Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved the dissolution of the Board and Management of the Benue state-owned Lobi Stars FC, Makurdi.

The dissolution is with immediate effect.

The decision is aimed at repositioning the club for greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions.

The Governor further directed that all members of the dissolved management should hand over all official documents, assets, and responsibilities to the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity with immediate effect.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the outgoing board and management for their services to the club and the state, and assured that a new management structure will soon be announced to drive the next phase of Lobi Stars’ growth and competitiveness.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development as a vital tool for youth engagement, talent discovery, and social cohesion in Benue State.

Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Benue State

Kwara United FC has officially appointed Ashifat Suleiman as its new Technical Adviser for the rest of the season, with an option to extend.

The unveiling took place at the club’s office, where Chairman Kumbi Titiloye (represented by GM Mallam Bashir Badawiy) praised Suleiman’s deep familiarity with the club’s structure and philosophy.

According to the club, “We are delighted to unveil Coach Ashifat Suleiman (Brazil) as our new Technical Adviser for the remainder of the season, with an option for extension

“Coach Suleiman targets retaining the Federation Cup and challenging for the League title.”

Badawiy expressed full confidence in Suleiman’s leadership, highlighting his positive impact in recent matches. Suleiman, in turn, thanked the management for the trust, pledging to retain the Federation Cup and challenge for the league title.

He outlined his football philosophy as creativity and possession-based play, urging fans to support the team’s new chapter.

Ibom Air and Akwa United Football Club, 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Champions and two-time FA Cup winners, have entered into a landmark partnership, marking a significant milestone for sports and private sector collaboration in Akwa Ibom State.

Under the agreement signed today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Ibom Air is unveiled as the Official Shirt Sponsor of Akwa United FC. The sponsorship deal, valued at Two Hundred Million Naira (₦200,000,000 ) for an initial two-year term, includes both cash and in-kind contributions, with 50% of the total value provided in kind.

The signing ceremony and press briefing attracted key stakeholders from the sports community, government officials, and media representatives.
Speaking at the event, Mr. George Uriesi, CEO of Ibom Air, described the partnership as a reflection of the airline’s commitment to supporting the state through impactful community-focused initiatives.

“At Ibom Air, our core pillars of support are Health, Community Development, Education, and Sports. And what better time than now to invest in sports? Akwa United, a club with a proud championship history, is currently rebuilding. Our goal is to support their resurgence, to help them rise again, back to the top of the league and beyond.

Mr. Uriesi further emphasized that the partnership demonstrates Ibom Air’s belief in the unifying power of sports to inspire youth and foster state pride.

Mr. Joseph Eno, Chairman of Akwa United FC, expressed deep appreciation to Ibom Air for its timely support.

“This partnership comes at a crucial moment as we rebuild and work to return to our best form. The backing from Ibom Air is both strategic and timely. It will boost the morale of our players and technical team. Wearing the logo of such a reputable brand reminds us that we represent excellence, and we must deliver at the highest level.”

In his remarks, Elder Paul Bassey, Honourable Commissioner for Sports, commended the collaboration as a fulfillment of the state’s long-term vision for sports development.
“I am delighted to witness this partnership finally become reality. I have always envisioned a day when Ibom Air and Akwa United would come together in true partnership. This aligns perfectly with the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, which promotes private sector involvement in sports.

“With this partnership, we are not only supporting our club but also laying the foundation for local sports to compete with global standards. I am confident this collaboration will bring great success to both Akwa United and Ibom Air”.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of Akwa United’s new jersey, the inauguration of key working committees, and interactive sessions with the media.

About Ibom Air
Ibom Airlines Limited is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government. The airline is committed to providing exceptional service defined by schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent customer experience.
Ibom Air operates a fleet of seven Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft and two Airbus A220-300s, serving seven domestic destinations as well as Accra, Ghana.
Visit www.ibomair.com for route and service information.

About Akwa United Football Club
Akwa United FC, winners of the 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League and two-time FA Cup champions (2015, 2017), has represented Nigeria in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Founded as Ibom Stars FC in 1997 and later rebranded as Akwa United FC, the club is owned and funded by the Akwa Ibom State Government and plays its home matches in Uyo.

Tony Nezianya, a former Head of Sports at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Emeka Odikpo of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) have been nominated for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) veterans award.

Philip Balepo, Emmanuel Ndukuba and Chigozie Chukwuleta also made the list of nominees for the milestone award from Anambra State.

Their letters of nomination from the National Executive Committee nomination signed by Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary General of SWAN were received by Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of Anambra chapter.

The letter said the senior colleagues were selected for special recognition of their outstanding contributions, professionalism, and enduring service to the growth and integrity of sports journalism in Nigeria.

“Over the years, your commitment, mentorship, and passion for the craft have inspired generations of journalists and enriched the nation’s sporting narrative.

“As a valued pioneer and pillar of our profession, this recognition is a token of appreciation for your sacrifices and legacy in promoting excellence, fairness, and credibility in sports reporting, ” it said.

Nezianya, a 3-time and current Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) cut his teeth in sports journalism in NAN back in the early 80s.

He retired as a director and Head of Sports Desk in NAN, he was also a chairman in Lagos Chapter and has been providing support for SWAN in Anambra in the past eight years.

Odikpo,known as the golden voice on radio, headed the FRCN Sports for many years before retiring as a director after over three decades of sports journalism.

He is widely travelled and served as chairman of SWAN in Lagos State.

Balepo, a product of Nigerian Institute of Journalism has worked in many media organisations including Complete Sports, National Quest and Minaj Broadcast International, Obosi and Buzz FM Aba where he headed the Sports Department.

Famously known as “wordsmith and football encyclopedia” Balepo has travelled widely within and outside Nigeria on sports coverage and currently manages Little Drops Media as the CEO/MD.

Ndukuba, worked as sports journalist in the News Agency of Nigeria, he was publicity secretary of SWAN, Lagos Chapter before serving as Chairman of SWAN in Anambra.

Ndukuba is widely travelled and was a member of SWANECO at the Yola Convention and Delegate Congress.

He is still an active member of SWAN in Anambra State.

Chukwuleta, is the publisher of Newspathfinder, an online news site and one of the foremost female sports journalists with many years of practice.

She was the chairman of SWAN in Anambra, Assistant Secretary General and Vice President of the Southeast zone of the association.

Meanwhile, SWAN Anambra has congratulated the veterans for their well deserved nominations in a letter to the national Secretariat.

According to the letter signed by Anaso, on behalf of myself and members of SWAN, Anambra Chapter, I thank you for finding them worthy of the honour.

The SWAN @60 Award and Appeal Fund Ceremony will hold between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31, 2025 at the VIP Lounge, Package A, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

SWAN @60 Media and Publicity Committee Desk
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2023.

Chimezie Anaso Chairman
Hembadoon Orsar
Secretary

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) will on Friday Oct. 24 and Sunday Oct. 26 hold Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving ahead of the much anticipated 60th Anniversary and Award Ceremony.

A Statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the State Chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

The National Leadership of SWAN under the presidency of Isaiah Benjamin invites government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey.

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

The SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the Full Council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, Zonal Vice Presidents and Secretaries and State Chairmen and Secretaries.

All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.

SWAN @60 Media and Publicity Committee Desk

Oct. 23, 2025.

Chimezie Anaso Chairman

Hembadoon Orsar

Secretary

Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has appointed Mr Kouassi Frederic Francois Biro from Côte D’Ivoire as the Referee for CAF Champions League second preliminary round second leg match between Rivers United FC(Nigeria) and Black Bulls (Mozambique)

The “Pride of Nigeria will host the “Associação Black Bulls” of Mozambique on Saturday, October 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Kickoff time is 4pm (local time) and 5pm (Mozambique time).

He will be assisted by compatriots Prosper Adiouman (Assistant Referee 1) and Eba Médard Wenceslas Ettien (Assistant Referee 2), while Patrick Tanguy Jean Philippe Vlei will serve as the fourth official.

The match will be commissioned by Munkaila Nassam Adam from Ghana

Mayuku Charles
Media Officer, Rivers United FC

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has officially announced that its 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGA) will be held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Confirming the development, the Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, Ms. Modupe Shabi, stated that the 2025 AGA will bring together Chairmen and General Managers of NWFL Premiership and Championship clubs, alongside key stakeholders, to deliberate on the progress and future of women’s football in Nigeria.

According to Ms. Shabi, delegates are expected to arrive on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, ahead of the main congress scheduled for the following day.

Some of the major highlights of this year’s Assembly will include the announcement of the 2025/2026 NWFL Premiership kickoff date and the official Premiership Draw, which will unveil fixtures for the upcoming league season.

The Annual General Assembly serves as the NWFL’s highest decision-making platform, providing an avenue for club representatives, administrators, and stakeholders to review the past season’s activities, discuss strategic reforms, and set the agenda for the continued growth of women’s football across the country.

Ms. Shabi expressed optimism about the gathering, noting that, “the AGA will offer an opportunity for fruitful deliberations as we collectively advance the growth and development of women’s football in Nigeria.”

The NWFL COO expressed readiness to host all participating clubs and stakeholders in Port Harcourt for what promises to be a pivotal session in shaping the next chapter of the women’s game in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, preparations for the new season are in top gear following the conclusion of the 2024/2025 campaign, which saw Bayelsa Queens emerge Premiership champions for a record sixth time after clinching the Super Six title in Ikenne.

Promoted to the NWFL Premiership are Sunshine Queens (Ondo), Castmog Ladies (Ogun), Ahudiyannem Queens (Abia), and Imo Striker Queens (Imo), expanding the top-flight to 20 teams ahead of the 2025/2026 season.

In the Championship, newly promoted clubs include Dreamstar Ladies (returnees), Rangers Women (debutants), Rosaria Victrix (debutants), and Solo Wonders (debutants), all securing their places in the NWFL Championship 2026.

The hopes of Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, advancing to the knockout stages of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco became slim on Wednesday night, following the team’s 0-1 reverse against France – its second loss in as many games.

Both teams played conservatively and created few chances in the first 45 minutes, defending robustly, with Nigeria making four attempts at goal, more than the French side who had three of their shots wide off the target.

Nigeria’s clear chance came from Chisom Nwachukwu’s delightful set-piece, but France’s goalkeeper, Chevray Lauryne was right on the spot to tip it over the bar for a corner kick.

The Flamingos’ best chance came in the 50th minute of the game when Queen Joseph’s delivery from a corner kick fell unto the path of Nwachukwu whose close range left-footed shot was once again foiled by goalkeeper Chevray Lauryne.

Substitute Laboucarie Luna nearly put France in front in the 62nd minute after Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Elizabeth Boniface’s attempt to close down an attacker bearing on goal failed, but Jumai Adebayo’s goal-line clearance kept Nigeria on in the game.

France found the breakthrough late on as Maissa Fathallah’s low strike beat Boniface in the 81st minute for the only goal of the match.

The defeat leaves Nigeria with zero points from two games. The team will play Samoa Island in the last group game of the campaign.

By Silvernews

The Imo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated two of its revered veterans, Elder Tasie Theodore and Chris Abiaziem, who are set to be honoured at the national level during the forthcoming SWAN @ 60 Awards later this month.
The association described the recognition as a fitting tribute to the duo’s decades-long dedication, professionalism, and exemplary service to sports journalism in Nigeria.
In a message to her members, Imo SWAN said the honour underscores the lasting impact of Theodore and Abiaziem in shaping sports reportage and inspiring younger journalists across the country.
The group noted that both men have, over the years, embodied the core values of the association through integrity, consistency, and passion for the development of sports and sports writing.
Imo SWAN expressed pride in their achievements, describing the national recognition as not only a personal milestone for the honourees but also a moment of collective celebration for the entire Imo sports journalism family.

The Kano State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has presented three brand new buses to the state’s pride, Kano Pillars FC, to ease the team’s movement during the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The vehicles include a 29-seater luxurious Marcopolo bus for the players, a Hummer bus and a Sharon.

While handing over the keys and documents of the new vehicles on behalf of the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Ibrahim Umar Farouk, called on the sports loving youths of Kano to remain law abiding and avoid any act of violence that could tarnish the image of the state. He noted that the gesture reflects His Excellency’s deep passion for youth empowerment and sports development.

He also commended the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, describing him as a dedicated and hardworking leader committed to the welfare of the youth.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what he described as a milestone achievement that will greatly improve the lives of the players. He also urged supporters of Sai Masu Gida to continue showing discipline and avoid any behaviour that could hinder the progress of the club.

Reacting to the gesture, the General Manager of Kano Pillars FC, Ahmed Musa, MON, OON, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor for his support and goodwill.

He described the donation as the beginning of greater things to come for the club and assured that the players are determined to work hard to restore the glory of both the club and the state. The Super Eagles captain also appealed to the state government to immortalize the club’s iconic captain and longest serving player, Rabiu Ali, in recognition of his outstanding service and contributions to Nigerian football, describing him as one of the finest players ever to grace the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Meanwhile, the Sai Masu Gida will host Niger Tornadoes of Minna in their Matchday 10 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League this Saturday at their adopted home ground, the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.