Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has reaffirmed that the state government deployed sports as a vehicle for youth engagement, unity and job creation, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

He made the disclosure while presenting his State-of-the-State address to Ndi Imo at the Imo State House of Assembly Chamber.

According to the governor, his administration is committed to promoting youth development through sports noting that the state has done tremendously well in both national and international events.

His words “In the area of sports, we have gone beyond ceremonies and trophies to deplore sports as a vehicle for youth engagement, unity and job creation.

“Our athletes have represented Imo at multiple national and international events including the just concluded National Sports Festival and NDDC Sport’s Festival bringing honour and visibility to the state. Their hard work has yielded results.”

Tensions continue to rise in Cross River football as Coach Udume Aloy Ulor, head coach of May & Frank FC, has vehemently condemned a two-year suspension issued by the Cross River State Football Association (CRSFA), describing it as a smear campaign based on falsehoods.

Making his statement on the Nationwide League One (NLO) Club Owners Association platform, Coach Ulor expressed outrage at what he called an “unjust, unfounded, and reputation-damaging” decision by the state FA.

I have carefully followed all the trends across the just concluded NLO league, including our Calabar centre, and I must say this is a shame to Nigerian football. I feel pity for our young football talents. How will they grow in a corrupt system like this?” he asked.

Coach Ulor revealed that he was summoned by CRSFA and questioned without prior notification of any wrongdoing. When he declined to speak—citing a lack of authorization from his club—he was later stunned to hear that a two-year ban had been placed on him.

I never admitted to any offense. I told them clearly that I was not authorized by my club to speak, so I didn’t. Then I suddenly saw a notice banning me for two years and falsely claiming I admitted guilt,” he explained.

He further questioned the motives behind the FA’s action, alleging it was a move to distract attention from ongoing match-fixing investigations already before the NFF Disciplinary Committee.

Why didn’t CRSFA raise the issue of match manipulation during the league? Why now? There is a pending case involving some teams at our centre, and instead of addressing that, they’re using me as a scapegoat,” he said.

Coach Ulor did not mince words about his next steps, warning the FA to stop “dragging his name through the mud” and vowing to seek legal redress.

This morning, Hit FM Calabar broadcast the ban. That is character assassination. I will not take this lightly. Mr. Talabi and CRSFA must stop scandalizing me or face legal action. Enough is enough,” he declared.

The NLO Club Owners platform has since been abuzz with reactions from other club managers and stakeholders, many calling for a transparent review of the matter and urging the NFF to ensure justice prevails.

The sun was setting over the bustling city of Lagos, casting a golden glow over the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The air will be electric with excitement as eight teams prepare to clash in the highly anticipated Lagos Supremacy Cup.

The teams have been shortlisted after a rigorous selection process, and each one determined to lift the trophy.

The teams shortlisted to gather at the arena, each with their own unique story to tell.

36 Lion FC, known for their lightning-fast counter-attacks, will be looking to make a statement. Mavlon FC, with their solid defense, confident in their ability to shut down their opponents. Broad City FC, a team built on speed and agility, will ready to outmaneuver their foes.

Ikorodu City FC, with their passionate fan base, will fueled by the energy of their supporters.

Beyond Limit FC, a team of young and ambitious players, will be determined to prove themselves against more experienced opponents.

Triple 44 FC, with their clever tactics, will be looking to outsmart their opponents. Dosu Joseph FC, a team with a rich history, will seeking to make a comeback.

Real Sapphire FC, known for their attacking prowess, will ready to unleash their firepower.

As the teams took to the pitch, the crowd should erupt in cheers.

The Lagos Supremacy Cup would take place in November 2025.

The teams will divided into two groups. The group stage matches would be played over the course of three days, with each team facing off against the others in their group. The stakes will high, and every match matters.

As the tournament progressed, the teams would face off in thrilling matches, with each one showcasing their unique strengths and weaknesses. In the end, only one team would emerge victorious, claiming the title of Lagos Supremacy Cup champion and the coveted trophy.

The question on everyone’s mind was: which team would rise to the top and claim the championship? Would it be 36 Lion FC, with their lightning-fast counter-attacks? Or perhaps Mavlon FC, with their solid defense? Maybe it would be Broad City FC, with their speed and agility, or Ikorodu City FC, with their passionate fan base.

The Lagos Supremacy Cup was more than just a tournament – it was a celebration of football, community, and Lagos pride. The teams would battle it out on the pitch, but in the end, it would be the fans who would truly be the champions.

Let’s imagine the story unfolding as the tournament progresses, with each match bringing its own excitement and drama. Who will be the ultimate champion of the Lagos Supremacy Cup? Only time will tell.

The Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Hajji Gafar Liameed, along with Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, ACG HK Ejibunu, Dr. Chioma Amajoh (Mama Malaria), Pst. Dr. Victoria Ben Shimfe, and others, were honored on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with the National Development Merit Award and inducted into the National Development Hall of Fame at the National Merit Award Secretariat, Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.

This prestigious event, organized by Elation Magazine, Royal Magation, and Elation Communication Ltd, acknowledged individuals for their exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to national progress through sports, public service, and health advocacy.

Other notable awardees included Chief Onyekachukwu Ogbu, Hon. Dr. Oluwasegun Musa, Captain Raymond Bitanis, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Maruwa (Rtd.), among others, for their significant efforts in governance, youth development, and nation-building.

Hajji Gafar expressed his sincere gratitude to 36 Lion FC/36 Lion Investment, Ajara All Stars International, Badagry fans, the Ikeja/Agege fans, the Great Islanders, the entire Surulere supporters, the LSFA board and members, and his fellow FA Chairmen from Kwara, Kogi, and Gombe States for their unwavering support and confidence in his leadership.

In a special statement, Hajji Gafar acknowledged the convener and founder of the award, veteran journalist Mr. Darlington Umoru, publisher of Royal International Magazine, for his vision and commitment to recognizing excellence in national development.

He praised Mr. Umoru for establishing a platform that honors and celebrates individuals who are influencing the future of Nigeria through their service and impact.

The event gathered dignitaries from various sectors and reinforced the national significance of honoring leadership, service, and commitment to societal advancement.

The Chairman of the Enugu State Taekwondo Association, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, has described his recent award and honour by the Taekwondo Association of Nigeria as both a call and a challenge for greater efforts and positive action.

The award was conferred on Amaraizu at the just-concluded 3-day 4th edition of the Taekwondo Unity Games, held from June 12–14, 2025, at the Nigeria Air Force Valley Estate Multipurpose Hall, Asokoro, Abuja.

Amaraizu, a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) coach and pioneer Chairman of the Rangers International Football Club Foundation, emphasized that exposing children and young people to values, morals, standards, and discipline will help keep them innovative and resourceful.

The use of the instrumentality of sports is highly rewarding for strengthening their cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities,” he said. “Each sport, including Taekwondo, has its tenets, and these tenets are rooted in the core values of sports.”

He called on parents, guardians, and stakeholders to increase the participation of children in sporting activities as a way to unlock their full potential.

Coach Amaraizu also expressed appreciation to Master Gbolahan Ogunmuyiwa and the organizing team of the 4th Taekwondo Unity Games, along with their partners, for their outstanding promotion of Taekwondo in Nigeria. He further acknowledged the efforts of Grandmaster Dennis Anih and other Taekwondo masters at the Enugu State Taekwondo School for their continued dedication to the sport’s development.

It was gathered that Coach Amaraizu was honoured as an Advocate of Nigerian Youth Empowerment and Crime Prevention through Sports. The event featured over 300 athletes from 21 clubs and institutions and was held in collaboration with various Taekwondo bodies and the Defence Headquarters Sports Directorate.

In his remarks, the 053 Camp Commander, Group Captain H.S. Ibrahim, represented by the Officer in Charge of Sports at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Unit, Flight Lieutenant Chijioke Colony, delivered a goodwill message. He commended the Unity Games for constructively engaging young people, stating that such efforts would inspire more children and youths in the community. He also expressed NAF’s willingness to host future editions of the event if given the opportunity.

During the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Taekwondo Unity Games, Master Gbolahan Ogunmuyiwa, encouraged parents to incorporate physical fitness into their children’s education. He highlighted Taekwondo as one of the safest combat sports for children due to its emphasis on discipline, ethics, and moral rebirth.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of trophies, medals, and awards of honour to outstanding athletes and personalities.

After a successful regular season the board of Nigeria National League ( NNL) has announced that the Super 8 will hold in Asaba, the Delta State Capital from July 5 – 8, 2025.

Teams that qualified for the Super 8 are; Warri Wolves, Osun United, Crown FC, Kun Khalifa FC of Owerri, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi,Yobe Desert Stars, Doma FC of Gombe and Barau FC of Kano

According to a statement by the second tier League, the Delta State Governor Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in recognition of the progress made by the most important league in the country gave approval for the Super 8 that will produce the eventual winner of the league and the four teams to be promoted to the elite league to be played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba

” We are happy to announce that the sports loving Governor of Delta State Hon. Oborevwori has given approval for the hosting of NNL Super 8 in Asaba and we’re grateful for this kind gesture which will further cement the position of Delta State as a leading sporting state in the country.

” By this gesture, we’re ready to have a successful completion of the 2024/2025 season and produce the best teams that will play in the top flight next season”, noted the statement

Meanwhile, Chairman of NNL, Mr. George Aluo has assured football lovers that there’ll be no dull moment throughout the duration of the Super 8.

According to him,fans will be treated to the best form of football artistry as all the eight qualified teams have what it takes to qualify for the NPFL next season just as he promised that the league board in collaboration with the host state will ensure that all logistics will be put on ground for a successful hosting of the tournament.