Sports

Heartland, Akwa United join Sunshine and Lobi Stars in relegation

Published

1 year ago

May 26, 2025

Heartland FC and Akwa United joined Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars as the four teams relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after the Matchday 38 fixtures concluded in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, May 25.

Following a 2-1 defeat of fellow relegation candidate at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Heartland, a former champion reached 48 points, one point behind El-Kanemi Warriors that also defeated already relegated Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Maiduguri.

While Akwa United stagnated at 44 points following their defeat in Owerri, Sunshine Stars finished 19th on the log with 41 points above Lobi Stars that finished 20th with a paltry 28 points.
Remo Stars were already crowned champions with 71 points despite their 3-0 thrashing at Bayelsa United while Rivers United followed on 2nd spot with 64 points after a 2-1 defeat of Nasarawa United.

Abia Warriors clinched the 3rd position and the last continental slot even after losing 3-2 to fellow third spot chasing rivals, Ikorodu City. The two clubs finished 60 points and 59 points respectively.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars playing with fans shut out, handed the heaviest defeat of 5-1 to the cup holders, Rangers International even as both teams were not in contention for any honours.

They finished in 8th and 10th positions respectively.

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Sports

Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman

Published

18 hours ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.

Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.

In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.

Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.

He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.

Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.

The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.

He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.

Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.

He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.

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