Sports
Over ₦5 Million at Stake as 2025 Benue FA Chairman’s Cup Kicks Off, More Coaches Awarded Scholarships
Winners of 2025 Benue State Football Association (BSFA) Chairman’s Cup will win over N5 million prize money at the end of the second edition of the tournament geared towards discovering more grassroots talents.
BSFA Chairman, Chief Dr Paul Edeh Esq, disclosed this at the kick-off of the competition in Makurdi, Benue State capital.
The breakdown of the prize monies, according to the Benue FA Chairman, will see winners of both men and women categories smile home with N2 million, while the runners-up and third placed teams for both sides will receive N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
He also said the winners, runners-up and third best sides (male and female) in the U15 grade will get N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.
Chief Edeh then charged the various Council FA Chairmen to ensure that the competition expected to produce two teams’ representatives from each Local Government Area is organised within the stipulated period.
He however, warned that “any Council FA Chairman who fails to organise Any council FA chairman who doesn’t ensure that FA Council Chairman Cup happen in the local government area and present at least two top teams as representatives to the State FA Secretariat will be suspended indefinitely.”
While reeling other criteria required at the competition, the BSFA Chairman noted that 2024 maiden edition produced Footballers who have already joined professional clubs within and outside Nigeria.
He said, “We made a lot of progress, in that a lot of young boys were discovered in this competition last year. Some of them went to play with Lobi Stars, others went to play for various teams across the Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) teams. That for me, is progress.
“I also want to acknowledge the effort of all the coaches in Benue State who have been consistent, in view of the lack of funds and still sacrifice from the little resources towards giving these young lads the very best.”
To this end, Chief Edeh announced another set of scholarships for 30 coaches – 18 who will head to Abuja for the upcoming coaching training at the Nigeria Institute For Sports (NIS) from September, and for more coaches who will excel at the end the Benue FA Chairman’s Cup later in the year.
He recalled that before now, the BSFA has given up to 20 coaches scholarships to NIS, meaning by the end of 2025, 50 coaches would have benefitted from the numerous scholarships.
The BSFA Chairman announced that soon any academy coaches without at least NIS coaching qualification will not be allowed to operate in the State.
Acting Commissioner and Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creativity, Dr. Philip Nongu, commended the exploits of the current BSFA leadership saying, “First and foremost, in my 16 years as the FA secretary of this state, we have not witnessed what we have witnessed in 2 years of Chief Edeh ‘s leadership. I want to applaud him and urged the state’s FA board to do more.
“I want to say on behalf of the management and the staff of the ministry that we’re going to give you our backing. We will always support you. Do not hesitate to come to us any time you need anything.”
Head of Coaching and Training Mr. Peter Obaike, who represented the Director of Benue State Sports Council assured of their readiness to continue nurturing discovered athletes in the State.
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.
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