Sports

Emmanuel Akpakwu MFR Congratulates Benue Born James Nnaji on NBA Draft Pick and Spanish League Victory

Published

2 years ago

June 23, 2023

Urges him to channel the spirit of Naija and the strength of Benue

Republic of Phillipines Consul to Nigeria and youth advocate, Emmanuel Akpakwu MFR has congratulated James Nnaji for being drafted in round one by the Boston Celtics during the NBA Draft event.

Akpakwu also felicitated with the rising star for winning the Spanish basketball league, with FC Barcelona, as his team defeated Real Madrid 93-82 points earlier this week.

In the early hours of Friday, Nnaji got picked by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA Draft and he finally settled at Charlotte Hornets in a trade agreement.

Akpakwu said “we’re proud of James Nnaji, who is a shining light to the world and embodies the enterprising spirit of the Nigerian youth, as well as the strength of Benue people. We remain proud of his profund achievements and we know that the best phases of his career still lies ahead of him. We wish him the best in this next stage”

Borned in Makurdi, Benue state, Nnaji picked up basketball as a teenager in the middle belt state and has continue his meteoric rise to stardom, from Makurdi, to Hungary, to Spain and now the NBA, in the USA.

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Sports

August 22 Set as Kick-Off Date for 2025/26 NPFL Season

Published

11 hours ago

June 13, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Following what many have described as one of the most successful football seasons in recent years, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has announced that the 2025/26 season will commence on August 22 and run through May.

Elegbeleye made this known on Friday during a press briefing held to review the just-concluded season and unveil plans for the upcoming campaign.

According to him, the decision to announce the kickoff date early is to ensure that the NPFL aligns with the international football calendar.

“We called this briefing to review the achievements of the past season and to inform Nigerians about the date for the new season, in line with global football standards,” he stated.

“This is perhaps the first time in nearly 20 years since the start of the modern NPFL era in 2005 — that both kickoff and closing dates have been strictly adhered to. It’s a promise we made and a promise we’ve delivered,” Elegbeleye stated.
He added that the new season will begin on August 22, 2025, and conclude in May 2026, maintaining the calendar structure established in the previous season.

Reviewing the recently concluded 2024/25 season, which ran from August 31, 2024, to May 25, 2025, Elegbeleye highlighted several milestones and statistical achievements.

He noted that Remo Stars made history by clinching the league title with three matches to spare after defeating Niger Tornadoes on Matchday 35, April 27. Remo Stars finished at the top of the table, followed by Rivers United and Abia Warriors.

In total,380 matches were played across the season. Each of the 20 clubs played 19 home and 19 away games, 286 matches were won, while 94 ended in draws.

A total of 784 goals were scored, comprising 552 at home and 232 away goals.60 goals came from the penalty spot, with 16 penalties missed. 13 own goals were recorded, and there were four hat-tricks.

On discipline: 1,380 yellow cards and 56 red cards were issued.

As Yusuf Anas of Nasarawa United topped the list with 18 goals, including two hat-tricks.
He was followed by veteran Rabiu Ali with 13 goals, and Anthony Ijoma of Abia Warriors with 12 goals.

Isaac Saviour (Rangers) and Amadu Liman also recorded a hat-trick each.

He added that: “Out of the 380 matches played:188 were broadcast live by StarTimes, while Propel streamed over 200 matches online.

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