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Tag: Gusau

  • Again, Bandits again kidnap travellers in Gusau-Funtua highway

    Again, Bandits again kidnap travellers in Gusau-Funtua highway

    Bandits on Saturday blocked the Gusau-Funtua highway and abducted an unspecified number of travellers.

    The terrorists blocked the highway between Kucheri and Magazu communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, shooting at moving vehicles.

    The spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, ASP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident to Channels Television via a telephone conversation.

    He said an unspecified number of travellers were abducted during the attack, adding that the police and other security agencies are currently on joint rescue operations in order to rescue the abducted victims.

    “The incident happened this afternoon. The bandits blocked the road and started shooting at the commuters, they kidnapped some of them,” Abubakar said.

    “The command in collaboration with other security agencies are working hand in hand to make sure the kidnapped victims are rescued.”

    Abubakar, however, denied the report that five mobile policemen were abducted during a shootout with the bandits

    Recently, armed bandits have carried out a series of attacks along the highway.

    Zamfara is one of several states in northwestern and central Nigeria terrorised by heavily armed gangs, who carry out mass abductions for ransom as well as burning and looting homes.

     

  • Man burns to death while recovering goods from shop in Gusau fire

    Man burns to death while recovering goods from shop in Gusau fire

    A shop owner was burnt to death on Tuesday while recovering his property from his shop at the Gusau Central Market, the state’s Fire Service said on Wednesday.

    Director of Zamfara Fire Service, Mr Abdullahi Dauran confirmed the incident to NAN in Gusau.

    “We received a report of the fire outbreak and deployed our men to the scene.

    “We were able to put the fire under control, but one person lost his life while trying to remove his properties from his shop.

    “We are investigating to ascertain the cause of the incident and to determine the actual extent of damage,’’ Dauran said.

  • Gusau implores Falconets to grab Colombia 2024 opportunity to enhance career

    Gusau implores Falconets to grab Colombia 2024 opportunity to enhance career

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on Thursday charged the country’s U20 girls, Falconets to go all out and win their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup second round, first leg tie against Tanzania on Sunday in order to start paving their way to greatness in their chosen career.

     

    Speaking when he visited the girls at the FIFA Goal Project inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, in what was their last training session before their trip to Dar es Salaam, Gusau said the players must comport themselves appropriately on and off the pitch as they are ambassadors of Nigeria.

     

    “Your first port of call is Tanzania, but your destination is Colombia, where the World Cup will take place next year. You must have it in mind that this is only the beginning of the journey. I have no doubt that you will conquer Tanzania and go ahead to qualify for the World Cup finals.

     

    “Our country has never failed to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the competition started more than 20 years ago, and I am sure you girls will not want to be the first set to be associated with failure. Therefore, you must put in extra effort, listen to your coaches and play to instructions.”

     

    Gusau told the players that the character they display off the field of play at all times is as important as the talent and skill that they advertise on it.

     

    “As ambassadors of our great nation, you have a responsibility to be of the very best conduct on and off the field. You must fly the flag brilliantly and conscientiously, and emerge victorious. After the Tanzanian hurdle, there are still more hurdles for you to overcome before earning the ticket to Colombia. So, it is a long journey with a lot of hard work and determination, but it is worth it to put your career on track and head towards greatness in your chosen field.”

     

    The Falconets’ contingent will depart Nigeria on Friday aboard an Ethiopian Airways flight to Addis Ababa and onwards to Dar es Salaam, where they clash with the Tanzanian U20 girls on Sunday. Both teams will again trade tackles at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, 19th November 2023.

     

  • Nigerian ambassador hails Gusau, wants Super Eagles to go for AFCON trophy, WC ticket

    Nigerian ambassador hails Gusau, wants Super Eagles to go for AFCON trophy, WC ticket

    The Ambassador of Federal Republic of Nigeria to Portugal, His Excellency Alex E. Kefas on Tuesday hosted the Nigeria contingent to the international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal, saying that the team’s victory over Mozambique in their second game has created a winning mentality that must be sustained in upcoming matches and championships.

     

    Speaking while hosting the delegation of players and their officials, as well as the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Executive Committee member Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa and NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, Ambassador Kefas lauded the leadership qualities of Alhaji Gusau and charged him to consolidate efforts to ensure the Eagles keep winning.

     

    “We want a Super Eagles’ team that will, once more, be the joy of all Nigerians at home and abroad. Nigerians love their football and they love their National Teams, and I charge you to start winning the major trophies to make us all happy.

     

    “The leadership qualities of the NFF President, Alhaji Gusau, are not in doubt. I know he has what it takes to ensure the Eagles keep winning, beginning with the Africa Cup and the ticket to the FIFA World Cup.”

     

    Also at the reception were Ambassador Kefas’ wife, some players of the Super Eagles, technical and backroom staff of the Eagles and staff of the embassy.

     

    With few weeks to the commencement of the race to 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, the Super Eagles won their first friendly match in 55 months, defeating Mozambique 3-2 in Portimao on Monday to underscore that their ‘Let’s Do It Again’ mantra for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals is no fluke.

     

    In an earlier game on Friday, Saudi Arabia’s Green Falcons netted a last-minute equalizer to tie 2-2 with the Super Eagles at the same venue

  • FG assures rescued Fed varsity, Gusau students of immediate assistance + Photos

    FG assures rescued Fed varsity, Gusau students of immediate assistance + Photos

    Wevole Ezin

    The Federal Government has assured the rescued students of Federal University Gusau of immediate humanitarian assistance to support their recovery process.

    The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu stated this on Thursday when she visited the rescued students and assured them of improved security.

    Some bandits had recently struck at the University and kidnapped twenty five (25) female students in their hostels. However, sixteen of them have been rescued by security forces while others are still in captivity.

    Speaking when she took the message of Renewed Hope to the Management and Students, in company of the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, the Minister said President Ahmed Bola Tinubu was concerned by the unfortunate incident adding that he would ensure the safe return of the remaining students.

    Edu who personally interacted with some of the rescued students one after the other, said both Federal and State government are working together to improve Security in Zamfara State in particular and Northwest in general.

    “I bring you the assurance of the President, that those remaining students will be back. The President has put in place a security architecture in collaboration with Zamfara State government that will safeguards lives and property.” Edu assured them.

    She said one of the eight-point agenda of President Tinubu and indeed the primary agenda of government is Security and the welfare of its people.

    “I want to assure you that our children, our students will come back home and get back to school to continue their education.”

    “The President has assured us of improved security across the country to reduce humanitarian crises and eradicate multi-dimensional poverty, we hope that very soon, the remaining nine students in captivity will soon be released.

    “For the students, do not be deterred by the incident and continue to pursue your education, where necessary, we will ensure their full rehabilitate and reintegration to enable them continue their studies. Our President believes in Education, he has made provision for Student Loans and Scholarships to assist the education of young people.

    On his part, Governor Lawal commended Dr. Edu for taking the pains “to visit us over the ugly incident that happened 10 days ago.”

    The Governor assured that the State Government will continue in its efforts to work with the Federal Government to create a conducive learning environment and will also do its best to protect the lives and properties of the people which is the primary function of government.

    He said the coming of the Minister was an indication of a better collaboration from the federal government led by President Tinubu.

    The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Gusau, Professor Muazu Gusau, expressed delight over the visit of the Minister.

    Professor Gusau, recounted the ordeals the institution has encountered in the hands of bandits in times past even before the present administration, as he called for increased security..

    The VC appealed that the University should be factor into the Ministry’s several intervention schemes.

    The institution Student Union Representatives led by Comrade Bello Aliyu, Commended the Minister for visiting them in their trying period, asking that the students should be accommodated in the National Social Investment Programmes of the Federal government.

  • Gusau says NFF working diligently to ensure Eagles, Falcons, others attain greater heights

    Gusau says NFF working diligently to ensure Eagles, Falcons, others attain greater heights

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday disclosed that the football-governing body is working assiduously to ensure that all the National Teams perform much better in their competitions in the next one year, than they have done in the past year. He made this pledge while reviewing the activities of the NFF and the teams in one year of his Board in office, and also articulating expectations for the next one year.

     

    While highlighting the achievements of the past year, which included a first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, quarter-final performance of the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U20 World Cup, qualification of the Super Eagles to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and best-ever outing by the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Gusau asserverated that the Board and Secretariat have worked in tandem to remove toxicity from the system and enable a more conducive environment for the game in the country.

     

    “One of our priorities on coming into office was to ensure that the football environment was cleansed of so much toxicity that had threatened the health of the game and made some persons feel unwelcome in the system. We have tried our best to give everyone a sense of belonging with a policy of inclusiveness.

     

    “Off the pitch, we are proud of the work of the Interim Management Committee that we constituted to organize the last NPFL League Season, which was commended by all stakeholders, and we also feel fulfilled about the constitution of the Boards of the NNL, NWFL and NLO with vibrant, knowledgeable and competent individuals who are capable of taking the leagues to the next level. Elections into the State FAs have also been largely peaceful and successful.”

     

    Gusau said his board will work assiduously and diligently with the secretariat and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to see the Super Eagles off to a great start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series and to win the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire early next year.

     

    “We also want to see the Super Falcons reclaim their African title and return to the Women Olympic Football Tournament. Our expectations include making good progress in our plan for hostel accommodation and some playing pitches for the National Teams, through the FIFA Forward 3.0 program, and also see that the U17 and U20 Women National Teams achieve their best-ever outings at their different World Cups next year.

     

    “We are working already with the new NPFL Board to grow the NPFL into the product that all administrators and stakeholders desire, and also with the boards of the other Leagues to improve the state of our domestic football. To achieve all these, we need money, so we are also looking to work even harder to grow our revenue base through aggressive marketing drive.”

     

    The NFF boss said his team will also not allow any FIFA window for friendly matches to go unutilized. “As you can see, we have arranged two matches for the Super Eagles in this month’s window, against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. Mozambique is in southern Africa where three of our opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, namely Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa also are. Playing Mozambique is a good opportunity for the team to have a sneak preview of what to expect against these three teams.”

     

    Also at the parley were NFF Executive Committee Members H. E. Ali Silas Agara and Mr. George Aluo; NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Chairman of Anambra State FA, Chikelue Iloenyosi; NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David and; Head of Member Associations, Ali Abubakar Muhammad.

  • Troops rescue 6 abducted Gusau Varsity female students

    Troops rescue 6 abducted Gusau Varsity female students

    Operatives of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin-Daji, have rescued six female students of Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara, abducted in the early hours of Friday.

    Force Information Officer, Operation Hadarin-Daji, Cpt. Ibrahim Yahaya, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) via telephone on Friday in Gusau.

    The rescue operation followed the abduction of an unspecified number of female students from their rented hostels at Sabon-Gida which is few meters away from the university.

    Yahaya said that the troops pursued the abductors who took the students, mostly females, to the forest.

    He said that the troops engaged the abductors in a gun duel, supported by the air component of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), and rescued six of the students.

    Yahaya further stated that several bandits were neutralised during the rescue effort which, he said, was still ongoing.

    “The troops also recovered one AK-47, a magazine, four motorcycles and one communication gadget from the terrorists,” the officer said.

    NN reports that the institution’s students had, in June, protested the spate of abductions of their schoolmates residing in Sabon-Gida and Damba communities.

    It was also gathered that the two communities are opposite the main campus of the university, which is about 20km from Gusau, the state capital.

    Efforts to speak with the school authorities on the incident proved abortive, as the institution’s Spokesperson, Umar Usman, did not respond to several calls put through to him by a NAN correspondent.

  • Gusau spurs Super Falcons to ‘keep Africa’s hope alive’

    Gusau spurs Super Falcons to ‘keep Africa’s hope alive’

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has charged the Super Falcons to “keep Africa’s hope alive” when they take on co-hosts Australia in their second match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals on Thursday.

    With the first round of matches over on Tuesday, Nigeria is the only African flag-bearer yet to taste defeat.

    “As nine-time champions of Africa, and one of only seven countries to have played in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria is the real giant and hope of the African continent in Australia. While we expect Morocco, Zambia and South Africa to turn things around in their next matches, my message is that the Super Falcons must focus hard on the ball against the Australians in order to keep Africa’s song going.

    “We had an impressive game against Canada, but I want the girls to put that feat out of their minds and focus on the three points against Australia. It can be done,” Gusau said.

    Zambia lost 0-5 to Japan while South Africa were edged 1-2 by Sweden, and Morocco fell 0-6 to Germany in the first round of matches.

    “I am charging the girls to go all out. This is a match in which we need to score goals.”

  • Gusau challenges League Boards to take Nigeria’s domestic football to next level

    Gusau challenges League Boards to take Nigeria’s domestic football to next level

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Monday charged chairmen and members of the newly-constituted Boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Nation-Wide League One and the Nigeria Women Football League to come up with feasible plans and marketing strategies that will take Nigeria’s domestic football to new heights.

    At the inauguration of the Boards inside the Conference Room of the NFF on Monday afternoon, Gusau also warned that the boards should have clear plans on how to sustain organization of matches and generally fulfil its responsibilities before the commencement of any season.

    “We have picked men and women of high calibre, integrity and drive in order that we will have sustainable Leagues. We do not want a situation whereby a league will get to the middle of the season and be saying there is no longer money to run its programmes. We believe we have, in the new boards, men and women who can turn things around.

    “I am indeed happy to be here performing this action this afternoon, at a time and period that our domestic football is gaining fresh momentum thanks to the impressive organization of the Nigeria Premier Football League in the recently-concluded season, and also the colour, razzmatazz and positive vibes from the Super 6 of the NPFL, the NWFL and the NNL, and the pre-season Super 8 Tournament that ended in Lagos at the weekend

    “Therefore, the task of the new Boards of the different Leagues is to ensure that the momentum is not only sustained, but greatly enhanced in order to take Nigeria domestic football to new heights of excellence.”

    The NFF supremo insisted that the Leagues are the drivers of the domestic game, and must do the job of transforming the game of football in Nigeria to a robust and profitable business.

    “The Nigeria Football Federation is determined that our football should be developed from the grassroots, with so much focus on young players, young referees and young coaches. While we will put up the policies, the Boards of the Leagues will have to put in the energy and drive to implement these policies and generally improve the lot of the domestic game.

    “Last year, the Federal Government promoted sports from the category of recreation to business. Football is therefore big business, and we must start to treat it as such. You all have the responsibility to develop workable marketing strategies and media plans to build viable products of the NNL, NWFL and the NLO.”

    Responding, His Excellency Silas Agara, Mr. George Aluo and Ms Nkechi Obi all promised to work with their various board members to achieve a positive turnaround of the state of Nigeria’s domestic game.

    Also at the occasion were Rt. Hon. Nse Essien (Member, NFF Executive Committee); Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme (Deputy General Secretary); Coach Augustine Eguavoen (Technical Director); Mr. Ademola Olajire (Director of Communications); Dr. Robinson Okosun (Deputy Director, Technical); Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman (Deputy Director, Competitions); Mr Ali Abubakar Muhammad (Head of Member Associations) and; Mr. Barnabas Joro (Head of Protocol). There were also the chief operating officers of the Leagues: Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya (NNL); Ms Modupe Shabi (NWFL) and; Mr. Sola Ogunnowo (NLO).

    THE BOARDS:

    NIGERIA NATIONAL LEAGUE: Mr. George Aluo (Chairman); Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki (Vice Chairman); Mr. Yakubu Sarma (Member); Mallam Sani Mohammed (Member); Dr. Donald Ikpe (Member); Chief Joseph Uzoma Ebowusim (Member); Chief Dotun Sanusi (Member); Mr. Emmanuel Attah (CEO).

    NIGERIA NATION-WIDE LEAGUE ONE: Hon. Silas Agara (Chairman); Mr. Adeoye Adepeju (Vice Chairman); Mallam Sabo Abdullahi Dutse (Member); Mr. Ogheneochuko Ambakaderemo (Member); Mr. Tunji Onatolu (Member); Barr. Bucknor Akintade (Member); Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim (Member); Mallam Hassan Abdullahi Garo (CEO).

    NIGERIA WOMEN FOOTBALL LEAGUE:  Ms Nkechi Nneka Obi (Chairman); Hajiya Hussaina Suleman (Vice Chairman); Alhaja Rukayat Lola Alaya (Member); FIFA Hadiza Musa (Member); Mr. Ayodele Thomas (Member); Ms Henrietta Ehiobor (Member); Mr. Danny Nazzal (Member).

    PHOTO 1: Gusau with chairman and members of the NNL Board

     

    PHOTO 2: Gusau with chairman and members of the NWFL

     

    PHOTO 3: Gusau with chairman and members of the NLO

  • Gusau charges FIFA instructors to help develop, upscale Nigerian referees

    Gusau charges FIFA instructors to help develop, upscale Nigerian referees

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Monday called on FIFA refereeing instructors who are in Nigeria for three refereeing programmes, to help improve the lot of Nigerian referees to a level that they would be regularly considered for major FIFA and CAF assignments.

    Speaking in his office during a visit by the instructors, Gusau appealed to the instructors from Zambia, Morocco, Mozambique and Djibouti to always find time, even outside regular instructional periods and sessions, to communicate with Nigerian referees with a view to supporting, encouraging and building them up to be among the very best on the African continent.

    “We have our teams regularly taking part in major competitions in Africa and the world, and it is always a painful thing seeing referees from other countries while we hardly get to see our own compatriots of the whistle. We want you to take up this assignment beyond the regular instruction courses; you should endeavour to communicate with them all the time, encourage them, support them and give them tips that will keep improving them to get to the top,” Gusau told the FIFA team.

    Earlier, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi informed the instructors that Nigeria is one of very few countries who participate in almost all FIFA and CAF competitions, and is almost always qualifying for the major finals. “The new NFF administration is determined to ensure that Nigerian referees also build capacity and grow to become part of the elites of the beautiful game.”

    The FIFA instructors, led by Gladys Lengwe from Zambia, also includes Houssein Ali Mohamed from Djibouti, Said Nouri from Morocco and Bento Navesse from Mozambique. They are in Nigeria to superintend a Women Referees Course, a Futsal Referees Course and an Elite Men Referees Course, all happening between 1st – 15th July 2023.

    A total of 35 participants are taking part in the Women Referees Course, while 40 participants are in the Futsal Referees Course, and another 40 are involved in the Elite Men Referees Course.

    Nigerian referee instructors Engineer Emmanuel Imiere, Felicia Okwugba, Saheed Ayeni, Ibrahim Fagge, Sarah Adebisi, Cecilia Ogbuji, Peter Edibe, Maryam Indo, Bola Sekiteri, Victor Ijereme, Dr. Aminu Shantali and Colonel Nicholas Achikasim are also involved in the instructional programme, as well as Rabiu Gusau, Abraham Zakowi, Bello Abubakar and Calistus Chukwudi Chukwujekwu who are members of the NFF Referees Committee.

    The women referees’ course and futsal referees’ course, which began on Saturday, will end on Thursday, 6th July, while the elite men referees’ course will take centrestage between 9th – 15th July.