Sports

Veteran Sports Journalists Need Recognition- Dare Kuti Canvasses

Published

6 years ago

June 25, 2020

One of the notable Nigeria sports journalists, Dare Kuti, has urged the States and Federal Government of Nigeria to honour veteran sports journalists who have contributed enormously to the growth of the sports industry.

Kuti revealed that the sports journalists who have been reporting sports for over two decades should be considered for special recognition by their respective State governments and Federal Government.

He said, despite the contributions of most veteran sports journalists, they end up being neglected by the sports sector.

Kuti said, “It is high time Nigeria starts recognizing Veteran sports journalists in the industry. I am appealing to the respective state government to honour some of these men who have continued to promote sports in their state.

“For example, we have some respected sports journalists, the likes of Kunle Solaja, Mitchell Obi, Femi Solaja, Godwin Enakhena, Oludare Esan, Gowon Akpodonor, who are doing excellently well in the private sector, but it’s time for them to be incorporated into the state or federal government as an adviser or contractor.

“I have seen and read where the state/Federal Government set up committees on sports policies and individuals with high reputation are included but the journalists who are the image-makers are not carried along.

“For record purposes, we have sports journalists in the country who have sponsored themselves to over 6 AFCONS, 4 Olympics Games and 5 Commonwealth Games but not regarded for their contributions in reporting these events positively”.

“If these veteran sports journalists are not honoured by any of the three tiers of government in Nigeria, what future holds for the upcoming journalists in the country”, Kuti added.

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Sports

NLO Integrity Under Fire After Match-Fixing Allegations in Bauchi Clash

Published

4 hours ago

May 7, 2026

The Gleamer

..As Wikki Tourists Feeders vs Adamu Jumba FC Draws Concern Over League Credibility

A cloud of controversy now hangs over NLO One following disturbing reports from Bauchi that could undermine the progress and credibility of the Nigerian Nationwide League One under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Shola Ogunowo.

The league body has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance stance on match manipulation, emphasizing that the integrity and fairness of the competition must be protected at all costs. However, Wednesday’s fixture between Wikki Tourists Feeders and Adamu Jumba FC in Bauchi has raised serious concerns after multiple eyewitnesses came forward with allegations of match-fixing.

According to eyewitness accounts, the match was allegedly fixed to favor Wikki Tourists Feeders, with the aim of helping them leapfrog current table-toppers Warinje FC in the standings. The claims, if proven true, strike at the heart of the league’s reputation as a credible pathway for emerging Nigerian talent.

The most troubling account involves the match officials. Eyewitnesses say the center referee and his assistant refused to return for the second half after noticing what they believed to be irregular conduct during the first half. It reportedly took 30 minutes of intervention and persuasion by the Bauchi State Football Association before the officials agreed to resume the game.

Further allegations point to on-field actions that appeared deliberate. Former Niger Tornadoes player Musa Wakili is said to have intentionally missed a penalty in a manner that raised suspicion among those present. In protest, Adamu Jumba’s head coach is reported to have walked out of the technical area, stating publicly that he would not be associated with anything that could tarnish his professional image.

While these remain allegations and have not been independently verified, the gravity of the claims demands immediate attention. The NLO must launch a thorough investigation to ascertain what transpired during the match and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken against anyone found culpable. Allowing such conduct to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent and erode public trust in the league.

Shola Ogunowo has earned respect for his commitment to transparency and professionalism since assuming office as COO. Stakeholders and fans alike now look to the NLO leadership to demonstrate that same resolve by addressing the matter decisively and transparently.

The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched, as it could define how seriously the NLO is prepared to defend the integrity of Nigerian grassroots football.

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