Sports
Shehu Dikko Describes 2020/21 NPFL Season, The Best In History
Joel Ajayi
Chairman, League Management Company (LMC), Malam Shehu Dikko has expressed satisfaction with the just concluded 2020/2021 NPFL season even as he picked it as the best ever league in history statistically.
Dikko divulge this while speaking at Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT Chapter Guest Forum in Abuja, highlighted the positives from the just concluded season, asserted that the positives far outweighed the negatives people may not have noticed.
He emphasized that Nigeria league owner did so well during the pandemic saying that unlike other countries where most players took pay cut, NPFL players received their full salaries.
“The last League season recorded impressive statistic better than the previous seasons. The number of away wins recorded (36) was the highest since the NPFL took charge as owners and organisers of the Nigerian elite league
“Technically it was the best League, not just in the NPFL history but since the start of professional football league in Nigeria.”
“Commercially it was challenging, but it was the most innovative, because we have brought innovations that people thought was impossible to do before. It was challenging because funds did not come the way we thought it will come.”
“Organizationally it was very challenging because of the Covid 19 and some other issues. When I say it is the best technically, we start looking at the numbers and numbers don’t lie.” the astute football administrator stated
He continued “First and foremost we had 380 matches, 288 matches were won, 92 were drawn. 791 goals were scored, an average of 2.8 goals per match.”
“It is the highest statistics of goals that we have ever had in the league. “
“352 home wins where recorded, 36 away victories, the highest away victories in the history of the league.”
“92 matches where drawn, it is also the highest.”
“Total numbers of penalties awarded this is 81, compared to other seasons where we have over 100 it shows the referees also did well.”
Speaking earlier, FCT SWAN chairman, Bunmi Haruna emphasised the need for the LMC to involve the media more in its activities. He also urged the league body to aim for the very best because nothing is impossible.
“We drive football development across the world, so we are partners in progress.”
“It is our desire that our league should be self-sustaining, that our clubs win CAF competition glories and have financial breakthrough.”
“We want our league to attract he best players cross the world, we want a Cristiano Ronaldo to one day decide he has to play in the NPFL.”
“These things might look impossible right now, but if we put in efforts, impossible is nothing.” Bunmi enthused.
Dikko promised to have quarterly Interactive session with the media henceforth.
Sports
NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.
Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.
In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.
“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.
“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.
Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.
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