Sports
Customs CG Bags Abuja All Stars Veteran International Award for Excellence in Leadership
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi was honored on Saturday with the prestigious Abuja All Stars Veteran International Award for Excellence in Leadership, recognizing his outstanding leadership and unwavering support for the development of sports in Nigeria.
In acknowledgment of his contributions, the CGC was described as having “written his name on the sands of time” for his remarkable efforts in promoting grassroots sports and supporting veteran football initiatives across the country.
The award was received on his behalf by Samuel Onikeku, the Sports Secretary of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), during the grand finale of the 2025 Abuja All Stars Veteran Football Tournament.
Presenting the award, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, praised the CGC not only for his progressive leadership within the service but also for his vital role in advancing sports development nationwide.
The tournament, which spanned several months, featured 22 veteran football clubs drawn from across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The grand finale lived up to its billing, delivering a thrilling contest that saw debutant team New Karu All Stars stun the seasoned Karu Veterans to emerge as champions of the 2025 edition.
The event celebrated not just sporting excellence but also the spirit of camaraderie and community building among former footballers and sports enthusiasts.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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