Sports
Fosla 10th Anniversary : Lulu Appreciate Nigerians
Former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi has appreciated Nigerian that thronged the satellite town of Karshi-Abuja to witness the 10th anniversary and Graduation ceremony of his pet project, Fosla Academy.
Lulu who was full of excitement said ” with gratitude and praises to Allah SWT, we humbly convey our appreciation for your unflinching the support accorded us before,during and after the 10th anniversary and 5th Graduation ceremony of FOSLA ACADEMY. May the Loving God reward you accordingly. I remain grateful for your great efforts. Thank you” the former FCT Director of Sports said.
The Academy 10th year anniversary which was combined with the 5th Graduation ceremony, was also used to recognized some Nigerians who have contributed in the success stories of the Academy among whom are the Executive Governor of Kaduna state Mallam Nasir El-Rufai who was represented by his associate Alhaji Dikko, the Sarki Karshi Alhaji Ismaila Muhammed, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed (Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi), Hajia Laraba Abdullahi and Ordinary President, Ahmad Isah of the Human Rights Radio. All these got Heroes Award
NFF General Secretary Dr Sanusi Mohammed got the Academy’s Merit Award alongside FCT FA Chairman Alhaji Abba Muhammed Murthar, former Super Eagles Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Atah, Super Eagles Secretary, Dayo Enebi, Dr Paul Amodu former Kogi State Health Commissioner, Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmadu former Fosla PTA Chairman, Miss Oluwatosin Kolawole of Operation Save Out of School Children Campaign, IHS and SCC.
Late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi (Former NFA General Secretary) and Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi (Former Kogi state Commissioner for Works) were given Post Humous awards.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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