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By Muzammil Dalha Yola  Sports Without Borders, in collaboration with Educate A Generation, has finalized arrangements to bring an education exhibition program to Nigeria, targeting young Nigerians. The exhibition aims to provide access to quality educational services from top universities in Asia, the USA, Canada, and North Africa for Nigerians, including athletes, coaches, sports officials, and the youth in general. The founder of Educate A Generation Foundation, Ousman Camara, expressed his delight at the opportunity to advance educational development in Nigeria. Camara, who could hardly hide his excitement about arriving in Nigeria for the event, said, “We all know about Nigeria's strategic importance and its enviable records in various fields.” “It is my noble dream to provide the best opportunities to our brothers and sisters in Nigeria. To open doors for the next generation from the most populous African country is a great opportunity that any genuine advocate of human devel...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  Kano-based NLO side Ahzuba FC has bolstered its squad with the signing of three young players, bolstering its chances for the upcoming 2025 season. The new recruits include central defender Ibrahim Usman from FC Heart Future Stars, attacking midfielder Bashir Garba Muhd WALO from FC SheShe, and striker Murtala Adam Suleiman, a free agent formerly with Kano Pillars Junior. Ahmed Zubairu, proprietor and CEO of Ahzuba FC, expressed his delight with the new acquisitions, stating that they align with the club's objectives of developing young, talented players with marketable potential in the football industry. "Our aim is to provide a platform for committed and disciplined players to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams and goals," Zubairu said. "Recently, three of our players received invitations for trials in Europe, and we are currently processing their visas." This move comes on the heels of Ahzuba FC's partnership with Belgium-based ...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) has been plagued by a recurring issue, the undue pressure on coaches to deliver immediate results, often at the expense of long-term development. This phenomenon, exacerbated by politicians, administrators and management, has far-reaching consequences, including the underperformance of Nigerian clubs in continental competitions and the scarcity of marketable players. According to insiders, NPFL coaches are often subjected to unrealistic expectations, with their job security hanging precariously in the balance. This pressure cooker environment forces coaches to focus on short-term gains, rather than investing time and effort in developing young players and implementing sustainable strategies. The ripple effects of this approach are evident in Nigeria's continental performances. Nigerian clubs have struggled to make a significant impact in CAF competitions, with many failing to progress beyond the group stages. ...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin secured a valuable point against Kano Pillars in the match day 31 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after a goalless draw on Wednesday. The 18-year-old winger, Ibrahim Sani Halliru, won the SWAN Kano Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance. He was introduced at the beginning of the second half and impressed with his sparkling movement and speed skills, winning four free kicks from the eight fouls committed against him. One of these free kicks led to the marching order of Ubon Enem of Bendel Insurance for a second bookable offense. Kano Pillars went into the game on the back of a 2-1 away loss to Plateau United on match day 30, while Bendel Insurance were confident from their 1-0 home victory over Sunshine Stars last weekend. The Benin Arsenals were well-prepared to take their revenge in Kano, but the host maintained their resistance against Insurance's resurgence. This encounter was a rematch...

By Ahmad Hamisu Gwale  Two football clubs from Kano State, Kano Pillars FC and Barau FC, have been eliminated from the 2025 President Federation Cup in the Round of 64. The shocking exit of both Kano clubs began on Tuesday when Enugu Rangers International secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars, with Chiedozie Okorie scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute. The match, played at the Bwari Township Stadium, lived up to expectations as two of Nigeria’s most successful clubs clashed in a high-stakes encounter. In another fixture, former NPFL champions Rivers United edged out Barau FC with a 2-1 victory at the Area 3 Pitch in Abuja on Wednesday. Chijioke Mbaoma opened the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by Philip Odubia in the 26th minute, and Barau FC forward George Enyia pulled one back in the 36th minute, but it was not enough to avoid elimination. The match between Barau FC and Rivers United made history in Nigerian football as the first-ever encounter between t...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  In a groundbreaking move, the Nationwide League One (NLO) has upgraded its website with a Face ID application, a first in Nigeria's football ecosystem. This innovative feature, developed by ZKYTE TECHNOLOGY LTD, an Abuja-based IT firm, aims to eliminate player eligibility doubts and prevent player poaching. According to Olushola Ogunnowo, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO, the Face ID feature on the website (https://www.nigeriannationwideleague.com) has become essential for protecting players' data. "The Face ID uses facial recognition technology to provide intuitive and secure data, accurately mapping the geometry of a player's face." With this feature, clubs can easily track their players, and any attempt to illegally register a player will be halted by the Face ID app. The app will notify the original club via email, informing them that the player is already registered with another team. The NLO Secretariat will also be alerte...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  Nasarawa United showcased their fighting spirit in a crucial NPFL match day 29 on Sunday, securing a dramatic 1-1 draw against former Premier League champions, Kano Pillars, at the Sani Abacha Stadium. The match marked a pivotal moment in United's campaign to stave off relegation, and young midfield sensation Emmanuel Utake proved to be the heartbeat of the team's performance, earning him the SWAN Kano Man of the Match award. The encounter was fiercely competitive, with both teams exhibiting solid athleticism and tactical acumen. Kano Pillars struck first in the 18th minute when their young midfielder Umar Sani threaded a superb pass into the box for Auwalu Malam, who coolly slotted the ball past Nasarawa goalkeeper Detan Ogundare to give the hosts an early lead. Undeterred by the setback, Nasarawa United pushed forward in search of an equalizer, and their efforts bore fruit in the 68th minute. Idris Ajiya soared above the defense to meet a precise cross...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) Wudil is poised to host the highly anticipated Zone E NUGA Preliminary Games, as preparations gain momentum with significant upgrades to its sports facilities. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), led by Chairman Professor Abdulkadir Muhammad Dambazau, along with Director of Sports Abdussalam Abubakar, Deputy Director of Sports Administration Nura Muhammad, and Deputy Director of Sports Technical Sunusi Mamuda, provided insights into the institution's readiness during their recent media engagement. Professor Abdulkadir Dambazau emphasized the university's commitment to hosting the prestigious event by stating, “As an institution, we are saddled with the responsibility to organize the Zone E NUGA Preliminary Games. It has become necessary for us to upgrade, renovate existing facilities, and provide new ones that meet the competition’s requirements.”  The university has undertaken extensiv...