Sports

FG Commends ABL Unity Football Tournament in Abuja

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2023

Joel Ajayi

Federal government has heaped huge praises on the successful execution of the inagural edition of the Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi football Unity tournament described the tournament as the best.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Abubarkar Ismaila while speaking at weekend during the grand finale of the tourney inside the Main bowl of Moshood Abiola National Stadium said that government will not relent in creating an enabling environment for Nigerian youth to be excel.

According to him, I am delighted to be very part of this occasion ABL Unity Football Tournament which is very much in line with mandate of government through Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

“That is why we partnered the organizer of this tournament, with aim of promoting unity amongst Nigerians and I must say that this commendable, it’s coming at the best time Nigeria need unity, I therefore commend you for this initiative.

“Our duty is to provide enabling environment for our youth to showcase their talent, hoping that organizer and critical stakeholders will identify them and provide opportunity to succeed in life.”
He however assured that the ministry will restructure the game of football for better performance.

Speaking also was the Initiator of the ABL unity tournament Mrs Adedayo Laniyi expressed that the championship have aim of fostering unity and discover grassroot talents for the national teams.

She added that, She will not relent her in her effort to ensure she put smiles on the faces of Many Nigerians through different initiatives.

“In the coming two weeks players discovered here, will be in camp and by September there will be upward movement of successful ones to abroad for better opportunities.
“Nigerian youth will no doubt have a place in international community through grassroot discovery that is our target.”

However, the Legend Football Club of Abuja has emerged champion of the maiden edition of the ABL Football Unity Tournament on Saturday in Abuja, after a 2-1 victory against their counterpart Maracana FC of FCT.

The three weeks explosive encounter see the champions smiled home with N3.5millions while the runner-up won N2 million as the third position pocketed N1 million.

The tournament, ABL FCT Unity football championship, started on July 8th of July and climax on Saturday 29th July 2023 with over 1,200 young footballers, with 80 teams in the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) competed for honours.

The diginitaries at occasion was the representative of the federal government and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Abubarkar Ismaila, The Onah of Abaji, His royal Majesty, Alh. (Dr) Adamu Baba Yunusa the Chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the founder of Human Right Radio Ordinary Ahmed ISSA amongst others..

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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