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LALIGA COACHES CONDUCT CLINIC FOR NPFL YOUTH COACHES

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Over 60 youth coaches based in Nigeria have converged on Abuja to be part of the annual NPFL/LaLiga Youth Coaching Clinic which kicked off on Monday at the Media Centre of the Abuja National Stadium.

It is a follow up to the progress recorded in its first two editions which have had over 100 coaches learn new coaching skill sets. 

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Jose Angel Garcia and Juanjo Guerra will be in charge of the clinic

Contents to be shared will include more complex technical aspects of the Spanish methodology on how to develop young talents and it will be the advanced level 3 (professional) syllabus where the coaches will be taken through more complex ways.

It will be a continuation of level 1(foundational) and 2 (intermediate) training from the first and second editions which were both successful.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) Shehu Dikko, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar, pointed out the importance of the third edition whilst also stressing that gaining more knowledge should be paramount on the minds of the participants.

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“We are happy that this clinic has come to this stage, the advanced level. Of course, this is the third one; we had the foundational in 2017 and intermediate module in 2018. 

“LaLiga has placed so much importance to this training and that is why they have brought two of their best tutors for this project. With the sharing of their methodology with us, it will help in synchronizing our philosophy that will be the envy of everyone in the world,” he stated.

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Abubakar also expressed his delight following the progress made as results are already showing with the progression of players who passed through the initial NPFL U15 Promises tournament from their youth clubs to their various professional clubs.

For Managing Director, LaLiga Nigeria, Javier Del Rio, the reward of the partnership between NPFL and Spanish League is worthy of note as there is notable progress made since the partnership was signed between both leagues.

Del Rio also urged participants to be serious and take full advantage of the advanced course.

“I encourage you to make the best out of the course. The trainers we have here have a lot of experience, so ask as many questions if you haven’t and also pay full attention to all they have to teach. 

“The potential of football in terms of the huge talents in Nigeria is bigger than probably any other place in the world, the talent here is unlimited. So you are the ones to properly train them to be future stars,” Del Rio pointed out.

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Jose Angel Garcia and Juanjo Guerra will be in charge of the clinic which is expected to run for the next five days and it is expected to precede the annual NPFL U15 Future Promises Tournament.

The NPFL-LaLiga partnership was signed in 2016 and has since recorded a number of exchange projects between the two leagues, including a tour of Spain by an NPFL All-Star team, and the opening of the LaLiga Nigeria office in Abuja.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Nigerian Football

The rise and rise of Nigeria Premier Football League

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is on the rise and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely thanks to the unwavering commitment of strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI Group. By laying down robust structures for transparency and accountability, GTI Group has significantly helped to improve the integrity and reputation of the elite league, ensuring that every dime from sponsors and investors of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) are meticulously utilised and accounted for.

GTI’s initiative to enhance transparency in the NPFL goes beyond mere intentions; it involves concrete actions that laid the groundwork for accountability. This commitment not only bolsters the league’s financial health but also promotes confidence among stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players.

One of the critical challenges that faced the NPFL before the coming of GTI Group in the 2022/2023 season was crowd violence. However, the financial investment firm and the NPFL Board led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye have worked harmoniously and tackled this issue head-on by implementing measures to curb this menace at match venues.

The placement of trained security personnel, implementation of zero tolerance to crowd violence and the issuance of fines against erring clubs cum their fans have fostered a safer environment for lovers of the beautiful game in the country. As a result, match attendance has astronomically increased, allowing for a more vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

The enhanced transparency in match operations by NPFL has also sparked renewed hope and a sense of friendly competition among clubs. With the increase in fair play and adherence to regulations, fans and players alike are experiencing a new wave of excitement. This was exemplified on Match Day 3 of the ongoing 2024/2025 season, where the league witnessed an impressive display of five-star performance: five away wins, three draws, and two home wins. This feat has never happened in the history of the elite league and reflects the blossoming football economy of Africa’s most populous nation. 

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GTI Group and NPFL’s relentless effort has laid the foundation for a prosperous league that attracts local and international talents from neighboring countries in the round-leather game. By focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are not just transforming the league but creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive.

As we celebrate these positive changes, it is essential to acknowledge the role of every stakeholder in this journey. The NPFL is no longer just a platform for entertainment; it is a thriving business-oriented industry with the potential to inspire future generations.

The transformation of the NPFL, championed by GTI Group, reflects a brighter future for Nigerian football. With the ongoing commitment and collaboration, the NPFL will continue to flourish, bringing glory to clubs and excitement to fans across the world.

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Nigerian Football

Enugu Rangers crumble at home in seven-goal thriller with Kano Pillars

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Nigerian champions, Enugu Rangers have been beaten 4-3 by visiting Kano Pillars in the Match Day 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The visitors went into the lead in 15th minute when Rabiu Ali converted a penalty kick. They doubled the lead in the 28th minute through Zulkifilu Rabiu before Rabiu Ali extended the lead to 3-0 in the 37th minute after converting another penalty kick.

The game turned into a nightmare for Rangers as Ahmed Musa made it 4-0 in the first minute of the added time.

Rangers began a fight back in the opening minutes of the second half as Isaac Saviour pulled a goal back in the 47th minute. Twelve minute later he scored a second goal to reduce the tally to 4-2. Emmanuel Silas Nenrot made the score line a more respectable for Rangers when he scored a third goal in the added time.

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Nigerian Football

Season’s first win for Akwa United and Ikorodu City

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The miserable run of Akwa United and Ikorodu City came to an end after six games in the Nigerian Premier League this season. Both teams were initially glued at the bottom of the league table.

They now got respite as Akwa United beat Kano Pillar by 2-0 while Ikorodu City even did what could be considered an upset, beating Bendel Insurance 3-0.

Remo Stars bounced back to the top of the log after a 3-0 defeat of Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars are yet to get their rhythm this season, playing a barren draw with Enyimba in Ibadan.

Kwara United who got their first full points of the season last week after a 1-0 defeat of Remo Stars could not consolidate as they were beaten 1-0 by Abia Warriors.

Heartland under Emmanuel Amuneke are gradually recovering as they got a valuable away draw against El-Kanemi Warriors.

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