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By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The highly anticipated Gerawa Rice Mills Inter Banks Football Tournament kicked off in dazzling style on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Kano Pillars Stadium. This year marks the tenth edition of the tournament, sponsored entirely by Gerawa Rice Mills, and the opening ceremony was graced by the esteemed Chairman of Gerawa Group of Companies, Alhaji Isah Ibrahim Gerawa.  In an exhilarating opening match, FCMB delivered an impressive performance, thrashing Unity Bank with a striking scoreline of 4-0. The standout player of the match, Abdullahi Nuhu from FCMB, was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, showcasing his exceptional skills by scoring two goals and leadership on the field. During his remarks at the event, Alhaji Isah Ibrahim Gerawa expressed his delight in sponsoring this year’s tournament, citing the strong relationships Gerawa Rice Mills has fostered with various banks. "Our partnership with these financial institutions aims to en...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Kano State Chapter successfully conducted a one-day capacity building workshop for its members on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Sports Commission, Kano. The workshop, aimed at enhancing members' skills in modern sports journalism and arbitration, coincided with International Peace Day and SWAN Kano Week celebrations. SWAN National President, Comrade Benjamin Isiah, represented by Ex-Officio Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, commended the Kano Chapter for organizing the capacity-building workshop, describing it as a "laudable initiative" that would shape sports journalism in the state. In his remarks, SWAN Kano State Chapter Chairman, Comrade Zaharaddeen Sale, expressed gratitude to members for their support and cooperation, emphasizing their welfare and training as top priorities. As part of the International Peace Day celebrations, SWAN Kano donated essential items, including detergent, laundry so...

  By Muzammil Dalha Yola  The 11th edition of the Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia Sports Foundation Football Tournament commenced on Saturday at the Kano Pillars Stadium, with ADBOSA FC thrashing YANMUSA FC 4-0. In his opening remarks, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia expressed gratitude to contributors who have supported the tournament since its inception over a decade ago. Starting with 4 clubs in Jogana town, later to 16 clubs in Gezawa local government, the tournament has expanded to include 32 clubs from Kano State. The foundation aims to nurture talents beyond football, supporting various sports and community development initiatives. Recently, it donated educational materials and furniture to schools in Gezawa local government. Major General Igbinomwanhia invited individuals and organizations to collaborate with the foundation in empowering youth and community development in Nigeria. The Kano State FA, Referees Council, journalists, Sports Commission and the Local O...

  By Nasir Gide  The Katsina State Ministry of Sports, in conjunction with the Katsina Football Academy, has formed a partnership with the Lagos State Football Association (F.A) to develop football at the grassroots level.  During a two-day working visit to Lagos, State Sports Commissioner Aliyu Lawal Zakari and Academy Chairman Ahmed Muhammad secured the partnership.  During the visit, sports commissioner Aliyu Lawal Zakari stated that the sports ministry and football academy are prepared to create and build a strong collaboration with the Lagos FA for the benefit of the state's teeming youngsters.  While on the visit the state commissioner in the company of the Academy chairman briefed and presented the activities of the Academy to the Lagos FA officials.  Responding, the Lagos State FA chairman Hajj Gaffar expressed delight over the visit and appreciated the effort of the Katsina State government for giving priority to the sports sector.  Hajj Gaffa...

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...