Sports
AFN Leadership Structure Solidifies, As Southeast, Northwest Zonal Elections Conclude In Abuja
Joel Ajayi
Athletics Federation of Nigeria ,AFN, has strengthened its Executive Board following the successful completion of the South East and North West zonal elections on Wednesday at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Overseen by Honourable Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission ,NSC, the elections saw Mr. Festus Okorie secure the Southeast ticket with a unanimous 4–0 vote, while Abubakar Ladan Zurmi clinched the North West position with a convincing 5–1 victory over Honourable Sunday Adeleye of Kaduna State.
Speaking after the elections, the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, commended the process for its transparency and credibility.
“Athletics is one of our major sports, and it is therefore very important to get it right with the election processes because that will be the foundation of everything that will be achieved in the next four years”, he stated.
“The success of the Commission is tied to how well our federations perform, as it is through them that we are implementing the Renewed Hope Sports Mandate that Mr. President has entrusted to us. The AFN is one federation we cannot afford toy with”.
He further urged unity and collaboration within the athletics community.
“We know everybody cannot be on the board at the same time, but we all belong to the same sports family, working for the overall interest of Nigerian sports. We therefore appeal to every stakeholder to seek peace and reconciliation at all times, to de-escalate tensions especially concerning election matters”, he concluded.
Sports
August 22 Set as Kick-Off Date for 2025/26 NPFL Season
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.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News6 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
