Sports

NCF President Uyi Pays Working Visit To Abuja Office

Published

3 years ago

December 3, 2021

Joel Ajayi

As the year 2021 gradually comes to an end, the Federation is taking stock of activities conducted and also preparing for the 2022 Cricket calendar.

Exciting times ahead suggest that early preparations will be the catalyst to drive the success plans especially when the Board convenes in late December to have her first strategic session and Annual General Meeting, AGM, in Abuja.

During the week President of the Federation Mr. Uyi Akpata visited the Nigeria Cricket Federation head office in Abuja on a day working visit.

His first stop was at the Secretariat where he met with staff and also inspected the office environment. The next stop was a visit to some members of the national team undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Sports ,NIS, clinic in Abuja. Meeting with the President, the players expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention by the Federation intending to meet their medical needs, citing that treatment was going on according to plans.

The President’s final stop was the Cricket Oval where he conducted routine inspections of the two turf pitches under construction and the level of readiness. After a tour around both facilities and interaction with the ground staff, Mr. Uyi Akpata expressed satisfaction at the job done thus far and the condition of the pitches, especially the playing surface and the outfield. ‘’ I am very pleased with the conditions of the pitches here in Abuja, a lot of work has gone into this in the last two years and some work still needs to be done especially with the sitting areas and pavilion but overall, we are almost ready and plans are in place to make this a complete functional facility ahead of activities in 2022”, he said.

Changes in structures and approach to the new outlook on the workforce of the Federation continues as the President is looking to prime everyone ahead of what can be described as a very exciting and events-packed 2020 cricket season in Nigeria.

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Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

11 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy

By Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.

“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.

He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.

“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.

The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.

Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

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