Sports

Uchechukwu Onuoha Decisive as Kun Khalifat Edge Bayelsa United

Published

7 months ago

March 9, 2026

Nigeria Premier Football League

Uchechukwu Chibuike Onuoha produced a decisive moment for Kun Khalifat FC, scoring the only goal as his side secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Bayelsa United in an NPFL encounter at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

The 18-year-old winger’s 41st-minute goal proved enough to separate the two sides, handing Kun Khalifat three valuable points and providing another early indication of the young attacker’s growing influence during his debut NPFL campaign.

Onuoha breaks the deadlock

With both teams struggling to find a breakthrough during the opening stages, the match appeared destined to remain tightly contested.

That changed shortly before half-time when Onuoha found the decisive opening in the 41st minute.

The young attacker converted the opportunity to give Kun Khalifat a 1–0 lead heading into the interval, providing his team with the advantage they needed to approach the second half from a position of strength.

Bayelsa United attempted to respond after the restart, but Kun Khalifat remained organised enough to protect their lead.

The visitors were unable to find an equaliser, allowing Kun Khalifat to see out the remainder of the contest and secure a narrow but important victory.

A game decided by one moment

The 1–0 scoreline reflected the competitive nature of the fixture.

Neither side was able to establish a commanding advantage, with the decisive difference ultimately coming from Kun Khalifat’s ability to capitalise on their opportunity before half-time.

Onuoha’s goal therefore carried considerable weight. It was the moment that changed the match and ultimately delivered the three points to the hosts.

The result was also Kun Khalifat’s second consecutive victory in the league, following their 2–0 win over Niger Tornadoes before the encounter with Bayelsa United.

Another important contribution

For Onuoha, the goal added another important contribution to a season in which his influence had continued to grow.

His strike against Bayelsa United was his team’s only goal on the day, making his contribution directly responsible for the victory.

The winger’s ability to produce the decisive moment in a tightly balanced match was particularly valuable. Rather than requiring a high-scoring performance from the team, Kun Khalifat needed only one breakthrough—and Onuoha provided it.

Kun Khalifat hold firm

Having taken the lead just before the interval, Kun Khalifat’s focus in the second half shifted towards protecting their advantage.

Bayelsa United were unable to break through, while the home side maintained enough defensive discipline to preserve the clean sheet.

The final whistle confirmed a 1–0 victory, giving Kun Khalifat another important result in their maiden NPFL campaign.

The victory also continued a strong head-to-head run for Kun Khalifat against Bayelsa United, following their 2–1 away victory in Yenagoa earlier in the season.

A decisive night for Onuoha

There was no need for a flurry of goals at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

One moment was enough.

Onuoha’s 41st-minute finish proved to be the difference between the two sides, giving Kun Khalifat a valuable 1–0 victory and another clean sheet.

For the young winger, it was another reminder of his growing capacity to influence matches with decisive contributions.

For Kun Khalifat, it was three points earned through patience, efficiency and defensive resilience—another significant step in their first season competing in Nigeria’s top flight.

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Sports

NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.

Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.

The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.

“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.

“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”

Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.

He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.

Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.

“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.

He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.

On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.

Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.

He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.

“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.

“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.

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