Sports
No Rift Over PDP Convention, Mischief Makers Behind False Narrative
The attention of concerned stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to mischievous reports suggesting a rift within the party regarding the choice of venue and modalities for the upcoming PDP National Convention.
“We wish to categorically state that there is no division whatsoever among key leaders of the party, and such insinuations are nothing more than the handiwork of mischief makers determined to derail the progress and unity of the PDP.
Reacting to the false claims, the Founding Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, debunked any suggestion of a fallout between Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
“There is no rift between Governor Makinde and former Governor Wike. Both men remain committed party leaders and loyal members of the PDP family. Those trying to sow discord are simply unhappy with the renewed strength and unity demonstrated at the recent PDP strategic meeting. These falsehoods are nothing but a deliberate attempt to scatter what they cannot control,” Onaiwu stated.
The PDP remains Nigeria’s only truly national party rooted in democratic ideals, open dialogue, and internal unity.
As preparations continue for the forthcoming convention, the party will not be distracted by sponsored propaganda or baseless speculation. Instead, it remains focused on reclaiming its rightful place in national leadership come 2027.
The party’s caucus, National Working Committee (NWC), and National Executive Committee (NEC) collectively made a decision in the presence of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officialsThe public and the media are advised to disregard any reports of internal division, as they are entirely false and orchestrated by those who fear the PDP’s growing momentum.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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