Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, has approved the appointment of Muhammad Barde Zakar as Technical Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State Malam Bala Ibrahim.

Similarly, the Governor has approved the appointments of new Management crew for Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club.

“The appointment is coming as part of His Excellency’s commitments to ensure continued success and growth of the Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club” The SSG said.

The SSG listed the composition of the newly appointed Management crew are as follows:

1. Gambo Umar Labbo – Chairman

2. Engineer Idris Zangi – Vice Chairman

3. Abdulmajid Auwal Ali – Team Manager

4. Baba Garba – Asst. Team Manager

5. Hauwa Garba – Welfare

6. Ado Mato Gwaram – Coach

7. Sabo Abdullahi – FA Representative

8. Ibrahim Isyaku – PRO

9. Dodo Isah – Member

10. Jafaru M. Shu’aibu – Member

11. Abdulkadir Kalla – Member

12. Ali M. Ibrahim – Club Secretary

“Furthermore, as part of his efforts to improve the home-based players confidence in the State, the Governor has also approved the establishment and appointments of the Management crew for Junior Golden Stars (Danmodi Strikers) which will serve as feeder team for Jigawa Golden Stars main team with purely Jigawa State indigenes” the statement said.

Malam Bala Ibrahim said, those appointed as pioneer Management crew of the newly established Junior Golden Stars (Danmodi Strikers) are as follows:

1. Ibrahim Auwal Kwiachiri – Chairman

2. Babangida M. Shalla – Team Manager

3. Hassan Magaji – Welfare

4. Nura Arma Maigatari – Coach

5. Muhammad Ado – Asst. Coach

6. Suleiman Isyaku – PRO

7. Sabo Saleh Gantsa – Member

8. Ibrahim Jibrin – Secretary

The statement further explained that, the new Management Crews have been carefully selected based on merit, competence and experience.

“While congratulating the appointees it is hoped that, they will bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will be instrumental in managing and overseeing the affairs of the Clubs” the SSG said.

He disclosed that, the rationale behind the formation of the new Management crew is poised to implement initiatives that will enhance the Golden Star’s performance, attract private sponsorships and increase community involvement in Sports development statewide as well as to provide stability, continuity, crucial for long term success and resilience in line with Governor Malam Umar Namadi vision.

The SSG stated that, the Management Crews are expected to collaborate closely with the State Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture and other stakeholders in the Sports industry to promote the Clubs.

All the appointments take immediate effect.

The main-bowl of ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, will come alive on Thursday, October 3, 2024, as the reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International seek for the maximum point at stake in the rescheduled match day 3, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture as Bayelsa United come visiting.

Still feeling the pains of the 2-1 loss to current table topping side, Remo Stars, at the weekend in Ikenne, the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu tutored side look fit and trim to do the needful against the coach Laddan Bosso led side that picked a draw at the weekend in their backyard, Yenagoa when Kwara United visited.

The ’Flying Antelopes’ will be welcoming back midfielder, Kazeem Ogunleye who was greatly missed in the Ikenne debacle as he served a match suspension just as wing-back, Effimi Nsi, captain, Chinecherem Ugwueze are expected to be at their best to help the Coal City side mount the expected pressure on the early pace setters of the league.

With four points from three matches played in the NPFL this season and currently occupying the 12th spot on the log, the players appreciate the task at hand as expressly stated by the captain of the side, Chinemerem Ugwueze, who stated that the team is determined to give its best and get the expected result that will enhance their resolve to successfully defend the title they won last season.

“No team is a small team anymore. Bayelsa United is a respected side under a great coach but we have our work cut out for us. It is the maximum point that we are targeting and I am optimistic that we shall get our acts together to make our supporters happy at the end of the encounter,” said the young skipper of Rangers.

In sixteen matches between both teams, Rangers have won 5 matches with the Yenagoa side winning 4 while seven matches have ended in draws with the Enugu side spanking their opponent, 3-0 in their last encounter in May, 2024 after earlier suffering a 2-0 loss in Yenagoa in December, 2023.

Engr. Ibrahim Dada FNSE, Niger Tornadoes Chairman, emphasized the importance of discipline, commitment, and focus to the team’s success.

He stated this shortly after the team’s training session at Fomwan Football Pitch in Minna.

The chairman emphasized that discipline is essential for achieving individual and team goals, hence the need for the players to be well behaved and accord their coaches and team mates respect irrespective of circumstances.

Engr. Dada then tasked the players to be fully committed and dedicated to the team’s vision.

He added that to achieve this season’s target, the players must maintain high level of concentration and determination throughout.

Reacting to last Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance of Benin in the NPFL, he said, “playing with a man down and securing a draw is commendable. I’m proud of your resilience.”

“In fact, it is you that saw the result as draw, to me it was a win and I therefore pledge a token for appreciation and I’ll pay match bonus for the draw.”

“Normally, we pay bonuses for away draw, win and home wins as reward but for the game against Bendel Insurance I’m paying you full match bonus.”

The chairman then urged the players to target a win against Heartland this weekend and claim more goodies.