Sports
NFL’s Interim Board Illegal – Baribote
The embattled former Chairman of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), Rumson Baribote, has described the inauguration of the interim board of the NPL as illegal.
Baribote told newsmen Monday in Lagos that the December 5 congress that removed him from office was null and void.
The former NPL chair was sacked by a unanimous decision of 18 of the 20 club owners at a congress held in Abuja. The club owners cited misappropriation of funds and the autocratic nature of the chairman as reasons for their action.
“As far as am concerned there is nothing as interim committee because there is an elected board of the NPL led by Chief Rumson Victor Baribote; and as I speak with you the matter is before court for interpretation. “Whatever they have done the court will help to interpret that; until the court interprets the status of NPL and says okay that the board is done, then I can start commenting about it,” he said.
When asked if the litigations on the NPL would not continue to bug down progress of the league, Baribote had this to say: “That question is supposed to be answered by the honourable minister and Maigari himself. “The name I have today I built over the years and somebody cannot just come one day and make nonsense of that name and expect me to go and sleep.
“I don’t think anybody loves Nigeria Premier League more than I do because apart from Bukola Saraki, I also own a club in the premier league. “So if anybody should talk about premier league, it should be me and Bukola; the rest are owned by government. “So I don’t think anybody who is pretending to love the premier league would love that premier league more than myself because I am part of the premier league,” he stated.
Reacting, to Baribote’s outburst, Head of Media of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, said there was nothing illegal about the inauguration of the interim committee. “There is nothing illegal about the committee.
The management has been inaugurated at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja. It is fait accompli. “So, whatever anybody is saying now does not hold water, so it’s a personal opinion. It does not hold water anywhere.
“There is freedom of speech, as far as we are concerned the committee is a fait accompli and has been sworn in and had already started work.” The committee is headed by Nduka Irabor with Tunji Babalola as Secretary and Nwankwo Kanu, Mike Enahoro, Shehu Dikko and Modele Sarafa-Yusuf as members. Other members include Abubakar Nuhu Dan-Burau, Kunle Elebute, Mike Idoko, Salisu Abubakar, Sabo Babayaro, Seyi Akinwunmi, and Ifeanyi Dike.
The decision comes after Benin failed to secure approval for any of their home stadiums from the Confederation of African Football.
As a result, the federation opted to play its “home” fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
The first leg of the second-round qualifier will be held in Togo on October 24, whilst the return leg will take place four days later in Nigeria on October 28.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the 2026 WAFC
Ferdinand soared to victory on Saturday, lifting an impressive 153kg to clinch gold in the women’s up to 79kg category and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.
Her remarkable feat added to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship after Nworgu had earlier won silver in the 50kg category, whilst Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class.
Nworgu narrowly missed gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged her out for the top spot in a fiercely contested competition.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances, commending their relentless drive and patriotic spirit.
“Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
“The NSC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support to ensure our champions keep soaring.”
The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9 to 18, 2025, marks the first-ever edition to be hosted on African soil, a milestone event highlighting the continent’s growing influence in adaptive sports.
The National Sports Commission had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global para powerlifting.
The hosting of the championships in Cairo represents a significant moment for African para sports, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s growing infrastructure and commitment to disability sports.
Nigeria has established itself as one of the leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently winning medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
The 10-day competition has attracted top para powerlifters from across the globe, all vying for world titles in their respective weight categories.
The National Sports Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Team Nigeria throughout the competition as the athletes aim for more podium finishes and continue to make the nation proud.
Nigeria’s strong start in Cairo has raised expectations that more medals will follow as the championship progresses, with several other Nigerian lifters yet to compete in their respective weight categories.
The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.
In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.
The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.
In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.
SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.
“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”
The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.
SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.
Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”
The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.
-
Rivers3 days agoIAUE Governing Council Chair Assures On Mandate Delivery
-
Featured3 days agoFubara Tasks New SSG On Honour, Service, Protection Of Rivers Interest
-
Opinion3 days ago
Dangers Of Unchecked Growth, Ambition
-
Editorial3 days agoMaking Rivers’ Seaports Work
-
News3 days agoRSG Cancels ?134BN Secretariat Contract, Orders Refund Of ?20BN Mobilisation … Revalidates Four Projects
-
Opinion3 days ago
Betrayal: Vice Of Indelible Scar
-
News3 days agoNLC Faults FG’s “No Work, No Pay” Policy
-
News3 days ago
Group Harps On Empowerment Of Girl Child