The management of Nasarawa United has congratulated two clubs in the state, Nasarawa Amazons and Basira FC over their recent triumphs in national championships.

The club in a statement Saturday says: “The entire Management and Staff of Nasarawa United FC are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to fellow City clubs, Nasarawa Amazons FC and Basira FC on their outstanding achievements in winning the 4th edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Pre-season Tournament in Benin City, Edo State, and the NLO Afriskaut Cup in Abuja, respectively.

Nasarawa Amazons had beaten 2023/24 Nigeria Women’s Premier Football League champions, Bayelsa Queens, 6-5 via penalty shootout after regulation time ended goalless apiece on Wednesday, 16th October, 2024, to be crowned Champions of the off-season competition.

Basira FC made history by becoming the first winners of the Nigeria Nationwide League One Afriskaut Cup competition since it was renamed, beating hard-fighting First Bank 2-0 in the finale in Abuja on Friday, 18th October, 2024, to be decorated champions of the 3rd-tier league in Nigeria.

Both of you have made Nasarawa State proud with these remarkable feats achieved outside the shores of the State, a proof of your hard work, commitment and spirit of sportsmanship.

We join thousands of well-wishers to celebrate our sister-club, Nasarawa Amazons, on their triumphant preseason cup win, demonstrating the Coach Christopher Danjuma-led team’s potential and promise for the upcoming season in the NWFL.

We commend our City rivals, Basira FC, on their outstanding league campaign, bringing the wealth of their experience to bare from the beginning of the 2023/24 NLO Campaign.

Indeed, the aforementioned achievements have brought so much pride and joy to the people and Nasarawa State as a whole, including Nasarawa United, as these feats underscore the State’s Government’s relentless commitments to promoting sports and sports people at all levels.

On behalf of our Chairman, Mr. Solomon Babanjah, who was physically present at the NLO Afriskaut Cup final, we wish Nasarawa Amazons FC continued success and prosperity in the 2024/25 Nigeria Women’s Premier Football League Season, and also extend our best wishes to Basira FC as they set focus on the 2nd-tier 2024/25 Nigeria National League campaign.

We remain eternally grateful for the unalloyed supports and commitments of the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration to Nasarawa United FC and other representatives of the State at the various levels of club football in the Country, and we assure His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, of our resolve to reward his passion, support and commitment to the teams.”

Reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C are already in the ancient city of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state flly set to maintain the fine form that has seen the team win three matches out of four played since its ouster from the money-spinning, CAF Champions league as they engage Sunshine Stars F.C of Akure at their adopted ground.

Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, would be hosting this match day 6, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture which will be the twentieth time that both sides would be clashing in the top flight with the ‘Flying Antelopes’ enjoying an edge with eight victories as against four for the ‘Owena Whales’ with seven encounters ending in draws in the first nineteen matches.

Still basking in the win over Abia Warriors in an ‘Oriental Derby’ at the weekend in Enugu, the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu led side will be hoping to push for a good result against the coach Kennedy Boboye’ wards who are very strong at their adopted home ground with Chinedu Nwosu, Seth Mayi and others firing from all cylinders for the Akure side.

With the expected presence of reliable midfielder, Kazeem Ogunleye, Isaac Saviour and Ugwueze Chinemerem in the middle of the pack to service the attacking line, the visitors are in for a real deal as they target to improve on their 4th position on the log while the home side will be looking to catch up with the early pace setters.

Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere at the Dipo Dina Int’L Stadium, even as Rangers’ latest attacking sensation, Silas Nenrot said, “I am really glad to be in Rangers. A very big club with high prospects. I want to be part of history by making a big contribution towards retaining the trophy won last season and this starts with this weekend’s game in Ijebu-Ode. Sure, the league is a marathon but we have our eyes on getting the maximum points because we have being working so hard and I believe that with the help of my team mates, we can achieve our goal.”

In the run-up to this weekend’s fixture, Rangers have scored in four consecutive league matches while keeping three clean sheets but their opponent, who have won two league matches out of the five they have played, losing two and ending the other in a draw, the visitors will want to continue in their new found form and make their push for a successful title defense, realisable.

Anticipation is high as the inaugural edition of the Corporate Stars League launches in Abuja, featuring eight teams. The event is set to begin on October 19, 2024, with draws held on Wednesday, in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Olumide Aturu, Managing Director of 5Star Consultancy Limited, emphasized the importance of the Corporate Stars League:

“We noticed a gap in the corporate space, and we believe the Corporate Stars League will bring professionals together to relive memories, network, and foster camaraderie.”

Mouktar Ahmed from the National Pension Commission (NPC) shared his enthusiasm, stating the league provides a fun and networking opportunity, adding that sports are integral to NPC’s ecosystem. “When the chance to participate came up, management was fully on board.”

Williams Agbara from MTN expressed their eagerness to participate, stating they aim to showcase their skills and compete for the top spot. Similarly, Labadan Yunusa from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority highlighted how the league fosters connections across sectors, creating relationships that would otherwise be difficult to form.

The event also served as a platform to raise awareness on mental health. Jakpo Ukueku educated attendees on how sports offer an avenue to connect, share, and improve mental well-being.

The league will run from October 19 to November 30, concluding with a gala night, and is expected to open new opportunities for the participating organizations.