Sports
FCT Coaches Return Chairman as First Vice Chairman, Others Lose Positions Despite Being Unopposed
Coach Bartholomew David was, over the weekend, returned as Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, following the conclusion of the 2025 executive elections.
Though unopposed, Coach Bartholomew needed to satisfy the constitutional requirement of securing 75 percent of the votes cast to emerge victorious. He did so convincingly, garnering 22 out of 22 votes, thereby earning a fresh four-year mandate to lead the association.
However, the election dealt a surprising blow to several incumbent officials who also contested unopposed but failed to meet the same 75 percent threshold. Most notably, National U20 Women’s Assistant Coach Mansur Abdullahi was voted out as First Vice Chairman. Despite running without opposition, Mansur secured only 6 out of 22 votes, ending his four-year tenure.
Similarly, Coaches Jibril Yusuf Kenny and Mike Atah also lost their re-election bids despite being the sole candidates for their respective positions. Coach Kenny Owojiri, currently serving as the Leader of the Abuja Municipal Coaches Council, also failed to muster the required votes to return to office.
In contrast, some positions saw competitive contests. Coaches Mary Godspower and Isah Mohammed emerged victorious in contested elections for the positions of Welfare Officer and Assistant Secretary, respectively.
Meanwhile, Paul Tanko, Adanna Nwaneri Nna, and Hajia Bilikis Tijani were re-elected as Auditor, Welfare Officer, and Treasurer.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Bartholomew David thanked the members for their confidence and urged the newly elected executives to rededicate themselves to service. “The voice of the people has been heard. Now is the time to work harder,” he stated.
Chairman of the electoral committee, Samuel Abimbola, commended all members for conducting themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner throughout the election process.
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.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News10 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
