Sports
From Power Sector to Sports Icon, Engr. Ciroma Joseph Unveiled as KUGA 2025 Ambassador
By Joel Ajayi
As excitement mounts for the maiden edition of the Kingdom Unity Games Abuja (KUGA) 2025, organizers have officially unveiled Engineer Ciroma Joseph as the Ambassador of the faith-inspired sports event, bringing together his legacy in engineering with a passion for youth development through sports.
The Kingdom Unity Games, scheduled to take place from September 6–13, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, is a faith-based sporting initiative aimed at promoting peace, discipline, spiritual growth, and youth empowerment across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighboring states.
Though best known for his distinguished career in the engineering and power sector, Engr. Ciroma’s transformation into a respected voice in sports development underscores the multi-dimensional impact he continues to make.
“I’m truly honored to be associated with the 2025 Kingdom Unity Games,” he said during the official unveiling ceremony on Thursday in Abuja.
“Though I come from the power sector, I’ve always championed unity, peace, and youth development. Sports is one of the most powerful tools for achieving these goals. This event isn’t just about competition—it’s about connection, inclusion, and purpose.”
A seasoned international chess player and former Secretary of the Nigerian NEPA/PHCN Chess Association, Engr. Ciroma recalled his efforts in organizing chess tournaments that fostered camaraderie among staff from across Nigeria’s power sector generation, transmission, and distribution arms alike.
“Even as an engineer, I’ve always had a passion for sports and youth mentorship.
“We’ve moved from the analogue age into the digital era our youth must grow with the times. KUGA gives them a platform to express themselves, grow in discipline, and find meaningful direction.”
The brand new KUGA Ambassador, Engr. Ciroma called on communities across the FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and beyond to come out enmass to cheer the players: “This is a historic first edition, and how we begin will shape the legacy of KUGA.
“I will be personally reaching out to my networks to ensure strong participation at the opening, closing, and every activity in between.”
He also praised the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the official venue, noting its capacity to host large-scale events and accommodate diverse audiences.
Engr. Ciroma thanked government for investing in sport urging them to keep investing in programs like KUGA adding that, Sports remain a powerful antidote to insecurity and youth restiveness.
Also speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Convener of KUGA 2025 Ambassador Solomon Omonokhua emphasized that the event goes beyond athletics.
“KUGA is about discovery, unity, and purpose. We are focused on identifying talented youths within churches and across communities who might otherwise go unnoticed. This platform will expose them to scouts and professional opportunities—both locally and internationally.”
Ambassador Omonokhua further stressed the inclusive and interfaith nature of the Games.
“Although rooted in the Christian community, KUGA welcomes everyone Christians, Muslims, and others. It is a platform for national cohesion and collaboration through sport.”
However, the maiden edition will feature three core disciplines, all geared toward mass participation and talent discovery:
Football: 24 male teams representing churches from five major Christian blocs; Basketball: 16 teams—both male and female and Volleyball: 16 teams—male and female categories.
Ambassador Omonokhua concluded by reaffirming the organizing team’s commitment to delivering a world-class experience that blends faith, fun, and future-building for Nigeria’s youth.
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
