Sports

‘Your Plans Will Fail, Gusau Is Coming Back,’ Gara Gombe Declares

Published

3 months ago

July 28, 2026

Sports administrator and football stakeholder Alhaji Gara Gombe has dismissed attempts to remove Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, insisting that those plotting against him will not succeed.

Speaking to Journalist on Monday in Abuja, Gombe said Gusau remains the legitimate leader of the NFF and expressed confidence that he would complete his tenure despite criticisms surrounding the administration.

According to him, Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup should not be blamed solely on the current NFF leadership, noting that previous administrations also failed to secure qualification but were given another opportunity to continue in office.

“We may fail to qualify for the World Cup, but that does not mean the NFF leadership should be changed. Football development is a process, and people should assess the facts rather than allow sentiment to guide their opinions,” he said.

Gombe argued that Gusau inherited several challenges and should be allowed enough time to implement reforms before being judged.

He also alleged that some individuals were planning to destabilise the NFF using tactics similar to those employed during previous football administration crises, including attempts to force changes in leadership through external interference.

“It will not work. Gusau is not going anywhere. He will come back because the process is different now, and football administration must be allowed to remain stable,” he stated.

The outspoken administrator condemned threats and insults directed at him over his support for the NFF president, saying he would always express his opinions based on conviction rather than personal interests.

Gombe maintained that he has no personal agenda or desire for political appointments, stressing that he would continue to speak out whenever he believes football administrators or government officials are performing well or falling short of expectations.

He added that while he supports Gusau’s leadership, he would not hesitate to criticise the NFF president if the administration fails to improve Nigerian football during a second term.

Share on Facebook

Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.

Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.

The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Final Score

Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)

The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Key Performers

Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
*

Share on Facebook