Sports

Elegbeleye Charge Coaches, Captains and Team Managers on improved NPFL Season

Published

10 months ago

August 23, 2024

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Clubs Coaches, Captains and Team Coordinators have been charged to utilise knowledge gained from the workshop in Abuja to improve the quality of play in the new season which starts on August 31.

Hon.Gbenga Elegbeleye, the NPFL Chairman made the charge in Abuja at workshop organised by the league body for the Coaches, Team Managers and Captains of the clubs ahead the season’s kick-off.

“We are investing in the series of workshops which began with clubs’ Media Directors, the Chief Security Officers and Chairmen of Club Supporters because we aim to have a better season than we have had in the past.

“We look forward to seeing parents come to the stadium with their children and not be have worries about their safety. They should watch a match and feel that they had value for their time and money”, remarked Elegbeleye.

The NPFL Chairman who declared the workshop open, went on to assure the participants that the league would continue to invest in knowledge enriching schemes whenever the need arises. He also praised the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) for the improvements observed in the last season, and urged them to improve on that performance in the new season.

“We are not where we want to be yet, but we have moved very far from where we used to be.

However, we will continue to seek improvement and this workshop is one of the strategies for growth of the league”, Elegbeleye stated.

Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer in his welcome address told participants that they will have no reason to display ignorance of the rules after attending the training as the updated rules of international football will be shared.

The workshop in Abuja was the last in the series before the start of the 2024/25 season.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

5 hours ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

Share on Facebook