Sports

First Lady, CDS, FCT Minister Among Dignitaries to Grace Maiden Kingdom Unity Games Kick-Off Saturday

Published

8 months ago

September 4, 2025

……As 32 Teams Battle in Football, Basketball, and Volleyball

Joel Ajayi

Abuja will this weekend host a historic sporting spectacle as the maiden Kingdom Unity Games Abuja (KUGA) 2025 kicks off on Saturday, September 6, at 3:00 PM inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The week-long event, running from September 6–13, is a faith-based sports initiative designed to promote peace, unity, and youth development across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states.

A host of dignitaries are expected at the opening ceremony, led by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who will serve as Guest of Honour.

Also expected are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, among several others.

Speaking at a pre-event press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Convener, Ambassador Solomon Omonokhua, underscored the transformative vision behind the initiative.

“Although rooted in the Christian community, KUGA is open to all—Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths. It is a platform for building national unity, fostering peace, and constructively engaging our youth through sports,” he said.

Ambassador Omonokhua explained that the Games seek to discover and mentor young athletes, create academic and career opportunities, and reduce insecurity by productively engaging young people.

“This event is designed to pull youths off the streets, nurture their talents, and provide platforms for growth—not just for their families, but for society as a whole.

“Sports is a powerful tool for breaking barriers of religion, tribe, and social class. It unites, heals, and empowers. What we are building is more than just a tournament—it’s a movement,” Omonokhua affirmed.

The 2025 edition will feature three major sporting categories: Football: 24 male teams drawn from church es representing five major Christian blocs; Basketball: 16 male and female teams and Volleyball: 16 male and female teams

In total, 32 teams will compete for cash prizes, medals, and branded kits, with additional surprise packages to be unveiled at the closing ceremony.

While KUGA 2025 is currently FCT-based, the long-term goal is to scale it into a full national event by 2026, with participation from all states across Nigeria. The FCT serves as a testbed for nationwide implementation.

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Sports

NLO Integrity Under Fire After Match-Fixing Allegations in Bauchi Clash

Published

2 hours ago

May 7, 2026

The Gleamer

..As Wikki Tourists Feeders vs Adamu Jumba FC Draws Concern Over League Credibility

A cloud of controversy now hangs over NLO One following disturbing reports from Bauchi that could undermine the progress and credibility of the Nigerian Nationwide League One under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Shola Ogunowo.

The league body has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance stance on match manipulation, emphasizing that the integrity and fairness of the competition must be protected at all costs. However, Wednesday’s fixture between Wikki Tourists Feeders and Adamu Jumba FC in Bauchi has raised serious concerns after multiple eyewitnesses came forward with allegations of match-fixing.

According to eyewitness accounts, the match was allegedly fixed to favor Wikki Tourists Feeders, with the aim of helping them leapfrog current table-toppers Warinje FC in the standings. The claims, if proven true, strike at the heart of the league’s reputation as a credible pathway for emerging Nigerian talent.

The most troubling account involves the match officials. Eyewitnesses say the center referee and his assistant refused to return for the second half after noticing what they believed to be irregular conduct during the first half. It reportedly took 30 minutes of intervention and persuasion by the Bauchi State Football Association before the officials agreed to resume the game.

Further allegations point to on-field actions that appeared deliberate. Former Niger Tornadoes player Musa Wakili is said to have intentionally missed a penalty in a manner that raised suspicion among those present. In protest, Adamu Jumba’s head coach is reported to have walked out of the technical area, stating publicly that he would not be associated with anything that could tarnish his professional image.

While these remain allegations and have not been independently verified, the gravity of the claims demands immediate attention. The NLO must launch a thorough investigation to ascertain what transpired during the match and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken against anyone found culpable. Allowing such conduct to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent and erode public trust in the league.

Shola Ogunowo has earned respect for his commitment to transparency and professionalism since assuming office as COO. Stakeholders and fans alike now look to the NLO leadership to demonstrate that same resolve by addressing the matter decisively and transparently.

The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched, as it could define how seriously the NLO is prepared to defend the integrity of Nigerian grassroots football.

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