Sports
IMC Heaps Praise On Nigerian League, Lauds Referees, Promises More Improvement
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman of Interim Management Committee IMC, for the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL hon Gbenga Elegbeleye has heaped heavy praises on the progress of the league after day 2 matches of the ongoing abridged league.
He stated this in Abuja, where he gives kudos to referees for the good job that is bringing beauty to the league, he urged them to continue doing the good job that will bring more growth and development to the league.
The Former National Sports Commission DG, Expressed: “I am very happy that, the very first day of the match, we had 4 away wins, while in second day of the match we had 1 away win away three draw, this show good level of officiating, it’s show the sincerity of purpose and it show maturity of the home team.
“The very perfect example is in Edo state where a team was given a penalty in extra time, 91st minute, Plateau United was given a penalty. It hasn’t happened in years.
“Again, Remo star scored their only goal in Gombe at 89th minute and the goal stood. So, I commend our Referees.
“What we have been doing in order to make Nigeria Referees comfortable, we increased their emoluments by 50% Transport allowance by 40% and again where ever they go to officiate all these allowances paid a day before the match, so we wouldn’t have the reasons to owe Referees like they did in the past, where Referees have been owed three years.
“We told our corporate partners, don’t give us the money, keep the money in your own account. All we do is to supply you the account number of our Referees, you pay them yourself, we don’t want to ware money in IMC.
“Secondly, when they go to officiate, despite all these increments in their emoluments and transport allowance, we paid for their accommodation, and still pay for their feeding anywhere they go.
“So, for now Nigerian referees have no reason not to do well, because to whom much is given, much is expected, we have been trying on our own part to make them comfortable and again we warn our clubs not to induce Referees, let the best team win, based on how you play, not based on Referees inducement.”
Sports
Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.
Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.
In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.
“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.
The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.
The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.
Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.
Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.
She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.
According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.
“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.
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