Nigeria Premier League

NTN becomes main sponsor of 2023 World Athletics Championships

World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport of athletics, has announced a sponsorship association with the Japanese manufacturing company, NTN.

Following this deal, the brand has been labelled as another main sponsor from the Japanese market.

NTN strengthens the World Athletics sponsorship roster in advance of the 2023 World Athletics Championships, which will be held in Budapest from August 19 to August 27. NTN will also serve as the competition and presentation bib partner for the women’s events. The agreement runs through the end of 2024 and includes other events such as the 2023 World Road Running Championships in Riga and the 2024 World Athletics Race Walking Championships in Antalya.

NTN is the fourth company from Japan to be included in the elite tier of World Athletics partners, joining Seiko, TDK, and Asics.

The high number of Japanese sponsors is a reflection of Dentsu’s core market in international marketing and advertising. A 10-year international media and marketing rights agreement between Dentsu and World Athletics covers the selling of rights to the World Athletics Championships alongside additional competitions like the World Cross Country Championships. The agreement was inked from 2020 until 2029.

World Athletics President, Sebastian Coe, said, “I’m delighted to welcome NTN Corporation to our sport. Our Official Partners are key contributors to the staging of our World Athletics Series events, and there are none bigger than the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23. We are always looking for partners who share our global vision and want to make the world a better place, and NTN certainly fits that bill. Gender equality is one of our key pillars so I’m particularly pleased to see that NTN will support our female competition programme through the bib sponsorship.”

NTN, CEO, Eiichi Ukai, said, “We are pleased to have the honour of supporting World Athletics. NTN has developed its business globally based on the two Founders’ ‘Frontier Spirit,’ which encourages us to keep taking on challenges, and in the spirit of ‘Coexistence and Co-prosperity’, which encourages us to develop together with society. This is in accord with our corporate philosophy ‘We shall contribute to international society through creating new technologies and developing new products.’ Through its business activities, NTN also contributes to the resolution of social issues, such as respecting human rights, promoting diversity, contributing to local communities, and protecting the environment.

“Through its support for the world’s leading track and field events, NTN will encourage the world’s best athletes to strive for excellence, will promote the World Athletics Series events and the sport of athletics, and will contribute to positive international exchange between nations.”

Since its founding in 1918, NTN has expanded its business internationally with bearings as its primary product. In a variety of industries, such as transportation, aircraft, and rolling stock for railroads, NTN helps reduce energy consumption. As of the end of March 2023, there were almost 200 bases spread throughout 34 nations, 23,027 workers worldwide and 774 billion yen in net revenues.

Nigeria Premier League

NPFL: No Respite For Abdallah Yet As Kano Pillars Extend Suspension Of Technical Adviser

The Management of Kano Pillars FC, under the leadership of Chairman Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, has extended the suspension of its Technical Adviser, Usman Abdallah, until after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 28 fixture against Kwara United.

This decision was reached during a management meeting held on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

The extension follows a request from the committee set up to investigate the matter, chaired by the club’s Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo, which is yet to conclude its findings.

As a result, Chief Coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro will continue to lead the team in the upcoming fixtures against Akwa United on Wednesday, Rangers International at the weekend, and Kwara United on Match Day 28, pending further decisions regarding Abdallah’s return.

The club remains committed to upholding professionalism and discipline as it continues its campaign in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Nigeria Premier League

Rangers Edge Remo Stars, Heartland Pip Shooting Stars in Dramatic Ties

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 24 fixtures were concluded on Sunday with three games spread across the country.

The ties produced some thrilling encounters, with Rangers International FC and Heartland FC securing crucial victories over Remo Stars FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club respectively.

Rangers edge Remo Stars

Rangers International FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Remo Stars FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Midfielder Saviour Isaac opened the scoring for Rangers in the 30th minute, expertly converting a free kick from outside the 18-yard box.

Rangers doubled their lead in the 48th minute, courtesy of a well-crafted goal involving CHAN Eagles’ Kenneth Igboke and Kingsley Maduforo.

Remo Stars reduced the deficit in the 85th minute, through Sikiru Alimi but it was too little too late to salvage the outcome of the match.

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

Late Drama in Owerri

Heartland FC of Owerri secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday.

Chukwuma Agor had opened the scoring for Heartland in the 31st minute, but the Oluyole Warriors equalised through a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

However, Heartland were awarded another penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game, which John Bassey successfully converted, despite initial controversy surrounding the referee’s decision.

Despite suffering back-to-back losses, Shooting Stars remained second on the log with 40 points from 24 matches.

Other result

In another match played on Sunday, Bendel Insurance secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

The concluding results of the matchday 24 encounters have shuffled the NPFL standings, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.

Premium Times

Nigeria Premier League

Nasarawa United Appoints Ex-Super Eagles Coach Yusuf

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) strugglers, Nasarawa United have announced the appointment of former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Salisu Yusuf, as their new Technical Adviser.

He replaces the erstwhile manager, Kabiru Dogo, whose second stint at the club has been anything but successful.

The club in a statement released yesterday said: “We wish to announce that we have mutually agreed to part ways with Technical Director, Kabiru Dogo, effective immediately.

“This decision has been made following a thorough review of the club’s performance in the 2024/25 NPFL season, where we have fallen short of our expectations.

“Due to the precarious situation of the club, we have decided to appoint former Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf to take charge of the team immediately.”

On his part, Dogo, appreciated the management for the opportunity to serve and wished the club the best in the tasks ahead.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the newly appointed CAF ‘A’ licenced coach expressed his readiness for the rescue mission at Nasarawa United.

He said: “I am aware of the precarious position of the club but I am ready for the challenge.

“It is not going to be easy but having been around for some time, I believe I can help Nasarawa United to navigate their way out of the red zone.

“I call on the teeming fans of the club to continue to remain unwavering in their support. By the special grace of God, Nasarawa United won’t be relegated.”

Nasarawa United presently 18th position on the NPFL table with 26 points from 24 matches.