By Harry Awurumibe

A week to the much-awaited Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) election into its Executive Board slated for September 30 in Benin City, frontrunner in the race for the President of the federation, Dr. Christian Emeruwa has continued his nationwide consultation with critical stakeholders in football in Nigeria.

Dr. Emeruwa who seems to be the only presidential candidate running for the exalted office has for the past 15 days been engaging the NFF Delegates to the Elective Congress in Benin City, just as he has held several media sessions with the sporting press.

Specifically, the astute football administrator and Founder/Head of Security and Safety Department of Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) who was the first person to indicate his interest in the NFF Presidency and the first aspirant to buy the form has held Consultative Meetings with NFF Zonal Delegates across the six geopolitical zones except South South Caucus meeting which hold this weekend.

The former Head of Integrity Unit of NFF has successfully held meetings with the North Central, North West and North East Caucus of NFF just as he also met with South East and South West NFF Delegates.

Worthy of mentioning is the facts that 95% of State Football Associations Chairmen attended the meetings where Dr. Emeruwa presented his strategic plans to create a viable football economy that will benefit Nigeria football stakeholders if voted into the office in Benin City.

Aside holding meetings with FA Chairmen, the most visible candidate out of the 11 cleared by the NFF Electoral Committee first met with the vibrant Nigerian sporting press when he hosted the Sports Editors at Sheraton Hotels Ikeja in Lagos where he laid bare his plans to overhaul the entire gamut of Nigeria football administration and organisation of the various leagues.

Also, Dr. Emeruwa has held strategic meetings with other critical stakeholders in football as he has extracted commitments from the multinational oil company TotalEnergies Plc after paying a courtesy visit to the. Managing Director Dr. Samba Seye in Lagos.

The energetic presidential candidate has also become a toast of the media as he has made several appearances on national and international television stations, radio and newspapers houses to sell his plans to create a viable football economy that will benefit stakeholders if voted into the office.

Meanwhile, Dr. Emeruwa on Thursday attended NFF Presidential Debate organised by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter for the 11 persons cleared to contest for the September 30 presidential election.

Sadly, Dr. Emeruwa and current FCT Football Association, Chairman Mohammed Mouktar were the two contestants out of 11 who attended the debate which took place at Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Secretariat at Utako, Abuja.

Nine other candidates for the NFF top post did not attend the debate, although details of why they failed to show up could not be obtained as at the time of this report.

The 2021/2022 Nigeria Women’s Super 6 ended on Sunday in Benin, the Edo state Capital, leaving in it’s wake, memories and stories, history and testimonies, dreams and realities.

Six of the very best women football teams in the land converged on a city endowed with beauty and bliss, a land blessed with human and material resources and a people that are friendly to visitors and nice to foreigners.

For one week, women football took center stage, six teams came from the north, the south and the west, desperate to impress and determined to take with them the giant trophy that comes with a mouth watering cash prize.

For the first time in many years, a company took the bold step, they put their money where their mouth is and at the end, they are the biggest winners after one week of exhilarating and mind-blowing football.

Tulcan Energy, has become a slogan associated with women’s football. For everyone present in Edo state and those watching online, the exposure, the branding and the publicity was more than massive. By this singular involvement, Tulcan Energy has again emphasized the fact that, they are a company that is fully dedicated to improving lives and satisfying the youths through their initiative to partner NWFL

The Chief Executive Officer of Tulcan Energy, Tayo Adiatu could not hold back the excitement during the medals presentation ceremony as he glittered in his smiles and blossomed in his laughter. He enjoyed every moment of a first experience with women’s football and he is already looking forward to bigger and better relationship with the NWFL.

In all it’s glory, the chairperson of the NWFL and board member of the Nigeria football federation, Aisha Falode acknowledged this goodwill in all humility and thanked the sponsors, the supporters, the promoters and the media for their unflinching support. She sees this as the tonic needed to propel women’s football to the next level.

Bayelsa Queens started and ended the tournament as the team on a mission. So it was not a surprise to many when the Yenagoa girls defeated Nasarawa Amazon’s in Sunday’s final to win the 2021/2022 NWFL Super 6.

Nigeria football federation NFF, president Amaju Pinnick was represented at the closing ceremony by two respected board members in Ibrahim Gusau, FA Chairman of Zamfara state and chairman of chairmen in the the NFF executive committee and Kano state FA chairman, Shaif Inuwa Ahlan who also graced the occasion in his capacity as chairman of the referees.appointment committee. Both men congratulated Falode and her board for a job well done.

Beyond the glamor and the excitements on the pitch, the legacies of this year’s event will not be complete without mentioning the many discoveries. The emerging stars and the future world beaters. They were too many to remember.

However, Bayelsa Queens Monday Gift stood out as her twelve goals earned her the most Valuable player and highest goal scorer of a competition that offered so much and left out nothing in terms of beauty, passion, glamor, entertainment and class.

The official ball for the 2022 NWFL Premiership Super 6 has been unveiled by the NWFL.

The unveiling was done by the Chairperson of the NWFL, Aisha Falode, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The new ball ‘Ivie’ was inspired by the Bini word for Corals. Corals, a beautiful ornament of Royalty worn around the neck or adorned on the head by brides and Queens in the Oba’s palace for grand occasions or ceremonies.

The artwork used for it’s design brings a sense of tradition, which is closely linked with the spirit of the Super 6 tournament.

The 2022 NWFL Premiership Super 6 official ball is predominantly white, with a garish upper graphics that combines blue brush stroke prints with striping in neon pink colours. While the logos of the NWFL and Ivie are black.

The ‘Ivie’ was comprehensively tested to make sure it is for professional football and was used at the NWFL/Laliga Show Your Other Side Challenge Novelty Match. It has an excellent shape precision, flight stability, predictability after bounce and it is well durable.

The 2022 NWFL Premiership Super 6 sponsored by Tulcan Energy Resources will hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, kicking off from the 16th of May to the 22nd of May 2022.

The champion will go home with a cash prize N5million, first runners up N3million and third place N2million.

NWFL MEDIA.

The Nigeria Women’s Football League has signed a sponsorship deal with Tulcan Energy for the 2022 NWFL Super 6, to be played from May 16 through 22 at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Speaking at the official signing ceremony, the chairperson of the NWFL, Aisha Falode said the sponsorship is a testament to the good works and consistency the league has demonstrated in the past. She said, “The sponsorship is to create more impactful, more competition & more meaningful development”

Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Dolapo Akinwale, the representative for Tulcan Energy said the company has supported different businesses and with NWFL and Nigeria football, it took them 6 minutes to seal the deal. “Our strategy intentions are to grow the sports & reason we are sponsoring the Super6. We also planning to sustain this”.

A total of N10 million naira will be shared among the top three teams, with the winners taking home N5 million, while the runners-up and third-placed teams will go away with M3 million and N2 million, respectively.

At a Life and Chess Club tournament/award event that took place at the Edo Innovative Hub in Benin City on Wednesday, April 6, which attracted top chess players from across the state, the dynamic and vast sports journalist was alongside the Technical Director of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Mr Eugene Akhiwu and the Edo Broadcasting Service honoured.

Ayoola Adeleke who was away on an NWFL Premiership football match coverage in Osun State bagged the “Award of Excellence for his exceptional contribution to the development of sports in Edo State in commemoration of the International Day of Sport for Peace and Development”, with his representative, a burgeoning sports journalist, Jokanola Bolaji on the ground to pick up the award.

‘Mansa RSS’ as fondly called, through his representative thanked the organisers of the event for the recognition which he least expected and promised to continue supporting the development of sports in Edo as the state’s major agenda is set at repositioning the state to its position as the Number 1 in the country.

” I am highly elated for this award, my first in Edo State and I want to say a big thank you to the giver (Life and Chess Club). It’s a privilege to be recognised.”

The CAF and FIFA accredited journalist, while dedicating the award to his followers also noted that the award will spur him into putting in his best to ensure sports development.

“This is motivational; going forward, this prestigious award will serve as a motivation and boost for me to do more in continued efforts to reposition sports in the state, in my little way.”

“I will continue to put in my best in building sports in this state from grassroots level to the topmost level. Thank you very much once again”

The Platinum News publisher, an erudite sports journalist with over a decade of experience has now added another to his awards cabinet.

By Kehinde Osagiede

The untirery efforts and commitment of the wife of Edo state Governor Betsy Obaseki towards girl child and women development has again been reaffirmed as she in collaboration with the Deputy Governor Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu unveiled Football tournament, tagged Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament in Benin City.

The first lady during the unveiling ceremony held at the new Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin, said that the Football Tournament will be an annual event aimed at rehabilitating, empowering the girl child as well as for promotion of women football in the country.

Mrs Obaseki who gave kudos to the Edo Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu for the initiative, stated that the football tournament is going to be a part of her pet projects hinged on rehabilitation, empowerment of Edo girls and for women development among other objectives which include promotion and development of women football.

In an address, the Deputy Governor of Edo state Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu who is the chief organiser of the tournament slated for September 26 – October 3, 2021, expressed the hope that the Football tournament the state will achieve the core objectives geared towards the development of Edo girl child and becomes a part of Edo sports calendar.

“Let me thank our first lady and my brother, our dear Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki for giving approval for what we are doing in the sports sector, especially for giving us the platform to express ourselves through programmes such as the one we just initiated ‘Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament.

“We are breaking new grounds in women Football development and I want to thank the first lady for adding this to her numerous pet projects geared towards the protection and empowerment of Edo women.
“I am proud to say that we have succeeded in building a disciplined state owned football club Insurance FC. They play good football and apply the spirit of fair play always. Insurance played all home games this season without any incidents and after every game, both home team and away side embrace each other. So, we are building a new football culture and I urge other states to emulate us so that Football can truly play its unifying role in the Nigeria’s integration programme.” Shaibu emphasised.

In a statement earlier released by the Head, Media and Communication of the tournament organising Committee, Ebomhiana Musa, about 16 Nigerian female clubs including Edo Queens and some other selected NWFL sides will feature in the maiden edition

The statement added that the invitational tournament, amongst others, is aimed at encouraging women football in Nigeria and to prepare the various clubs to put them in top shape for the take-off of every new league season.

The National Division One League will hold in Edo State, the Handball Federation of Nigeria has decided.

In a statement released by the HFN secretary general Alhaji Maigidansanma Mohammed, the National Division One League which is a competition wherein teams will gain promotion to the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League will hold in Benin City, Edo State from July 9 to 17, 2021.

Alhaji Maigidansanma also revealed that the teams who were relegated in the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League 2020 are not eligible to participate in the Division One League while players who participated in the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League 2020 are not allowed to feature in the National Division One League.

Meanwhile the Prudent Energy Handball Premier League 2021 will hold from October 8-23, 2021 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja while the National Under 12/15 Handball Championship will hold in Sokoto from August 20-29, 2021.

Cosmos Chukwuemeka Akisi
Media Assistant to HFN President
08139005454

Twitter: @handballnigeria, @cosychukwuemeka

Instagram: Handball Nigeria

Nigeria Football Federation President and FIFA Council Member Amaju Pinnick was present at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium as the NWFL Premiership Super 6 opened in spectacular form as Delta Queens won 2-1 against Edo Queens on Monday evening.

Pinnick who was accompanied by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Phillip Shuaibu, Delta State Commissioner for Sports, Tonobok Okowa, Chief Solomon Ogba and Dr. Kweku Tandoh hailed the NWFL leadership for hosting a well organised Super 6 Competition, which will determine who will represent Nigeria at the CAF Women Champions League.

” I must say I am well satisfied with what I saw today, the level of play, the organisation as well as the reception.

“The homebased players are as competent as the foreign based players and I think some of these players are good enough to play for the Super Eagles. We are proud of the good works Aisha Falode is doing and we shall continue to give her all the necessary supports.

“I am satisfied with the standard of officiating, and as a body, the NFF, NWFL does not believe in mediocrity. The the true winner will eventually emerge at the end of the day.” He concluded.

The highly rated Sports administrator was joined by other top personals to give out the customised match balls to all 8 teams that participated at the Football event of the National Sports Festival.

Amos Adamu who was one time Director General of the National Sports Commission was thrilled that a Nigerian Clubside can think of having their own customised match balls, stressing that it is the right step to move the club to greater heights.

Receiving the match balls on behalf of Team Edo, Captain of the side and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shuabu thanked the management of the team for reaching out to all the teams that participated at the Football Event of the National Sports Festival, saying other clubs in Nigeria should emulate the NWFL Championship side, by going into selling of merchandise that will bring in profits.

Barrister Paul Edeh, President of Naija Ratels FC who was represented by Coach Bankole Oloowokere said it was a pleasure to give out the match balls to the football participating teams, stating that football is the sports played most consistently in the world.

“Football is loved by all, that’s one of the reasons we decided to give our customised match balls to all Football participating teams in the National Sports Festival.

“The Naija Ratels customised ball is strong, iconic and reflects the values of the Clubside as we are planning of building a big fan base across all quarters.

Naija Ratels is an NWFL Championship side, based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and is owned by Legal Luminary, Barrister Paul Edeh.

The Main organizing committee of the National Sports Festival in Edo State has disqualified Dino Ebarakumo, thereby stripping him off the medals he has won so far.

Ebarakumo according to reports registered for team Rivers heading into the festival, but eventually, fraudulently turned up for team Bayelsa without a proper clearance by the MOC.

With the development, the organizers say the four gold and two silver medals he has so far won have been cancelled.

Meanwhile, there are insinuations from different quarters that team Bayelsa has other athletes it poached right at the venue without proper documentation.

It remains to be seen if more of Team Bayelsa athletes will suffer the same fate in the next couple of days