13 to 15, participated in the second stage of the Next Gen Drafts at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Lagos.  The event is part of the EA SPORTS FC FUTURES grassroots program, which offers a blend of competition, training, and transformative experiences for youth from diverse backgrounds. Participants engaged in 5v5 Rush matches inspired by the EA SPORTS FC 26 video game and progressed through a development pathway featuring personalized training from LALIGA UEFA Pro-licensed coaches.  The event concluded with a final 11-a-side match against a local team, highlighting the top-performing players.  After a thrilling weekend of competition, four boys and four girls have been chosen to attend a unique training camp with LALIGA in Madrid, Spain.  Selections were made based on both athletic performance and the demonstration of core values like commitment, solidarity, and effo...
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Lavun United Fc win Wakilin Kwadagon Nupe Peace and Unity Cup

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Lavun United Fc win Wakilin Kwadagon Nupe Peace and Unity Cup By Abubakar Hassan Lavun United FC of Kutigi on Friday evening emerged champions of the Lavun local government version of the Wakilin Kwadagon Nupe Peace and Unity Football Competition after defeating Eleven Stamina FC, also of Kutigi by  2–0 in the final match held in Kutigi town, the headquarter of the local government. The grassroots tournament, which featured 15 teams from across the local government, was sponsored by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Niger State chapter, Comrade Idrees Abdulkareem Lafene, who holds the traditional title of Wakilin Kwadagon Nupe, as part of efforts to promote peace, unity, and youth development through sports. Speaking at the grand finale, the council Chairman of Lavun LG, Hon. Mohammed Alfa Ma’ali, described the competition as timely and in line with his administration’s top priority of engaging youths positively, barely three months after as...
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