… as Onyeocha lauds Governor Uzodimma

The National Youth Games Zonal Elimination for team games may have come and gone but the victorious memories will never be gone as Imo State came tops from the South-East claiming Gold in both Male and Female category in all featured Sports except in Rugby where they yielded for the silver medal in the Male category.

Some of the Imo contingents on returning from Enugu, venue for the games praised the efforts of the Honorable Commissioner for Sports Development in Imo State, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha for galvanizing support and boosting their morale before their departure to Enugu.

According to Chibuzor, a volleyball player, “The Honorable Commissioner really tried for us. He made sure our journey to Enugu was worthwhile and we have rewarded him with Gold Medals. This is first of its kind”.

Also Obi a football player eulogized the Commissioner for his kind heartedness and described him as a round peg in a round hole in the business of Sports in Imo state. “It has never happened before in Imo State where we go for games and return with only gold Medals. We trained day and night at the Dan Anyiam Stadium all thanks to the Solar Lights provided by our indefatigable Governor, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma through our Honorable Commissioner for Sports, he noted.

Welcoming the Imo contingents, the Honorable Commissioner thanked them for making the state proud with their performance at Enugu and tasked them to replicate same feat during the National Youth Games that will be holding in Asaba, Delta State in matter of days.

He appreciated the efforts, large heart and benevolence of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma who he described as a Sports Ambassador who have revolutionalized Sports in the State. “The Sports loving Governor has yet again shown that sports must thrive in our state through continued support and encouragement, I doff my Cap for him”.

It will be recalled that 5 states of the South-East participated in the games with Imo State sweeping Gold Medals in Abula, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Beach Volleyball and Volleyball except for Rugby (Male category) where they settled for the silver medal.

MEDAL TABLE

STATE GOLD SILVER.

Abia. 5 6

Anambra. 0 3

Ebonyi. 1 1

Enugu. 4 2

Imo. 9 1

Total. 19 13

The NPFL 2025/2026 season’s opener between reigning champions, Remo Stars and Rivers United ended in a stalemate.

The game which was decided at the temporary home ground of Remo Stars at the MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta ended one apiece with goals from Victor Mbaoma for the host and Aniekeme Okon for the visitors.

A breakdown of the matches will be played simultaneously on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at various venues by 4pm local time.

The matches are: Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars in Umuahia; Wikki Tourist vs Plateau United in Bauchi; Katsina United vs Warri Wolves in Katsina; Rangers International vs Kun Kalifat in Enugu; Kwara United vs Ikorodu City in Ilorin; Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United in Ibadan

Others are; Barau vs Enyimba International in Kano; Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United in TBA and El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance in Maiduguri.

Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has selected team captain William Ekong, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Simon Moses in a provisional list of 31 for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and South Africa.

There are also youthful goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi, midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and forwards Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella.

Young defender Benjamin Fredericks, rearguard mates Felix Agu and Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Christantus Uche and forward Cyriel Dessers, who impressed at the 2025 Unity Cup Tournament that Nigeria won in London in the summer, are also invited, with returns for goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo, defender Chidozie Awaziem and forward Terem Moffi.

Fourth-placed Nigeria take on Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, 6th September in a Matchday 7 encounter, before flying to Bloemfontein to confront South Africa in a potentially-explosive Matchday 8 encounter on Tuesday, 9th September.

Nigeria’s camp for the two crucial matches will open in Uyo on Monday, 1st September.

31 SUPER EAGLES IN PROVISIONAL LIST FOR RWANDA & SOUTH AFRICA

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting FC)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Adams Akor (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Abia Warriors Football Club have declared their readiness for the upcoming Nigeria Premier Football League season as well as their debut appearance on the continental stage. Speaking to the media in Umuahia, the club’s chairman, Coach John Obuh, assured fans that the team is fully prepared to make a strong impression both at home and in Africa.

Obuh emphasized that the management has worked tirelessly to ensure the players and officials are in the right frame of mind for the challenges ahead. He noted that the club’s ambition this season goes beyond participation, stressing that Warriors are determined to compete for honors and uphold the pride of Abia State.

Technical Adviser, Imama Amapakabo, also spoke confidently about the team’s readiness. He explained that the squad has been strengthened during preseason and that the players are motivated to give their best. Amapakabo urged supporters to stand firmly behind the team, promising that Abia Warriors will not disappoint in both the NPFL and the CAF competition.

The Calabar Sports Club was electrified at the weekend as Effa Ojong sealed a remarkable victory in the men’s 45–59 years category of the Prince Otu Super League 2025 Tennis Grand Finals.

Ojong overpowered Odey Ogrinya with a composed yet dominant display, winning 6-4, 6-1 in straight sets to claim the coveted gold medal. The final, played in a lively atmosphere, underscored the rising influence of the Super League in showcasing veteran talent, promoting sports tourism, and uniting communities.

For Ojong, the triumph added another highlight to his tennis career, with his consistency and precision setting him apart in the championship.

Tournament officials hailed the standard of competition, noting that the Super League continues to serve as a platform for athletic excellence in Cross River State.

The Cynosure FC special NPFL project initiative has achieved remarkable success, resulting in the signing of talented players who showcased their skills during the project’s duration. This initiative, designed to provide a platform for tested and experienced players to demonstrate their abilities, has proven to be a fruitful endeavor.

The project’s objective was to give players the opportunity to play against top NPFL sides, thereby increasing their chances of securing contracts with prominent clubs. To achieve this, the Cynosure FC project side played against notable teams such as Rangers International, Enyimba FC, and Rivers United FC. Additionally, they participated in the Gusau/Alhan Cup preseason tournament, further enhancing their exposure.

The initiative has yielded significant results, with several players securing contracts with top-tier clubs. Notably, the following players have signed deals:

– Adeiza Ibrahim Obansa to Remo Stars

– Samuel Ogodo to Nasarawa United

– Onu Olughu to Nasarawa United

– Ekeson Okorie to Nasarawa United

Furthermore, the project’s success extends beyond player signings, as Coach Christian Okonkwo, also known as “The Bull,” has been appointed as the Head Coach of Calabar Rovers. This appointment highlights the project’s impact on Nigerian football, demonstrating its ability to identify and develop talented individuals.

The success of the Cynosure FC special NPFL project initiative underscores the club’s commitment to developing football talent in Nigeria. By providing a platform for players to showcase their skills, Cynosure FC has contributed to the growth of individual players and the overall development of Nigerian football.

The club’s efforts to create opportunities for talented players are commendable and demonstrate its dedication to promoting football excellence. The project’s achievements serve as a model for other clubs and organizations seeking to develop football talent in Nigeria.

*Key Highlights:*

– Successful player signings with top-tier clubs

– Appointment of Coach Christian Okonkwo as Head Coach of Calabar Rovers

– Enhanced exposure for players through matches against top NPFL sides and participation in the Gusau/Alhan Cup preseason tournament

– Contribution to the growth of individual players and the overall development of Nigerian football

The Cynosure FC special NPFL project initiative has set a new standard for football development in Nigeria, and its success is expected to inspire more signings.

The Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals (FMMP) has congratulated Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku on his election as the South East Zonal Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Patrick Mgbaja, and Secretary, Comrade Goddy Chuks Anyanwu, the group described Adiuku’s victory as “a proof of his sterling leadership qualities” and expressed confidence in his ability to take the union to greater heights.

FMMP noted that Adiuku, a seasoned journalist and unionist, has remained a strong advocate for press freedom, welfare of journalists, and professional ethics, making his emergence a source of pride for the Mbaise community and Imo State.

The body prayed for God’s guidance for the new NUJ Zonal Vice President as he takes up his new responsibility.

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has announced the appointment of a Planning and Organising Committee for its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

In a statement signed by the Board Chairman, Comrade Abe Sunday, the union confirmed that the committee will be responsible for drawing up the agenda, as well as overseeing arrangements for venue, date, sponsorship and hosting of the AGM.

The appointed members include:

Comrade Austin Popo – Chairman

Comrade David Aigbovo – Vice Chairman

Comrade Lasoro Abubakar Bello – Secretary

CSP Kalu Chijioke – Member

Coach Ebere Amaraizu – Member

Comrade Kevin Etemike – Member

Comrade Eunice Chike Isiboroby – Member

Comrade Ngozi Blessings – PRO

Comrade Kennedy Onwunali – Media Officer

Comrade Bature Saleh – Member

Comrade Fubara Owonaro – Member

According to the chairman, the AGM remains a “statutory ritual of any serious-minded organisation” and has become a distinguishing feature of NANPF compared to what he described as “pretentious so-called players’ unions in Nigeria.”

The 2024 edition of the AGM was held in Akure, Ondo State, in August last year, and the board expressed confidence that the newly constituted committee would deliver the 2025 edition “in an outstanding and impactful manner.”

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has applauded the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for agreeing to give Plateau United goalkeeper, Adewale Adeyinka, the opportunity to defend himself over allegations of betting and match-fixing.

According to the General Secretary of NANPF, Comrade Austin Popo, the decision reflects the principles of justice and fairness in football administration. He noted that the player deserves the chance to present his side of the story, which will guide the league body in reaching an acceptable and balanced decision.

The players’ union had earlier petitioned the NPFL to ensure Adeyinka was granted a fair hearing, stressing that while it does not condone betting or match-fixing, due process must be followed. The NPFL has now fixed Thursday, August 21, 2025, for Adeyinka to appear before its disciplinary panel at the league secretariat in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Adewale Adeyinka has expressed gratitude to NANPF for its intervention and support throughout the case. “I want to thank the union for standing by me and ensuring I get fair hearing. I also encourage fellow players to identify with the players’ union early, not only when issues arise. NANPF has shown they are always ready to defend and support footballers,” he said.

He further urged professionals across the league to embrace the activities and programmes of NANPF, describing them as life-changing and vital for the progress of Nigerian footballers.

The Nigeria Players Union ,National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) has concluded modalities for the conduct of her stakeholders workshop /seminar which is aimed at equipping all stakeholders in Enugu state and its environs with the set objectives of National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers as well as well enhancing their partnership and participation towards achieving and maintaining  effective players welfare and general being.

According to the Enugu State Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF ) Coach Ebere Amaraizu ,the workshop /seminar is targeted and it is geared towards bringing stakeholders  to the general awareness of  our set goals/objectives which  revolves around players ,their welfare and general well being.

The event which is slated to hold on 20/8/2025 beginning from 12pm will take place at the Enugu state Football Association Board Room at the  Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and is expected to strengthen various frameworks to enhance players welfare ,general wellbeing as well setting direction that will aid in warding off gambling and betting amongst players amongst other issues .