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By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The 2025 Gombe State Inter-secondary Schools Athletics and Principals Cup Football Competition concluded on Saturday with a vibrant closing ceremony at the Pantami Stadium. The event saw medals awarded to outstanding individual athletes and teams who excelled in the one-week sports extravaganza. The closing ceremony, attended by notable dignitaries including Alhaji Mohammed Baba Magami, representative of the Emir of Gombe, and Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, Commissioner of Education, featured the finals of the 400×100 relays for various age categories. Gombe Athletics Academy emerged victorious in the invitational relays for higher institutions, clinching gold ahead of North-East University and Gombe State Polytechnic. In the football event, GDSS Shehu Abubakar secured the gold medal after defeating Savannah Group of Schools Gombe 4-3 in penalties, following a goalless draw in regulation time. Government Science Technical College (GSTC) Gombe claimed the bronze m...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, has assured sponsors and organizers of sports activities in the emirate of his continued support. The Emir's pledge came during the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of the inter-secondary schools athletics and Principal Cup competition held at Pantami Stadium. Represented by Dan Adalan Gombe, Alhaji Muhammad Baba Mabani, the Emir commended the sponsor, Hon. Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, for his commitment to sports development in the state. He noted that the championship would help discover hidden talents and improve the skills of young athletes for future national and international competitions. The Emir also congratulated the winners and urged the losers to redouble their efforts in the next edition. In recognition of his support, the Emir was awarded a lifetime patron of the competition by Hon. Gara Gombe. As the 11th Emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar has been a strong advoca...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  In an electrifying showdown at the Sani Abacha Stadium on thursday, January 23, 2025, enterprising striker Abba Adam showcased his exceptional skills, scoring both goals to secure a dominant 2-0 victory for Kano Pillars against Enyimba in their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 14 encounter. The 18-year-old sensation, often described as a player to rely on, delivered an impressive performance with a keen eye for goal, swift movements, and clinical finishing. Adam opened the scoring in the 26th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Habibu, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. He added his second goal of the match at the 72nd minute from Ahmed Musa's assist. He nearly added to his tally earlier in the match, hitting the goal post with a powerful header just 15 minutes in. With a total of 4 goal contributions in just 6 appearances for Kano Pillars this season comprising 3 goals and 1 assist Abba Adam has quickly become a sta...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  Former Nigerian National Team player and current coach, Andrew Uwe, has expressed his gratitude to Nigeria for providing him with opportunities to excel in football despite his humble beginnings. However, he lamented that the country is not offering the same level of support to current talented youths. During a chat with newsmen at Inter Secondary Schools Athletics and Football Competition tagged "Principal Cup"  in Gombe, sponsored and organized by Green White Green Ltd (GWG) under the leadership of Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara, Uwe praised past sports administrators for creating an environment that allowed him to rise from a poor background to become the captain of the Flying Eagles and eventually play for the Super Eagles. He noted that the opportunities he enjoyed in the past are now rare, citing the absence of professionalism, poor refereeing, and inadequate provision of basic necessities like salaries and kits. Uwe, who hails from Delta State, reveale...

By Ado Salisu  Former Nigeria National team player now a coach Andrew Uwe has expressed gratitude for opportunities the nation offered  him to excel in football as a youth player, but regretted that same country is offering less to current talented Youths to excel. The Ex-Flying Eagles Captain during a chat with newsmen in Gombe heaped praises on Nigeria's pass sports administrators for a good job by ensuring that a player like him from a poor background had opportunities to rise to captain Nigeria's Flying Eagles and moved up to the senior national team the Super Eagles, adding that the opportunity he enjoyed in past is rare this time around. "As a player from a poor background, I had bright opportunities, everything was provided both in the National Team and at Club level in Leventis where I once played, from dutiful referees, salaries, kits all were available to players in our days. Coaches were hired on merit, players picked or selected based on national interest and p...

By Ado Salisu  Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State will declare open the 2025 Gombe Inter-Secondary Schools Athletics Championship and Grassroots Football Competition on Tuesday at the Pantami Stadium. The event has attracted athletes, officials, and stakeholders, including journalists, from across the state. According to the event program, the governor will be joined by other dignitaries, including His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, the Emir of Gombe, who will serve as the Royal Father of the Day. Other expected guests include Professor Abubakar Ibrahim Njodi, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari, Commissioner for Education; and Alhaji Adamu Inuwa Pantami, Commissioner for Youth and Sports. The competition, organized by the Gombe State Athletics Association in collaboration with the Green White Green Sports Center Limited, will feature athletes from 73 schools across 11 local government areas. Ahmed Gara Gombe, Chairman ...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) has announced that its Annual General Assembly (AGA) will take place on January 30, 2025. According to the letter signed by the League Manager Tayo Egbaiyelo released to the all state football associations and NLO clubs stated that, this year's AGA will be held in either a virtual or physical format, with the final decision to be communicated by the NLO Secretariat in due course. In preparation for the event, the NLO has requested that each State Football Association (FA) coordinate with their affiliated clubs to select a representative through a democratic process. The FAs are required to submit the names and phone numbers of their representatives by January 20, 2025, to ensure smooth coordination and participation. The AGA is a crucial event in the NLO calendar, bringing together stakeholders from across the country to discuss key issues and shape the future of Nigerian football. With the January 30 date now confirme...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Zone E has scheduled its preliminary games for February 18-24, 2024, at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil. This decision was made during the Council's meeting at ADUSTECH Wudil, attended by representatives from various universities in the zone. According to Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, Chairman of the LOC Media & Publicity Committee, the Council discussed events, modalities, rules, and regulations, as well as necessary facilities to be provided. Prof. Abdulkadir Muhammad Danbazau, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, expressed ADUSTECH's readiness to host the competition successfully. He also solicited support from Council members and appreciated their considerations during the meeting. The meeting saw the election of Prof. Mustapha Abubakar from Federal University Dutse (FUD) and Nura Muhammad of ADUSTECH Wudil as Chairman and Secretary of NUGA Council Zone E, respectively. ...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Gombe State Athletics Association (GSAA) has announced the lineup of experienced officials for the 2025 Gombe Inter Secondary School Athletics Competition. Chairman Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe revealed the list of 12 top athletics officials, boasting impressive track records in managing major athletics events. Hon. Gara Gombe, a former board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, will spearhead the competition as Director General. Dr. Alex Sule Mana takes the reins as competition manager, while Prince Simon Ayuba serves as Competition Technical Manager. Other key officials include Abbas Mohammed as Chief Track Judge, Gama Yakubu as Chief Field Judge and referee, and Solomon Achi as Chief Time Keeper. According to Hon. Gara Gombe, the careful selection of officials underscores the competition's importance, which has garnered positive feedback from key athletics stakeholders nationwide. Haruna Isa Kalshingi will act as scribe for the week-long event,...

By Jamilu Uba Adamu  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano State Command has collaborated with Gongoni Company Limited to launch a sports-based school awareness campaign aimed at combating drug abuse among youths. Today Wednesday 15th, January, 2025 a delegation from Gongoni Company Limited, led by Marketing Representative Mr. Jacob, visited the NDLEA state commander, Ahmad Idris Abubakar, to solidify the partnership. During the visit, Commander Abubakar expressed his appreciation for Gongoni's efforts and emphasized the importance of collaboration in the fight against drug abuse. Mr. Jacob reiterated Gongoni's commitment to the partnership and conveyed the company's Managing Director's well wishes and greetings. The campaign, which kicks off tomorrow, Thursday, January 16, 2025, will feature a series of sports events and awareness programs at three selected schools: FAAN Staff Secondary, Army Day Girls Secondary School, and Rochas Foundation. This initi...

By Ado Salisu  The Gombe State Inter-Secondary Schools Athletics Competition 2025 has received a significant boost with 73 schools across 11 Local Government Areas officially registering to participate in the championship. Scheduled to take place from January 19 to 25, 2025, at the Pantami Township Stadium in Gombe Metropolis, the event aims to promote sportsmanship, uncover young athletic talents, and foster youth development. Participating schools, including GDSS Dukku West, GSS Bolari East, Emerald International Academy, and Diocesan High School, will compete in various track and field events, such as 100m, 200m, 400m, and relay races, as well as shot put, long jump, high jump, triple jump, and javelin throw. Additionally, football matches are scheduled, featuring youth football teams competing in exciting games leading to the finals. Notably, scouts from Germany, led by former Flying Eagles captain and UEFA License Coach Andrew Uwe, and Coach Henry Ambrose from AGIC-DIASPORA FO...

By Nasir Gide  Katsina State Football Academy has strengthened its European presence by securing partnerships with three prominent Maltese clubs.  The Academy Chairman Ahmed Mohammad finalized the agreement in Malta for young Katsina talents to join Pieta Hotspurs FC, Hamrun Spartans FC, and Zabbar St Patrick FC.  Mohammed also declared that representatives from these top division clubs will visit Katsina in May 2025 for a scouting mission.  This Maltese connection opens new opportunities for our promising players to display their talents in European football," Mohammed said.  Recall that the academy had a breakthrough alliance with France's Bondy Academy in October 2024 -- the renowned training ground that produced Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappé.  Bondy Academy scouts are scheduled to visit Katsina in February 2025 to identify potential talents. The back-to-back European partnerships position Katsina Football Academy as an emerging hub for Nig...

By Ado Salisu  The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has  organised a special golf kitty in partnership with the Defence Headquarters to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRDC) in Abuja. The golf tournament was part of activities lined up to celebrate the 2025 AFDRC. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed on Jan. 15 to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It also honours veterans of World War I and II as well as the Nigerian Civil War. No fewer than 200 golfers took part in the tournament held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) Golf Club, Abuja. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, along with other top military personnel and dignitaries, was on ground to perform the ceremonial tee-off. Musa, represented by the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj. Gen. EAP Undiandeye told newsmen that the tournament was organised in partnership with the NGF to celebrate the retired and fallen heroes. He said the event was significan...

By Muhammad Yasin Adamu The appointment of Muzammil Yola as the new North West Media Representative of Nationwide League One is a welcome development. As a renowned sports journalist with over two decades of experience, Muzammil brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. His background in scouting, coaching and team management will undoubtedly be an asset in promoting the league and engaging with fans. Muzammil's appointment is expected to bring welfare and exposure to the media department of Nationwide League One. As a well-known sports journalist in northern Nigeria, Muzammil's influence and network will help to promote the league and attract new fans. His experience in telecasting sports programs in various media organizations in Kano will also be beneficial in showcasing the league's matches and events. Under the leadership of Tunde Shamsudeen, the Media and Communication Directorate of Nationwide League One is expected to thrive with Muzammil's additio...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The proprietor of Junior Dan Buram (JDB) Football Club of Daura, Katsina state, Prince Daha Umar Faruk, has expressed confidence that his team will emerge victorious in the ongoing 3rd edition of the Dr. Ibrahim Galadima soccer competition. Speaking after JDB FC's 2-1 win over FC Sheshe, which secured their spot in the quarterfinal stage, Prince Faruk praised his team's performance, describing it as "commendable." He emphasized the importance of collective effort to ensure the team's success in the knockout stage. Prince Faruk commended the technical crew and players for their dedication and urged them to maintain their momentum to achieve their objectives. He also applauded the organizers for providing live streaming, which will expose and market the players globally, and introducing the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) device, which he believes has improved and modernized the championship. "This is the best competition we have ever part...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  Barau Football Club has suspended its Technical Adviser, Salisu Yusuf, with immediate effect due to the team's dismal performance in the ongoing 2024/2025 Nigerian National League (NNL) season. According to an official statement signed by Ahmad Hamisu Gwale, Barau FC's Media Officer, the decision was made after a meeting where the management acknowledged Yusuf's efforts during his tenure but deemed his continued presence unsustainable given the team's poor results. After four matches, Barau FC has managed to secure only two points, drawing two home games and losing two away matches, leaving them sixth in the table of seven teams. In the wake of Yusuf's suspension, Chief Coach Rabi'u Tata has been appointed as the interim Technical Adviser, with his assistant providing support to the team. The management's swift decision aims to arrest the team's slide and restore competitiveness to Barau FC's campaign in the NNL.

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) hosted its annual Base Socio-cultural Activities (BASA) and Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Parley on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Air Force Base 455 Kano Command. The event aimed to celebrate achievements, recognize outstanding personnel, and honour veterans. Group Captain Mustapha Sulaiman, Commander of Air Force Base 455 Kano, emphasized the significance of BASA in fostering camaraderie and recognizing contributions to the service. The event featured cultural performances from various groups across the country, showcasing Nigeria's rich diversity. This year's BASA introduced a special package, CAS Parley, designed to engage veterans and address their challenges. Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, directed that CAS Parley be conducted across all NAF units to ensure veterans' participation and recognition. Special guests included Kano State Governor Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Air Commando Sani...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  As part of their annual tradition, Kano Pillars U12 Football Club visited the orphanage home in Nassarawa GRA, Kano State, and donated food items to the children. This heartfelt gesture was made ahead of the New Year 2025. According to Nura Adam Platini, Head Coach of Kano Pillars U12, U13, and U14, "This visit is a regular gesture by the Kano Pillars Future Boys to show our support and care for the orphans during the New Year period." During the visit, Kano Pillars U12 played a friendly match against the Kano State Orphan Football Club, losing 2-1. However, Coach Platini identified two talented players from the orphanage team and offered them a spot on the Kano Pillars U12 team. Coach Platini emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, saying, "We do this every year to support the orphans by visiting them and donating a token to enable them feel special and have a sense of belonging." The management of the orphanage home expre...

By Abdulgafar Oladimeji  The Moses Andishu Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sports development in Nigeria by co-sponsoring the sports events at the 2024 Calabar Carnival. The foundation's founder, Moses Ted Andishu, commended the carnival organizers for incorporating sports into the annual event, describing it as a "handsome decision." Joseph Andishu, the foundation's representative in Nigeria, explained that the co-sponsorship is part of the foundation's ongoing efforts to support the growth of the sports industry in Nigeria. "We take sports development seriously, and the introduction of sports at the Calabar Carnival aligns with our vision and mission to promote sports growth at the grassroots level," he said. The inaugural sports activities at the carnival featured football, swimming, athletics, boxing, and bike riding, among others. The Calabar Carnival, held annually in Cross River State, Nigeria, is a premier hospitality event...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The 3rd edition of the Dr. Ibrahim Galadima Cup is set to kick off on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, promising an unprecedented football experience. For the third consecutive year, the competition will feature FIFA-approved technology, including the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. This year, organizers have taken it up a notch by introducing live streaming and real-time match statistics, offering fans an immersive experience like never before. The prestigious tournament celebrates the enduring legacy of Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Galadima, a renowned figure in Nigerian sports and patron of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. The event serves as a tribute to his exceptional contributions to sports development in Kano and across the nation. Engr. Suleiman Musa, Head of the Local Organizing Committee, expressed pride in the tournament's role in pioneering technology in Nigerian football. "We began integrating VAR three years ago, a...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  In line with National Sports Commission's catch-them-young disposition, the Commission has thrown its weight behind teenage tennis sensation Khadijat Eleojo Mohammed.  In a press release signed by Ajayi Kehinde (Mrs) Director (information and PR) NSC stated that, Khadijat at only 15 years has proven to be the next big thing in Nigerian tennis. She became the first West or Central African player to win the ITF J30 World  Tour. Aged 14 in 2023, she is the first teenager to win the Dala Tennis, a title she retained this year. Way above her peers, she has even cracked it professionally with back-to-back Dala Hard Court titles.  The challenge now, is how to make that step to the next level considering the immense financial demands of professional tennis. For this reason, her father and coach, Mohammed Ohinoyi, a certified ITF coach and a former professional tennis player, appealed to the NSC for support.  They had helped her thus far with thei...

Ahmad Hamisu Gwale - Kano  Honourable Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, known as Abba Bichi, inspected the ongoing construction of an 18,000-seater stadium in Bichi Local Government, Kano State.  The Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Kabir reiterated his commitment to completing the stadium project. During his inspection, Abba Bichi was accompanied by his top officials and visited the stadium building, sports center, indoor sports hall, and other facilities.  He expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and encouraged the contractors to put in more effort to meet the contract's requirements. The completion of the stadium is expected to attract investments to Bichi, creating long-term income opportunities for commercial companies.  It will also serve the Kano North region, potentially boosting economic growth and development in the area. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, is a Nigerian politician and member of the House of Representatives, representi...

  By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Katsina State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has inaugurated its newly elected officials. The ceremony took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Katsina. SWAN National Ex-Officio Officer Lurwanu Idris Malikawa inaugurated the new executives, who will run the affairs of the association for the next three years. The elected officials include: - Nasir Gide as Chairman - Muhammad Habib Umar as Vice Chairman - Abidu Yunusa as Treasurer - Aminu Musa Bukar as Secretary - Abubakar S. Nuhu as Assistant Secretary - Aliyu Rufa'e as Financial Secretary - Haruna Yusuf as Welfare Secretary - Aminu Tanimu Yar'adua as Auditor Following the swearing-in ceremony, Lurwanu Idris Malikawa congratulated the newly elected officials and charged them to devise innovative ways to promote the association's activities. In his remarks, Katsina NUJ Chairman Comrade Tukur Hassan Dan'ali advised the new executives to ...

  Muzammil Dalha Yola  An array of football stars will converge on the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano, on January 4th, 2025, at 4 pm, to showcase their talents at the 3rd edition of the annual Dr. Ibrahim Galadima Cup. The football tournament, organized to celebrate the former chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Ibrahim Galadima, aims to applaud his sacrifices and contributions to sports development in Nigeria. According to Ado Salisu, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, 16 teams will compete in groups A, B, C, and D. Prominent clubs participating in the tournament include Proline FC, Clever Warriors, Azhuba FC, Kano Pillars FC (Junior), Super Stars Sheka, Kwankwasiyya FC, and Dabo Babes FC. Ado disclosed that the competition would maintain its usual festive atmosphere, with clubs from outside Kano participating. He also announced that VAR facilities would be deployed to ensure fair officiating. In his words, "All the features that made the to...