meritnews

Oyo Pillar of Sports, Obideyi bags Ambassador of Sports Development award, pledges more youth interventions The Oyo State Pillar of Sports, Temitope Ademola Obideyi, has been honoured with the Ambassador of Sports Development in Nigeria award in recognition of his contributions to grassroots sports development, youth empowerment and humanitarian services. The award was presented during the 17th Annual Lecture and Honours Ceremony held on Wednesday at the National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja. The ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; Otunba Jimoh Ibrahim; Chief Nike Abdulrahaman; Ambassador Mohammed Kabir Ilyasu and other distinguished Nigerians. Obideyi, a former Nigerian international footballer and Chairman of the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation, was recognised for his commitment to creating opportunities for young people and strengthening...

Yewa FC Academy Thrash Samba Boys 3-0 to Extend Winning Run in NLO Cup Yewa FC Academy continued their impressive run in the 2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Samba Boys FC at the MKO Arena, Abeokuta, on Wednesday. The victory further underlined the tactical progress of head coach Bolaji Abdulkadir's side, who have maintained their winning momentum in the competition after an impressive start in the South-West Zone B group. Omotosho Taiwo opened the scoring as early as the seventh minute, giving Yewa FC Academy an early advantage and setting the tone for an impressive performance. Oladapo Samuel then took centre stage in the second half, scoring twice within two minutes. His goals in the 57th and 59th minutes sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory for the Abeokuta-based side. The result extends Yewa FC Academy's winning run in the NLO Cup, having previously recorded three victories from their opening three matches to establish th...

Fuel Price Dispute: Kwara NANC condemns alleged intimidation of Abanik Oil, gives Seven-day ultimatum to sabotuers The Kwara State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Comrades (NANC) has condemned alleged attempts to frustrate the operations of Abanik Oil over its decision to sell petroleum products at reduced pump prices, issuing a seven-day ultimatum to those reportedly involved in the alleged acts. The association's reaction follows public disclosures by the Chief Executive Officer of Abanik Oil during a recent interview on Sobi FM, Ilorin, in which he reportedly alleged that the company had faced tanker blockades, intimidation and pressure from rival petroleum marketers following its decision to offer consumers more affordable fuel prices. In a statement signed by its Executive Chairman, Comrade Ahmad Ridwan Ayinde, and General Secretary, Comrade Islamiyah Opeyemi Taofeeq, NANC said it was concerned about the allegations, while commending the company...

Coach Aliyu Zubair back to Sudan ahead of Al Ahly Wad Madani league campaign …………maintains club focus amid CAF-A license pursuit Technical Manager of Sudanese side Al Ahly Wad Madani, Coach Aliyu Zubair, has returned to Sudan after participating in the second modules of the ongoing CAF A Coaching Licence programme, reaffirming his commitment to the club ahead of the forthcoming league campaign. Zubair, who is one the few Nigerian coaches participating in the CAF-A license program has been shuttling between Sudan, Rwanda and Nigeria to fulfil the requirements of the coaching programme being spearheaded by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).  He said he remains fully focused on his responsibilities at Al Ahly Wad Madani despite the demands of pursuing the prestigious qualification. The Nigerian tactician admitted that combining his club responsibilities with the coaching programme has not been easy, particularly with the travelling demands and the tight schedule of the...

Kwara Horse Show second edition set for November 26-29 in Ilorin  …..event to boost Kwara Tourism potentials-Bolaji Nda The organisers of the Kwara Horse Show have announced plans for the second edition of the event, scheduled to hold from November 26 to 29, 2026, in Ilorin, Kwara State, with a series of activities designed to promote equestrian sports, celebrate cultural heritage and strengthen the state’s tourism potential. Initiated by Ambassador Bolaji Magaji Nda, Chief Executive Officer of BMN Stable and an award-winning cultural ambassador, the Kwara Horse Show is an initiative aimed at providing a platform for horse riders, breeders, enthusiasts and other stakeholders to showcase their skills, celebrate equestrian traditions and promote the rich cultural identity of Kwara State. The four-day programme will commence on Thursday, November 26, with the Kwara Horse Show Rally, setting the tone for the subsequent activities. On Saturday, November 28, attention will sh...

Noah Razaq Completes Move to Kebbi United For  New NNL Season Kebbi United FC have completed the signing of Nigerian footballer Noah Razaq from JAK FC of the Benin Republic ahead of the new Nigeria National League (NNL) season. The club confirmed the acquisition through an unveiling announcement, welcoming the player as they strengthen their squad for the forthcoming campaign. Razaq joins the Kebbi-based outfit after a spell with JAK FC in the Benin Republic, adding to his experience across different clubs in Nigerian football. The midfielder  has previously featured for Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, Osun United and Vandrezzer FC, gaining experience in the country’s domestic football leagues before his move abroad. His return to Nigerian football represents another opportunity to contribute to Kebbi United’s ambitions as the club prepares for the new NNL campaign. Kebbi United will be hoping Razaq’s experience and quality will strengthen their...