Sports
AITEO CUP 2021: Naija Ratels, Lobi Stars To Represent Benue State.

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side, Naija Ratels and Lobi Stars FC have emerged as representatives of Benue State for the upcoming Federation Cup also known as the AITEO Cup.
This was made known through a letter issued by the Benue State Football Association Secretary-General, Mr Lorngulum Malu to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Sunday evening. The F.A scribe also noted that Naija Ratels FC were the only women football side in the state, that registered for the 2021 State F.A Cup.
Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi are the state’s defending Champions while Naija Ratels will be participating in the AITEO Cup for the first time ever.
Meanwhile, Naija Ratels FC have intensified training ahead of the NWFL Championship season, which will kick start on the 22nd of June in Abuja. The ‘Ratels’ will battle Gallant Queens, Adamawa Queens, Heartland Queens, Kwara Ladies and Kaduna Queens for a Premiership slot.
The Benue State Football Association Secretary on behalf of the body tasked both teams to go all out and make the State proud at the National stages of the 2021 AITEO Cup.
Sports
Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

…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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