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
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
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