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By Muzammil Dalha Yola In a recent interview with SportsZone, Chairman of the Kano Sports Commission, Ibrahim Umar FIFA, shed light on the permission granted to Barau FC to use the Sani Abacha Stadium. This development has been welcomed by the Kano sports fraternity and the people of Kano State, as it signifies a major breakthrough for the team. According to Chairman Ibrahim Umar FIFA, the rumors circulating about the amount involved in the permission process are unfounded. The Chairman emphasized that the Kano Sports Commission, being responsible for managing, controlling, and maintaining sports facilities, must follow due bureaucratic processes before granting access to any individual or organization. Despite this, the Commission has already forwarded its response to Barau FC's request and is awaiting their reaction. Chairman Ibrahim Umar FIFA expressed optimism that a positive outcome will be reached through mutual agreement. The Chairman said, "Let me make it clear to you ...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola In a significant development in Benin Republic football, Union Sportive Cavaliers de Nikki has appointed Franco-Nigerian football manager Usman Abd'allah as their new head coach. Coach Usman Abd'allah, a highly experienced tactician, will be assisted by his loyal deputy, Nasiru Salisu (Rasha). This appointment comes after the coach's impressive stint with various Nigerian clubs, showcasing his expertise and leadership skills. At 51 years old, Coach Usman Abd'allah holds a UEFA A licence certificate, a testament to his professional development and commitment to excellence in coaching. His experience spans several top-tier Nigerian clubs, including Wikki, Enyimba FC, Katsina United, and Kano Pillars, where he demonstrated his ability to lead teams to success. Additionally, his tenure as Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles further solidifies his credentials as a seasoned coach. Coach Usman Abd'allah joins Union Sportive Cavaliers de Nikki just mo...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola In a fervent plea, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has demanded the immediate inauguration of the 17-member governing board of the National Sports Commission (NSC). The association's leaders emphasize that the ongoing delay violates the establishment laws governing the Commission, severely undermining the organization’s legitimacy and operational effectiveness. Founded in 1964, SWAN serves as the official umbrella body for sports editors, reporters, producers, and presenters across Nigeria. In a statement issued by SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association expressed deep concern over the absence of a properly constituted board, which has left the NSC operating in a state of lawlessness since October 2024. This timeline contradicts provisions in the NSC Establishment Act 2023, highlighting a troubling gap in governance. President Benjamin conveyed in his statement, “As a statutory board...

  By Muzammil Dalha Yola Get ready for a thrilling football showdown like no other. The Ace Independence League 2025 is coming to Abuja, bringing with it 16 teams in a one-day knockout battle, with a grand prize of ₦1 million up for grabs. The highly anticipated event will take place on October 1, 2025, at Ace Turf, located at 11 Road Beside 2XL Mall, Gwarimpa. Kick-off is scheduled for 10 AM, with a gate fee of ₦2,000. This exciting tournament promises to be more than just a game, offering a full-day entertainment festival for fans, friends, and families. Expect intense football action, halftime dambe fights, and rib-cracking comedy to keep the crowd roaring. Powered by Midnightcity and Red Bull, the event will be streamed live across ACE by 96 social media and a2zsportsng via YouTube, allowing fans to catch all the action from anywhere. With 16 teams competing in the knockout format, only one champion will lift the trophy. Will your favorite team survive the knockout? Come find o...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola The 12th edition of the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (ADUSTECH) Inter-Faculties Sports Competition came to a close on Thursday, August 7, 2025, with a thrilling football final between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Science and Technology Education (FASTE) at the University's football pitch. The match was highly contested, with FASTE emerging victorious, winning 1-0 against the Faculty of Engineering. The Faculty of Science secured the 3rd position in football, showcasing their skills and determination throughout the tournament. The overall winner of the competition was FASTE, which accumulated an impressive 19 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals, totaling 29 medals. This outstanding performance solidified their position as the top faculty in the competition. The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Services (FAEES) came in second, with 4 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze medals, totaling 18 medals. The Faculty of Agricultu...

By Muzammil Dalha Yola Bakin Zuwo Blazers edged out NTM Thunder to win the Dam Foundation Summer Showtime Basketball Competition. Blazers dominated NTM Thunder, winning the game 41 – 30 at the NTM Thunder basketball field at Na'ibawa in the ancient city of Kano. Blazers started strongly, dictating the game's pace and showing composure in both attack and defense to claim the first quarter 17 – 8 against Thunder. In the second quarter, Thunder overturned the challenge to lead the game 7-5 against Bakin Zuwo. The third quarter ended 5-5, narrowing the gap and leaving Bakin Zuwo Blazers with a seven-point lead over NTM Thunder before the final quarter. In the last quarter, Bakin Zuwo Blazers used strategic tactics to suppress NTM Thunder's momentum and gradually took control of the game again, defeating Thunder 14 – 10. Their consistent pressure paid off, as they sealed the match with a hard-fought 41-30 (17-8, 5-7, 5-5, 14-10) victory. The competition, which began on August 1,...