Sports

Mini-football: Nigeria resumes camp with 31 Players for 2021 Afcon

Published

4 years ago

June 1, 2021

The Nigeria Mini-football men national team resumed training with 31 players on Monday at the Ilaji Mini-football pitch, Akanran Ibadan.

60 home-based players from 20 states were invited for screening, while other 29 players are expected to hit camp before dinner time on Monday.

Head coach of the team, Babatunde Odubola said that the team’s preparations have started with two training sessions today.

“We had our first training session this morning, where 31 players were present,” Odubola told the media team.

“Definitely, the other players are coming into the camp today (Monday). This late arrival is due to the fact that some of them are coming from far distance but we are expecting them to arrive today and the screening will start immediately.”

“Well the camp resumed yesterday, we opened the camp for 60 players from 20 states of the Federation where we are having Minifootball at present. The camp is at Ilaji Hotels and Resorts Akanran, Ibadan the venue of the competition in July.

He further disclosed that 20 players will be selected and register to represent Nigeria at the second African Minifootball Cup.

“20 best players among the 60 players are going to represent Nigeria,” he added.

Monday’s training started at 7am and ended 8:30 am, while the second training will be held from 5pm at the Minifootball stadium.

Coach Odubola led the Nigeria Minifootball national team to their first African Minifootball Cup in Libya in 2018 where they finished fifth.

About Mini-football:

The game is being played by six players, one goalkeeper with five outfield players and seven players on the bench which could get on the pitch anytime with 25 minutes of each half.

It’s a tough game where there’s no time to rest on the pitch. At every moment, players keep playing and moving around the pitch. Following minimal number of players, they all defend and attack together.

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Sports

Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation

Published

9 hours ago

November 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.

The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.

In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.

“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”

Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.

“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.

“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”

The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.

“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.

He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.

As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.

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