Sports
NFF Reforms: Shina Philips Throws Weight Behind Tinubu, Urges Stakeholders to Unite
Joel Ajayi
The Founder and President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating reforms in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), describing the move as long overdue.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, Philips said the reforms would expose the challenges confronting Nigerian football and attract the needed intervention from the Presidency.
“The reforms initiated by the President and the National Sports Commission will highlight the challenges facing our football and draw the much-needed intervention or support from the Presidency,” he said.
Philips said the exercise offered an opportunity to address the decline in Nigerian football and reposition the sport for sustainable growth.
He stressed that football remained strategically important to Nigeria because of its huge following and ability to unite citizens, particularly during national team matches.
The Nigeria Pitch Awards boss also commended the National Sports Commission and urged the Presidency and football authorities to work closely with FIFA to ensure that the reform process complies with international regulations.
He expressed confidence in the interim management led by Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr Ademola Olajire, describing both administrators as experienced hands capable of steering the federation through the transition.
“I have known Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr Ademola Olajire for decades, and I know they will steer the federation in the right direction,” Philips said.
He called on football stakeholders to support and actively participate in the reform process, stressing that rebuilding Nigerian football required collective commitment.
Philips said the ultimate objective should be to establish a stronger, better organised and more competitive football system capable of restoring Nigeria’s position among Africa’s leading football nations.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
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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