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Nigeria Premier League

Table Tennis: Nigeria Rivals Egypt, As Battle For Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Tickets Hots Up

The battle for the continent’s highest slots in the table tennis event of Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be between Nigeria and Egypt when the qualifying tournament begins on September 20 in Egypt.

Already, some established players like Isau Ogunkunle, Faith Obazuaye, Tajudeen Agunbiade and a host of others have been confirmed for the 2023 ITTF African Para Table Tennis Championships which will take place at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Giza, Egypt.

In their usual style, host country, Egypt is planning to assemble some of its finest players that will battle Nigeria which will also assemble a large contingent to secure more slots from the tournament.

From the previous qualifiers coupled with performance from the last edition of the African championships, Egypt and Nigeria are the dominant teams in the continent with the likes of Algeria and South Africa joining the fray in the medal chase.

At the Paralympic Games, Egypt and Nigeria have also been representing Africa with both countries having medals to show for their participation at the games.

However, 2022 Commonwealth Games medalist Ogunkunle believes he would be unstoppable in Egypt.

“I am going to Egypt to confirm my ticket to Paris because I cannot afford to start travelling abroad again to pick up my ticket.

“This is the best chance for me, and I know it is not going to be easy because my main challenge remains the Egyptian veteran Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh who is eyeing a record sixth appearance at the games. I am confident I can beat him to the sole slot in the class four division of the men’s singles,” he said.

Already, ‘Team Nigeria’ is in camp in readiness for the tournament as most of the players are putting the finishing touches to their training before their departure next week.

Meanwhile, President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) Khaled El-Salhy said the organisers; the Egypt Table Tennis Federation have been working tirelessly to stage a befitting tournament.

“I am looking forward to the best para players in Africa slugging it out for the few slots available as it is only the winner from each class that will qualify for the Paralympic Games, while others that are yet to meet the required points will have to compete in other tournaments to pick up the maximum points to be part of the party in Paris next year,” he said.

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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.

 

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Nigeria Premier League

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

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

 

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Nigeria Premier League

Nasarawa United Appoints Ex-Super Eagles Coach Yusuf

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.

 

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