Sports

Football Stakeholders, Fans Express Joy Over NPFL Kick-Off

Published

6 years ago

December 28, 2020

Joel Ajayi

Despite the fact that many football fans watched the first leagues match on screen, after 9 months due to outbreak of COVID-19, many of them have applauded the efforts of the League Management Company LMC for the successful kick-off of the Nigeria Domestic league the NPFL.

After almost over months of non-league action, Nigeria Professional Football League started across the country on Sunday with some dramatic results.

The poor run of form of last season table topper Plateau United continued as they suffered a surprise 0-2 home defeat to last season struggler Kwara United.

At the Agege Stadium in Lagos, MFM outsmarts Warri Wolves 2-1 in a thrilling contest.

In Lafia, Promise Damala scored the opening goal in the 5th minute for the away side Wikki Tourist but host Nasarawa United responded two minutes later with a goal from Reuben Nicodemus before he completed his brace in the 52nd minute and secure maximum points for the host.

As Kano Pillars held their hosts Adamawa United to a 1-1 draw in another matchday one contest

Many of them expressed satisfaction as the Nigeria Professional Football League resumes this weekend.

The Chairman of Katsina state Football Association Alh. Aminu Balele Kurfi who was amongst the top dignitaries that witnessed the encounter between Jigawa Golden stars FC and Sunshine stars FC played at the ABS stadium Kaduna particularly showered praises on the match officials for their excellent performances.

The philanthropist who is also a member of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF Technical and Development Committee gave kudos to players of the two teams for their high level of discipline, maturity, and a good display of soccer artistry.

He thereafter presented a cash donation of one hundred and fifty thousand nairas to each of the two teams even as he took a group photograph with the two clubs in a display of FIFA fair play and for the good of the game.

Alh. Balele Kurfi solicited for the support of all the relevant Football stakeholders in Nigeria to give their full backing to the LMC to make our league great.

Speaking after successful kick-off, Busayo Olowookere said: “My joy knows no bound as what normally gives me joy came back, I am happy, we don’t want any interruption again, if Europe can be playing their game why not Nigeria? He warned.

Speaking also, a veteran of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Victor Ezeji said it was right that the league had eventually begun after a long layoff.

“I am very excited that the league has begun.

“It was no fault of anyone but because of the Coronavirus. It was not only Nigeria and as of now, but some leagues also have not even started.

“But they have to ensure that safety standards are met,” he said.

In his remarks, the former Super Eagles goalkeeper and coach Ike Shorunmu, one time player of the defunct Stationery Stores of Lagos, said it was gratifying that the NPFL was starting at long last.

Shorunmu noted that the league restarting would give the clubs in the continent a good form while playing their opponents.

“The league is overdue to start but it was not the fault of the LMC or the NFF.

“Everybody knows what the world passed through this year. It is even a pass mark for the league to start.

“But the players and officials should ensure that they maintain safety rules,” he said.

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Sports

AACT 2026: Nana Abubakar Promises World-Class Catering, Nigerian Hospitality

Published

38 mins ago

October 28, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria – With five days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Chairperson of the Catering and Refreshment Committee, Nana Abubakar, has assured visiting golfers, officials and guests of a memorable Nigerian experience, with local delicacies, entertainment and carefully coordinated catering arrangements planned for the continental championship.

Abubakar, who is also Treasurer of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), said the committee was working to ensure that visitors experience the richness of Nigerian cuisine and hospitality throughout their stay in Abuja.

She explained that the arrangements would go beyond providing meals and refreshments, with guests expected to enjoy Nigerian delicacies, cocktails and entertainment as part of the activities surrounding the championship.

The committee is also making provisions for golfers during practice sessions and while competing on the course, recognising the need to keep players refreshed and comfortable despite the potentially challenging weather conditions.

Abubakar said the arrangements were designed to ensure that players can concentrate on their games while receiving the necessary catering and refreshment support throughout the competition.

Beyond the golf course, the hospitality package will begin from the moment visitors arrive in Nigeria, with welcome packages and reception arrangements planned to give participating teams and other guests a warm introduction to the country.

The initiative reflects the Local Organising Committee’s determination to make AACT 2026 more than a sporting contest, using the championship to showcase Nigerian culture, cuisine, entertainment and hospitality to visitors from across Africa.

Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following the 1996 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 championship at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

The 2026 tournament is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja, with about 30 African countries expected to participate.

Under the slogan “Uniting Africa through the greens,” the championship will bring together women golfers from across the continent while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and stronger African relationships.

With five days remaining, the Catering and Refreshment Committee says it is preparing to serve up a distinctive Nigerian experience, combining sporting excellence with the warmth of the country’s renowned hospitality.

5 DAYS TO GO.

AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.

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