The 2025 Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Elective Congress will hold on Saturday, August 16 with the incumbent President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Aladi seeking re-election to consolidate on his transformative records in the first tenure.

A total of 14 candidates have been cleared by the NWF Electoral Committee to contest for various elective positions with incumbent President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Aladi vying for re-election as a sole candidate

Elected NWF President on September 30, 2021, the four years of administration of weightlifting under Dr Abdul has witnessed improved performances, development and improvement in all spectra of the sport.

Nigeria athelets achieved remarkable feats at continental and global competitions, athletes’/coaches’ welfare and training facilities were also given priority attention.

In a press statement released by the Media Officer of the Federation, Mr Amaechi Agbo indicates that a total of four candidates are contesting for the post of Vice President, five for Executive Board Member, three candidates are vying for the Technical Rep position while there is a sole candidate for the position of Athelets’ Rep.

The Candidates for the position of Vice President are: Iquaiborn Lawrence Tom, Ibeh Luke Onwumere, Olarinoye Steve and Nwankwo Innocent Chukwuma.

The Executive Board Member’s candidates include: Lasisi Kazeem Aderemi, Okoro Louis Azubuike, Zana Umara, Sen. Hussaini Babangide Uba and Ini Okon.

Candidates for the Post of Technical Rep comprise Onubaye Sefiya, Nwadel Christopher and Utobo Emmanuel Nwafor,.

2022 Commonwealth Bronze Medallist, Osijo Taiwo, is the sole candidate for the post of Athlete Rep

The 2025 NWF Electoral Congress will hold at Gymnasium Hall, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Package B starting from 10am.

Heartland FC began their NPFL Youth Championship Group B campaign with a 2-2 draw against Bayelsa United on Monday at the Ginger Stadium, Isiala Ngwa, Abia State.

The Owerri side drew first blood in the 23rd minute through Chinedu Theophilus Chinonso, whose composed finish put the Naze Millionaires in front. Bayelsa United responded in the 36th minute when Stanley Idom Amom slotted home to restore parity.

Amom completed his brace in the 65th minute from the penalty spot, giving the Yenagoa side the lead for the first time in the encounter. Heartland, however, showed resilience, with Onyeaghala Melody Chigaemezu striking in the 69th minute to level the scores once again.

Speaking after the match, Heartland coach Emeka Okoronkwo Taribo acknowledged the need for improvement in front of goal.

“I will go back to my drawing board to work on the chances we missed in the game and to correct it ahead of the next encounter,” he said.

Heartland will now turn their attention to their second group match against Abia Warriors, who lost 3-2 to Akwa Select. The tie is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14, at the same venue.

The poor preparations of the Flying Eagles for the FIFA U20 World Cup have raised concerns among fans and observers. The team has been sharing the FIFA Goal Project pitch with the Nigeria U20 girls and Nigeria U17 teams, resulting in limited training time of less than 60 minutes. This is inadequate for a team competing at the World Cup level.

The pitch itself has been described as a “rag-tag” pitch, which is not suitable for optimal training. This has led to disappointment and frustration among fans and observers, who expect better preparations from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The NFF’s handling of the team’s preparations has been criticized, with many questioning the organization’s ability to support the team adequately. The team’s performance in the World Cup will reflect on Nigerian football, and it’s essential that they receive the necessary support.

The FIFA U20 World Cup is a prestigious tournament that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The Flying Eagles deserve better training facilities and conditions to prepare them for the competition.

It’s essential for the NFF to prioritize the team’s training conditions and ensure they have access to better facilities and more comprehensive training schedules. This will enable the team to perform at their best and represent Nigerian football with dignity.

The current situation is unacceptable, and it’s crucial that the NFF takes immediate action to address the issue. The team’s coach and players must be given the necessary support to prepare them for the World Cup.

Fans and observers are eagerly awaiting the team’s performance in the World Cup, and it’s essential that they are well-prepared to represent Nigeria. The NFF’s role in supporting the team is critical, and it’s expected that they will provide the necessary resources and expertise.

The Flying Eagles’ success in the World Cup will depend on various factors, including their training conditions, team dynamics, and overall preparation. It’s essential that the NFF prioritizes these factors to ensure the team’s success.

The team’s performance in the World Cup will have a significant impact on Nigerian football, and it’s crucial that they are well-prepared. The NFF must take immediate action to address the issue and provide the necessary support for the team.

In conclusion, the poor preparations of the Flying Eagles for the FIFA U20 World Cup are a cause for concern. The NFF must prioritize the team’s training conditions and provide the necessary support to ensure their success in the tournament.

The team’s fate is in the NFF’s hands, and it’s essential that they take immediate action to address the issue. With better training facilities and conditions, the Flying Eagles can perform at their best and represent Nigerian football with dignity.

Ultimately, the success of the Flying Eagles in the World Cup will depend on the NFF’s ability to support the team adequately. It’s crucial that they prioritize the team’s training conditions and provide the necessary resources for their success.

The clock is ticking, and the NFF must act quickly to ensure the Flying Eagles are well-prepared for the World Cup. The team’s performance will reflect on Nigerian football, and it’s essential that they receive the necessary support.

The quartet of Nasarawa United, Wikki Tourists, Plateau United and Kano Pillars have all qualified for the semi finals of the 2025 edition of the #GusauAhlanCup25.

This year’s tournament will serve football lovers across the globe the perfect opportunity to see the best NPFL sides from the northern part of the country task on each other.

The first quarter final saw Nasarawa United edge out Lobi Stars by Ajibade Olawale solitary strike but Wikki Tourists ran riot by putting three goals past Niger Tornadoes.

Sadiq Abdullahi, Ahmed Lamido and Nickson Ironsi’s spotkick was the spice Wikki needed to subdue their opponents.

FC Basira will however pull off one of their best performances to draw with Plateau United but the Peace boys claimed the bragging rights 10-9 on penalty shootouts.

The last quarter final game saw the Northwest derby between eternal rivals Kano Pillars and Katsina United.

With Ahmed Musa leading the Sai Maisugida, one thing was certain, and victory it was when Ali Mallam put Pillars ahead with a clever finish in the 16th minutes then on the stroke of half time Umar Sani Yakasai doubled the scores after beating the offside trap to bury home Rabiu Ali’s pass.

Okorie Chiedozie will however put the icing on the cake when he found space on the right to beat Moses Adikwu for speed before hitting the target amidst wild celebration from the fans at the Lafia City Stadium.

With the results, Kano Pillars will take on Wikki Tourists in the first semi final by 1pm while Nasarawa United and Plateau United will slug it out for the second final spot by 3pm on Wednesday 13th August, 2025.

Adams Jesse Odoba-Yacham

Director Of Communication, NSFA

….Says Nasarawa United Will Pick One Of The Continental Slots In The NPFL

Adams Jesse Odoba-Yacham

Nasarawa United boss Solomon Babanja has hailed the organizers of the Gusau Ahlan Cup for staging one of the best tournaments in history.

Solomon Babanja made this known shortly after Kano Pillars edged Katsina United in the quarter final at the Lafia City Stadium.

“This is one of the best Gusau Ahlan cup to be organized in history, quality teams like Kano Pillars, Katsina United, Niger Tornadoes, Wikki Tourists graced the competition. And now, Nasarawa United, Plateau United, Wikki Tourists and Kano Pillars have picked the semi final tickets which is not an easy task”.

“Even the underdogs did very well, a team like Cynosure of Abakaliki did well against Plateau United, Plateau United beat Kano Pillars and we (Nasarawa United) played a local derby against Lobi stars where we picked the semi final ticket”.

‘We’ll take each game one at a time, we have a tough outing against Plateau United on Wednesday but I’m very confident that we’ll overcome them and walk into the finals”.

The soft spoken administrator went on to acknowledge the contribution of the state government to the development of the round leather and also he assured the followers of the club that they will put no stone unturned in bringing continental football to the state.

“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our Governor His Excellency Engineer Abdullahi A Sule for his continued support of Nasarawa United and his deputy Dr Emmanuel Akabe then the Ministry, The FA headed by Salisu Galadima and my former boss the Commissioner of Justice. All the stakeholders for giving us 100% support. We struggled last season and this season by God’s grace we’ll work hard and pick one of the Continental tickets”.

“That is the target and the coach we brought, Coach Mangut we’ve told him continental ticket is our target, he concluded”.

In the semi final, Nasarawa United will take on Plateau United on Wednesday the 15th of August by 1pm Nigeria time.

Shooting Stars Sports Club is in mourning following the sudden passing of newly appointed Assistant Coach, Akin Olowookere.

Olowookere, unveiled just three days ago, reportedly collapsed during a training session ahead of the team’s second pre-season fixture against Abia Warriors. Efforts to rush him to a nearby hospital proved unsuccessful, as he was confirmed dead on arrival.

His untimely death has plunged the club and the wider Nigerian football community into shock, with tributes and heartfelt condolences pouring in for his family during this difficult time.