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By Muzammil Dalhatu Yola The fixtures for the 2025 season of the New Year Mega Lottery (NYML) Nationwide League One (NLO) have been officially announced, featuring a total of 32 teams from across the country competing for promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL). This was confirmed in a statement signed by Olushola Ogunnowo, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO. According to the COO, the promotion will be determined through a round-robin format, with teams divided into 8 groups of 4. Each team will play three matches, and the group winners will qualify directly for promotion to the NNL. For the fixtures at Slot 1 (Ijebu-Ode Stadium), the matchups will feature the Winner of Legacy Pitch A against the Winner of Maracana B, while the Winner of Legacy Pitch B will face the Winner of Maracana A. In Slot 2 (Legacy Pitch), the Winner of Ikorodu A will compete against the Winner of Ebedei, and the Winner of Ikorodu B will go up against the Winner of Ilaro. Proceeding to Slot 3 in...

  The Vice Chancellor of Skyline university, Kano, Professor Ajith Kumar V.V. has reiterated his commitment to partner with key stakeholders aimed at improving and moving sporting sector forward. The vice Chancellor made the pledge during the closing ceremony  of 5th Skyline university 5- aside football and basketball tournaments held at the institution premises. Professor  Ajith Kumar V.V. said that university management is keen interest to collaborate with the Kano state government and other major stakeholders to design more sporting  programmes with a view to identified hidden talented players for future national and international competitions. He added that the university has been organizing inter secondary and youth tournaments as part of it's contributions to complement government efforts in sports development. The Vice Chancellor further hinted that the university will participate in the next edition of Kano state higher institutions games (KASHIGA) and other ...

  By Khalid Bello Fagge Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye's tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Board has been a game-changer for Nigerian football. His leadership, vision, and passion have transformed the league, yielding tangible results and benefits for all stakeholders. As John Maxwell aptly puts it, "Leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less." Elegbeleye's leadership style has indeed influenced the NPFL's trajectory. Under his visionary guidance, the NPFL has witnessed notable improvements in various critical areas, including: - Broadcasting: Strategic partnerships and deals have increased the league's visibility and revenue, allowing for broader reach and exposure. - Sponsorship: Elegbeleye has secured significant sponsorship deals, ensuring financial stability and growth, and enabling clubs to invest in talent and infrastructure. - Fan Engagement: Initiatives to enhance the fan experience have been implemented, fosterin...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  In a bold move to promote gender inclusion in sports and youth empowerment, the Nigerian American Football Association (NAFA), in partnership with Browns Nigeria, officially launched the Gridiron Gems program at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The initiative aims to introduce American football to 150,000 girls across Nigeria while equipping them with essential life skills, leadership training, and opportunities for long-term personal development. The event, which attracted prominent figures and stakeholders in sports, gender advocacy, and community development, featured a series of engaging panel discussions and breakout sessions. These sessions focused on sensitizing young girls about critical issues such as personal safety, self-empowerment, and the importance of continuous skill development. Speakers shared powerful messages about the significance of standing up for oneself and protecting personal boundaries...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  In an effort to drive growth and enhance operational effectiveness within the Nationwide League One (NLO), STW Nigeria Limited in partnership with NYML/NLO has announced the upcoming 2025 NYML/NLO Virtual Management Workshop. Scheduled for April 17-18, 2025, this significant event aims to equip NLO club managers with essential tools and insights necessary for navigating the modern landscape of sporting business. The workshop boasts a lineup of esteemed professionals from the football industry, offering participants a chance to gain invaluable knowledge on a wide range of topics that include financial management, brand-building, and sustainability.  Workshop Highlights: Day One: April 17, 2025 - 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: *Transfers in Amateur Football* led by Mr. Nasiru Jibril - 11:05 AM - 11:50 AM: *Financial Management for Clubs in the Nationwide League One* presented by Dr. Damilola Adedotun - 11:50 AM - 12:05 PM: Break - 12:10 PM - 12:55 PM: *Building a S...

  By Muzammil Dalha Yola  In a thrilling final that showcased the talent of young Nigerian striker Yusuf Sulaiman, Birzebugga St. Peters FC triumphed over Vittoriosa Stars FC, clinching promotion to the elite division of the Malta football league. The match, which saw Sulaiman at the forefront of the action, was a testament to his remarkable prowess on the pitch. Kano-born Sulaiman, formerly of Capital City Abuja, had an outstanding 2024/25 season, netting an impressive 33 goals across various competitions. His unparalleled performance included winning the Top Scorer Award in the Champion Youth League with 24 goals, along with 7 goals in the Amateur League and 2 goals in the Amateur Cup. In a post-match interview, the ecstatic striker expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the fans and coaches who supported him throughout the season. “This victory is not just mine; it belongs to the entire team, the coaches, and our incredible fans. Their belief in me has fueled my desire to imp...