Sports

Ahmed Fresh Drums Support For Unity Preseason Tournament

Published

4 years ago

October 17, 2021

NFF Executive Board member Ahmed Fresh has thrown his support behind the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja, from 30th October to 5th November.

Ahmed Fresh, who is the National Leader cum Coordinator of the North Central Football fraternity expressed his appreciation to the organizers of the tournament, promising to mobilized all the Premiership clubs in the zone to be part of the tournament.

The CAF Committee member said, the initiative will not only give the participating teams, the opportunity to assess the quality of their new recruits, but will provide the officials of the various clubs the avenue to share ideas that will greatly lead to the development of the game in Country. He however advised the organizers, to remain focused and ensure they sustain the tournament.

Responding to this gesture, the Coordinator of the tournament Patrick Ngwaogu thanked Alhaji Fresh who is also the Chairman of Niger State Football Association for his humility in appreciating their concept, and assured all the participants of having the best of Organization at all times. He confirmed that, all the Premiership clubs in the North Central are earnestly looking forward to the commencement of the tournament.

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Sports

Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development

Published

1 hour ago

November 5, 2025

The Gleamer

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.

The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.

Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”

“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.

“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”

In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.

“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.

“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”

The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.

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