Sports

Rising cases of COVID 19 forces Ramat Cup postponement

Published

4 years ago

January 31, 2021

This year’s Ramat Cup competition organized by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has been postponed, the organizers said on Sunday.

The President of YSFON, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna said the shift was necessitated by the new rise in the cases of COVID 19 pandemic across the country.

Dr. Gawuna said though a new date has not been fixed the competition earlier billed to hold in the ancient city of Kano from February 5 -13 will now take place at a later date.

The President who is also the Deputy Governor of Kano State said the postponement was done to take care of the health of the players, officials, and others, who will participate in the one-week competition organized in honour of late Nigeria Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed by the body.

According to him, after due consideration of the new rising cases, the body found it necessary to move the competition forward to avoid participants getting infected by the virus.

The Deputy Governor said YSFON as one of the bodies responsible for the development of the youths through sports will always ensure the players’ interest remains paramount in its consideration.

He said that all logistics for a successful tournament has been put in place before the postponement, adding that Kano State will be ready for the hosting of the championship once the dreaded virus is curtailed.

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Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

6 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy

By Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.

“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.

He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.

“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.

The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.

Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

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