Sports

1st Captain Bukar Bah Invitational Challenge kicks off February 11th

Published

3 years ago

February 9, 2022

All is set for the first edition of Captain Bukar Bah Invitational Volleyball Challenge, according to the Organising Secretary, Lawal Musa on Thursday.

The first edition of Captain Bukar Bah Invitational Volleyball Challenge will take place at the Army Cantonment Volleyball court, Kaura-Namoda road, Gusau from 10th to 14th February 2022.

The State Volleyball Organising Secretary, Lawal Musa told newsmen in Gusau that the competition is to foster peace in the host community.

Musa revealed that the competition will help reduce youth restiveness and social vices in the State capital.

The State Volleyball Organizing Secretary who is also double as National Assistant Secretary-General, Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association, commended the Sponsor for investing in volleyball; the fastest growing sport in Nigeria.

He said, “The aim of the competition is to preach love among the host community and foster peace. As you are all aware that volleyball is a team event and everyone on the court must be at peace if they want win any game.

“In our society, you will discover that there is a high rate of social vices. The competition will help curb violence and inculcate discipline and unity in the youths.

“I will not fail to commend Captain Bukar Bah for choosing to support volleyball in Zamfara. In Nigeria, volleyball is the fastest growing sport and I am happy he is keying into it.”

Musa revealed that the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod will grace the final of the competition as the Zonal Representative of the North West.

Six teams will be participating in the invitational challenge and they are; Army Cantonment VC, Correctional Service VC, MOPOL VC, Samaru VC, Tsafe Local Government VC, and FCET VC

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Sports

Analysis of the 2024/25 NPFL Table (Match Day 22)

Published

3 hours ago

February 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu)

The 2024/25 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table after Match Day 22 reveals a competitive title race, a congested mid-table, and an intense relegation battle. Below is a breakdown of the key trends from the standings.

🏆 Title Race: Remo Stars in Control

1.  Remo Stars FC lead the table with 45 points from 22 games, boasting 14 wins, the highest in the league.
2.  Shooting Stars SC sit second with 37 points from 21 games, meaning they have a game in hand that could close the gap.
3.  Rivers United FC (35 points) and Rangers International FC (34 points) remain in contention, but their inconsistent results (only 9 wins each) suggest they will need strong finishes.

🚀 Key Insight: Remo Stars’ defensive solidity (only 16 goals conceded) and best goal difference (+14) make them the current favorites for the title.

⚖️ Mid-Table Battle: Competitive and Unpredictable

•   Teams from 5th place (Abia Warriors, 33 points) to 14th place (Katsina United, 26 points) are separated by just 7 points.
•   Clubs like El-Kanemi Warriors (32 points) and Enyimba FC (31 points) could still push for continental spots if they gain momentum.
•   Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United (29 & 28 points respectively) are sitting in the middle of the pack but could easily be dragged into the relegation fight if results don’t improve.

⚠️ Key Concern: Mid-table teams must be wary of inconsistency, as a few bad results could put them in relegation danger.

🌍 Continental Qualification Spots

•   The top two teams qualify for the CAF Champions League (CAFCL), while the third-place team enters the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC).
•   Rivers United (3rd) and Rangers (4th) are currently in the best position to battle for continental spots.
•   Ikorodu City FC (7th, 31 points) and Niger Tornadoes (9th, 31 points) remain dark horses for a top-three finish.

🌟 Key Contenders: Rangers International and Rivers United must improve their consistency to ensure a top-three finish.

⚠️ Relegation Battle: 6 Teams in Trouble

The bottom of the table is highly competitive, with at least six teams in danger of relegation:

1.  Bendel Insurance (25 points)
2.  Plateau United (24 points)
3.  Sunshine Stars (24 points)
4.  Nasarawa United (22 points)
5.  Lobi Stars (21 points)
6.  Akwa United (20 points, bottom place)

📉 Key Observations:

•   Nasarawa United, Plateau United, and Bendel Insurance have had 3 points and 3 goals deducted due to league violations, which has severely impacted their standings.
•   Akwa United (20 points, -8 GD) has the worst goal difference and could face serious relegation trouble unless they turn things around.

🔥 Key Battle: Lobi Stars, Nasarawa United, and Akwa United must fight hard to escape the drop zone in the remaining matches.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✅ Remo Stars are strong favorites for the title.
✅ Shooting Stars have a game in hand, making the top-two battle interesting.
✅ Mid-table is highly competitive, with several teams still in contention for continental football.
✅ Relegation battle is wide open, with six teams fighting to survive.

🚨 What to Watch For Next: Will Shooting Stars close the gap? Can Rivers United push for a top-two finish? Who will survive the relegation scrap? The remaining fixtures will be crucial in shaping the NPFL season’s outcome.

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