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By Muzammil Dalha Yola  Azerbaijan First Division League side Qabala FK has announced the signing of former Kapaz striker Abdullahi Shuaibu, popularly known as Abdul Jega, on a 2-year contract. The Nigerian forward joins Qabala FK after a successful 2-year spell with Kapaz FC, where he scored 12 goals and provided 5 assists. Abdullahi Shuaibu's impressive performance at Kapaz FC caught the attention of Qabala FK's scouts, leading to his signing. The 2-year contract is a testament to the club's confidence in the striker's abilities. During his time at Kapaz FC, Abdullahi Shuaibu established himself as a key player, helping the team secure crucial wins with his goals and assists. His experience in the Azerbaijan Premier League will undoubtedly benefit Qabala FK, who are looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. Qabala FK's management expressed delight in signing Abdullahi Shuaibu, praising his skills and work ethic. The striker is expected to make an

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has descended into chaos as clubs continue to disregard the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) directive to halt new player registrations. Despite the NFF's clear instruction, several top clubs, including Enyimba, Akwa United, Lobi Stars, and others, have fielded new players in their Matchday one matches, flouting the order and undermining the league's integrity. This blatant disregard for the NFF's authority comes after Elkanemi Warriors set the tone by conniving with NFF Club Licensing Department and NPFL officials to transfer old players and play new ones against Enugu Rangers FC, defying a transfer ban and playing of new players order. The NFF's silence on the matter has raised concerns, with many questioning the federation's ability to govern the league effectively. The Players Status and Arbitration Committee's rulings, aimed at resolving contract disputes, have been rendered usel

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  Kano Pillars FC Technical Adviser, Usman Shariff Abdallah, has commended Bayelsa United for their impressive attacking displays in the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League season. Abdallah spoke during a media session organized by the club Media and Communications Directorate on wednesday 11th September 2024 at the Mix Zone Sani Abacha Stadium Kano, ahead of their Match Day 2 clash against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa. Abdallah praised Bayelsa United's scoring prowess, despite their struggles in the first half of the previous season. He emphasized his coaching philosophy prioritizes defensive solidity, ensuring his team is well-structured at the back before focusing on attack. The former Super Eagles Assistant Coach also praised his team's performance in their previous match, securing a dominant 3-0 victory over Ikorodu City. He acknowledged that his team is not yet at 100% but 60%, promising continued hard work to strengthen their defense and create an

  By Muzammil Dalha Yola  Abba Small, CEO of Alfindiki United, has made an impassioned appeal to his fellow club owners in Kano to throw their support behind Ali Nayara Mai Samba, the newly appointed Chairman of Kano Pillars FC. Mai Samba, who takes the reins as the first club owner to lead Kano Pillars, will face his first test in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, September 8, 2024, when the team takes on Ikorodu City FC in Katsina. Abba Small, in a statement, urged his colleagues to pray for Mai Samba's success, saying, "This is a momentous occasion for Kano Pillars, and we must rally behind our brother to ensure his success." He added, "May Almighty God grant Kano Pillars victory in their match on sunday against Ikorodu City FC. I wish our team all the best." The appeal comes as a show of solidarity among club owners in Kano, who recognize the significance of Mai Samba's appointment and the need to support him in his new role. A

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, is ready to host the 8th National Youth Games, scheduled to take place from September 9-19, 2024. The stadium has undergone significant upgrades, with new facilities installed to ensure a successful event. According to Chief Solomon Ogba, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, all necessary logistics are in place for a memorable edition of the games. "We are delighted to host the 8th National Youth Games in Delta State, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the stadium and facilities meet the required standards," Ogba said. The National Youth Games, an annual event, provides a platform for young athletes from across Nigeria to showcase their talents and compete in various sports disciplines. This year's edition promises to be an exciting one, with states gearing up to exhibit their next-generation stars. The upgraded Stephen Keshi Stadium boasts modern facilities, including a tartan track

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  A total of nine Nigerian players have been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award since 1995, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the beautiful game. The list of nominees includes Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Sunday Oliseh, Asisat Oshoala, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman. Notably, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala made history in 2023 by becoming the first male and female Nigerian players to be nominated for the award in the same year. Osimhen's impressive performances for Napoli and the Super Eagles earned him a spot among the world's best, while Oshoala's dominance for Barcelona Femini and the Super Falcons solidified her position as one of the top female players globally. Ademola Lookman followed in Osimhen's footsteps in 2024, earning a nomination after a standout season with Atalanta. His pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability have made him a fan favourite and

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  FK Kukecsi  Albania has intensified its efforts to return to the elite league in Albania after last season's relegation, with the signing of new players to bolster its squad. Nasir Abubakar Abdulkadir, a 19-year-old Nigerian striker, is the latest addition to the team, penning a three-year contract with Kukecsi. Nasir's impressive performance last season with Apolonia, where he scored 10 goals and provided 6 assists in the league, made him a hot commodity in the Albanian football scene. The Kano born sensation was discovered through a scouting program conducted by Dansaurayi Sports Management Agency in Kano last year. His outstanding performance has generated significant interest among Albanian clubs, with Kukecsi FK Albania beating off competition to secure his services. Abdulkadir's signing is seen as a major coup for Kukecsi FK Albania, as the team seeks to regain its place in the elite league. The club's management has expressed confidence th