Nigeria Premier League
Opinion: Kwara Sports Needs Stability, Not A Leadership Vacuum
BY NICHOLAS UWERUNONYE
As Kwara United gears up for its CAF Confederation Cup campaign and the new Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season beckons, this is hardly the time for a leadership vacuum in the state’s sports administration.
The expiration of Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji’s tenure as Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission comes at a delicate moment—and it exposes a critical structural gap that needs to be urgently addressed.
Coach Mogaji, whose four-year tenure ended on Sunday, confirmed the board’s expiration during a local radio sports programme.
His tone was modest, appreciative of the governor’s trust, and reflective of a term that, by many metrics, recorded visible milestones in Kwara’s sporting ecosystem.
Indeed, Mogaji’s era ushered in improved organisation, stronger talent development frameworks, and increased visibility for Kwara in national sporting events.
These achievements, however, now risk stagnating without swift and strategic leadership continuity.
It is understandable—expected, even—that the governor will appoint people he knows and trusts into public office. Political reality demands no less.
But to avoid the perception and pitfalls of favoritism, especially in a sector as sensitive as sports, appointments should be balanced with institutional safeguards.
This is where a properly constituted board and a Director General (DG), as prescribed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) model, becomes indispensable.
Such a structure offers continuity, reduces political friction, and ensures that sports development doesn’t hinge solely on political cycles or personal networks.
With a DG in place, the commission could maintain institutional memory, technical expertise, and policy direction—regardless of who occupies the chairmanship.
The timing of this leadership vacuum is particularly troubling. Kwara United is about to fly the state’s flag on the continental stage.
The team will need more than just financial support; it needs strong administrative backing, government liaison, and policy coordination—tasks best managed by a stable and empowered sports commission.
Leaving the commission leaderless at this crucial juncture sends the wrong signal, not just to athletes and sports enthusiasts, but to stakeholders, sponsors, and CAF observers who are watching how states manage their clubs and sports infrastructure.
Sports in Kwara is bigger than any one personality. It requires vision, structure, and continuity.
The governor has done well to appoint competent people in the past, but the future demands more than goodwill—it demands institutions that work, irrespective of who is in charge.
The way forward is clear: reconstitute the board promptly and institutionalize the DG role as recommended by the NSC.
That is how we secure the gains of Mogaji’s tenure and ensure Kwara doesn’t lose momentum on the field—and off it.
Nigeria Premier League
Rangers Secure 2-0 Win Over Abia Warriors As NPFL Action Heats Up
Rangers International put on a show in Enugu on Wednesday, sealing a convincing 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday five encounter.
The Flying Antelopes got off to a bright start as Chigozie Iwundu struck in the 13th minute, sending the home fans into wild celebrations. Just before the half-hour mark, Godwin Obaje doubled the lead, showcasing his fine form with two goals in his last two matches.
The win catapulted Rangers into fifth place on the NPFL table with 11 points from seven games, keeping them within touching distance of the top four. Meanwhile, Abia Warriors, despite the loss, remain in fourth place with 12 points from the same number of matches.
Elsewhere at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday six fixture. Club legend Rabiu Ali rolled back the years, scoring the only goal in the 23rd minute to give Pillars a much-needed victory.
With the NPFL season still taking shape, fans can expect more drama, goals, and big performances as the race for the top intensifies.
At Sports Market International, we continue to bring you the best coverage, analysis, and insights from the world of football and beyond. Stay tuned — the NPFL is only just getting started!
Local News
Nasarawa United Head Coach Mbwas Mangut Hails Players After 2-1 Victory At Bayelsa United
Nasarawa United Head Coach Mbwas Mangut Has Praised His Players For Their Impressive Performance Following A Hard-Fought 2-1 Away Victory Against Bayelsa United In The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Solid Miners Showed Resilience At The Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, On Sunday, Rallying From A Goal Down To Secure Their First Away Win Of The 2024/25 NPFL Season.
How The Game Unfolded
Bayelsa United Took The Lead In The 36th Minute Through Jawad Mustapha, Putting The Hosts In Control. However, Nasarawa United Responded Bravely, With Ekeson Okorie Restoring Parity Just Before Half-Time.
Substitute Victor Onovuke Then Delivered The Decisive Moment In The 89th Minute, Scoring The Winning Goal To Hand Nasarawa United A Memorable Victory On The Road.
Mangut Talks Up Massive Win
Speaking After The Match, Coach Mbwas Mangut Highlighted The Determination And Discipline Of His Team Despite Difficult Playing Conditions.
“It Was A Very Tight Game Based On The Condition Of The Field As It Was Water-Logged Due To A Heavy Downpour,” Mangut Told The Club’s Media.
“We Conceded Through An Error, But We Played Our Way Back And Got What We Worked For. After Losing Their Last Home Game, Bayelsa United Were More Under Pressure In Today’s Game. So, We Came With A Game Plan To Frustrate Them The More, And It Worked For Us.
“I Give Credit To My Boys For Being Able To Get The Job Done, Without Sounding Disrespectful To The Bayelsa United’s Side, Because They Gave Their All, But Unfortunately Couldn’t Get Any Positive Result.”
What The Result Means
The Win Marks A Significant Step Forward For Nasarawa United In Their NPFL Campaign. Securing An Away Victory Against A Tough Opponent Like Bayelsa United Underscores Their Ambition To Climb Higher Up The Table And Compete With The League’s Best.
Sports Market International Continues To Deliver The Best Sport Blog Content Across The World, Highlighting NPFL Action, Tactical Insights, And Inspirational Stories That Shape The Sports Market.
Local News
Rivers United Offer Free Jerseys And Free Admission Ahead Of NPFL Clash With Shooting Stars
Former Super Eagles Coach Finidi George’s Rivers United Are Raising The Stakes Ahead Of Their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Clash With Shooting Stars By Offering Fans Free Replica Jerseys And Free Admission To The Match. The Rivers State Outfit Will Host Ibadan Warriors At Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium On Sunday, In One Of The Biggest Fixtures Of Week Four.
Both Teams Are Eager For A Win After Dropping Points Last Weekend. Rivers United Settled For A Goalless Draw With El-Kanemi Warriors, While Shooting Stars Were Held By Nemesis Ikorodu City In Ibadan.
To Ignite Fan Support And Boost Their Chances, Rivers United Announced On Social Media A Special Giveaway:
“FREE Replica Jerseys For FANS! Gate Fee: FREE! Don’t Miss Out! Show Your Team Pride & Join Us For An Electrifying Match.”
This Bold Move Highlights The Pride Of Rivers’ Determination To Secure All Three Points In This Crucial Encounter As Finidi Looks To Challenge For The NPFL Title Again.
The History Between The Two Clubs Adds Extra Spice To The Fixture. Rivers Have Claimed Four Wins In The Last Eight Meetings, While Shooting Stars Have Three. Notably, In Their Last Four Meetings In Port Harcourt, Rivers United Have Been Dominant With Four Clean-Sheet Victories, Including A 2-0 Win In Shooting Stars’ Last Visit.
Finidi George’s Rivers United Will Be Hoping To Rely On The Unwavering Support Of Their Energised Home Crowd, Boosted By The Free Jersey Offer, To Continue Their Strong Home Form And Shoot Down Oluyole Warriors This Weekend.
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