Sports
NFF President Cup Football Tournament Kicks Off in Kaduna with Exciting Opening Ceremony
Joel Ajayi
The NFF President Cup Football Tournament for Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs began in style on November 12, 2024, marking a key step in promoting football development in Kaduna State and across the league. The tournament, held at the historic Ahmadu Bello Stadium, will run until November 20 and promises fans thrilling preseason action and intense competition among participating teams.
The opening ceremony was a highlight, with Kaduna State’s Commissioner of Sports Development, Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, officially launching the event by kicking off the first ball—a symbolic gesture underscoring the state’s commitment to nurturing sports and supporting local football talent. Professor Gugong remained for the inaugural match, where two local teams, Kada Warriors FC and Kawo FA, delivered an exciting performance. In a closely fought game, Kawo FA emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Kada Warriors FC.
Chairman of the tournament, Hon. Magaji Alhasan, welcomed the teams and officials in his opening remarks, applauding Kaduna’s warm hospitality. He assured all participants that fair and transparent officiating would be a top priority, with oversight directly under his supervision. Alhasan also expressed his hopes for the NFF President Cup to become an annual tradition, providing a vital platform for NNL clubs to prepare for each season.
With four matches scheduled daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the tournament promises a nonstop display of football talent that will captivate fans and further enhance Kaduna State’s reputation as a center for sports.
The tournament serves as an essential preseason platform, allowing clubs to refine their skills and gear up for the forthcoming National League season.
Sports
LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s Salifu Usman Receives SWAN Fellowship In Recognition Of Sports Development Efforts
Salifu Abubakar Usman, Group Sports Editor of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, has been honoured with the Fellow of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) award, in recognition of his exceptional support for the association, professional journalism, and his significant contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The esteemed accolade was presented during SWAN’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, held in Abuja, marking 60 years of excellence in sports journalism across the nation.
Upon receiving the award, Salifu expressed profound gratitude, describing the honour as a source of inspiration and renewed motivation to further his lifelong dedication to sports reporting, promotion, and growth.
“This award gives me hope and motivation to do more. It’s a source of inspiration for me and my family, and I believe it will encourage me further in sports reporting and sports development in Nigeria,” he stated.
Salifu highlighted that this recognition serves as a morale boost following decades of hard work and impactful contributions within Nigeria’s sports community and beyond.
The SWAN Diamond Jubilee Celebration attracted prominent figures from sports administration, the media, and government sectors to celebrate individuals and organisations whose efforts have significantly advanced sports development and journalism in Nigeria.
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