Sports

Nurudeen Academy Unveils State-of-the-Art Talent Camp in Mararaba

Published

3 weeks ago

May 18, 2025

…Aims to Nurture and Develop Young Footballers

By Tolulope Oguntimehin

One of Nigeria’s leading football development institutions, Nurudeen Football Academy, has launched a state-of-the-art residential camp in Mararaba, Nasarawa State — a strategic location near the Abuja-Nasarawa border.

The newly unveiled facility is designed to support talented young footballers, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds or living outside Abuja and Nasarawa, who previously faced accommodation challenges while training at the academy.

Speaking at the launch, President of Nurudeen Football Academy, Mahmud Musa, shared the inspiration behind the initiative:

“Football has always been a passion of mine. I played when I was younger, and I’ve always dreamed of creating a platform where young, aspiring players can thrive. This academy is more than just a training ground — it’s a hub for nurturing talent while recognizing the business side of football. That’s why we’ve invited top professionals in the industry to assess and help enhance what we’ve built.”

“We’re not stopping here. We also encourage our players to learn a vocation alongside football, giving them something sustainable to fall back on beyond their playing days.”

Chairman of the academy, Engr. Adamu Salihu Rabo, emphasized the significance of the new camp in attracting more youth to the academy:

“This facility opens the door to many more players, especially those previously held back due to accommodation barriers. Now, they can live and train here under the guidance of some of the best coaches in the country.”

Also present at the event was the Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), Usman Ilerika, who lauded the academy’s investment in youth development:

“This is a truly commendable project. Nurudeen Academy is not just building footballers — they’re transforming lives. By providing a safe space for kids to live and train, they’re helping steer youth away from social vices while giving them a platform to shine.”

“Mararaba has long been a breeding ground for raw football talent, with many players in the FCT leagues emerging from these suburbs. This camp, which has been affiliated with the FCT FA for over five years, provides an even stronger platform to nurture and harness that potential. We at the FCT FA are proud to be associated with such a meaningful initiative.”

The Nurudeen Academy Talent Camp is set to become a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers across the region, combining technical training with life skills development to empower the next generation of stars.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Patron of the Academy, the Emir of Karshi; Chairman of FCT Coaches Association, Bartholomew David; former Nasarawa United coach, Bala Nikyu; and several other notable guests.

Share on Facebook

Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

13 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.

Share on Facebook