Sports
APC Youth Leader Israel Congratulates Rangers International on Historic League Triumph
…Commends NPFL and NSC for Strengthening Nigerian Football
The APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, has congratulated Rangers International F.C. following their emergence as champions of the Nigerian league, describing the achievement as a landmark moment in Nigerian football history.
In a statement released on Monday, Dayo Israel hailed Rangers International for clinching their 9th league title, noting that the victory reflects resilience, consistency, and the rich football heritage of the club.
He also commended the league management body, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for their sustained efforts in repositioning Nigerian football and creating a more competitive league structure capable of restoring fans’ confidence and attracting greater national interest.
According to him, the just concluded season showcased one of the most competitive title races in recent years, with the championship battle going down to the final day before a winner eventually emerged.
“This is a landmark victory for Rangers International and a proud moment for Nigerian football. Winning the league for the 9th time is not just a testament to the club’s quality and tradition, but also a reflection of the growing competitiveness of our domestic league. The fact that the title race went down to the wire shows that the Nigerian league is regaining its strength, excitement, and credibility,” Dayo Israel stated.
He further urged players across the league to continue believing in the future of Nigerian football by embracing professionalism, discipline, and integrity in their careers.
“I encourage our league players to continue seeing the positives in the Nigerian league and remain committed to uprightness in their dealings both on and off the pitch.
They must keep faith with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is focused on creating opportunities for youths, sports development, and national advancement through talent and hard work,” he added.
Dayo Israel reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment and sports development, while expressing confidence that Nigerian football is on the path to greater continental and global relevance.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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