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Lateef Kolawole: The Coach who turns trialists into trophies By Ojomu Idow, Sportspro News  The journey started from Ikorodu Dust to Dubai Floodlights:  Lateef Adebayo’s 25-Year Masterclass in Building Winners with unique coaching methodology stood him out  In a football world obsessed with big names and bigger budgets, Lateef Kolawole Adebayo has built his reputation on something more valuable: transformation of raw talents, brilliant communication skills, integrity and service delivery. For 25 years, the Lagos-born tactician has walked into clubs with problems and walked out with building exceptional players and solid teams.  From coaching boys with torn boots in Ikorodu in 1993, to leading DHL South Africa to the Global World Cup final in Dubai 2022, his career is a blueprint for what happens when experience meets purpose. At 65, Coach Lateef carries the credentials: a B.Ed in Physical & Health Education, CAF License, South African FA A License, pl...

NSSC Chairman Masu Urges Fairness as Niger Super League Draws Hold By Abubakar Hassan The Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission (NSSC), Hon. Danjuma Abdul Masu, has urged stakeholders to uphold fairness, unity and professionalism as the draws for the 2025/2026 Niger State Super League football competition was conducted. Hon. Masu made the call while addressing participants at the ceremony held at the conference hall of the Commission, where he also formally declared the exercise open. He described the draws as a critical step toward ensuring a smooth and well-structured league, noting that collaboration among stakeholders would determine the success of the competition. The NSSC Chairman emphasized that football remains a unifying force capable of bridging social and cultural divides, but cautioned against the intrusion of personal interests and politics into the administration of the game. He commended participating clubs for their sacrifices in nurturin...

Burglars Break into Radica's Residence, Steal Valuables By Abdul Momoh Mr. Oladele Abolarin  commonly referred to as Radical, is understandably distressed not due to the recent defeat of his football team, but because his residence was illicitly entered by thieves. He confirmed this to Abdul Momoh yesterday 4th June 2026 in Ilorin, while he was in a somber mood.  One might assume that he was still reflecting on Kwara United FC’s defeat to Sokoto United, but he clarified that this was not the case. He had recently returned from the B Division Police Station, where he had officially reported the incident. According to Radical, the thieves targeted his home when all occupants were at work. “They thoroughly searched the premises and removed my valuable possessions,” he stated. “It is particularly distressing during these challenging times. How shall I begin to accumulate funds to replace the stolen items? I entrust the entire matter to God Almighty.” The incident has b...

SSA Adeboye, Polish Ambassador Celebrate Unity and Friendship as Nigeria, Poland Share Spoils in Historic Abuja Watch Party It was an unforgettable evening of friendship, diplomacy, football, and cultural unity as top government officials, diplomats, sports administrators, ex-internationals, and distinguished guests gathered at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, for the historic Nigeria–Poland Football Match Viewing Party hosted by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development in collaboration with the Polish Embassy in Nigeria. The event, which many guests described as one of the most symbolic sports diplomacy gatherings in Abuja this year, delivered a perfect blend of football excitement, networking, entertainment, and international friendship as Nigeria and Poland played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the international friendly encounter. Nigeria took the lead through Terem Moffi, assisted...

Creation of Functional Sports Commission, Game Changer for Niger Sports Sector – Hon Masu By Abubakar Hassan The Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Hon. Ambassador Danjuma Abdul Masu, has described the establishment and functionality of the Commission by Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago as one of the most impactful decisions that has transformed the sports sector in the state under the present administration. Speaking during an exclusive interview to mark the third anniversary of the Farmer Governor Umar Bago administration, Hon. Masu noted that while achievements in governance are often assessed periodically, the real measure of leadership lies in daily visible and invisible impacts. He emphasized that the Governor’s political will to not only create the Commission but ensure its effective operation has repositioned sports development in Niger State. According to him, “One of the best things that has happened to sports in Niger State is the creation of this ...

Bello Mubarak Celebrates Gov. AbdulRazaq Seven Years In Office with Chess Championship Malik Idris and Oyinkansola Akinyemi emerged champions in the male and female categories respectively at a chess tournament organised by chess enthusiast and former aide to the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Bello Mubarak Salau, in collaboration with the Kwara State Chess Association to commemorate seven years of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's administration. At the end of the keenly contested tournament, sponsor of the competition, Bello Mubarak, and Adeniyin Favour secured second and third positions respectively in the male category. In the female category, Sadiq Abidat Temitope and Al-Imam Kudirat Olamide finished second and third respectively, while Mohammed Olarewaju emerged as the best junior player. Speaking after the event, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, praised the organisers and sponsors for staging the tournament in recogni...