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NFF Inaugurates Committee to Reconcile the Players Union’s

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In its desire to ensure the absolute peace that will further progress the Nigeria football Federation to greater height, the president of the Federation Alhaji  Ibrahim Gusua has inaugurated the 5 man-committee of Nigerian football legend to reconcile all the group of player Union in the country.

President while inaugurating the committee on Monday in Abuja he said the five-man panel to finally and fully restore peace to the rank of Nigeria’s retired and active football players.

Gusau told the panellists that their mandate, which would last for two months, is to discuss with the two players’ bodies currently operating and settle the differences, while also advising the NFF on how to forge a formidable union that will be acceptable to all retired and active players.

 “I have confidence in this team to put to rest the discord and bickering that we have witnessed among players’ bodies over the past years. There has been an unhealthy proliferation and this is not in the interest of peace and development of the game. We want to put a permanent end to the bitterness and divisive tendencies, so that we can move forward.

 “Last week, I sat down with leaders of the two groups and we deliberated on how to achieve reconciliation and peace. What is really important is recognition, celebration and inclusiveness. We don’t want to alienate anyone. Players are the key actors in the game and we have no reason not to carry them along.”

 The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu is the chairman of the committee, with Mr. Emmanuel Okala, MON, Dr. Felix Owolabi Akinloye, MON and Mr. Garba Lawal as members, and Mr. Abdulrafiu Yusuf as secretary.

 Okala, who was part of the gold-winning Green Eagles squad at the 1973 All-Africa Games that Nigeria hosted, was part of the silver-winning Green Eagles at the 1978 All-Africa Games and was in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, was present at the inauguration at the NFF Secretariat, alongside Dr. Owolabi Akinloye, who was part of the 1978 All-Africa Games silver-winning squad and the 1980 AFCON winners, and Abdulrafiu Yusuf, assistant director in the NFF Technical Department.

 NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, lauded the membership of the panel, and expressed confidence that they would be able to resolve the logjam in the terrain of the players’ unions. He thanked them for their noble contributions to Nigeria in the past and said he has no doubt they will still contribute more by enabling peace in the Nigeria game soonest.

 “Morocco has done exceedingly well for Africa at the ongoing FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar. Nigeria is capable of doing likewise and even better if we have a peaceful atmosphere in which all stakeholders work towards a common, noble goal,” Sanusi said.  

Responding on behalf of the committee, His Excellency, Comrade Philip Shaibu said the panel will work with boundless energy and sincerity of purpose to ensure seamless reconciliation of the unions, and come up with an acceptable solution. He reiterated that the principal interest of the committee is to see Nigeria Football attain higher heights, and that recognition and appreciation of the game’s actors cannot be discounted.

 Also present at the occasion were NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme; Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. E. C. Kadiri; Director of Technical, Mr. Augustine Eguavoen and; Director of Communications, Mr. Ademola Olajire.

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AACT 2026: Girls in Golf initiatives kick Start week-long Activities.

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The week-long activities designed as part of 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy got underway Monday with Girls in Golf initiative.

The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, LGAN says initiative will empower young girls and inspire the next generation of female golfers in Nigeria.

Dr Lami Ahmed, LGAN President and Chairperson, Local Organising Committee for the All Africa Challenge Trophy said this during a training programme for no fewer than 60 young girls at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Ahmed said the initiative was designed to extend golf’s impact beyond competition by investing in young people and creating opportunities for their development.

“We believe that charity calls on us to touch lives and invest in others. Golf is not just about playing the game; it is also about giving back to society,” she said.

She explained that the future of women’s golf depended on introducing girls to the sport early and providing them with the skills and opportunities to excel.

Dr Lami said the Girls in Golf initiative was designed to introduce young girls to the sport, ignite their interest and expose them to the opportunities available through golf.

According to her, the initiative will also help girls develop valuable skills, build confidence and make informed decisions about their future careers.

Ahmed said the association had observed an increase in the number of female caddies across the country, making it necessary to create structured pathways for girls interested in golf.

She added that the initiative would encourage girls to explore different opportunities within the sport, including playing professionally and pursuing other golf-related careers.

Ahmed expressed gratitude to Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President and founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for supporting the programme and the 2026 AACT.

She said the first Lady had demonstrated a strong commitment to human capital development, particularly initiatives that empower women and the girl-child.

“Her Excellency readily embraced the project because she believes in giving back to society, especially by supporting children and creating opportunities for them to thrive,” Ahmed said.

She added that preparations for the championship were progressing well, with teams from various African countries already in Abuja.

The week-long continental women’s golf championship is expected to end on Friday, with teams from at least 20 African countries expected to compete for honours.

Ahmed said LGAN remained committed to using golf as a platform for youth development, empowerment and the promotion of greater participation by women and girls in sports.

She urged stakeholders to support initiatives that would make golf more accessible to young girls and create sustainable pathways for their participation in the sport.

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