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Tag: Gusau

  • Former NFF President Sani Lulu hails Gusau on sincerity, vision and direction

    Former NFF President Sani Lulu hails Gusau on sincerity, vision and direction

    A former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi has praised the vision and direction of the current Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led NFF administration, saying the sincerity of its approach to issues and unambiguous intention to develop the game from the grassroots will culminate in steady growth of the Nigeria game.

    Speaking during a visit to the NFF Secretariat, Abuja on Wednesday – the first since he left office in 2010 – the Omachi Attah of Igalaland described the present NFF team as “experienced, diligent and committed,” and expressed confidence that it will succeed with its focus on grassroots development and inclusivity in administration.

    “I feel honoured to be here. This is my first time in the NFF, sitting happily with a sitting NFF President, since I left office. I am happy about the path you have chosen, about the fact that you’re a bridge-builder and about your honest intentions in taking Nigeria Football to new heights.

    “I am happy doing what I am doing. I thank God for the little I was able to do with my team while we were. It was so many years ago but I still feel the passion because I never really left,” said Lulu, whose FOSLA Secondary School is the reigning champion of the National Principals’ Cup competition.

    Earlier, President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau praised the passion and energy of the former NFF supremo while in office, and commended the fact that he has continued to work with the same passion in producing excellent individuals through his football academy that nicely blends football with education.

    “You are one man we all respect so much because football is the centre of your existence. Even after leaving office as NFF President, you have remained in the game and your school continues to churn out good products for our football teams.

    “What you are doing is invaluable and it is making a real impact because very few people are providing the opportunity for our young men to blend their urge for education with their passion for football.”

    Gusau disclosed that the NFF is working in synergy with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Federal Ministry of Education, as well as the Nigeria School Sports Federation, to produce Nigeria’s representatives for subsequent editions of the African Secondary Schools Football Competition.

    FOSLA, as the country’s champion school, has been invited to participate in this year’s International School Sports Federation competition taking place in Morocco next month.

    Also present at the occasion were NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David and; Alhaji Suleiman Yusuf, personal assistant to Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi.

  • Argentina 2023: Beat Brazil to sustain winning mentality – Gusau

    Argentina 2023: Beat Brazil to sustain winning mentality – Gusau

    A thrilled President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Wednesday night told Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles to go for all three points against Brazil in their final group game at the FIFA U20 World Cup to sustain their winning mentality.

    The NFF supremo spoke minutes after the two-time World Cup silver medallists stunned Italy 2-0 in Mendoza to soar to the top of Group D at the ongoing global fiesta in Argentina, with a commanding performance that left the Italians and their thousands of supporters flustered and crest-fallen at the Estadio Malvinas Argentina.

    Pre-game, the bookmakers had the encounter all in favour of the Italians, who overran Brazil with three goals in a rapturous first 45 minutes on Sunday, before the South Americans reduced the tally by two in the second period.

    Against the Flying Eagles, the pacy Italians could not find their rhythm and simply watched the Nigerians dominate several sectors of the pitch, with two well-taken second half goals by Salim Fago Lawal and Jude Sunday no more than the African flagbearers deserved on the night.

    “I want you to celebrate but to quickly put this behind you and focus on the game against Brazil. Nigerians are proud of what you have achieved in qualifying for the knockout stages after only two matches. But we must sustain the winning mentality, so we have to go for victory against the Brazilians on Saturday.

    “Once the winning mentality is sustained, we can go all the way.”

    From the very first minute, the Flying Eagles left no one in doubt that they were on the pitch for business, with Salim Fago Lawal turning and shooting inside the box, but the goalkeeper had it covered.

    Italy’s Tommaso Baldanzi, who dazzled against Brazil, saw his shot fly over goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso’s sticks in the 4th minute, and another one went far away six minutes later. Daniel Daga tried his luck at the other end, but the Italians rocked the Nigeria crossbar in the 20th minute after a flowing move orchestrated by Baldanzi.

    Daniel Bameyi and Fago Lawal got behind the Italian defence but the first half ended scoreless.

    On resumption, Italy broke forward but Abel Ogwuche, excellent at the heart of defence, botched their efforts, and Bameyi would again rattle goalkeeper Sebastiano Desplanches in the 48th minute. In the 62nd minute, a resilient Tochukwu Nnadi fought his way through the opposition defence and a fall to spin a good cross that Fago Lawal headed beautifully into the net for Nigeria’s first goal.

    Italy came close in the 84th minute with a flowing team move, but substitute Daniele Montevago could not make it count. At the other end, Jude Sunday latched onto a long thrust that bounced beautifully for him and scored Nigeria’s second with a well-taken shot, well into added time.

    Victory means the Flying Eagles have qualified for the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup, ahead of their clash with Brazil in La Plata on Saturday afternoon.

  • Egypt 2023: Gusau charges Flying Eagles to go for FIFA World Cup ticket

    Egypt 2023: Gusau charges Flying Eagles to go for FIFA World Cup ticket

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has assured the Flying Eagles of all necessary support and attention from the football-ruling body as the team continues its build-up to the Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.

    The NFF President gave the assurance on Sunday evening while visiting the Flying Eagles at their training tour base, Hotel Novotel in Mohammedia, Morocco shortly after the team’s 2-1 victory over their Congolese counterparts in a friendly at the Complexe Sportif Sidi Mohammed.

    “Let me use this opportunity to congratulate you all for emerging victorious against the Congolese team. It was a well-deserved victory because you played well. I believe there are a lot of good players here that will make the generality of Nigerians proud.

    “The NFF under my leadership is working assiduously to ensure that you get all the support necessary for you to excel and that’s why I directed the secretariat to settle all your camping allowances which was done before your departure. I assure you that we are now working on how to motivate you in an extra way when you get to Cairo. All you have to do is go out there and make Nigerians proud.

    “Getting to the semi-finals is paramount because that guarantees us a place in the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia; so I urge you to seal that ticket and then get to the final and win the trophy.”

    Responding on behalf of the team, Captain Daniel Bameyi thanked the President for the visit while reassuring him the players are battle-ready for the task ahead, and will do the needful by ensuring the team not only wins a World Cup ticket but goes all out for the trophy.

    The Flying Eagles are expected to play U20 boys of Central African Republic on Wednesday before the team’s departure to Cairo on Thursday.

    Against the Congolese, Nigeria dominated for large swathes of the first period but fell behind when Solomon Oniangue scored for the boys from Brazzaville in the 21st minute. Haliru Sarki, Francis Ayuba and Mohammed Ibrahim all missed good opportunities to draw the Flying Eagles level.

    However, Emmanuel Uchegbu and Adams Olamilekan turned the game around for Nigeria with goals in the 66th and 74th minute to maintain the unbeaten run of this set of Flying Eagles in all matches and competitions.

  • NFF extends IMC tenure till end of season

    NFF extends IMC tenure till end of season

    Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended the tenure of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) till the end of the 2022/2023 season.

    Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, disclosed on Friday in a statement that Ibrahim Gusau, the Federation’s President, said the extension was important at this point in time.

    “The extension of IMC’s tenure is in order to allow the team to concentrate fully on the organisation and management of the ongoing NPFL season, which is just heading to its Match Day 3 this weekend,” he quoted Gusau as saying.

    The NFF President had inaugurated the IMC, headed by Gbenga Elegbeleye, on Oct. 21 with an initial mandate of three months.

    Its terms of reference were aimed at engendering a new life generally for the elite division of the Nigerian football league.

    Gusau had at the Draw Ceremony for the 2022/2023 NPFL season on Dec. 28, praised the IMC for the tremendous work it had been doing since inauguration.

    He had assured it of NFF’s support in turning around Nigeria’s domestic League for the better, including fostering a viable football economy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IMC has since its inauguration gone on to put in place structures for the league to get underway on Jan. 8.

    Citing the time factor, it had opted for an abridged format for the 2022/2023 NPFL season, with 10 clubs in Group A and 10 clubs in Group B.

    The current season is scheduled to end in May.

  • Gusau: Pele’s contributions to football are ineffable

    Gusau: Pele’s contributions to football are ineffable

    Ahead of Tuesday’s burial of football’s indisputable King, Edson Arantes dos Nascimento, popularly known as Pele, President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has described the potentate’s contributions to football as ineffable.

     

    King Pele, who won three FIFA World Cup titles and scored a total of 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, died on Thursday in a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil and his remains will be interred on Tuesday.

     

    “I have read so many condolence messages and tributes to the man since he left us, but the truth is that Pele’s contributions to the game of football are ineffable. He did so many things to raise the profile and scale of the game and each and everyone of us can only say a little of what he did.

     

    “I remember that he came to Nigeria five times and identified strongly with black people all over the world. He was a universal figure yet he remained humble, likeable and approachable. With his skill and talent, he took the game of football to a totally different level, captivated global audiences and gave joy to billions. May his soul rest in peace.”

     

    Pele’s first visit to Nigeria was in January 1969, during which his Brazilian club Santos FC played a friendly with a Nigeria XI that ended 2-2, and then returned in February 1969 for a Santos FC Vs Midwestern XI friendly courtesy of then Military Administrator of Midwestern State, Colonel Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, who sponsored the return of the club from a tour of East Africa to the tune of £6,000. The match at then Ogbe Stadium ended in a 2-1 win for Santos.

     

    ‘The Greatest’ made another stop in Nigeria in 1976 on a tour sponsored by Pepsi Cola, and again in 1978 on another sponsored tour that included another Brazilian club, Fluminense. His last trip to Nigeria was in October 2000, when he met with then Nigeria Minister of Sports, Damishi Tonson Sango.

     

    Gusau admonished that Pele’s life, his humility and humanity should serve as lessons to football players and football leaders worldwide. “Pele was a universal billboard for magnificence, yet that did not make him arrogant. One can be a stellar talent without looking down on others, and one can accomplish so much without any of these getting into your head.”

     

    Named after the American inventor Thomas Alva Edison, Pele himself can be credited with ‘inventing’ what he called ‘the beautiful game’ and served several humanitarian causes including as Goodwill Ambassador for UNESCO and UNICEF Ambassador. In 1997, King Pele received a honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II (also of blessed memory).

     

  • 2023: Do not vote against your conscience – President Buhari advises Nigerians

    2023: Do not vote against your conscience – President Buhari advises Nigerians

    President Muhammadu Buhari has offered a word of advice to prospective voters in the country, saying that Nigerians should not be afraid of expressing their opinions, adding that they shouldn’t vote against their conscience in the 2023 general elections.

    President Buhari spoke through the minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isah Pantani said nobody has the right to force another to vote against his or her conscience.

    He made this remark during the closing ceremony of the 37th National Qur’anic Recitation competition in Gusau, the State capital, commending the State government for sponsoring the program.

    Buhari appealed to politicians and leaders in the country to justify their positions by being fair to their subjects, begging everyone to embrace peace in the country.

    Meanwhile, Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle said the insecurity situation in the state informed his decision to host the competition, hoping that it would make a great impact on the lives of the people.

    “The Quaran remains the greatest guiding principle in the lives and deeds of the Muslims. I, therefore, pray that the occasion would attract righteousness among the people”

    According to him, his administration would continue to give priority to Islamic values, pointing out that Islam serves as a source of guidance to all Muslims and can reduce the ravaging insecurity situation in the State.

  • NFF: Gusau administration will not discriminate against Nigerian players anywhere

    NFF: Gusau administration will not discriminate against Nigerian players anywhere

    The Nigeria Football Federation says the new Board led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will not discriminate against selection into any of Nigeria’s National Teams of Nigerian players born in any part of the world.

    NFF’s Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire, said on Wednesday: “This clarification becomes necessary in view of an incorrect report that has been given wings by sections of the media, insinuating that the NFF President spoke of an impending wall against foreign-born or foreign-based players as far as selection of players into the National Teams is concerned.

    “The NFF President spoke about something different from the message that is being conveyed. There is no way an administration that has promised inclusiveness and pledged to stick by merit and quality will go the route of discrimination.”

    Olajire assured that selectors of National Teams would be given the free hand to pick players of Nigeria origin from any jurisdiction in the universe as long as they qualify to represent Nigeria and are good enough to make the country proud by ensuring podium appearance for our teams at major competitions.

    “The NFF President is unhappy with the slant given the story and insists that no form of discrimination or exclusivity will be tolerated under his tenure. The best will always be in the nest to represent in the best interest of our great nation.

    “Primordial sentiments will have no place in the new administration. Anyone who is good enough and is a bonafide Nigerian will be given a level field to fight for the shirt, proudly sing the anthem and play under the flag of our nation.”

  • Delta 2022: Matawalle receives festival torch of unity in Gusau

    Delta 2022: Matawalle receives festival torch of unity in Gusau

    Gov. Bello Matawalle on Tuesday received the Torch of Unity for the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged ” DELTA 2022 at the Government House, Gusau.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Gusau by the Mr Jamilu Iliyasu, Press Secretary to the Governor.
    The National Sports Festival is to begin on Nov. 28 and close on Dec. 10, in Delta.

    Matawalle who received the unity torch participated in the march from Fidelity Bank along Government House road in the city.

    The Northwest Zonal sports Coordinator of Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Malam Muhammad Kabir, presented the torch to Matawalle before embarking on the symbol March.

    Matawalle commended the effort of the Sports Ministry and the various committees for their commitment towards ensuring the successful festival in Delta.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of sports in Zamfara.

    Matawalle noted the importance of sports adding that sports remained a unifying platform for Nigerians.

    The governor assured Zamfara Athletes of government’s support for them to be participate at the Festival in Delta State.

    He said state was proud of the emergence of its illustrious son, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    He assured that the state would support the new NFF president bring in new innovations into football for the benefit of the youth.

    Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Alhaji Habibu Yuguda Gusau described the festival as an avenue where Athletes for talent display for both national and international competition and career building.

    The Adviser said that the ministry had selected the best and brightest Athletes to represent the state in all the competitions in the 21st edition of the National Sports festival.

    He assured the Governor that the athletes would win medals for the state at the event.
    The special Adviser received the Torch of Unity from the representative of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and handed it over to the Governor.

    Meanwhile the Northwest Zonal Coordinator, Muhammad Kabir told the Governor that the Torch of Unity movement signified the participation of the State at the Festival.

    Nigerian Stanndard reports that Delta was declared winner of NSF in Edo 2020.
    NAN reports that team Delta emerged as the champions of the 20th NSF at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Edo.

    Team Delta topped the medals table after winning 158 gold, 116 silver, and 110 bronze, while Team Edo, the host, came second with 129 gold, 104 silver and 108 bronze. Team Bayelsa finished a distant third with 56 gold, 55 silver, and 58 bronze.

    The victory in Benin city is Team Delta’s sixth consecutive NSF triumph.

  • NSCDC beefs up security in Zamfara

    NSCDC beefs up security in Zamfara

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Zamfara, says it has adopted proactive security strategies to curtail thuggery and criminal activities in Gusau and environs.

    The newly posted Commandant of the Corps in the state, Mr  Mohammad Muazu gave the indication while addressing personnel of the Corps in Gusau on Friday.

    He said the Corps would intensify night patrol aimed at tackling criminality and thuggery among youths during the electioneering campaigns.

    “The command resolved to step up effort to tackle security challenges head-on,” he said.

    Muazu urged the operatives of the Corps to be firm and cautious in discharging their duties within the ambit of the law.

    According to Mu’azu, his mission is to stamp out insecurity and other social vices within record time in line with Gov. Bello Matawalle’s vision.

    “This is a note of warning to all miscreants and hoodlums terrorising the state to relocate as Zamfara will no longer be a safe haven for them to hibernate anymore,” he said.

    He warned fuel vendors known as black marketers to desist from the trade, adding that the ban on sales of petrol in gallons and containers was still in force in the state.

    While advising fuel marketers against diversion of petroleum products, Mu’azu said the command would monitor fuel distribution in the state.

  • CAF Cups: Gusau charges Nigerian representatives to grab group stage tickets

    CAF Cups: Gusau charges Nigerian representatives to grab group stage tickets

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has challenged Rivers United, Plateau United and Kwara United to ensure progress into the group stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup respectively, following battling performances against North African opponents in Nigeria on Sunday.

    All three clubs came from behind to win their matches, with Confederation Cup contenders Kwara United trouncing Cup holders RS Berkane of Morocco 3-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos. Plateau United and Rivers United, in the CAF Champions League, edged Esperance of Tunisia and Cup holders Wydad Casablanca of Morocco 2-1 in Abuja and Port Harcourt respectively.

    “Our teams have done well in the first leg matches, but I want them to go all out in the return games because North African playgrounds are usually difficult ones for most teams. They showed the Nigerian spirit in an excellent way to come from behind and win their matches at home, but they will need to show this spirit in an even more pronounced manner in the second leg matches.

    “The NFF is backing all three teams to reach the lucrative group stages of their competitions,” said Gusau who, in company with Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong and Youth and Sports Minister, Hon. Sunday Dare watched Plateau United come from a goal down to defeat the Blood and Gold at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Both teams meet in Tunis next week.

    Kwara United were a goal down to Cup holders RS Berkane after only seven minutes in Lagos, but they flowed with strong current in the second period at the arena formerly known as Onikan waterfront.

    Rivers United also played manfully against one of the most experienced campaigners in African club football and got a narrow win that could stand for something when both teams clash again at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca next week.