Sports

NPFL Commits to Enhancing Players’ Futures Through Sports and Education

Published

2 years ago

March 1, 2025

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerian players by promoting a combination of sports and education. The league’s chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has been working tirelessly to create opportunities for players to balance football with academic pursuits, ensuring a brighter future beyond their playing careers.

Speaking in Abuja after a meeting with representatives from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, led by Dr. Zoltán Lakner, Elegbeleye emphasized the importance of education for young footballers.

“We are targeting our youths, particularly the younger generation of premier league players, to encourage them to mix education with football,” Elegbeleye said. “Football careers can be short, with many retiring by 30 or even earlier. What happens after that? We want to equip them with skills and knowledge that will sustain them long after their playing days are over. This collaboration with Hungarian universities is a key step in that direction.”

“There are incredible opportunities available, particularly through scholarships, for talented footballers. We urge our young players, especially those with senior secondary school certificates or GCE qualifications, to seize this chance and make the most of it,” he emphasized.

He added that the initiative aims to provide players with opportunities to learn modern courses such as AI, robotics engineering, and other fields that can prepare them for life after football.

Dr. Zoltán Lakner, representing the Hungarian universities, praised Nigeria’s sporting achievements and the potential of its youth. “Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world, and its talent in sports is undeniable. We are impressed by the successes of Nigerian athletes in the Olympics and other global events. By combining education with football, these young players can make immense contributions to society, both during and after their careers.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward in empowering Nigerian footballers, ensuring they are not only stars on the field but also well-rounded individuals equipped for success in all aspects of life.

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Sports

Montage Community Football Tourney Registration Ends October 30

Published

1 day ago

October 22, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Registration for the 2026 edition of the Montage Community Football Tournament will close on Friday, October 30, organisers have announced.

The tournament coordinator, Mr Raphael Ekpang, disclosed this on Thursday, urging interested teams across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take advantage of the remaining days to register.

Ekpang said registration had been ongoing since Monday, encouraging eligible teams to complete the process before the deadline.

The tournament, themed “Montage FM 99.7: Empowering Youth, Uniting Communities Through Football,” is scheduled to kick off on November 3, 2026, with playoffs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

The grand finale will hold on December 5, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10, Abuja, where the top four teams will compete for first-, second- and third-place honours.

A total of 48 teams will participate in the competition, with eight teams representing each of the six Area Councils.

The participating teams will compete for cash prizes worth over ₦2 million and other valuable rewards.

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