SportsZone.NG

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge, has promised that Kano athletes who win gold medals at the Gateway Games 2024 National Sports Festival will automatically be included in the state's monthly salary payroll. Fagge made this announcement while briefing journalists on the state's preparedness for the festival, stating that silver and bronze medalists would receive rewards after discussions with the government. The Chairman expressed confidence in the athletes' abilities, setting a target to finish among the top five states, an improvement from their 7th position in the previous event. He thanked the Kano State Government and Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for their support, urging athletes to repay this backing with medals.

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced that registered athletes with anti-doping issues are ineligible to compete for medals at the 22nd National Sports Festival, also known as Gateway Games 2024. The NSC cited adherence to global best practices and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code as the reason for this decision. Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade emphasized the Commission's commitment to ensuring clean competition. The following athletes have been identified as having doping issues and are disqualified from competing for medals: 1. Marcus Okon (Akwa Ibom State, Para Athletics) 2. Ayabeke David Opeyemi (Bayelsa State, Gymnastics) 3. Kareem Shukurat (Lagos State, Kickboxing) 4. Omole Dolapo Joshua (Bayelsa State, Kickboxing) 5. Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Bayelsa State, Kickboxing) 6. Animashaun Sofia (Lagos State, Para Powerlifting)  The NSC's decision underscores its dedication to promoting clean sports and enforcing anti-doping regulati...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola In a significant show of support, Dr. Shariff Rabiu Ahalan, the Chairman of the Kano State Football Association, the NFF Technical Committee, and the NFF Marketing and Sponsorship Committee, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on his recent elevation to Acting President of WAFU Zone B. This prestigious appointment, which marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria and West African football, showcases Gusau's leadership and dedication to the development of the sport on the continent. Dr. Ahalan expressed his hopes that Gusau's new role will not only enhance the standing of Nigerian football but also foster collaboration and growth across Africa, particularly in the West African region. In his statement, Dr. Ahalan emphasized, “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of Alhaji Gusau, and we are confident that under his guidance, WAFU Zone B will thrive. His leadership will undoubt...

  By Muzammil Dalha Yola Kano Pillars Football Club has announced that its goalkeeper, Emeka Onyia, has been declared Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) since March 2025. Despite numerous attempts by the club's management and technical team to contact him, Onyia has failed to respond or report to training.  In an official statement by the Kano Pillars Media and Communications Directorate reveals that despite several efforts by the club Management and Technical crew to reach out to him through various channels, there has been no communication or response from Emeka Onyia. He has failed to report to training and has remained completely absent from the club's camp without any formal notification or justification. This conduct is a clear violation of the club's professional code of conduct and disciplinary framework. Kano Pillars FC is treating this matter with utmost seriousness and appropriate actions will be taken in line with the club’s regulations and the Nigeria Premier...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Chairman of Kano Pillars Football Club, Alhaji Ali Na Yara Mai Samba, has extended his warmest congratulations to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on his appointment as Acting President of West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU-B). In a statement released by the Kano Pillars Media & Communication Directorate, Ali Na Yara described Gusau's appointment as a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication to football development in Nigeria and West Africa. "Alhaji Gusau has consistently demonstrated vision and integrity in his stewardship of Nigerian football," he said.  The Chairman expressed confidence that Gusau will bring his signature passion and excellence to WAFU-B, promoting unity and progress among member nations. Kano Pillars FC joins the Nigerian football community in celebrating this achievement and wishes Gusau success in his new role.

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has been installed as the new President of West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B. Gusau's appointment follows the resignation of Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, who stepped down after being elected to the Confederation of African Football's Executive Committee. Gusau's installation is a testament to his leadership and the strong support he enjoys among WAFU B member countries. WAFU Zone B Consists of Niger, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Nigeria. As NFF President since September 2022, Gusau previously served as First Vice President of WAFU B. This development comes shortly after the Nigeria U20 team, the Flying Eagles, secured a bronze medal and qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup.