Nigeria Premier League

Four South-West states show interest in Tobi/Abiola Sprint and Relays Meet

The 2023 edition of the Tobi/Abiola Sprint and Relays Meet is set to be bigger than organizers initially planned as athletics clubs and schools from four South Western States have expressed interest in participating.

An initiative of the world recorder holder in 100m hurdles Tobi Amusan and renowned quarter-miler Abiola Onakoya, both based in the United States.

The duo started the competition a few years ago to give budding athletes from Ogun State an opportunity to showcase their talents to be discovered and then get assistance and the support they need to take their career to the next level and if they merit it, a scholarship to study in tertiary institutions.

The success of the programme which started as an initiative for Ijebu Region, then Ogun State is now attracting the interest from schools and athletics clubs in the South West states.

Onakoya in an earlier interview revealed that the 2023 edition has the blessing of the Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Mr Dapo Abiodun who named Amusan Ogun State Youth Ambassador shortly after she broke the 100m hurdles record at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.

A renowned shot-put and discuss champion Olawale Olatunji who is the Meet Director told the media that the 2023 edition will be held at the Otunba Dipo Dina stadium, Ijebu-Ode from November 3-4, 2023.

“We are really happy that schools and athletic clubs from outside Ogun State want to participate in this edition, it shows our youth are delighted with the opportunity Tobi/Abiola are providing for them to showcase their talents at venues where the talents will be discovered, where they will come in contact with coaches and other stakeholders in athletics that will assist to become world beaters like Tobi/Abiola’’.

Olatunji revealed that organizers are working on logistics to accommodate the interest of athletes from outside Ogun State.

“We are delighted to accommodate athletes from other states, the vision of the initiator of this project (Tobi/Abiola) is to make it a national, then continental and a global meet one day’’.

Amusan and Abiola Onakoya are beneficiaries of youth development programmes in Ogun State which led to their discovery as young athletes. They both got scholarships to study at the University of El-Paso, in Texas, USA.

Before they graduated from the school, both represented Team Nigeria at the youth, junior, and senior levels.

After winning laurels for Nigeria and being a good ambassador of the country, they believe the best way they could give back to their community is to give younger ones opportunities.

Amusan who also won the gold medal in the event is the first and only Nigerian to win a gold medal in the World Athletics Championships since the inaugural edition in 1983.

It is in recognition of her contributions to the growth of athletics from the grassroots and also her achievements that earned Amusan the ambassadorial role.

Apart from certificates and medals winner of this edition will also go home with spike shoes, canvas, and other items, aside from the prizes that will be awarded to winning schools.

Nigeria Premier League

Rivers United Back To Top Spot In NPFL Title Race

Rivers United are back on top of the NPFL standings after they beat visiting Kano Pillars and closest rivals Remo Stars fell at Niger Tornadoes.

Rivers United pipped Kano Pillars courtesy of a first-half strike by Aniekeme Okon to return of the table with 29 points from 15 matches.

Remo Stars slipped to second in the standings after they lost 2-1 at Niger Tornadoes.

They have 26 points, three points behind new leaders Rivers United.

Ikorodu City and Heartland FC continued their steady climb to top reckoning after they both won at home.

Ikorodu City smashed past Akwa United 4-1 to shoot to third place on the table with 24 points.

NPFL leading scorer Anas Yusuf broke his four-match run without a goal when he scored after 45 minutes to draw Nasarawa United level at 1-1 only for ‘The Solid Miners’ to fall 3-2 at Heartland.

Heartland are now ninth on the table on 20 points.

Bayelsa United held El Kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw in Maiduguri, while Katsina United edged past Sunshine Stars 1-0 at home.

Scorenigeria

Nigeria Premier League

Ahmed Musa Donates ₦500,000 Each To Kano Pillars, Mighty Teams

According to govima.com, Nigeria’s Super Eagles Icon, Ahmed Musa, has generously donated ₦500,000 each to the players of Kano Pillars FC Under-19 team and Mighty Jets Under-19 team. This gesture was in recognition of their impressive performances in the ongoing inaugural Under-19 Youth League.

The donation followed Kano Pillars Under-19’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Mighty Jets in a highly competitive match held on Tuesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. The game showcased remarkable skill and determination from both sides, highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s budding football talents.

Musa, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup, personally attended the match alongside his Kano Pillars teammates. He stayed to witness the conclusion of the Youth League fixture before joining his team’s training session in preparation for their Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 13 clash against Lobi Stars.

Known for his leadership both on and off the pitch, Musa continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration. Since rejoining Kano Pillars, he has been instrumental in the team’s performance, contributing to 95% of their goals this season. Over the weekend, he scored his fifth goal of the season, a powerful header against Heartland FC, while also providing three assists and winning three penalties for his side.

Musa’s commitment to grassroots football development was evident in this latest act of generosity, which aims to motivate young players to pursue excellence. The Under-19 Youth League, a platform designed to uncover future stars, aligns perfectly with his vision for the growth of Nigerian football.

As Kano Pillars prepare to face Lobi Stars at the Lafia City Stadium on Saturday, fans are hopeful that Musa’s leadership and stellar form will continue to drive the four-time Nigerian champions towards success.

Ahmed Musa’s unwavering dedication to supporting the sport at all levels underscores his enduring legacy in Nigerian football, making him a role model for the next generation of players. His contributions, both financial and motivational, remain unparalleled, cementing his place as a true ambassador of the game.

Nigeria Premier League

Shehu Abdullahi : The Maestro’s Midfield Magic

By Abdul A Kaugama

Shehu Abdullahi’s outstanding performance in Kano Pillars’ recent match has left fans and critics in awe. The midfielder’s clinical work and vision on the pitch prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian football.

With precision passing and exceptional control, Shehu dictated the pace of the game, showcasing his mastery of the midfield.

His experience and skill were evident as he effortlessly navigated the opposition’s defense. The fans’ electrifying energy was matched only by Shehu’s infectious passion for the game.

Shehu’s resurgence is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His display of top-notch football skills is a clarion call for his return to the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s national team needs his expertise and leadership to excel on the international stage.

In conclusion, Shehu Abdullahi’s impressive form is a welcome development for Nigerian football. As he continues to dazzle fans with his midfield magic, we eagerly anticipate his next move.
May Allah continue to bless Shehu Abdullahi with strength, wisdom, and success in his football career.