Sports
NPFL Unveils Official Match Ball ‘Pro Star Evolution’ For Nigeria Premier League
….Expect more innovations in NPFL-Elegbeleye
Joel Ajayi
With the buzz and excitement building ahead of the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier League, NPL, the new Match ball Pro Star Evolution that will be used for the rest of campaign has been unveiled.
The FIFA and CAF standard 400 balls was given to 20 clubs where each club will get 20 balls for the second stanza of the League that will commenced this weekend.
At unveiling of the match ball on Monday in the Nations capital city, the chairman of NPFL Gbenga Elegbeleye said the weather friendly and FIFA standard product (ball) will be use at match venue as second stanza is on the way.
According to him, distribution is aimed at standardized the Nigeria league in bid to make it one if the best in Africa. According to him, each club will get 20 balls in the first phase as they hope to increase number before the end of the season.
The distribution before the kick off of the second half of the season is for the clubs to practice with it such that they will be used to it ahead of the kick off.
“In a deliberate effort to standardize the league, the NPFL management is unveiling the match balls which will be give to twenty clubs. This will enable them to train with the balls ahead of the start of the second stanza. Our strategic sponsor, GTI is responsible for bringing the balls which can flow well under all weather conditions. Each club will get 20 balls.
While speaking about the expectations for the second stanza of the League that will commenced this weekend, Elegbeleye said Nigeria should expect more innovations and improvement in the league.
“We want our league to be the best in Africa, At least part of it is what we are doing today, unveiling of CAF and FIFA standard Match Balls, improving our portfolio and more innovations to make the system work.
“On our own, will continue to project the league in a way that will gain the respect of Africa. We want to improve on every available opportunity.
“Now in NPFL any teams can win anywhere,You can see the improvement in the standard of our initiative.
“When we meet with referees ahead of the games, at the workshop, the Online seminar, it was quite fantastic.They promised to improve. Of course, like I said yesterday, the meeting with referees, there is a low participation in any league in the world. We are always striving to get something close to near perfection”.
Also speaking, the representative of GTI, Mr Nelson Ine said the intention is to get a uniform ball for match-day in the NPFL, adding that it was distributed earlier so that the players will be used to it.
“GTI is doing everything in making sure that the league gets to where it ought to be. This is one of the reasons we deemed it fit to get balls for all twenty clubs in the league. The ball is FIFA and CAF standard and playable under any weather conditions”.
Owumi in his votes of thanked applauded the GTI as well as Media for their positive impact on the league saying that, visibility of the league today is top notch combing with competitive balance, quality on increase.
He, therefore, sought the support of all stakeholders to work hand in hands to face lift the Nigeria League.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
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
-
News10 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
