Sports

Wheelchair Basketball Championship most important our players-President

Published

2 years ago

June 21, 2023

Joel Ajayi

President of the Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Mr Seyi Johnson has said the forth-coming Abeokuta Championship is expected to be ‘one of the most important tournaments for players.

The National Championship, which will be staged from 22nd to 25th June, 2023 at the Abeokuta Sports Stadium in Ogun State, will also serve as selection for this year’s African Para Games in Ghana.

With all of Nigeria’s finest players expected to vie for spots at the Africa Para Games, athletes who participated at last year’s qualifiers should expects stiff competition in Abeokuta.

Johnson said, “The Wheelchair Basketball Championship is going to be the biggest national event this year because players will be vying for spots ahead of the African Para Games.

“Nigeria have players scattered across the country and the only way for them to showcase their talent is to organise a championship. We want to present the best athletes for the Para Games and have podium finish in Ghana.

“Technical officials and top Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) are going to be on ground to witness the championship; this is to sure the level of seriousness attached to it.

The much traveled sports administrator said the Federation is working round the clock to ensure the welfare of the players is catered for.

He said, “The board is aware of the challenges faced by the wheelchair basketball players; that is why the Federation has concluded arrangements to give accomodation to the participating teams.

“The board commended BetKing for partnering with the Federation in organising the National Championship”, he added

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Sports

August 22 Set as Kick-Off Date for 2025/26 NPFL Season

Published

11 hours ago

June 13, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Following what many have described as one of the most successful football seasons in recent years, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has announced that the 2025/26 season will commence on August 22 and run through May.

Elegbeleye made this known on Friday during a press briefing held to review the just-concluded season and unveil plans for the upcoming campaign.

According to him, the decision to announce the kickoff date early is to ensure that the NPFL aligns with the international football calendar.

“We called this briefing to review the achievements of the past season and to inform Nigerians about the date for the new season, in line with global football standards,” he stated.

“This is perhaps the first time in nearly 20 years since the start of the modern NPFL era in 2005 — that both kickoff and closing dates have been strictly adhered to. It’s a promise we made and a promise we’ve delivered,” Elegbeleye stated.
He added that the new season will begin on August 22, 2025, and conclude in May 2026, maintaining the calendar structure established in the previous season.

Reviewing the recently concluded 2024/25 season, which ran from August 31, 2024, to May 25, 2025, Elegbeleye highlighted several milestones and statistical achievements.

He noted that Remo Stars made history by clinching the league title with three matches to spare after defeating Niger Tornadoes on Matchday 35, April 27. Remo Stars finished at the top of the table, followed by Rivers United and Abia Warriors.

In total,380 matches were played across the season. Each of the 20 clubs played 19 home and 19 away games, 286 matches were won, while 94 ended in draws.

A total of 784 goals were scored, comprising 552 at home and 232 away goals.60 goals came from the penalty spot, with 16 penalties missed. 13 own goals were recorded, and there were four hat-tricks.

On discipline: 1,380 yellow cards and 56 red cards were issued.

As Yusuf Anas of Nasarawa United topped the list with 18 goals, including two hat-tricks.
He was followed by veteran Rabiu Ali with 13 goals, and Anthony Ijoma of Abia Warriors with 12 goals.

Isaac Saviour (Rangers) and Amadu Liman also recorded a hat-trick each.

He added that: “Out of the 380 matches played:188 were broadcast live by StarTimes, while Propel streamed over 200 matches online.

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