Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), will be delivering a presentation at an event that seeks to strengthen the integration of football and education in the country.

Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is also billed to attend the event as the special guest of honour. 

In attendance also will be the Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria,  László Szabó.

Organised by Hungary-based V Agency, the event will hold in Abuja on Monday, February 11 at Abuja Continental Hotel, Wazobia Hall.

In the invitation letter to Elegbeleye, the Chief Executive Officer of V Agency, Alexandra Végh, noted that “the purpose of this event is to strengthen the integration of football and education in Nigeria, with a particular focus on scouting advancements. 

“We aim to highlight the transformative role of technology in scouting, including the use of advanced scouting software, video editing techniques, AI, and analytics courses”, Végh added.

The event, she went on, will explore how these tools, alongside the assessment of players’ physical attributes, can redefine professional scouting. 

The event will also showcase V Agency’s contributions to fostering sports and educational partnerships in Nigeria while creating opportunities for collaboration with key stakeholders, including football clubs, academies, schools, and industry professionals.

Some of such stakeholders include officials and clubs of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Nationwide League One (NLO), football academies, and educational institutions.

During the event, Végh will offer insights into V Agency’s project in Nigeria. The event will provide opportunities for network with key figures in the football and education sectors.

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Shooting Stars of Ibadan had their winning streak terminated after being forced to a 1-1 draw by Plateau United in Jos.

But they still maintained their seven-match unbeaten streak in the Nigeria Premier League this season.

 They were almost going for a win when Kabiru Tijani shot them ahead with a blistering long-range shot in the 76th minute.

 The lead was short-lived as Albert Hilary scored the equaliser from the right side of the goalkeeper just a minute later.

 Shooting Stars maintained their second position as Rivers United which could have altered the standings had their flow diverted following a 2-0 loss to Heartland in Owerri.

There now exists a 10-point gap between Rivers United and Remo Stars.   

Action resumes on Monday as Lobi Stars welcome Enyimba and Bendel Insurance will be at home against Kastina United while Enugu Rangers will host Ikorodu City and Kwara United will host El Kanemi Warriors in Ilorin.

RESULTS

• Plateau Utd 1-1 Shooting Stars
• Heartland 2-0 Rivers Utd
• Kano Pillars 0-0 Bayelsa Utd
• Abia Warriors 2-0 Akwa Utd

Nasarawa Utd 2-0 Tornadoes

Monday’s  Fixtures

• Lobi Stars Vs Enyimba
• Insurance Vs Katsina Utd
• Rangers Vs Ikorodu City
• Kwara Utd Vs El Kanemi

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Second Place Shooting Stars and Rivers United will be aiming for victories in their respective Nigeria Premier League matches this Sunday following the nine-point gap that Remo Stars have created on the league’s log.

Neither of the two title aspirants can afford to drop points. Shooting Stars, with one match still outstanding will be aiming to win against relegation-threatened Plateau United who are playing at home and are placed just two points above the topmost relegation-bound team.

Shooting Stars have an unprecedented five-win streak and could extend that to six this Sunday. Plateau United on the other hand have been experiencing fluctuating form. They won just a match in the last five outings. It was a slim 1-0 over Katsina United.

Overall this season, Plateau United have won seven, lost twice and drawn once at home. 

Rivers United, third-placed, and also playing away, will be aiming to end their winless streak in four matches. They are facing a rejuvenated Heartland team.

This Sunday’s clash has a special flavour. It is an encounter involving coaches who belong to the famous Super Eagles Golden Generation of 1994. Both were scorers at the USA ’94 World Cup.

Heartland’s fortunes have taken a positive shape since Emmanuel Amuneke took over. Under him, the Owerri side has navigated itself out of relegation waters and coasted upward into more comfortable land.

Finidi George, the former national coach has not found comfort since moving to home to join the Port Harcourt team. A win today will narrow the gap with Remo Stars. But a loss will see Rivers flowing further away from the league title.

In another encounter, bottom-placed Nasarawa United will be facing Niger Tornadoes in a game the former have to win for survival. Niger Tornadoes are in a comfort zone, placing seventh on the log.

Abia Warriors in eighth position will host troubled Akwa United who are struggling to avoid the drop this season. Akwa United are second to the last in a log of 20.

Kano Pillars who slumped badly to Ikorodu City last week Wednesday will be hoping to regain their esteem as thy host Bayelsa United. Both teams are placed 10th and 11th respectively.

Sunday’s Fixtures

• Plateau United v Shooting Stars
• Heartland v Rivers United
• Nasarawa United v Niger Tornadoes
• Abia Warriors v Akwa United
• Kano Pillars v Bayelsa United

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