Sports

Educational Policies Have Killed University Sports-Ex-UI Director Of Sports

Published

3 years ago

June 27, 2022

Dr. Abiodun Isiaka Salami, the immediate past University of Ibadan Director of Sports, has taken a swipe at the various educational policies in the country which have killed University student’s participation in sports.

The former Green Eagles winger who spoke at the weekend, said participation in sports in the University is virtually dead, because of the jam-packed academic curriculum that has made it impossible for students to effectively combine education with sports.

He said in the past that many athletes, especially footballers combined their academics with football, even playing for clubs and national teams. But, these days, you hardly see such because the University educational policies have made it extremely difficult for that to happen. Most of the University lecturers still believe that sportsmen are unserious people.

The University system no longer makes it possible for sports to thrive. Take for instance the University of Ibadan where I served for 32 years, our sporting edifices which were our centre of attraction have been destroyed. Our football pitch and cricket field which were one of the best in the country now have building structures on them. The supposed new sports center that was built in a very remote part of the University community, is not easily accessible to the students, and has only a football pitch and a basketball court. No other sport exists there”.

Dr Salami, however, advised young football players not to jettison their education while playing football, as their certificates may be their rallying point after football. According to him, “football surely has an expiry date. It can either be due to injuries or age or something that can make you stop abruptly. It is then that your certificates will be important. You will rely on that for the rest of your life”.

Dr. Abiodun Isiaka Salami abandoned his flourishing football career at then IICC Shooting Stars and Green Eagles team preparing for the 1980 AFCON to proceed to the University of Ibadan to pursue an academic career starting from a Diploma certificate to a Doctorate Degree in Sports and Administration.

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Sports

Analysis of the 2024/25 NPFL Table (Match Day 22)

Published

52 mins ago

February 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu)

The 2024/25 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table after Match Day 22 reveals a competitive title race, a congested mid-table, and an intense relegation battle. Below is a breakdown of the key trends from the standings.

🏆 Title Race: Remo Stars in Control

1.  Remo Stars FC lead the table with 45 points from 22 games, boasting 14 wins, the highest in the league.
2.  Shooting Stars SC sit second with 37 points from 21 games, meaning they have a game in hand that could close the gap.
3.  Rivers United FC (35 points) and Rangers International FC (34 points) remain in contention, but their inconsistent results (only 9 wins each) suggest they will need strong finishes.

🚀 Key Insight: Remo Stars’ defensive solidity (only 16 goals conceded) and best goal difference (+14) make them the current favorites for the title.

⚖️ Mid-Table Battle: Competitive and Unpredictable

•   Teams from 5th place (Abia Warriors, 33 points) to 14th place (Katsina United, 26 points) are separated by just 7 points.
•   Clubs like El-Kanemi Warriors (32 points) and Enyimba FC (31 points) could still push for continental spots if they gain momentum.
•   Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United (29 & 28 points respectively) are sitting in the middle of the pack but could easily be dragged into the relegation fight if results don’t improve.

⚠️ Key Concern: Mid-table teams must be wary of inconsistency, as a few bad results could put them in relegation danger.

🌍 Continental Qualification Spots

•   The top two teams qualify for the CAF Champions League (CAFCL), while the third-place team enters the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC).
•   Rivers United (3rd) and Rangers (4th) are currently in the best position to battle for continental spots.
•   Ikorodu City FC (7th, 31 points) and Niger Tornadoes (9th, 31 points) remain dark horses for a top-three finish.

🌟 Key Contenders: Rangers International and Rivers United must improve their consistency to ensure a top-three finish.

⚠️ Relegation Battle: 6 Teams in Trouble

The bottom of the table is highly competitive, with at least six teams in danger of relegation:

1.  Bendel Insurance (25 points)
2.  Plateau United (24 points)
3.  Sunshine Stars (24 points)
4.  Nasarawa United (22 points)
5.  Lobi Stars (21 points)
6.  Akwa United (20 points, bottom place)

📉 Key Observations:

•   Nasarawa United, Plateau United, and Bendel Insurance have had 3 points and 3 goals deducted due to league violations, which has severely impacted their standings.
•   Akwa United (20 points, -8 GD) has the worst goal difference and could face serious relegation trouble unless they turn things around.

🔥 Key Battle: Lobi Stars, Nasarawa United, and Akwa United must fight hard to escape the drop zone in the remaining matches.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✅ Remo Stars are strong favorites for the title.
✅ Shooting Stars have a game in hand, making the top-two battle interesting.
✅ Mid-table is highly competitive, with several teams still in contention for continental football.
✅ Relegation battle is wide open, with six teams fighting to survive.

🚨 What to Watch For Next: Will Shooting Stars close the gap? Can Rivers United push for a top-two finish? Who will survive the relegation scrap? The remaining fixtures will be crucial in shaping the NPFL season’s outcome.

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