Sports
KCee to Headline Closing Ceremony of CAA African U18/U20 Athletics Championship
Joel Ajayi
Top-rated Nigerian music star KCee has been confirmed as the headline performer for the closing ceremony of the 3rd CAA African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, taking place in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The announcement has added a fresh wave of excitement to an already electrifying event that has captivated the athletics community across Africa and beyond.
The championship which started on July 16, has seen record-breaking performances and fierce competition, will draw to a colorful close with a ceremony set to celebrate the spirit of youth, excellence, and continental unity through music, culture, and sport.
KCee, known for his energetic stage presence and chart-topping hits such as Limpopo and Ojapiano, is expected to thrill spectators and athletes with a live performance that promises to match the intensity and flair of the competition itself.
With Team Nigeria and Team South Africa locked in a thrilling battle at the top of the medals table, anticipation is high for the final day of competition. Both nations have dominated the podium in multiple track and field events, showcasing the depth of talent and athletic promise across the continent.
NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko who will be on ground to attend the closing ceremony alongside other top Government dignitaries, said the Championship has been very exciting from the first day and ending it with a colourful closing ceremony is only benefitting for such a continental event.
Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, noted that the choice of KCee reflects the desire to blend sports with culture and entertainment, creating a memorable send-off for participating athletes, officials, and fans.
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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