The football club Owners Association of Nigeria have given reasons why it rejected the proposed Abridged League format put forward by the Interim Management committee of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, #Desertsports has gathered.

In a Christmas message to the Football stakeholders in Nigeria, club Owners in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman Chief Barr Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka described the proposed Abridged League format as a caricature of the NPFL, a League once rated as the best League in Africa.

The Association said , the only time Abridged League was played was in a special circumstances when there was leadership crisis in the Federation which affected the smooth running of football thus Abridged League was taken as an option.

But for a League that has stabilized over the years to revert back to Abridged League is like taking the system ten years backward.

Club Owners said that it was a majority decision by 16+1 clubs against only 3 clubs that supported the Abridged League hence it was surprised to see the IMC adopting Abridged League against popular decisions, thereby deceiving the NFF on the true outcome of the joint meeting.

The Association argued that the ongoing CAF Competitions will end in June 2023 and next edition to commence in September/October 2023 coupled with the fifa World Cup break which will alter many Confederations programmes, hence it asked why the hurry, It queried .

Associating Nigeria Football with an bridged League in this century is a big slap on the country as a great soccer nation of the world, because both Enyimba and other clubs who made Nigeria proud were not champions of Abridged League, it said.

The Association however insisted that Clubs would resist the Abridged League format by shunning the draws slated for 28th December 2022 in Abuja, just as a meeting of the Club Owners has been slated for the same day at Toprank Hotel in Asaba Delta State.

The entire football followers await NFF intervention as the NPFL is expected to kick off in January 8th 2023.

Source: Desert Sports.

.. Caution against unguarded utterances.

The end has not been heard on the imbroglio surrounding the commencement of 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season as the participating clubs are set for another round of protest.

The latest em passe is about the format to be employed for the new season which has drawn mixed feelings among the stakeholders of the league, notably the Interim Management Committee and the club managers.

In a statement issued on Sunday which was purposely meant to wish Christian faithful on Christmas by the Football Club Owners Association of Nigeria (Club Owners), the umbrella body of Proprietors, Chairmen and Managers of top Professional Domestic football League Clubs in Nigeria, it specifically disclosed that member-clubs had in a joint meeting with the IMC unanimously voted for a full league with 16+1 votes, to 3 votes, and against a proposal for an abridged league.

The release jointly signed by the Chairman of the association, Bar. Isaac Danladi and Executive Secretary, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, alleged that some group of persons went behind to push for an abridged league which is a caricature of the NPFL, a league once adjudged as the number league in Africa.

The Club Owners stated that the decision of the clubs on a full league format remain unchanged and reject the proposed abridged league in its entirety.

The statement assured that a full league format can still be completed within the normal time frame, with submissions of the CAF Competitions representatives and aligns the NPFL with the International Football calendar.

The Association however used the occasion to warn mischief makers and blackmailers who were hired by some toxic interests within the system to cause disaffection between the Association and other Football stakeholders, stressing that Football can only strive in an atmosphere of an enabling environment where negotiations and round table discussions are cherished.

.. Caution against unguarded utterances.

The Football Club Owners Association of Nigeria (Club Owners), the umbrella body of Proprietors, Chairmen and Managers of top Professional Domestic football League Clubs in Nigeria have sent a special greetings to Football stakeholders in Nigeria especially the Christian Faithfuls as they celebrate Christmas.

Christians all over the World will today celebrate Christmas to mark the birthday of the Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Club Owners in a goodwill messages jointly signed by its chairman Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka enjoined the Christians to use the special occasion to pray fervently for the growth and development of the domestic league in Nigeria as well as safety of its players and officials against untimely deaths.

The Association specifically commended the Honourable Minister of youths and sports, Chief Sunday Dare for his fraternity with the Association and its recognition in the Football development Master plan as well as his creation of an Interim Management Committee IMC for the NPFL to restructure the league and lay a solid foundation for its growth and development.

Club Owners also used the Christmas festivities to congratulate the new Leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF led by Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau and commended his steps at reconciling all aggrieved parties in his quest to have a united Football family.

It extended its greetings to the Interim Management Committee IMC of the NPFL, who were mandated to restructure the league and lay a solid foundation for its future growth and development with assurance that the club owners would give them the necessary cooperation to succeed within its limited time frame.

Club Owners further sent warmly Christmas greetings to the Players Union, Coaches Association, the Sporting Media, the Clubs, Referees and Match commissioners,Match Delegates and Assessors, the Security agencies, supporters and fans as well as other stakeholders and wished them a Special Christmas blessings.

The Association however used the occasion to warn mischief makers and blackmailers who were hired by some toxic interests within the system to cause disaffection between the Association and other Football stakeholders, stressing that Football can only strive in an atmosphere of an enabling environment where negotiations and round table discussions are cherished.

Dino Sporting Club CEO, Samuel Columbus Omomafe on Saturday received an award of excellence from the Ogun State Football Association.

According to the OGSFA led by board member of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, the recognition came as a result of the Dino SC boss’ immense contributions to the development football in the state and country at large.

Mr Omomafe, a seasoned grassroot football administration is known for his dedication and passion to the round leather game.

He has organized various grassroot football competition for youngsters all over the state, with international scouts in attendance.

He has also helped many players achieved their dream of playing professional football at any club of their choice in Europe.

“I’m really happy and honored to receive this awar,”

“Sometimes I’m a bit shy, but I’m really happy to do what I can do for my people to make things better and also contribute my qouta to the growth of these players and football at large,

“To be recognized by the FA means we are doing something right, and I can assure you, we won’t rest on our oars.” He said.

He presides over Dino Sporting Club, one of the fastest rising football clubs in Nigeria, and the current Creative Championship League Cup holders.

The Club is also rated as the 2nd best in the Creative Championship League, behind Beyond Limits.

The Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness (Dr.) Umar Farouq Bahago has assured Coach Bala Abubakar and Niger Tornadoes that traditional institutions and Minna fans will massively support the team in its quest for trophies when the new Nigeria Professional Football League kicks off in January.

Speaking when a delegation of the Ikoh Allah Boys led by amiable Coach Bala paid homage to the Paramount Ruler in his Palace during the week.

The Emir assured Bala and the team, that with the support of the palace and the good people of Niger State, Tornadoes will record successes this season.

“It was wise of you, on behalf of the club to come to seek my royal blessings. I want to wish the team and its officials well and I’m certain that at the end of the season, Niger Tornadoes will finish among the top teams.”

A delighted Coach Bala while presenting a signed replica of Tornadoes’ jersey and match balls to the palace, the Emir for his kind words and assured that Tornadoes will give 200 per cent of its best and compete well this season.

“I want to use this medium to express my heartfelt appreciation to our Royal Father, the Emir of Minna for his royal blessings, as it’s the best tonic we needed going into the new league season.”

Meanwhile, despite still basking in the euphoria of being crowned the 2022 Gusau/Ahlan Cup Pre-season Tourney champions in Kano, Bala said the team will not rest on its oars, as Tornadoes is still a team in progress.

“I want to choose my words carefully, Yes we are champions of the Gusau/Ahlan Cup, but that doesn’t mean Tornadoes will have an easy ride when the season comes.

“Mind you it’s going to be a marathon and a different ball game entirely as there are tougher NPFL teams. Tornadoes will be ready, play no team with respect but take the matches as they come.”

In a separate development, Coach Bala Abubakar has added another award to his shelf after the Niger Tornadoes Fans Club honoured him with an award for Excellence Performance.

The award was presented to him at the club secretariat Saturday morning by top officials of the Niger Tornadoes Fans Club.

The teenager was outstanding throughout the entertaining tournament in Asaba.

She propelled Imo Strikers to the final which was eventually won by Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens 2-0 at Stephen Keshi Stadium.

Influential playmaker, Peace Ikediuba and midfield maestro, Ayanfe Adebanjo scored for the Lagos based side.

It was a record win for Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens as they become the first club to win the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup.

Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens dazzler Ikediuba emerged topscorer with four goals.

Meanwhile, Kazeem Zainab of Prince Kazeem Eletu was voted as the best goalkeeper.

Fair play award was deservedly given to third placed team Moje Queens.

The late Ifeanyi Chiejine holds the record of the youngest player to play at the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the of 16 years and 34 days as she made her debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999 and died at the age of 36.

The Kwara United forward is set to put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Zesco after impressing the handlers of the club.

But Simba have identified Wasiu Jimoh as an interesting option and her willing to break the bank for his services.

South African outfit, Maritzburg are admirers of the ex Rivers United, Shooting Stars and Plateau United attacker.

Maritzburg sent scouts to see the KFA product at the CAF Confederation Cup and were impressed with his performance.

Wasiu Jimoh netted four goals for Kwara United at the 2023/22 CAF Confederation Cup. The highlight of his continental campaign was the curler against RS Berkane at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The beneficiaries received several food items, cash and other materials.

Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi, National President of the vibrant supporters club stated that the “ANFASSC Seed of Love Outreach 2022” is part of their efforts to continue reaching out to the society.

“This day is set aside to focus on effective actions and advocacy on para sports athletes’ plight,” Abayomi Ogunjimi began.

“We are happy to ensure that the para sports athletes smile and have hope of a better future. We are glad to be of help to them.

“Many widows had to go through dehumanising experiences in the name of customs, others are sexually abused and forced into unwanted marriages.

“The widows in our society carry the brunt of economic deprivation, denial of rights, social and economic neglect, dis-empowerment and lack of access to shelter, health and other basic needs of life.

Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi stated that beneficiaries were carefully selected.

One of the beneficiaries, Omolara Tajudeen, thanked ANFASSC for the initiative and appealed for more programmes that would help widows overcome some of their challenges.

“I am happy with what ANFASSC has done for me and other people here today (Wednesday), we hope they will continue to support more with such initiative,” she said.

Mr Femi Agbabiaka said the cash benefit was timely.

“I hope beneficiaries like me will channel the money to proper use and it is coming at the right time for us. We are grateful ANFASSC.”

Meanwhile, ANFASSC’s end of the year party will come up on December 27, 2022 at the Club’s Secretariat in Lagos.

Amaraizu, a Chief Superintendent of Police is the National Coordinator of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV).

At a function in Enugu engaging some selected parents, teachers, and guardians on POCACOV in my family program with the theme: “Our Children Must Thrive”, Amaraizu stressed that parents need to up their game in parenting for a sane society. They have enormous roles as they are role models, coaches and mentors.

Amaraizu said, “If truly our children are to thrive, stakeholders must close ranks and join hands to evolve an effective and efficient framework and action plan aimed at stabilizing our family unit in terms of Value Reorientation, Standards and Discipline since the family is the immediate environment of any child.”

He pointed out that the time to act is now as the Nigeria Police Force through POCACOV initiatives engages relevant stakeholders and multi agencies under its community policing framework for joint problem identification for joint problem-solving.

“When we don’t pay adequate attention to our children and wards and provide the necessary adult guidance, this can make them vulnerable to be recruited into membership of unlawful societies, organized criminal groups to perpetrate serious and organized crime amongst others.”

He observed that social and moral decadence in some of our minds is linked to the inculcation of moral values, discipline and standards.

He thanked Hon Prince Chukwemeka Mama who also is a POCACOV Ambassador for supporting the Activity which is aimed to reinvent the role of family and parents in the moral upbringing of children.

Sharing his experience, Ejike Uzoenyi (MON) a POCACOV Ambassador and Ex-Super Eagles winger thanked the Nigerian police Force for coming up POCACOV initiative.

Uzoenyi maintained that: “The importance of family unit cannot be overemphasized as the values, standards and discipline he passed through from his parents, allowed him to achieve as an international and National football star of great repute and this, he is also inculcating on his children.”

Speaking during the event, the President of Proprietors Associations of Private Schools (PAPS) Enugu State, Dr Godwin Ejiofor appreciated Hon Prince Emeka Mama for supporting the activity which is aimed at adding value to parenting and family unit system for a functional community.

He maintained that parents, guardians and caregivers should note that parenting remains a serious business and requires all amount of attention no matter what the situation might be and points out that social and moral decadence are thriving today because most parents are not together while some are no longer in control of their family.

Today most of our children are having certificates but are still not qualified in terms of character, values and discipline.

Adding his voice, the Executive Director of Global Initiative for Development, Care of Women and Young (GIDCOWAY) Ngozi Beloved John, appreciated the Nigeria Police Force on the POCACOV initiative especially in delving into the issues surrounding parenting and family for the effective and efficient moral upbringing of our children to help them thrive as Champions and for a functional community.

He spoke on the issue of staying away from gender-based violence to avoid emulation by our children.

In a separate development, CSP Ebere Amaraizu a Board Member(South East) of the Nationwide League One (NLO) bagged an award of recognition from Nollywood actors and actresses with icon Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo alias 430 and Diewait Ikpechukwu.

Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has been conferred with Sarkin Wasanni (King/Leader of Games) title by the Emir of Daura, Dr Umar Farouk Umar CON, on the 22nd December 2022.

The traditional title is in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Nation building through grassroots Sports Development.

According to Emir of Daura, Dr Farouk Umar, “your hardwork in Sporting world can never go unnoticed. We do recognise hardwork and thanks for giving Daura Mini Stadium a new look, which has drawn many sons of the soil to watch local football.

“We followed your track records in Sports and youth Development. It is quite worthy of note”, His Royal highness spoke in Hausa language.

According to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, the New Sarkin Wasanni spoke with great emotions. He appreciated the President of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari who gave him the opportunity to serve his fatherland, which has brought recognition of hard work.

“I want to sincerely thank the Emir of Daura, Dr Farouk Umar for the title of Sarkin Wasanni, that can only encourage me to do more for Youth and Sports Development.

“The atmosphere in Daura for me, signposts for excellence should come in first, in whatever we do”, Mr. Sunday Dare concluded.

In a colourful ceremony that saw great captains of different industries in attendance, to mention few are two Ministers who were conferred with the Royal honour; Hon. Sunday Dare and Minister of Petroleum, Hon. Timipre Silva.

Also, who is who in football fraternity stormed Daura. The likes of Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mallam Ismaila Abubakar, Chairman Taskforce of age grade National teams Alhaji Kurfi Aminu Balele, Special Assistant to the President Daniel Amokachi, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusua, NFF board member Alhaji Sherrif Inuwa.