Sports
PFAN president, Tijani Babangida thanks Roda JC former players, begs Nigeria players Union to unite
Former Nigeria Super Eagles winger, Tijani Babangida has urged former footballers in Nigeria to put aside their differences and work together noting that it is only through that they can achieve their goals and aspirations.
The PFAN president who was recently in the news when he was involved in a ghastly motor accident which resulted in the death of his younger brother Ibrahim and his son Fadeel, and his wife still recovering in a European hospital courtesy the efforts of the former Players of Roda JC of Holland noted that it was only possible because of the unity among the former players.
And as a way to make him more relaxed and take his mind away from the accident, the former players also hosted him to a GET WELL DINNER. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring total support for Tijani Babangida and wife until full recovery.
TJ as he is most called by his admirers stressed that this is what is expected of players Union rather than fighting for what does not matter at all. In their own words; “this is what players must do, players must be there for each other during and after football because they have become one family as a result’.
Tijani Babangida who was filled with gratitude noted that his desire is to see such a generous and supportive spirit among Nigeria players both current and former players.
“We cannot wait for outsiders to support and assist us all the time. We must put programs in place to support ourselves just as it is here in Europe and other advanced countries. Each generation of players must watch out for themselves, put programs in place that they can easily fall back to.
“We will gain nothing fighting ourselves, we can only gain if we come together to support ourselves. This is my prayer and this is what I will pursue when I return to Nigeria,”
Tijani Babangida stated that words are not enough to express how grateful he is to the former players of Roda JC of Holland. “I am seriously overwhelmed and grateful,” he concluded.
Sports
FIFA MA Course: Gusau, FIFA instructors harp on hard work, integrity and fraternity
The two-week FIFA Member Associations Course for physical and technical instructors, and Young Talents came to a close in Abuja on Thursday with FIFA Technical Instructor Ali Mohamed Ahmed publicly declaring his confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s budding arbiters to reach unprecedented heights in the vocation globally.
The physical and technical instructors’ course was activated between 9th – 13th June, while the Young Talents programme lasted between Sunday, 15th – Thursday, 19th June 2025.
President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), who also doubles as President of WAFU B, told the young talents to endeavour to put all they have learnt during the course into practice, as the Federation is in the process of elevating more of the young talents to take on higher responsibilities, such as handling matches of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
“I am happy that now, we have a total of 86 young talents in our refereeing pool. This deeply gladdens my heart. Last year, we had 40 people undertake this course, and this year, we have 46. Let me reveal to you that 10 of those young talents from last year have been elevated to the NPFL, and none of them was found wanting throughout the season.
“Their record of performance gives great hope to yourselves, and also shows that the NFF is right in our commitment to the young talents. However, in order to keep improving, I charge you to always find ways to fraternize, collaborate in all aspects, and bond together to jointly and severally enhance your capacities.”
Mohamed, who is from Somalia, said: “I am very satisfied with the group that we worked with over the past one week – the young talents. Their level of assimilation is very high and I see them going places in the work of refereeing. Please always have integrity at the back of your mind in whatever you do.
“We know Nigeria is everywhere, qualifying for all major tournaments and winning trophies and putting up podium performances here and there. But it will also be good to have Nigerian referees not only in the AFCON but also at the FIFA World Cup. Having worked with these young ones for the past one week, I can tell you with assurance that the future of Nigerian refereeing is in very good hands.”
President of NRA, Hon. Sani Zubairu thanked FIFA and the NFF for the success of the programme, and asserted that the growing confidence in Nigerian referees at home and abroad can be traced to the support that the referees continue to get from the NFF for their capacity-enhancing programmes, and the intentionality of the NFF President.
FIFA Fitness Instructor Boubaker Hanachi from Tunisia was also present at the closing ceremony, as well as Nigerian instructors Felicia Okwugba, Peter Edibe, Cecilia Ugbuji, Emmanuel Imiere, Stella Emoji and Promise Uwaeme.
There were also President of the NRA, Hon. Sani Zubairu; Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Madam Faith Irabor; deputy chairman Rafiu Umar Gusau; members of the committee, Kabiyesi James Odeniran, Calistus Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, Dr Bello Mohammed, Abraham Zakowi, Waziri Abba Gawe and secretary, Mohammed Ameenu; NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire and; Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Isah Ladan Bosso.
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