Sports

Football Stakeholders, Fans Express Joy Over NPFL Kick-Off

Published

5 years ago

December 28, 2020

Joel Ajayi

Despite the fact that many football fans watched the first leagues match on screen, after 9 months due to outbreak of COVID-19, many of them have applauded the efforts of the League Management Company LMC for the successful kick-off of the Nigeria Domestic league the NPFL.

After almost over months of non-league action, Nigeria Professional Football League started across the country on Sunday with some dramatic results.

The poor run of form of last season table topper Plateau United continued as they suffered a surprise 0-2 home defeat to last season struggler Kwara United.

At the Agege Stadium in Lagos, MFM outsmarts Warri Wolves 2-1 in a thrilling contest.

In Lafia, Promise Damala scored the opening goal in the 5th minute for the away side Wikki Tourist but host Nasarawa United responded two minutes later with a goal from Reuben Nicodemus before he completed his brace in the 52nd minute and secure maximum points for the host.

As Kano Pillars held their hosts Adamawa United to a 1-1 draw in another matchday one contest

Many of them expressed satisfaction as the Nigeria Professional Football League resumes this weekend.

The Chairman of Katsina state Football Association Alh. Aminu Balele Kurfi who was amongst the top dignitaries that witnessed the encounter between Jigawa Golden stars FC and Sunshine stars FC played at the ABS stadium Kaduna particularly showered praises on the match officials for their excellent performances.

The philanthropist who is also a member of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF Technical and Development Committee gave kudos to players of the two teams for their high level of discipline, maturity, and a good display of soccer artistry.

He thereafter presented a cash donation of one hundred and fifty thousand nairas to each of the two teams even as he took a group photograph with the two clubs in a display of FIFA fair play and for the good of the game.

Alh. Balele Kurfi solicited for the support of all the relevant Football stakeholders in Nigeria to give their full backing to the LMC to make our league great.

Speaking after successful kick-off, Busayo Olowookere said: “My joy knows no bound as what normally gives me joy came back, I am happy, we don’t want any interruption again, if Europe can be playing their game why not Nigeria? He warned.

Speaking also, a veteran of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Victor Ezeji said it was right that the league had eventually begun after a long layoff.

“I am very excited that the league has begun.

“It was no fault of anyone but because of the Coronavirus. It was not only Nigeria and as of now, but some leagues also have not even started.

“But they have to ensure that safety standards are met,” he said.

In his remarks, the former Super Eagles goalkeeper and coach Ike Shorunmu, one time player of the defunct Stationery Stores of Lagos, said it was gratifying that the NPFL was starting at long last.

Shorunmu noted that the league restarting would give the clubs in the continent a good form while playing their opponents.

“The league is overdue to start but it was not the fault of the LMC or the NFF.

“Everybody knows what the world passed through this year. It is even a pass mark for the league to start.

“But the players and officials should ensure that they maintain safety rules,” he said.

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Sports

NVBF President, Engr Nimrod Urges Families to Embrace Healthy Living at HOBA Novelty Sports

Published

14 hours ago

October 6, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has called on Nigerian families to adopt healthy living habits through regular participation in sporting and fitness activities.

Nimrod made the call on Sunday during the third edition of the Hoba Development Association, Abuja Chapter, novelty sports event held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He noted that physical activities such as sports are vital to fostering family bonds, community interaction, and overall well-being.

“The rate of health-related incidents such as slumping is increasing, but regular exercise helps improve the health of both parents and children,” he said. “Events like this bring families together, allowing parents and children to interact and know each other better.”

Also speaking, the stand-in Chairman of the Hoba Community, Barrister Nathan Naandeti, highlighted the significance of the annual novelty games, describing them as a unifying platform for members of the community.

“It’s something we do every year to promote unity, togetherness, and fitness among our people. Sports is part of who we are,” he stated.

Men, women, and children from the Hoba community participated in various sporting activities, including volleyball, badminton, football, and aerobics—all aimed at encouraging relaxation, fitness, and bonding among families.

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