Sports

Don’t Hide Your Children’s Talent, Sports Minister Urges Parents

Published

3 years ago

March 9, 2022

By Joel Ajayi

Minister of Sports of youth and sports development, Sunday Dare urged the parents in the country not to hide the sports talent of their wards but rather encourage them to develop it.

He gave this advice on Wednesday in Abuja at the third edition of Paris Africana Int’l School’s Sports Fiesta held at Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment in Abuja the event that witness a whole lot of sporting excellence.

Sports minister who was represented by his Media Aide, Kola Daniel reiterated that the ministry will not stop working round the clock to ensure Nigeria returns to the era it produced international athletes for the country from a robust school sports system.

“Power of sports cannot be undermine, sport is essential to every child that why I am using this occasion to call on parent not to hide the talent of their children but they should rather encourage their children talent for the purpose of growth and development.

“Sports stars like Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Babayaro and so on were unearthed through a functional school sports system and my principal, Hon. Sunday Dare is committed to returning our schools to its invaluable place in sports stars development”.

The Annual Inter-house Sports was graced by Ex-Super Eagles President, Nigerian Players’ Union, Tijanni Babangida, 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist, Emmanuel Babayaro, and NFF Technical Officer, Garba Lawal were at the ground to light up the torch and provide mentorship for the young and aspiring sports starlets of the institution.

In his remark, Emmanuel Babayaro said “I was thrilled with the atmosphere as soon as I got in. I love the investment Paris Africana international School has made in sports and this will be the beginning of greatness for the talents in the school. We will always provide mentorship and support to this kids, so they grow to be better than we were”.

In his opening addressed the Director of the School, Engr. Gbenga Nowoola expressed delight and pledged that the school will keep providing a platform for the students to sharpen their skills until they get to professional level.

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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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