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NIGERIA’S SPORTS MINISTER DALUNG EXCITED FOR WOMEN’S INCLUSION IN NEW NIKE PROJECT FOR NIGERIA

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Solomon Dalung has commended sportswear manufacturing firm, Nike for including women in the bonuses scheme in their newly extended four-year contract signed with the Nigeria Football Federation in November 2018.

The Minister of Youth and Sports gave the commendation at the Nike UK office in London where he, alongside the NFF President Amaju Pinnick and 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko attended a pre-viewing and development strategy meeting with the sportswear manufacturers to take a final decision on the proposed national teams’ new kits and apparel  design due to be unveiled by summer 2020 for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“I must commend Nike for adding Nigeria’s women’s national teams in the bonuses to your new contract  signed with the NFF in November 2018  as well as the general improved terms of the contract which shows Nike’s huge interest and belief in the Nigeria market. 

“I am also impressed with Nike for the opportunity to pre- view the options made available to us to choose from. It is the second  time Nigerians are being brought to the table to be part of the designs selection before the production of jerseys for our national teams. 

“This has given us a sense of belonging and participation as Nigerians are very passionate about their national colours. 

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“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, we thank you for your partnership and support to the NFF. We will work to sustain and support it because of its benefits to our football and indeed our people.”

Dalung also urged the sportswear manufacturers to make the jerseys available and accessible to Nigerians through mapped out outlets across the country and beyond and assured Nike of all the support needed.

In his remarks, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick assured Nike that the NFF will strive to protect their partnership by keeping to the terms of their contract.

He commended Nike as he hoped for a more robust partnership to project Nigeria at the 2020 Olympics and beyond.

“The success of the last jerseys produced by Nike took the government and Nigerians by storm and they are  all interested in the quality and grade of the next one hence, our insistence that the Minister of Sports must be here to superintend over our choice of jerseys for the national teams for the 2020 Olympic Games and report back to the government.”

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The Sports Marketing Director African Football, Nike, Tina Salminen thanked the Nigerian delegation for their cooperation while promising to build a strong craft that will reflect the youthful culture of Nigerians in the production of the sports wears. 

She also assured the minister of Nike’s satisfaction with the contract with the NFF and the overall management of the affairs with NFF which informed Nike’s signing of a new long term  contract  with the NFF in November 2018 as they view Nigeria as one of their headline brands. 

Nike further briefed the minister on their plans to activate the new contract including opening of several outlets across the country as well as online stores to ensure the availability of the Kits and merchandise to the fans. She reiterated Nike’s investment in Nigeria as long term and  will ensure its continuous success in partnership with the NFF and with support from the government.

Apart from the artistically designed home and away jerseys for the teams, the women will also be beneficiaries of monetary incentives in the reviewed contract.

Super Eagles midfielder Ndidi Wilfred and former Golden Eaglets’ coach Fanny Amun also attended the meeting.

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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

What a day as Southwest Stars see stars!

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Remo Stars were beaten by a two-goal margin as they lost 3-1 to Plateau United. The same fate befell their western neighbours, Shooting Stars who lost 2-0 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt.

Both results meant that the leadership of the league is captured by Rivers United, pushing Remo Stars to the second position after seven matches.

 For Remo Stars destiny was shaped by the rampaging Franklin Anthony whose hattrick gave Plateau United their victory.

 Plateau United struck early in the match, shooting ahead in the fifth minute and completed the rout in the second half through goals in the 64th and 70th minutes.

Remo Stars only stalled the tide through Jabbar Malik in the 83rd minute.

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In Port Harcourt, Rivers United prevailed over Shooting Stars with a 2-0 win. After a goalless first half, Aniekeme Okon put the home side in the lead in the 50th minute and Ndifreke Effiong Udo doubled the lead in the 65th minute.

The result lifted the side into the top spot with 17 points and a better goal difference of eight which is the highest by any team in the ongoing season.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance bounced back from Ikorodu City’s defeat last weekend in Lagos and recorded a resounding 3-0 win against visiting Bayelsa United in the early kick-off tie.

Kayode Oke Solomon opened the score for the home side in the 17th minute and Nnamdi Anthony doubled the lead in the 78th minute before Micheal Enaruna scored the third goal in added time.

In Owerri, coach Emmanuel Amuneke of Heartland FC had to work harder and salvaged a point at home against resurgent Ikorodu City who scored first in the 5th minute via Salaudeen Taiwo but Chukwuma Agor secured parity for the home side in a 1-1 scoreline in the 66th minute.

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Katsina United pipped Akwa United by a lone goal scored by Azeez Falolu in the 27th minute.

Action resumes this weekend as leaders, River United will play away ay at Niger Tornadoes while Remo Stars will host Bendel Insurance in Ikenne just as Shooting welcomes Katsina United and Ikorodu City will host Lobi Stars.

El-Kanemi Warriors will continue their season’s unbeaten run as they host Enyimba while Bayelsa United will host Heartland of Owerri and Akwa United will welcome Enugu Rangers in Uyo.

Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars will hope to continue their winning streak as the host Kwara United and Sunshine Stars will host Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors will host Plateau United in Abakaliki.

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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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