Sports

Football Stakeholders, Fans Express Joy Over NPFL Kick-Off

Published

4 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

First edition of Kuje Football League will Promote Talent, Unity Among Residents – Organizer

Published

2 hours ago

May 9, 2025

The Gleamer

…As Competitions Kick Off on Sunday

By Joel Ajayi

In a bid to boost grassroots football, discover local talents, and foster unity among residents, the inaugural edition of the Kuje Football League is set to kick off on Sunday, May 10, 2025, at the Kuje Township Stadium and Funtaj School, both located in Kuje, Abuja.

Kuje, a prominent area in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, is hosting the league for the first time in its history.

The opening ceremony will begin at 3:00 PM on Sunday 10 participating teams will be slugging it out with 180 matches over the course of five months.

The winning team will receive a cash prize of ₦1.million, while the second and third-place teams will go home with ₦600,000 and ₦400,000 respectively.

Participating clubs include Holy Ghost FC, Royal Eni FC, Crown Tee FC, Homeboys FC, Cargo FC, Rondo FC, Amazing Grace FC, among others.
Speaking after the official press briefing on Thursday in Kuje, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Muhammed Momoh, reaffirmed the organizers’ commitment to using football as a unifying force for youth in the area.

“This competition isn’t just about football—it’s about discovering future stars and offering them a platform to grow professionally, both locally and internationally,” he said. “It’s also about bringing residents together to build a stronger, united community.”

Momoh highlighted the popularity of football in Kuje, saying, “On match days, you won’t find a single okada (motorcycle ) on the streets. That’s how much people here love football.

“We don’t have many recreational centers where families can unwind, so this league will give them something to look forward to on weekends. Instead of traveling to town—which is costly—they can stay within Kuje and enjoy quality football.”

He concluded by inviting residents to support the event: “We want to promise the people of Kuje an exciting and engaging football league that brings joy, relaxation, and unity to our community. Come to the Kuje field, enjoy the matches, and support your teams.”

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