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Football Enthusiasts Soaked In Excitement as EPL Kick-Off Friday

Published

6 years ago

August 5, 2019

Justina Akanbi

There exists huge eagerness among football lovers in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, as the 2019/20 English Premier League EPL season kicks off on Friday (August 9th) after an 81-daybreak.

Fans are eager and counting days hoping that the new season will surely give admirers something to hold on to.

Expectations are therefore high among fans players and officials of the 20 clubs as they are talking tough ahead of the August Campaign.

Throughout pre-season, supporters were keen to see how their the side is shaping up, as players come and go in the frenzy of the summer transfer window.

Also, the new season will also see expectations increase for several stars, some of whom may have under-performed, whilst others will be trusted with greater responsibility than ever before.

The 2019/20 Premier League season is just five days away with clubs putting final touches to their game ahead of the season.

Last year runner-up and 2019 champions league winner Liverpool will raise the curtain on the new season when they host Norwich City on, August 9th in the opening game of the fight.

The defending champions Manchester City will begin their Premier League title defense on Saturday 10^th with West ham United while Newcastle will start Premier League campaign at home on Saturday 10^th against Arsenal Football Club of England.

However, the big match day 1 will be on Sunday 10^th when Manchester united welcomes Frank Lampard tutored Chelsea in a fierce battle.

Meanwhile, Football lovers in the FCT are eagerly anticipating the commencement of the 2019/20 as many football lovers in the FCT are excited while many who spoke to The GleamerNews speaks on expectations, ahead of the beginning of the league.

As for Dupe Ogunkoya, a Liverpool FC admirer said: “Am happy that weeks of captivating football is back, Sunday’s community shield match between two titleholders in Manchester city and EPL runner up Liverpool proclaimed the start of the new EPL season with the 97th edition of community shield at Wembley stadium.

“Hopefully, I expect to see a keenly contested EPL season between all 20 competing teams, with 380 games not also forgetting all the glitz & glamour, drama & all the fireworks that come along with it.”

One of the die-hard Arsenal fans Wale Ayeni said he had missed the EPL actions ever since the end of last season. “I want to enjoy the EPL atmosphere again. I cannot wait for the commencement of the league EPL remains the best in the world, and as a Chelsea fan I will want my team to win the league at the end of the season’

Silvanus Ofeku who is a Manchester City fan said his club will defend the title having considered the players paraded for the season.

Another football fan, Mohammed Idris, a lover of Bet9ja said: “I will have more odds to forecast now, I have known EPL always gives a better chance to win; I am very happy and excited that the season is starting.

Arsenal; Aston Villa; Bournemouth; Brighton & Hove Albion; Burnley; Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, West Ham; Manchester City; Manchester United; Leicester City; Newcastle United; Tottenham Spurs; Norwich City; Sheffield United; Wolves; Southampton and Watford.

Matchday 1 Fixture

Liverpool vs Norwich

West Ham vs Man City

Bournemouth vs Sheffield United

Burnley vs Southampton

Crystal Palace vs Everton

Watford vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Leicester City vs Wolves

Newcastle vs Arsenal

Manchester United

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Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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