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NAFF To Organise Maiden National Championship

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President of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) Sulaiman Isah said on Saturday that plans were underway to create awareness for the sport in the northern part of the country.
Isah told The Tidesports source in Lagos that as part of efforts to promote the game across the federation, a national championship is scheduled for Niger State later in the year.
“Though the sport has been in existence in the country for over a decade, it has yet to gain popularity in most northern states,’’ he said.
The president said that the Nigerian federation’s previously unpaid accumulated affiliation fees to the World Amputee Federation (WAFF) also constituted a major setback.
“We are happy to clear our debt with the international body; NAFF was indebted to WAFF for so many years and it also became a major setback for us.
“But now that we have been able to clear the debt and WAFF have lifted the ban it placed on Nigeria, it is time for us to start the process of popularising the game across the nation.
“Rather than concentrate on states that have established amputee football clubs, we have resolved to create an enabling environment for other states to key into the development process.
“And in order to achieve equal development across the states, we have approached individuals and other stakeholders, including governments at all levels, to support us.
“Necessary preparations are on to organise a national championship and we are following up on those we have approached for sponsorship.
“As soon as we get strong signals and good financial backing, we will roll out the events schedule,’’ he said.
Isah said that the proposed national championship would be used to foster unity among existing, new and upcoming state teams.
“The championship will also be used to preach the message of ability in disability; we believe that it would attract more amputees to the sport,’’ he said.
The president, however, appealed to football lovers, sports enthusiasts and corporate bodies to contribute towards encouraging the physically challenged persons in the society to become gainfully engaged.
Tidesports reports that NAFF is affiliated to the  Nigeria Paralympics Committee (NPC) and has established associations in Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, Delta, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Abuja and Niger states.

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race

Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.

Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.

According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.

“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”

Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.

The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”

It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”

The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.

Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.

His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.

Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.

The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.

The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.

On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.

In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.

Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.

The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.

Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.

Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.

The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.

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