Sports

NFF President, Lulu, Ogunnowo Receive Gwagwalada Football Merit Award

Published

11 months ago

December 9, 2025

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, former NFF President, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, and the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigerian Nationwide League, Olushola Ogunnowo, have been nominated for the prestigious Gwagwalada Football League Merit Award for their outstanding contributions to grassroots football development in Nigeria.

The announcement was made in Gwagwalada, Abuja, by the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Gwagwalada Football League, Patrick Ngwaogu. He said the trio was carefully selected based on merit and their long-standing impact on the growth and promotion of grassroots football across the country.

According to Ngwaogu, the awards will be presented on Sunday, 14 December 2025, during the grand finale of the 20th edition of the Gwagwalada Football League. He explained that this year’s ceremony carries special significance, as it marks two decades since the league kicked off in 2005 with just 10 participating teams—now expanded to 26 teams drawn from Gwagwalada and surrounding communities.

“We painstakingly selected the three individuals based on their personal contributions to the development of football at the grassroots level,” Ngwaogu said. “These awards are our own way of commemorating the 20-year journey of the Gwagwalada Football League.”

Meanwhile, preparations are in top gear for the highly anticipated final match, which will see Ejiwumi FC lock horns with Sheikhandam FC. Ejiwumi FC booked their place in the final after edging out Medical Strikers Feeders with a lone goal, while Sheikhandam FC advanced with an emphatic 3–1 victory over NIMMA FC.

The championship decider and award ceremony will take place at the Government Day Secondary School, Gwagwalada, where players, supporters, and football stakeholders are expected to gather for what promises to be a memorable celebration of grassroots football excellence.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.

Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.

The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Final Score

Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)

The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Key Performers

Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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