Sports
Nigeria Rugby Team Depart for Mauritius Ahead Of 2024 Olympic Qualifiers
By Tolulope Oguntimehin
Nigeria’s senior men national rugby team, the Stallions have departed the shores of the country for Mauritius venue of the Paris 2024 pre Olympic qualifiers.
The team which left via Ethiopian airlines on Tuesday is led by the President of the federation, Dr Ademola Are in company of the federation’s General Manager, Azeez Ladipo and Secretary, Sani Muhammed and two homebased players.
The contingent will link up with other players who are arriving from Europe and the United States of America for the showpiece which will see Nigeria face Ghana, Burundi and DR Congo in pool A of the qualifier.
Mauritania, Botswana, Lesotho and Algeria are in pool B of the competition while Pool C houses Senegal, Cameroon, Egypt and Cote D’ivoire.
Top three teams will qualify to compete in the Africa Cup Sevens in Zimbabwe later in September.
Nigeria Rugby Team Squad
1. Aniebonam David Kosisochukwu – (Wimbledon RFC)2. Awobowale Olukolade Mobolaji – (Stallions RFC)3. Esiri Aaron – Asher Chinedu – (Bournvile RFC)4. Etim Gabriel John – (Barewa RFC, Kano)5. Goualin Pierre Henri – (Old Priorians RFC)6. Henrry-Ajudua Chukwuyem Frederick – (Atlanta Major League Rugby)7. Ilube Matthew Maurice – (Old Priorians RFC)8. Jatto Onoru-Oyiza – (Cowrie RFC, Lagos)9. Lipede Adenekan Jojoola – (Old Colfeians RFC)10. Nwachukwu Declan Chinedu – (Horsham RFC)11. Odunlami Oluwadara Olufewa – (University of Bath RFC)12. Onyeahasi Alexander George – (Clifton RFC).
As well as Lewis Stephen John – Head Coach and Sani Mohammed – SGAzeez Ladipo – GM
Sports
August 22 Set as Kick-Off Date for 2025/26 NPFL Season
By Joel Ajayi
Following what many have described as one of the most successful football seasons in recent years, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has announced that the 2025/26 season will commence on August 22 and run through May.
Elegbeleye made this known on Friday during a press briefing held to review the just-concluded season and unveil plans for the upcoming campaign.
According to him, the decision to announce the kickoff date early is to ensure that the NPFL aligns with the international football calendar.
“We called this briefing to review the achievements of the past season and to inform Nigerians about the date for the new season, in line with global football standards,” he stated.
“This is perhaps the first time in nearly 20 years since the start of the modern NPFL era in 2005 — that both kickoff and closing dates have been strictly adhered to. It’s a promise we made and a promise we’ve delivered,” Elegbeleye stated.
He added that the new season will begin on August 22, 2025, and conclude in May 2026, maintaining the calendar structure established in the previous season.
Reviewing the recently concluded 2024/25 season, which ran from August 31, 2024, to May 25, 2025, Elegbeleye highlighted several milestones and statistical achievements.
He noted that Remo Stars made history by clinching the league title with three matches to spare after defeating Niger Tornadoes on Matchday 35, April 27. Remo Stars finished at the top of the table, followed by Rivers United and Abia Warriors.
In total,380 matches were played across the season. Each of the 20 clubs played 19 home and 19 away games, 286 matches were won, while 94 ended in draws.
A total of 784 goals were scored, comprising 552 at home and 232 away goals.60 goals came from the penalty spot, with 16 penalties missed. 13 own goals were recorded, and there were four hat-tricks.
On discipline: 1,380 yellow cards and 56 red cards were issued.
As Yusuf Anas of Nasarawa United topped the list with 18 goals, including two hat-tricks.
He was followed by veteran Rabiu Ali with 13 goals, and Anthony Ijoma of Abia Warriors with 12 goals.
Isaac Saviour (Rangers) and Amadu Liman also recorded a hat-trick each.
He added that: “Out of the 380 matches played:188 were broadcast live by StarTimes, while Propel streamed over 200 matches online.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News6 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
