Sports
Lagos FA Chairman Throws Weight Behind Gusau’s NFF Leadership
Cyril Ogar
The Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gafar, says the revision of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF statutes after 16 years repres ents a significant milestone in aligning Nigerian football with global best practices.
Gafar who stated this during a press briefing in Lagos said the development is a masterstroke and an unprecedented achievement recorded by the NFF under the leadership of the President, Ibrahim Gusau.
Reacting to the just concluded NFF Extraordinary Assembly in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Gafar expressed President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will return elected as the President in September.
The Lagos FA Chairman hailed the bold decision by the NFF to amend the statutes as a landmark moment that signals a new era for Nigerian football.
“The outlook is entirely positive. The revision of the statutes after 16 years is a monumental and unprecedented achievement. It marks the beginning of a new era for Nigerian football. Congress collectively agreed on the need to update the statutes to reflect modern realities and align with international standards.”
Gafar added that the successful amendment of the statutes stands as a major victory for the game in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the new statutes will positively impact domestic football, particularly by enhancing inclusivity in decision-making.
Gafar said it was heart-warming that NPFL clubs will now have five representatives with voting rights, while the NNL will have four delegates, two of whom will vote.
“It will encourage private investors to come into the league because they see transparency, inclusivity and accountability,” he said.
Speaking further, he encouraged the Nationwide League One (NLO) to consider transitioning into a fully professional structure, noting FIFA’s provision that allows players from the age of 15 to sign professional contracts under appropriate guidance.
“With the removal of the term ‘Amateur’ from the league, there is now a clear pathway for the NLO to operate professionally. FIFA allows players aged 15 and above to sign professional contracts within their country, under parental or guardian supervision. This presents a great opportunity to create a structured, professional environment for young talents to thrive.”
He also commended the leadership of the NFF under President Ibrahim Gusau, rating the administration positively for navigating the complexities of football governance in Nigeria.
“Managing football in a country like Nigeria is not an easy task. With over 200 million passionate and knowledgeable people, the challenges are enormous. For the current leadership to have sustained stability over the past three and a half years is commendable. In my view, they deserve continuity.
“You have to look at the success of the NPFL, at week 31 it is recording unpredictable results. That is part of the achievements of the year NFF led by Ibrahim Gusau,” he added.
He also listed other achievements of the Gusau administration especially in making judicious use of funds to improve infrastructure and the chance given to major stakeholders to have a say in how football is run in the country.
“Then there is the landmark construction of the FIFA Goal Project, hostel and pitches in Abuja. Now the amendment of the statutes is for the success of the NPFL.
“Giving them voting power is definitely giving major stakeholders chance to be part of the decision-making process of Nigerian football,” he concluded.
Gafar expressed his support for Gusau’s re-election, citing consistency and innovative leadership as key factors.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
