Sports
Olympic Gold Medallist, Hails RSFL for Reviving Grassroots Football in Nigeria
Nigeria international and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Emmanuel Babayaro has applauded the Rising Stars Football League (RSFL) for rekindling the excitement of grassroots football in the country.
Babayaro, who has long been an advocate for the development of local football, expressed his appreciation for the league’s efforts to restore the prestige of grassroots tournaments.
“We have been clamoring for the return of grassroots football with the same glamour we had during the old days, with tournaments like the Ramat Cup. Now, the RSFL has brought that back,” Babayaro said.
The former goalkeeper emphasized the importance of holistic development at the grassroots level, highlighting RSFL’s potential to lead this charge.
“For grassroots football to thrive, development must be holistic, and the RSFL is positioned to champion this growth,” he added.
Babayaro also stressed that success in grassroots football must be sustainable to have a lasting impact.
With an impressive prize of 11 million naira up for grabs, he acknowledged the RSFL as one of the biggest grassroots tournaments in Nigeria in the last decade.
“This is one of the biggest grassroots tournaments we’ve seen in the country in the last ten years. The prize money of 11 million naira speaks volumes about the league’s ambition to empower not just teams but the communities they represent,” Babayaro concluded.
The RSFL continues to receive praise for its innovative approach to nurturing talent and supporting football at the grassroots level, with the backing of influential figures like Emmanuel Babayaro underscoring its significance.
Future Guaranteed Fa will tackle New Dawn FC in the all-important final on Friday, Sept. 27 at tge MKO Abiola National Staidum, Abuja.
Sports
Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board
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.
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