Sports

Kun Khalifa FC Crowned Champions of Abia Governor’s NALCOMA Pre-Season Tournament

Published

8 hours ago

November 8, 2024

Kun Khalifa FC of Owerri has emerged as the champions of the inaugural Abia State Governor’s NALCOMA Pre-Season Tournament, held at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.

The tournament, which featured six teams from the South-East and South-South regions, concluded with a thrilling final. Kun Khalifa triumphed over Abia Comets of Umuahia in a penalty shootout, winning 5-4 after a 1-1 draw at full time.

Kun Khalifa took the lead in the 67th minute, with Awurum Samuel scoring from a corner kick. However, Abia Comets responded dramatically when substitute Chinedu Nwankpa netted the equalizer in injury time, forcing the game into penalties. In the shootout, Kun Khalifa converted four of their kicks, while Abia Comets managed three, sealing the victory for the Owerri-based side.

At the conclusion of the tournament, George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his unwavering support of youth sports. He encouraged the teams to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the tournament to refine their squads ahead of the upcoming league season, set to begin on November 30.

Chief Boniface Alozie Uche, the NALCOMA representative in the NNL, also praised Governor Otti for his commitment to the development of youth football. He expressed optimism that the teams would benefit greatly from the tournament, helping them make the necessary adjustments before the start of the league.

The four-day tournament saw participation from six teams: Abia Comets (Umuahia), Kun Khalifa (Owerri), Edel (Awka), Solution FC (Awka), Diamond FA (Umuahia), and Uchecaria FC (Aba).

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Sports

NWFL Backs Edo Queens’ Historic Quest at 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League

Published

8 hours ago

November 8, 2024

The Gleamer

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Board has thrown its full weight behind Nigerian champions, Edo Queens, as they prepare to compete for glory in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, beginning on November 9, 2024.

In a statement on Thursday, NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi expressed her confidence in the team’s ability to represent Nigeria with excellence, stating, “Edo Queens’ journey to this prestigious stage is a testament to their hard work and resilience. As they take on Africa’s best clubs, we are offering our unwavering support and belief in their potential to achieve historic success.”

The NWFL Board has pledged its backing to boost WAFU-B champions Edo Queens in their quest and encourages the players to approach each match with pride, determination, and unity. The Board further reiterated its belief in Edo Queens’ ability to showcase Nigerian football’s strength and talent on the continental stage.

“As you face Africa’s elite, remember you carry the dreams of Nigerian women’s football with you,” the chairperson stated. “We are proud to stand behind you and are confident you will make Nigeria shine.”

With Rivers Angels (2021) and Bayelsa Queens (2022) as previous Nigerian representatives—Edo Queens now set their sights on history, aiming to become the first Nigerian side to reach the final and capture the coveted title on their first attempt.

The Benin Arsenals will begin their maiden campaign in Group B against fellow debutantes Central Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) on November 10, 2024, and square up against first-timers, FC Masar of Egypt three days later before tackling title holders Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on November 16.

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