Sports

IGP Inaugurates Historic 1st NPF Open National Mixed Martial Arts Championship In Abuja

Published

2 years ago

December 2, 2023

…Tasks Participants on Sportsmanship

Joel Ajayi

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has officially launched the groundbreaking 1st NPF Open National Mixed Martial Arts Championship scheduled to be held on the 2nd and 3rd of December 2023 in Abuja at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

In his address during the inauguration on Saturday, December 2, 2023, the IGP underscored the significance of this championship in not only enhancing policing services but also contributing to the broader development of sports in Nigeria. The event is poised to foster collaboration and mutual respect among participating agencies, showcasing the commitment of law enforcement to community policing.

As part of the preparation for this championship, the Force conducted a comprehensive 2-day seminar titled “Sensitization on the Rules and Regulations of Mixed Martial Arts.” The seminar brought together athletes and officials from the Police, Para-military, and other law enforcement agencies, along with representatives from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Development.

The IGP calls on all participating athletes and agencies to showcase their best performances while adhering to the rules and maintaining the spirit of sportsmanship.

However, the competition will feature various categories, including the Beginners Mixed Martial Arts events, highlighting a combination of grappling, striking, and ground fighting.

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Sports

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

Published

21 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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