Sports
Gusau Praises Flying Eagles’ Performance
Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the NFF, has applauded the National U20 team for their impressive run in the semifinals of the AFCON U20 WAFU B tournament in Niger Republic.
Gusau, who watched their opening match, expressed his admiration: “I commend the Flying Eagles for reaching the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship and securing a place in the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. Despite losing 0-1 to Burkina Faso in their first game, the team has shown remarkable improvement in every match since.”
“The NFF is thrilled with their performance. We believe they have what it takes to successfully defend their title against Ghana in Wednesday’s final.”
The reigning champions, Nigeria, advanced to the final of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in style, overcoming Niger Republic’s Junior Mena 3-1 in Lome, which also secured their spot in next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Niger took an early lead just nine minutes into the second semifinal at Stade Kegue, but Nigeria, undeterred, regrouped and dominated the game. They scored three outstanding goals to secure their place in the final against their West African rivals, Ghana, who had defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 earlier.
Despite Niger’s pressure, Nigeria found their rhythm, leveling the score through Clinton Jephta in the 35th minute after a well-coordinated series of passes involving Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari, and Nasiru Salihu.
Jephta struck again 13 minutes into the second half, putting Nigeria ahead, with goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt making crucial saves to preserve the lead. Olalekan Alonge sealed the victory with a third goal in stoppage time.
Sports
Lagos State Sports Commission, Abbey Rangers FC Seal Groundbreaking Partnership for Grassroots Football Development
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Abbey Rangers Football Club, a renowned community football institution in the United Kingdom, marking a new era in grassroots football development in Nigeria.
Under this strategic alliance, Abbey Rangers FC will collaborate with the Lagos State Sports Commission to implement a robust seven-pillar framework focused on:
talent development, coaching enhancement, sports science, community engagement, policy support, resource mobilization, and infrastructure growth.
The partnership is a first of its kind between Nigeria and a UK-based community football club and aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive football ecosystem in Lagos State. It promises to unlock new international opportunities for young athletes and coaches, offering pathways for advanced training, mentorship, and global exposure.
Speaking at the official unveiling, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, described the partnership as “a landmark step in Lagos’ mission to build a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem.”
“This collaboration represents a deliberate effort to connect Lagos with global best practices in grassroots football development,” Fatodu stated.
“Abbey Rangers brings proven expertise and community-driven values that align with our vision to nurture world-class talent and position Lagos as a continental hub for youth sports excellence.”
In his remarks, Abbey Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Riley, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it reflects the club’s long-standing commitment to community-driven sports development.
“We are proud to partner with Lagos State on this visionary initiative,” Riley said.
“Abbey Rangers has always believed that community football is a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and opportunity. This collaboration allows us to share our grassroots model and experience with one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.”
The LSSC–Abbey Rangers partnership is a reflection of Lagos State’s strategic commitment to developing the next generation of football talent through international collaboration, innovation, and community-based sports programs. It also reaffirms the Commission’s leadership in driving sports diplomacy and youth empowerment across Africa.
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