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‎The Interim Management Committee of Lobi Stars Football rose from an emergency management meeting today and ordered the indefinite suspension of the Technical Adviser Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed.
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‎The management cited poor performance as reason for the suspension, having played 6 games and earned only 7 points best of 18 and placed 6th position out of 8 clubs.
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‎The suspended Technical adviser has been directed to hand over to the Chief Coach of the club John Onuh (Abacha) with immediate effect.
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‎E-Signed:
‎Emmanuel Terwase Uja
‎Director Media and Communications
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Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin Football Club has restated its position regarding the protest arising from the recent Nigeria National League (NNL) matchday six clash with Kada Warriors, in which an ineligible player, Aliyu Ferinyaro, was fielded despite prior notice to match officials.

Aliyu Ferinyaro, a former captain of ABS Ilorin FC, remains under a valid and subsisting contract with the club. Contrary to established football transfer regulations, the player allegedly absconded from ABS Ilorin FC and was subsequently registered by Kada FC without obtaining a valid clearance from the club.

The management of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin Football Club officially raised this matter before kickoff, duly informing match officials and relevant authorities of the player’s contractual status. Despite this clear notification, Kada FC proceeded to field Aliyu Ferinyaro, an action ABS Ilorin FC considers a blatant disregard for due process and the regulations governing player registration and eligibility.

The club views this incident as a critical test of integrity for both the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Globally, football governing bodies have consistently sanctioned clubs and even national teams for fielding ineligible players.

Recall that South Africa was recently sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in a FIFA Worldcup qualifying match.

ABS FC firmly believe that football must be governed by the same standards of fairness, transparency, and strict enforcement of the rules.

The club hereby challenges Kada Warriors to publicly and officially clarify how a player still under contract was transferred or registered by them. ABS Ilorin FC maintains that the responsibility lies with Kada Warriors FC to present valid and verifiable documentation evidencing a lawful transfer and clearance.

“ABS Ilorin Football Club believes in the rule of law and the sanctity of contracts,” the club states. “Aliyu Ferinyaro captained this club and remains under contract. Until due process is duly followed, he remains an ABS Ilorin FC player.”

The club reaffirms its confidence in the Nigeria National League and the Nigeria Football Federation to act decisively, fairly, and transparently in resolving this matter. The club emphasizes that the outcome of this case will not only determine the result of a single fixture but will also send a strong message about fairness, professionalism, and respect for contractual obligations in Nigerian football.

For ABS Ilorin FC, this matter transcends the issue of points; it is fundamentally about protecting the integrity of the game.

Three-time winners Nigeria and seven-time champions Egypt will be at each other’s jugular at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday evening, in a friendly match meant to prepare both teams for their campaigns at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals kicking off in Morocco on Sunday.

Both teams will have the opportunity to test a clutch of newbies, with Nigeria manager Eric Sékou Chelle able to field the likes of goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal, if he so desires.

Pharaohs’ Coach Hossam Hassan, himself an AFCON legend, scored seven goals as Egypt won the 1998 edition of the championship in Burkina Faso, finishing as joint top scorer with South Africa’s Benni McCarthy, whose team ended up with the silver medals.

Hassan will most probably weave his gameplan for the friendly match and the AFCON tournament itself around Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah, who, despite a hefty trophy shelf, is looking for his first AFCON title. There will also be Manchester City of England’s Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly’s Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet.

There are also CAF Champions League holders Pyramids’ Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, and UAE-based Ibrahim Adel, as well as Mostafa Mohamed of FC Nantes in France.

Chelle is most likely to set his store by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

The match will kick off at 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time). As of Monday afternoon, 17 of the 28 players in Nigeria’s final list were in Cairo, with more players expected to arrive before Monday evening’s training session.

The Super Eagles will depart Cairo for the Moroccan city of Fés aboard a chartered flight on Thursday.

Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental crown (following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013), is already themed NAIJA 4 THE WIN, and rolls off the ground on Tuesday, 23rd December with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, in a repeat of the opening match of the 1980 finals that Nigeria hosted and won.

The Eagles will then clash with 2004 hosts and winners Tunisia on Saturday, 27th December, before their final Group C encounter against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, 30th December. All of Nigeria’s group phase matches hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fés.

The Pharaohs, who are the only country to have achieved three consecutive triumphs (2006-2010), have to negotiate things with 1996 hosts and winners South Africa, as well as Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B. Their matches will take place at the Stade d’Agadir in the city of Agadir.

Niger Tornadoes delivered a dominant performance to dismantle El-Kanemi Warriors 3–0 in their NPFL Matchday 17 encounter in Minna. A first-half penalty from Akintunde Azeez and a late brace from Rickson Mendos ensured a comfortable home victory for the Ikon Allah Boys.

The hosts made a blistering start, taking the lead as early as the fifth minute when Akintunde Azeez calmly converted from the penalty spot. The decision came after Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai was brought down in the box, leaving the referee with no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

El-Kanemi Warriors responded positively after conceding, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. However, despite their improved spell, Niger Tornadoes also created several chances of their own and could have extended their lead before the interval, though the first half ended with the hosts holding a slender advantage.

The visitors began the second half with renewed intent, introducing fresh legs in a bid to restore parity. Their substitutions brought more energy, but they struggled to break down a disciplined Tornadoes defence.

Niger Tornadoes coach Majin Mohammed made tactical changes of his own, introducing Ahmed Family and Rickson Mendos. The substitutions proved decisive as the hosts turned up the pressure.

The breakthrough arrived in the 79th minute when Ahmadu Liman’s well-delivered free kick found Rickson Mendos, who powered a header into the net to double Tornadoes’ lead. Just four minutes later, Mendos completed his brace, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box before rifling it home to make it 3–0.

Coach Majin Mohammed expressed satisfaction with the result despite his team’s struggle at some point in the game, adding that his substitutions in the second half made the difference.

Next Up for the Ikon Allah Boys is a trip to Ibadan to engage Shooting Stars Sports Club.

In its decision to curb excesses of Refereeing officials in matches and protect/preserve the
integrity of the game, the NFF Refereeing Development Committee has sanctioned Referees and Assistant Referees whose actions and decisions are questionable have been carried out.
These are:

1. NPFL MD 9: Barau FC vs Kano Pillars FC – Anthony Eze (FCT) – Referee;
Peter Ogwu (BA) AR1; and Aduba Ngbede (FCT).
Observations: There were several infractions/incidences in the match, wherein, the decisions
of the Referee, Anthony Eze (FCT) and his two assistants were adjudged by the committee
as not in line with the provisions of the Laws of the Game. More significantly, there were
also glaring misconduct such as:
• Awarding a penalty without recourse to the Laws of the Game and the instructive
guidelines on challenges as well as penalty area incidences.
• Similarly, he ignored a clear and glaring case of penalty incidence.
Several other collaborative decisions by the trio affects not only the outcome of the game but
brought Refereeing and the integrity of the game into disrepute.
Decision: Indefinite suspension of the three field officials (Anthony Eze (FCT), Peter Ogwu
(BA) and Aduba Ngbede (FCT) from the league and all other football matches.

2. NNL MD 4: Rovers FC and Sporting Lagos FC – Ekpouko Ubong (AK) – AR1
Observations: This was an NNL MD 4 encounter between Rovers FC and Sporting Lagos
FC. The incidence emanates from a through pass switch to the right flank of play, where an unmarked attacking player was situated, having space ahead of him and proceeded towards the opponent’s goal.

As at the time the ball left the leg of his team (last touch) for a pass across, player has
defending players ahead of him at the centre of the pitch and therefore, was not in an offside position (not closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent).
The active Assistant Referee, Ekpouko Ubong (AK) decision to penalize him for offside
offense was not in line with the provisions of the Laws of d Game and instructive guidelines on assessment of offside positioning and punishment. His decision and action denied the team an obviou goal scoring opportunity, which the
Committee viewed as having an effect on the outcome of the match. Decision: Indefinite suspension from the league and all other football matches.

3. NWFL MD 2: Remo Stars Ladies vs Abia Angels – Ernest Cynthia (OG) – AR2
Observations: This was an NWFL MD 2 encounter involving Remo Stars Ladies and Abia
Angels. It was from a free kick commenced with a pass through the right flank and a pull out. The goalkeeper punched/parry the ball back into play to an opponent who shot immediately at goal.
As at the time of the pull out, no attacking player was in an offside position.
Similarly, when the shot at goal was taken, no attacking player was in an offside position to have earned being penalized.The decision of the active Assistant Referee 2, Ernest Cynthia (OG) to penalize for offside
did not meet the requirement of offside positioning or penalizing for being in such position.
The decision/action of d active AR denied an obvious goal scored and thus, affects the outcome of the match.
Decision: Indefinite suspension from the league and every other matches.

4. NNL MD 4: Mighty Jets vs City FC – Nurah Abdullahi (ZM) – Referee
Observations: This was an NNL MD4 encounter between Mighty Jets and City FC. It was a case of challenging for the ball, where in an attacking player jumped at the goalkeeper with his entire body while his arm/elbow was placed between the jaw and chest of the goalkeeper.
This pushed/forced the goalkeeper down, and on recovery still went up for the ball but was also jumped at/pushed to record a goal.

Same scenario repeated itself and Referee, Nurah Abdullahi (ZM) ignored these actions of the attacking player against the goalkeeper of one of the teams, the action/decision of d Referee did not comply with d provisions of the Laws of the Game as he failed to protect the goalkeeper to give an undue advantage to his opponent.This action changed d outcome of the game.

Decision: Indefinite suspension from the league and every other matches.
5. NNL MD 5: Sporting Supreme FC vs Bichi FC – Ahmed M. Usman (NG) –
Referee Observations: This was an incident in the NNL MD 5 involving Sporting Supreme and Bichi FC. The Committee noted the actions of the two players (defending and attacking from their
running towards one of the teams’ goal areas. While both players were initially struggling for POSITION & POSSESSION (upper body contacts) the player in white was able to move slightly ahead but the player in black out-paced him with strides to be about one foot ahead
of d player in white. The player in white attempted a SWEEPING/SLIDING form of tackle, missed and went down. While it was the player in white who attempted/initiated to make contact, which was unsuccessful, it was him that went down.
The defending player in black is not guilty of any offense.
However, the Referee, Ahmed M. Usman (NG) awarded a penalty which was not in any way a reflection of d provision of d Laws of the game.
The Committee considered this as an arbitrary decision outside the Laws of the Game. Decision: Indefinite suspension from the league and every other matches.

6. NNL MD 5: Lobi Stars FC vs Basira FC
Observations: This was an NNL MD5 encounter between Lobi Stars FC and Basira FC
played in Lafia. There were two incidences, which are:
• Handball/award of a penalty.
• A set pieces and a header to score
As for the handball, the defending player who was penalized for handball did not only make his body unnaturally bigger but there was additional movement of his arm in the direction of the ball, which makes it a foul and a penalty. The Referee’s decision to award a penalty meets the requirement of the Laws of the Game.
On the heading and goal from set pieces/free kick, the camera did not pick/show where the scorer was when the ball left the leg of the kicker (last touch) from the set pieces. It is therefore difficult to adjudged it as OFFSIDE OR NO OFFSIDE
Decision: The Committee exonerate the match officials of any wrong doing.

7. NNL MD 5: Kada Warriors FC vs Mighty Jets FC – Michael Adepoju (FCT)
Referee
Observations: This was an NNL MD 5 encounter between Kada Warrior and Mighty Jets The attacking player in yellow came from behind the defending player to initiate normal football contact, and went down to manipulate the Referee’s decision for a penalty.
The Committee noted that there was no offense committed therefore, No Foul. The Referee’s decision to award a penalty does not meet the requirement on challenges as foul in the Laws of the Game.
Decision: Indefinite suspension from the league and every other matches.

8.NWFL MD 3: Ekiti Queens vs Edo Queens
Observations: This was an NWFL match between Ekiti Queens and Edo Queens. The nincident was an offside situation from a free kick. As at d time the ball leaves the leg of the kicker (last touch), it was not vividly clear whether the attacking player/scorer was ahead of the second last opponent or not. That should be the point of judging offside. Movement
thereafter cannot be the basis of offside In this video, the camera angle did not give a clear view on the true position of the players (defence & attack) before the kick was taken, and therefore, one will not be able to establish
if there was offside offence or not. Decision: The Committee exonerated the match officials of any wrong doing. Best of sporting regards

MOHAMMED AMEENU DLM, FIMC, FAIPA, CMC, AICEN, AMNIPR For: Chairman, NFF Refereeing Development Committee

As the Matchday 17 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League take centre stage across match venues in Nigeria this weekend, Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia will brace for the make-or-break Oriental Derby against premier league debutants, Kun Khalifat Football Club of Owerri with the sole aim of returning to winning ways.

The Warriors have been winless in their last five league games, which has triggered a burning desire to turn the tide, as the weight of expectation from fans hangs heavy.

The stakes are high, the battle line has been drawn, and the Warriors will need to bring their experience to bear even as they take note of the youthful energy of the Owerri Boys to avert an upset.

The last time Umu Chineke visited Dan Anyiam Stadium, they left with a victory against  Heartland and come Sunday, the pitch will whisper secrets of past victories, and the Warriors will aim to make it speak triumph again.

The Warriors have averaged 0.81 goals (scored) per game and 0.69 goals conceded, whereas the hosts have averaged 1.0 goals (scored) and 1.25 goals conceded.

After 16 games played, the Umuahia warlords are in 5th position on the league table with 24 points, while Kun Khalifat occupy the 18th position with 17 points after playing the same number of games.

*Head To Head*

Both sides are meeting for the first time in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

*Injury Update*

OUT

Ayodele Ezekiel and Skipper Augustine Njoku are still out.

Abia Warriors will lock horns with Kun Khalifat Football Club on Sunday, 14th December 2025, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. Kickoff time is 16:00 hours local time.

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has warmly welcomed the African Union’s decision to grant Nigeria the hosting rights for the 6th Specialized Technical Committee (STC) Meeting of the African Union Sports Council in 2027, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and contributions to sports, youth, and cultural development across the continent.

The announcement was made during the Meeting of Ministers held in Bujumbura, Burundi, where the African Union also acknowledged Nigeria’s notable role in advancing sports, humanitarian services, youth empowerment, and cultural integration in Africa. The decision followed a detailed presentation by Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, to the Council of Ministers, highlighting Nigeria’s achievements, readiness, and long-term vision for African sports development.

Speaking on the AU’s decision, Hon. Bukola Olopade said “Nigeria deeply appreciates the trust the African Union has placed in us. Hosting the 6th STC Meeting is both an honor and a responsibility—one we will execute with excellence.”

“This decision reaffirms Nigeria’s strategic commitment to the growth of sports, youth development, and cultural advancement across Africa.”

The STC Meeting will bring together Ministers and Directors responsible for Sports, Youth, and Culture from all AU member states. The gathering serves as one of the continent’s most important technical platforms for shaping policy direction, strengthening regional coordination, and promoting sports as a tool for economic growth, social cohesion, and youth empowerment.

The NSC reaffirmed that Nigeria remains fully committed to supporting the African Union’s mission, advancing sports excellence, and strengthening partnerships that drive sustainable development across Africa.

By Silvernews

Nigeria’s medal prospects at the 4th Africa Youth Games received a major boost with the arrival of 16-year-old British-born swimmer, Aviva Hibbert, who has earned her first international call-up to represent the country in Angola.
The Games, which run from 10 to 20 December 2025, are featuring athletes from all 54 African nations across six host cities, marking the first time the continental event is being staged in a Portuguese-speaking country. Organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), the competition also serves as a qualifier for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Hibbert, who trains at Bilston Swimming Club and also swims for the Royal School Academy, Wolverhampton, celebrated her 16th birthday on December 10—the same day the Games officially opened. Born in Wolverhampton, she is eligible to represent Nigeria through her mother, Hon. Celia Osakwe-Hibbert, the Debut Special Adviser on Diaspora Affairs to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Her selection followed a series of impressive and consistent performances on the UK swimming circuit, convincing selectors that she possesses the technical strength and competitive discipline needed at continental level. The Nigeria Swimming Federation described her debut appearance as timely, adding that her international exposure would be invaluable to the team.
Hibbert joins a five-swimmer squad and is tipped to excel particularly in the 50m Backstroke, one of her strongest events. Team officials believe her presence will significantly enhance Nigeria’s chances of securing podium finishes in the swimming category.
As the competition intensifies in Angola, all eyes will be on the young and fearless swimmer, whose arrival has injected fresh confidence into Nigeria’s campaign at the Games.

By Silvernews

The Imo State Tennis Association, in partnership with EIZOG has announced the 4th edition of the highly anticipated EIZOG Juniors Tennis Classic, set to hold from December 13 to 15, 2025 at the Imo State Sports Commission, Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

The three-day championship, designed to develop young tennis talents across Imo State and beyond, will feature intense matchups from the next generation of tennis stars.

According to the organizers, activities will begin daily by 8:00 a.m., while the grand finale is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15.

The tournament, now in its fourth year, continues to gain recognition as one of the most consistent grassroots tennis events in the region.

Officials from the Imo State Tennis Association reiterated their commitment to nurturing youth through sports, noting that this year’s edition will showcase improved logistics, better officiating, and wider participation.

Parents, stakeholders, and sports enthusiasts are expected to attend as the competition aims to inspire upcoming athletes and strengthen the tennis culture within the state.

The event will take place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Wetheral Road, Owerri, the traditional home of the championship.

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed sanctions on Ekiti Queens following the assault on match officials during their Wednesday’s home match against Edo Queens in Ado-Ekiti, describing the incident as a severe violation of league safety and conduct regulations.

In a swift response on Thursday, NWFL Media Director Samuel Ahmadu issued an official statement detailing the disciplinary actions, warning that the league organisers would not tolerate any threat to the safety of referees or the integrity of its competitions.

Confirming the sanctions, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi condemned the attack and reiterated the league’s firm stance on safety and professionalism.

“The assault on our match officials in Ado-Ekiti is completely unacceptable and a gross breach of NWFL regulations,” Shabi said.

“The NWFL wishes to reiterate that the safety of referees is paramount. Violence, intimidation, or any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the league will attract the strongest possible sanctions.”

Following the preliminary review of official reports and video evidences, the NWFL found Ekiti Queens guilty of multiple breaches of league regulations, including failure to provide adequate security, failure to control supporters, and allowing an unsafe environment that led to the attack on officials.

As punishment,Ekiti Queens have been fined a total of ₦2.5 million for the varying breaches. In addition, the NWFL also ordered the club to play their next three home matches at a neutral venue in MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Shabi, also further, stressed that the penalties serve as a deterrent to all clubs across the league.

“The NWFL will continue to enforce strict standards to protect match officials and maintain order at all centres. An attack on a referee is an attack on the league itself,” she said.

“Clubs must ensure full compliance with our safety and conduct regulations.”

The NWFL further appealed to home teams, state football associations, and matchday organisers to strengthen their security operations as the 2025/26 Premiership season gathers intensity.