Sports

By Jamilu Uba Adamu,Kano

The 2024 Nigeria National League’s kickoff has sent waves of excitement throughout the country, and Kano State is no exception. The football match between Barau Football Club and Plateau State’s Mighty Jets at the newly refurbished Danbatta Stadium marked a significant milestone in Kano’s football history. This development is a shining example of Senator Barau Jibrin’s commitment to sports development in the Kano North Senatorial district.

As a sports enthusiast, I find it heartwarming to witness the remarkable impact of Senator Barau Jibrin’s dedication to sports development in Kano State. The senator representing Kano North has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the welfare and development of his constituents, with a particular focus on sports.

The refurbishment of the Danbatta Stadium is a shining testament to Senator Jibrin’s visionary leadership. This world-class facility promotes sports and contributes significantly to the community’s economic growth and social cohesion. The stadium has the potential to unite not only people across Kano North but the entire Kano State, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.

Senator Jibrin’s recognition of the importance of sports development in rural areas is equally commendable. He understands that structured sporting events can profoundly impact these communities, providing a platform for young talents to emerge and promoting job creation, socialization, unification, and economic emancipation. This is a critical aspect of his leadership, as it acknowledges the often-overlooked potential of rural areas to contribute to the state’s sports development.

As Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin’s commitment to sports development is a shining example for other politicians to follow. His efforts have marked a significant milestone in Kano’s football history, 

In conclusion, Senator Barau Jibrin’s unwavering commitment to sports development in Kano State is a beacon of hope for the future of sports in Kano. His visionary leadership and dedication to the welfare of his constituents make him an exemplary politician. 

Adamu, a Kano-based freelance sports writer, can be reached via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.

By Jamilu Uba Adamu

As the beautiful game continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the importance of safety and security in football stadiums cannot be overstated. In modern football administration, substantial investments are made to train security personnel on crowd control measures, ensuring spectators and players are safeguarded on match days.

However, the reality in Nigeria is alarming. A stadium with a capacity of 18,000 was recently grossly overcrowded with nearly 30,000 football fans. The stark reality is that overcrowding due to ticket overselling poses a significant threat to the structural integrity of our dilapidated stadium stands. The consequences of a disaster are too catastrophic to contemplate.

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) must proactively address this ticking time bomb. The NPFL must encourage teams to educate fans, club officials, and security personnel on crowd control and ticket sales management. This includes training stewards and security officers on safety measures, such as emergency evacuation procedures, first aid, and access control measures. 

In addition, clubs should take responsibility for ensuring their stadiums meet the minimum safety standards. We all want to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone! 

The benefits of prioritizing safety and security in our football stadium extend beyond preventing disasters. A safe and secure environment enhances the fan experience, fostering a more enjoyable and family-friendly atmosphere.

In conclusion, the NPFL and clubs must address our football stadium’s safety and security issues with the urgency they deserve. By investing in education and training all relevant stadium personnel, we can prevent tragedies and ensure that football matches remain thrilling in a safe and secure atmosphere. As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.” Let us act now to safeguard lives.

On this note, it is worth commending the efforts of Dr. Christian Emeruwa, Head of Safety and Security at the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He has been instrumental in training safety and security officers, police, and other relevant stakeholders through the CAF Safe Stadium Initiative. 

Dr. Emeruwa’s tireless efforts have benefited several African countries, including Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, and Uganda. We hope that the Nigerian NPFL will soon benefit from this initiative and prioritize the safety and security of our football fans.

Jamilu Uba Adamu wrote from Kano via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.

By Anas Abbas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured Nigerians living in Libya of its unwavering commitment to their safety and welfare, particularly in light of recent tensions following a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against the Libyan Football Association.

Reports have emerged indicating that some Nigerians in Libya faced harassment from local authorities after CAF’s decision, which criticized the Libyan FA for mistreatment of the Nigerian football team and officials during a Nations Cup Qualifying Match.

In a statement released on Sunday by spokesperson Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the Ministry confirmed that Nigerians currently residing in Libya are safe and able to carry out their daily activities without interference.

The Ministry emphasized its proactive stance in monitoring the situation and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. “The well-being of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure their safety,” the statement read.

As of now, the Ministry assures that Nigerians in Libya are not experiencing any form of harassment from local authorities, reinforcing the government’s dedication to their security amidst ongoing diplomatic developments.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

João Félix is set to rejoin Chelsea on a permanent deal from Atlético Madrid, according to exclusive reports.

The agreement between the two clubs has been finalized, paving the way for Félix’s return to Stamford Bridge. 

As revealed earlier, Félix’s move is part of a deal involving Conor Gallagher, who will head to Madrid on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Félix will travel to London within the next 24-48 hours to undergo a medical and sign a six-year contract valid until June 2030.

The deal also includes an option to extend until 2031. 

Félix’s return to Chelsea marks a significant coup for the club, with the Portuguese star having expressed his desire to rejoin the Blues.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the move, with many taking to social media to express their excitement.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu warmly congratulates Nigeria’s D’Tigress on qualifying for the quarterfinals of the women’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

D’Tigress will be the first African team in basketball to play in the quarterfinals at the Olympics.

The President commends the team for its uncommon demonstration of resilience, teamwork, and diligence.

President Tinubu also commends the coach and managers of the team for their dutifulness and dedication.

The President enjoins the brave Tigress not to rest on their oars until the final victory is achieved.

President Tinubu assures the team and the entire Nigerian contingent at the 2024 Olympics of his support as they fly the nation’s flag at the global sporting event.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Argentina edged out Colombia 1-0 in extra time to secure a record 16th Copa America title at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

Lautaro Martinez’s decisive goal in the additional period sealed the victory, cementing Argentina’s status as a football powerhouse. 

The win marks Argentina’s third consecutive major tournament triumph, following their 2021 Copa America victory and 2022 World Cup success in Qatar.

However, the match was not without its challenges, including a 82-minute delay due to security and crowd issues. 

On the field, Colombia started strong, with Jhon Cordoba’s early shot hitting the post. Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria later had opportunities, but Colombia’s defense held strong.

The game remained goalless until Martinez’s winner in extra time. 

Off the field, chaos erupted outside the stadium as fans struggled to enter due to security issues and inefficient entry systems.

The situation was eventually resolved, but not before some fans required medical attention for heat exhaustion.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Spain’s national team secured their fourth European championship title by defeating England 2-1 in Berlin, Germany. 

Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal in the 86th minute proved to be the winner, after Nico Williams and Cole Palmer had earlier traded goals for Spain and England, respectively. 

Spain’s defense held strong to deny England an equalizer, with Dani Olmo’s crucial intervention thwarting Marc Guehi’s last-gasp effort.

The victory marks Spain’s fourth Euro title, cementing their status as one of the continent’s top teams.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George will return to the NPFL with Rivers United.

Reports say Finidi met with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday to discuss his impending appointment, and he will shortly be presented as the head coach of the Port Harcourt outfit.

Long-serving coach Stanley Eguma was fired during the past season, and Evans Ogenyi led the team for the remainder of the campaign.

Former Ajax winger Finidi led Enyimba to win the NPFL championship the previous season before he was appointed Super Eagles coach in May.

He quit his Super Eagles post after the NFF appointed a foreign coach to be his boss following a 1-1 home draw with South Africa and a shock loss to Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Cameroon international Landry Nguemo has died in a tragic traffic accident, the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) announced on Thursday.

The 38-year-old midfielder, who played for the Indomitable Lions between 2006 and 2014, lost his life in the accident. 

Nguemo had a distinguished club career in France, playing for AS Nancy-Lorraine, Bordeaux, and Saint-Etienne.

He won the French League Cup with Nancy in 2006 and the French Cup with Bordeaux in 2013. 

The football community is mourning the loss of Nguemo, who returned to Nancy as a coach after his playing days.

He worked with the Under 16s team, sharing his expertise and experience with young players. 

He will be remembered as a talented player and dedicated coach who made a lasting impact on the sport.

By Jamilu Uba Adamu

It’s impossible to start this column without some reflection, especially with my interest in Kano football history.

After holding its AGM meeting last week, the Kano State Football Association (KSFA) organised an award night to honour the achievement of some truly deserving individuals. 

For some reason, I have not been able to attend the event, but from the videos and the pictures I saw, the award night was a resounding success and full of important guests. 

The venue was beautifully decorated, and a giant screen was mounted on the stage with a background picture of each recipient of the award playing, just like we usually see at international events. 

It was top-notch, from the meeting to the plaque award presentation to the awardees. The awards themselves were a fitting tribute to the outstanding contributions of the honorees. 

It was a night to remember, and the Kano State Football Association, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Sharu Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, has set a high standard. It deserves a standing ovation for organising an outstanding event. The efforts have made a significant impact.

Aside from all that, after going through the list of the award categories that include NLO Kano State Football Association Best Player, NPFL Best Player and SWAN Kano Chapter Award, a reflection that comes to my mind, especially considering my interest in the history aspect of sports, I observed that there is no inclusion of posthumous award category among the list. 

This means that as laudable as the award event is, there is no recognition for a posthumous award to those who deserved to be honoured for planting the seeds of the game of football in Kano long ago. It continues growing as we have it today. 

Those individuals are worth mentioning for special recognition for their contributions to nurturing the game and setting the pace we are following today. 

On such award occasions, the KSFA ought to create a posthumous award category for people like the Late Muhammadu Ɗanwawu Fagge, the man who led the legendary Kano XI to win the 1953 Challenge Cup and the sponsor of the defunct Ɗanwawu cup.

Pioneer Kano Pillars FC Chairman late Alh Isiyaku Muhammad (whom his blossom friend, Alh. Isiyaku Umar Tofa, on so many occasions, used to say it was him that convinced him to be sponsoring the Tofa Cup back then). 

Also, former Kano Pillars FC Chairman’s Late Alhaji Hassan Na-Abba, late ACP Sabo Abdullahi, Late Hon. Ɗanlami Hamza, Late Sani Muhammed Usman, and late Alh Kabiru Waya or even the famous legendary Kano XI squad, that consists of the Late Sidi Coach, Maxwell, and Okoh brothers, that won the first Kano state football trophy in far away Lagos in 1953, the list goes on.

Each of those mentioned above-listed individuals deserves to be posthumously awarded. I am sure honouring them this way can be an opportunity to celebrate a legacy, inspire others, and preserve history because omitting posthumous recognition can lead to forgotten legacies and leave a legacy uncelebrated.

With this, I urge the Kano State Football Association to, in the future event, seriously consider bestowing posthumous awards to these deserving historical individuals who put not only   Kano State but the whole of Northern Nigeria on a football map. 

Let me close by extending my wholehearted congratulations to Kano State Football Association and the awardees.

Jamilu Uba Adamu is a freelance sports writer and can be reached via jameelubaadamu@yahoo.com.