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By Ado Salisu The Tswako Foundation has successfully concluded its inaugural Grassroots Tennis Clinic and Tournament for players aged 16 and under. The three-day event, held at the prestigious Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, featured an impressive turnout of young talents and supporters of youth sports development. The event began with a two-day tennis clinic aimed at scouting and nurturing budding tennis players, followed by a competitive tournament designed to expose young athletes to professional-level play and potential scholarship opportunities. Mr. Sadiq Tswako, founder and convener of the Tswako Foundation, stated that the initiative was designed to motivate young players, boost grassroots sports development, and inspire greater participation in tennis across Nigeria. "The goal of the Tswako Foundation is to discover and nurture hidden talents and provide platforms for their growth. We hope to infuse confidence in th...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Kano All Stars football team and Kaduna have secured their spots in the final of the Northwest Veterans All Stars qualifier tournament held at Sani Abacha Stadium Kofar Mata. The teams showcased impressive performances to reach the final. Kano's Journey to the Final - Defeated Sokoto 6-0 - Thrashed Kebbi 2-1 Kaduna's Path to the Final - Pipped Zamfara by a single goal - Beat Jigawa 6-0 In the group stage, Zamfara and Kebbi had notable wins, with Zamfara hammering Jigawa 6-0 and Kebbi trashing Sokoto 5-0. However, both teams fell short of advancing to the final stage. The final match between Kano All Stars and Kaduna will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 4 pm at Sani Abacha Stadium. The winner will represent the Northwest region at the national tournament.¹

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, has issued a press release signed by Chairman Zaharaddeen Saleh and Secretary Muhammad Nur, calling on the Kano State Government to declare a state of emergency in the sports sector. This appeal comes in the wake of an emergency meeting held on June 24, 2025, where the State Executive Committee (SEC) of SWAN Kano Chapter resolved to urge the government to take immediate action to address the challenges crippling sports development in the state. According to SWAN, sports in Kano is at a critical crossroads, with inadequate funding, outdated governance structures, lack of sponsorship, and a shortage of qualified professionals severely hindering its progress. The association is calling for comprehensive reforms driven by genuine political will to attract meaningful investments and address these longstanding challenges. The call for reform is further underscored by the tragic incident involving the...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Northwest Veterans All Stars qualifier tournament is set to commence in Kano, with Zamfara Veterans All Stars football team gearing up to face Jigawa in the opening match. The highly anticipated fixture will take place at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, tomorrow morning, Thursday, at 7 am. The Zonal Coordinator of the zone, Alhaji Danburan Abubakar Nuhu, a former Kano State Commissioner of Information, Youth, and Sports, expressed delight at the impressive turnout of participant teams. He urged the teams to maintain a spirit of sportsmanship, emphasizing that the competition is not a do-or-die affair. Alhaji Danburan Abubakar Nuhu commended the players and officials for their cooperation and support, assuring that the local organizing committee will work tirelessly to ensure the championship's success. He noted that the zone has produced exceptional sports administrators, including the National Sports Commission's Malam Shehu Dikko, the President...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Shehu Jinjiri is a name that is synonymous with football excellence in Nigeria. A young and ambitious coach from Kano State, Jinjiri has made a name for himself in the football world with his impressive credentials and achievements. With a career spanning over two decades, Jinjiri has established himself as a top-notch coach with a passion for developing young talents and promoting football in Nigeria. Born on April 14, 1979, in Kano State, Jinjiri's educational background is a testament to his dedication to learning and personal development. He attended Rinda Tozo Primary School in Gaya, where he obtained his Primary School Leaving Certificate in 1991. He then proceeded to Zawan Comprehensive Secondary School in Jos, where he obtained his Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 1996. Jinjiri furthered his education at Science Secondary School in D/Tofa, Kano State, where he obtained his National Examination Certificate (NECO). He also attended Bay...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Chairman of Dansaurayi Sports Agency, Umar Abubakar Dansaurayi, has emphasized the transformative power of football in the lives of young people. According to him, football is the easiest way to change the life of a poor person into something meaningful in a short period. Abubakar made this statement to SportsZone.ng while highlighting the importance of government support for young footballers. Abubakar's call is timely, given the numerous challenges facing young people in the country. He believes that with the right support, young people can harness their talents and achieve great things through football. The sports administrator is therefore urging the government to provide scholarships to young footballers, just like they do in education. This initiative, Abubakar argues, would not only help young people develop their football skills but also keep them away from idleness and drug abuse. By investing in football, the government can empower young people ...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Bundesliga Common Ground x EA FC Youth Development Program has successfully concluded its 8-week initiative in Lagos, Nigeria. The program, implemented in partnership with EA SPORTS FC, focused on youth empowerment through football drills and educational workshops. Hosted in the vibrant Agbado Ijaiye residential area, the program engaged 80 youths, both girls and boys, from local communities. The initiative, which kicked off in April, featured football drills and educational workshops, some of which are also featured in the EA FC video game. The program's conclusion on June 21, 2025, was marked with a closing event where all participants received certificates and gifts. Key stakeholders, including Mohammed Mohammed (representing the Bundesliga), Diego Contento, and Bundesliga legend Jay-Jay Okocha, participated in the project. The program's success has sparked interest in expanding the initiative to other parts of Nigeria. During the closing event, Mo...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Four teams from the Northern Conference have secured their spots in the Nigeria National League for the upcoming season after qualifying from the 2025 Nationwide League One (NLO) playoffs. The four teams are Mai Kunkele United (Niger State), Kano Ambassadors (Kano State), Warinje FC (Bauchi State) and City FC (FCT).  The competition was intense at the 2025 NLO Playoff held at the Bwari Centre, where Mai Kunkele United narrowly edged out House of Prayer FA by a two-goal difference.  Both teams finished on 7 points after three matches, achieving two wins and one draw each. Meanwhile, Zeal Minds FC and Na Royal FC finished at the bottom of the log with 3 points and no points, respectively. At the Jos Centre, Warinje FC from Bauchi State was the standout team, winning two matches and drawing one in their three matches. At the Gumel Centre, Kano Ambassadors from Kano State dominated their group, achieving a perfect record by winning all three matches. They sc...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) National Table Tennis Championships is set to begin on Monday, June 23, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. This two-day tournament is part of NSSF’s ongoing efforts to provide students across Nigeria with a platform to showcase their talents, identify and nurture future stars.NSSF will further ensure that Outstanding student athletes have the plartform to compete with their counterparts in various international competitions. According to Dr. Oba Funsho Usman, Secretary General of the NSSF, the championship, is designed to expose young players to competitive match experience within the country as a foundation for international grooming. “We are fully aware of Nigeria’s rich pool of sporting talent. At NSSF, our goal is to create a level playing field for students nationwide to showcase their abilities. This tournament is not just about competition—it’s about giving every student a chance to be seen, supported, an...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Kano Ambassadors Football Club has made history by securing a well-deserved promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after a remarkable performance in the promotion playoffs held in Gumel, Jigawa State. The team won all three matches, showcasing their dedication and hard work throughout the season. This achievement is not surprising, given the team's consistent performance in the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO 1). Last season, Ambassadors FC won all five matches in their group in NLO Division Two, leading to their promotion to NLO Division One. This repeat success is a testament to the team's resilience and commitment to excellence. The Proprietor and CEO of Ambassadors FC, Alhaji Mustapha Haladu Mai Chitta, and the Technical Adviser, Coach Malam Inna, deserve special mention for their leadership and strategic vision. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping the team's success. The players and fans have also played a crucial role in t...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The 2025 NFF President Pre-Season Tournament, tagged Gusau/Ahlan Cup, is scheduled to take place in Lafia, the capital city of Nasarawa State. According to Abuhuraira Dahiru, Coordinator of the prestigious tournament, the tournament will run from July 27th to August 13th, 2025, reports SportsZone. In a press statement signed by Rilwanu Idris Malikawa, Tournament Media Coordinator, Abuhuraira stated that the Nasarawa State Government, under the leadership of sports-loving Governor Engineer Abdullahi Sule, is the major host of this year's edition. He disclosed that 16 teams from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL) have been selected nationwide to participate. The Organizing Committee will conclude registrations in the second week of July. Abuhuraira thanked the Nasarawa State Football Association and State Ministry of Sports for their collaboration, urging teams and stakeholders to work together to make this edition the ...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Olushola Ogunnowo, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Africa's largest grassroots domestic league, Nationwide League One (NLO), has been awarded the title of African Football Manager of the Year by Burkina Faso-based African Performance Leadership Award (APLA 2025). Ogunnowo received his award on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, reports SportsZone.ng. He earned the prestigious recognition due to his pragmatic and exceptional administrative skills, strong work ethic, and transformative policies that have established grassroots football in Nigeria as a viable business brand, according to the Award Organizing Committee. "It is a great honour for me, and this award is dedicated to Nigeria's grassroots football, the hundreds of talented players who have experienced career growth through the NLO platform, and the millions of passionate fans who support the brand," said a delighted Ogunnowo. "I would like to express m...

. Slaps May & Frank FC Head Coach with 2-year ban By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Chairman of Cynosure FC of Abakaliki, Prince Chidiebere Nweze has been indicted in a match manipulation scam related to the Nationwide League One (NLO) by the Organising and Disciplinary Committee of the Cross River State Football Association (CRSFA).  As a result, the Head Coach of May & Frank FC of Calabar, Udeme Alloy Ulor, has been handed a two-year ban and a recommendation for further sanctions. According to a correspondence dated June 19, signed by Greg Abang, Chairman of the O/D Committee, the investigation into the match manipulation involving Cynosure FC and May & Frank FC revealed the following findings: 1. The NLO league match between May & Frank FC and Cynosure FC occurred at the UJ Esuene Stadium on Monday, May 6, 2025. 2. There was a confirmed phone conversation between Coach Alloy of May & Frank FC and Chairman Nweze of Cynosure FC discussing match manipulation and fixing...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, paid a visit to the training ground of Barau Football Club on Monday, ahead of the 2025 Nigerian National League NNL Super Eight Play-Off. Senator Barau was accompanied by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Atta, his Chief of Staff, Professor Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, Kabiru Ado Lakwaya,and others. In a statement issued by the club's Media Officer, Ahmad Hamisu Gwale, Senator Barau commended Barau FC for qualifying for the NNL Super Eight Playoffs and announced a donation of N2 million to the club as a Sallah gift.  Senator Barau assured continued support for Barau FC until the club secures promotion to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) next season. "We are here to visit and motivate you, the young players of Barau FC. My vision is to see this club among the top teams in Nigeria and eventually in the world. B...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Barau Football Club has organized an interactive session with former Kano State footballers to strengthen its partnership with them in a bid to promote sports development. In a statement issued by Ahmad Hamisu Gwale, Barau FC Media Officer, it was revealed that the session was held on Sunday and attended by over 30 ex-footballers from various Kano-based clubs. The Chairman of Barau FC, Ambassador Ibrahim Shitu Chanji, led the session and expressed gratitude for the commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by the former players. The collaboration will feature events and activities aimed at educating upcoming young players about the importance of combining sports with education, skills acquisition for entrepreneurship, and seeking support and professional development in sports, highlighting that there's life after sports. The inaugural session, hosted by Barau FC, had in attendance notable ex-players including Ahmad Garba Yaro-Yaro, former Kano Pillars Player, Um...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano Strategic Command has partnered with Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited, a kungiyar dambe (Dambe boxing promotion group), to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. This collaboration comes ahead of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, reports SportsZone.ng.  According to press release signed by the P.R.O Kano Command, ASN Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari stated that, the partnership was formalized during a courtesy visit by Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited, led by Bashir Muhammad Danliti (Sarkin Damben Nigeria), to the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command. The Strategic Commander, CN AI Ahmad, represented by the Head of the Drug Demand Reduction Unit, ACN Maimuna Garba, expressed gratitude for the commitment demonstrated by Mazaje Traditional Sport Promotion Limited in the fight against drug abuse. The partnership aim...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Kano State Football Association (KSFA) has established a five-man committee to verify and propose suggestions for the successful execution of this year's Ahlan League One competition. This move is part of the association's efforts to address concerns raised by some Division One club owners, reports sportszone.ng. According to a statement signed by the KSFA Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Buhari, the committee has been given one week to submit its report. The committee's mandate is to come up with practical suggestions and ideas that will facilitate the smooth running of the league. The committee is chaired by Lurwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, with Alhaji Hassan Abdullahi Garo, Alhaji Muktar Ahmad Zico, and Alhaji Uba Isa Odiye as members. Sayyadi Abdullahi will serve as the committee's secretary. The establishment of this committee demonstrates the KSFA's commitment to listening to the concerns of its stakeholders and taking proactive steps to address ...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Proprietor and CEO of Clever Warriors FC, Kano, Dr. Najib Sabo Kurawa, addressed the press recently, outlining the team's preparations for the upcoming NYML/NLO promotion play-off to the Nigeria National League (NNL). The play-offs are scheduled to kick off on June 19th in Gumel, Jigawa State. Dr. Kurawa emphasized that the team's focus is on mental and physical preparation for the challenge ahead. A friendly match was highlighted as a key part of this preparation, benefiting both Clever Warriors FC and their opponents, Barau FC, who are also preparing for the NNL promotion play-off to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). The CEO expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Kano State and revealed that the team has reinforced some positions. He noted that the NLO has granted teams five licenses to substitute injured players, allowing coaches to test new talents. However, Dr. Kurawa chose not to disclose the identities of the new pl...

  By Muzammil Dalha Yola The governing body for Nigeria's third-tier league, Nationwide League One (NLO), has confirmed that the Disciplinary Sanctions imposed on teams during the 2025 NLO Division One season were consistent with the Articles outlined in its Rule Books. Olushola Ogunnowo, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO, emphasized that the Secretariat is not hasty in sanctioning or profiling teams for any infractions, instead, we followed the established laws governing the league. While every team has the right to seek redress from the NFF Appeals Committee, they must also avoid setting a bad precedent for the NLO brand, which has taken years of hard work to build. "Match manipulation and other negative football practices undermine the very foundations of our sport, namely fair play, respect, and discipline. Therefore, the NLO maintains a zero-tolerance policy against any violations of these values," Ogunnowo stated. "The cases recorded across different...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola In a heartfelt farewell message, Coach Aliyu Zubairu announced his decision not to renew his contract with Elkanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri after two remarkable years with the club. The coach expressed his gratitude to the management, staff, players, and fans for their unwavering support during his tenure. During his time with the club, Coach Zubairu achieved significant milestones, including promoting the team to the elite league and winning the President Federation Cup (FA Cup). He credited the successes to the hard work of the technical crew, talented players, and supportive management. Coach Zubairu extended his appreciation to key stakeholders, including Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, for his unwavering support. He also thanked the Borno State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Saina Buba, and the Chairman of the Borno State Football Association, Alhaji Babagana Kalli, for their invaluable contributions. While leaving Elkanemi Warriors FC, C...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The Nigerian-American Football Association (NAFA) has called on the Kano State Government and other stakeholders in sports to support its efforts aimed at developing the game at grassroots levels. Coach Oluwatobi Abayomi Abe, NAFA's Head of Students Programme, made the call during a two-day Nigerian American Football programme held in Kano. The programme, which attracted 12 secondary and primary schools across the metropolitan area, provided students with the opportunity to acquire skills, learn the laws, and understand the rudiments of the game. Coach Abe emphasized the need for support to encourage students to develop an interest in the game, as many young generations are mostly inclined towards playing soccer. He highlighted that Nigerian-American Football is a lucrative business, with players securing scholarships and earning substantial amounts during their playing careers, both within and outside the country. This, he noted, underscores the importance o...

By Malikawa The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, paid a sympathy visit to former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima MFR, at the Kano Medical Center in Kano municipality on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Alhaji Galadima was admitted for medical treatment. During the visit, Mallam Shehu Dikko prayed to Almighty Allah to grant Alhaji Galadima a quick recovery and long life. He described Galadima as a mentor to him in sports administration, highlighting the significant impact he has had on his career. Malam Dikko informed Alhaji Galadima that he was in Kano to condole and commiserate with the government and people of Kano State over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes from the state's contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima MFR thanked Mallam Dikko for the visit and wished him Allah's guidance on the tasks ahead. The NSC Chairman was accompanied...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has visited Kano State to convey the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to the government and people of Kano State over the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes and officials returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun. In a press release signed by Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi FCAI, ANIPR Director Information & PR National Sports Commission revealed that, Mallam Dikko, who had just returned from London where he attended the Unity Cup final and held strategic meetings to facilitate domestic sports, was visibly shaken by the news of the accident. He headed straight to Kano upon arrival in Nigeria, where he was welcomed by the Deputy Governor of the State, Comr. Aminu Abdulsallam Gwarzo. The Deputy Governor was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the head of service, commissioners, officials of the Kano State ...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Kano State Sports Ambassador, Ahmed Musa, MON, OON, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Government, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Sports Commission following a tragic auto crash that claimed the lives of 22 individuals from the state's contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. Ahmed Musa revealed the message through his IG handle, he described the loss as devastating, leaving the state in shock and grief. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed athletes, journalists, medical personnel, and administrators, and for the fortitude of their families to bear the irreparable loss. The Sports Ambassador also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident and offered his support to the affected families during this difficult time. He emphasized the need for collective support and care for the families of the deceased. Ahmed Musa concluded by praying that Almighty Allah comforts the peopl...

... As NLO begins preliminary investigation Fresh facts have emerged about how Cynosure FC of Abakaliki chairman had persuaded Liberty Lions FC chairman to be involved in a match-fixing scam and have the result in his favour.  Cynosure FC's boss allegedly persuaded his counterpart at Liberty Lions FC to participate in this scheme to manipulate the outcome of a game. The Cynosure FC chairman previously claimed ignorance of any wrongdoing despite filing a petition concerning the match between Liberty Lions FC and E-Word United, which he alleged was fixed and called for sanctions.  However, the NLO's investigation determined that the Cynosure FC chairman raised a false alarm by claiming the match was played with 7 players from one team against 11 from the other, rather than the standard 11 vs 11.  Consequently, he was banned for six months and fined ₦500,000 by the nation’s third-division domestic league regulatory body. Meanwhile, an impeccable source gave a detailed accoun...