Sports
NPFL: 2018/19 Season Finally Kicks Off
The 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) finally kicked off January 13, after a lengthy delay. It was a huge relief for the players, organisers, journalists, as well as the fans who thronged various centres to catch the glimpse of domestic action that they have missed for a long time.
The match-day one action across some of the centres that hosted events came with expectations even as the matches presented the real entertainment that had hitherto been non-existent since the NPFL was suspended due to nagging issues over six months ago.
Meanwhile, the high point of results in the first day of the domestic action was El-Kanemi Warriors’ unexpected defeat of Akwa United at the Nest of Champions in Uyo. Looking to get all the three points and obviously not contended with a draw, Akwa United threw all men upfront in search for at least that lone goal that would lighten up the packed stadium.
It was a decision that turned sour as goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke, in the 94th minute, left his line and went as far as the centre circle, urging his men on. His pass was intercepted by an El-Kanemi player, who located unmarked team mate. The latter fired a long range short inside an empty net.
In Aba, Enyimba whipped MFM 2-0. From other results recorded on the first day of the match, Nasarawa United beat Abia Warriors 1-0 in Umuahia, even as Plateau United drew blank with visiting FC IfeanyiUbah.
In Kano, Kano Pillars defeated Heartland 1-0, while Kwara United and Sunshine Stars played out a 1-1 draw in Ilorin. The sour point of the match-day one was an attack on the referee in the match involving Plateau United and FC IfeanyiUbah at the Rwan Pam Stadium in Jos.
No sooner had Sam Agba, the centre referee, ended the match that the home fans invaded the pitch and attacked him. It was reported that they descended on Agba and molested him until very few security men at the arena rescued the hapless official.
Commentators have totally condemned the actions of the home fans, who were thought to be more matured. Hooliganism at match venues had tended to take shine off the domestic league in the recent past. In some instances, both players and officials of the visiting team are molested and have had to spend days in the hospital.
While Plateau United’s management had denied the attack, the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) has admitted that Agba was attacked, who it was revealed, is in critical condition in the hospital.
Kelechi Mejuobi, the publicity secretary of NRA, said Agba was still in a critical condition after the assault.
“The NRA regrets the sad incident in Jos where Plateau United hosted IfeanyiUbah. After the encounter that ended scoreless, the match officials, especially the referee, Sam Agba, were beaten blue and black by suspected fans of the home side,” he said.
“Reports reaching the NRA after the incident has it that the referees were unprotected after the home side failed to win and were left at the mercy of hooligans, who attacked them. The condition of the referee is critical,” he said.
This is the time the LMC must stamp its authority and ensure that the belated season runs unhindered. The ugly incident in Jos must be stopped, even as the LMC must ensure that adequate security is provided at match venues.
The clubs must hit the ground running because of the peculiar nature of the abridged season. With the abridged format this season where 12 teams are split into two groups, it’s not going to be business as usual, as three teams from each group (for a total of six) will make it to the championship playoffs to determine the league winner, while four teams from each group will be relegated to the Nigeria National League.
Unlike a 20-team format, there’s very little room to make amends here. Things are set to get feisty in 2019, but it’s the hope that every team accepts their fate without causing needless drama when the decisive moment arrives. This is where various owners must come in. As revealed to SATURDAY INDEPENDENT by Mfon Udoh of Akwa United, so many factors like motivation and consistency would play huge roles in determining who wins the league at the end of the season.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun believes the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) will set a new benchmark for future editions of the multi-sports event.
Apart from being the first host state to house all participating athletes under one roof, the Governor assured contingents, spectators, and residents of maximum security during the NSF, which will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to 30.
During a parley with journalists in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun highlighted that Babcock University has been chosen as the games village.
Over 10,000 athletes and officials will compete at the games in Ogun State. The Governor also named former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, as Grand Sports Ambassador, emphasising the state’s readiness to break new ground with the sporting fiesta, which has revitalised all its sporting facilities.
“As the Gateway State, we want to set the pace for others to follow. For the first time in NSF history, all participating athletes and officials will be accommodated under one roof, just like it is done globally. They will be well catered for, with high standards of security and safety. Shuttle buses will convey athletes to their venues daily, and we will ensure the roads are clear for them during the games. We are excited to host the NSF and aim to make Gateway 2024 a benchmark for future games because, as the Gateway State, we want to lead while others follow,” the Governor said.
Abiodun also mentioned that the state government would use this opportunity to build a sports economy for the state. “Ogun’s business circle will experience a bumper harvest during the event, with major hotels fully booked and petty traders making brisk business,” he said.
If the grassroots development of Nigerian sports is to be actualized, the private sector would play a pivotal role. The Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko said while speaking at the grand finale of the MTN Champs Season 3 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo on Friday.
The NSC Chairman commended the organisers, partners, and participants of the MTN Champs for their outstanding contributions to the growth of academicals and grassroots athletics in Nigeria.
His words, “The MTN Champs is a shinning example of how private sector collaboration can drive youth development and sports excellence across the country. Mr. President places so much premium on grassroots development of sports. You will see this in the fact that he appointed an SSA on Grassroots Sports Development. That is why we are very deliberate in ensuring that sports are developed right from the grassroots. We are aggressively pursuing the revival of our school sports. It is a mandate that we must carry out.
“Over the years, we have had issues with our conveyor belt of talents. That is why we find it hard to replace ageing talents. We have set out to ensure that there is regular supply of talents from the grassroots. We can’t do this alone without the involvement of the private sector. This is why I must commend MTN for their consistency in this project. This is really the way to go. I am sure that the talents discovered here will serve this nation in a long while to come. We need more of such initiatives. Kudos to MTN.”
He noted that the MTN Champs aligns perfectly with the Commission’s RHINSE strategic framework, which prioritises results, holistic development, Inclusion, nationwide impact, sustainability, and engagement in all sports development initiatives.
“The MTN Champs has demonstrated the transformative power of education and grassroots sports programmes. It is a model of how strategic partnerships with the private sector can unearth young talents, inspire communities, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Mallam Dikko stated.
The NSC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives that align with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports (RHINSE) framework, particularly those focused on creating structured pathways for young athletes to grow into elite performers while receiving education and life skills training.
He further reiterated NSC’s commitment and objectives to provide all the enablers to drive grassroots sports and creating a professional pathway for growth as evidenced with the NSC introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) to compete at the 22nd National Sports Festival, Ogun State under the sponsorship of the commission as the 38th State and the ongoing collaboration with Federal Ministry of Education towards the revival of school sports.
Mallam Dikko applauded MTN Nigeria for setting a commendable template for corporate participation in sports and encouraging other private sector organisations to emulate this example by investing in sustainable developmental sports programmes that empower Nigerian youths and promote national unity.
The NSC Chairman was joined by the Chief Finance Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Modupe Kadiri, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah and other dignitaries
The MTN Champs, in its 3rd season, a nationwide school and grassroots athletics competition, witnessed widespread participation from students across Nigeria and served as a platform to identify and nurture the next generation of champions.
On the sidelines of the programmes, the NSC Chairman engaged with MTN executives on further areas of possible collaboration between the two organisations in the advancement of sports in Nigeria. Subsequently MTN reaffirmed its commitment to continued support of the sector.
Court documents obtained by our correspondent reveal that Omo-Agege’s lawsuit, filed on Monday, names the National Sports Commission, International Olympic Committee, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Rtd. General Kenneth Minimah, Mr. Akinyele Oladapo, World Boxing, and the Board of Nigeria Boxing Federation as defendants in the case.
The legal action primarily challenges the controversial affiliation with World Boxing, which Omo-Agege claims was executed without proper consultation with stakeholders and board members.
In the nine-point suit, Omo-Agege seeks several declarations, including that “the inclusion of Nigeria Boxing Federation as a member of World Boxing by the defendants is illegal, void, and not in compliance with the Articles of Association of Nigeria Boxing Federation, and therefore Nigeria Boxing Federation still remains a member of International Boxing Association.”
The interim president also asked the court to declare that Minimah “is no longer the president of Nigeria Boxing Association, parading himself as the president of Nigeria Boxing Association after being suspended by the International Boxing Association and already completing his tenure.”
A key component of the lawsuit is Omo-Agege’s claim that the November 11, 2023 meeting that led to his suspension was “illegal, null and void and all decisions made in the said meeting are invalid and inconsequential.” He maintains that as the former vice president, he became the rightful interim president when Minimah’s tenure expired.
The plaintiff is seeking “an order of mandatory injunction restraining the 4th defendant (Minimah) from further parading himself as the President of Nigerian Boxing Federation” and “an order of perpetual injunction restraining World Boxing from further naming Nigeria Boxing Federation as one of its members.”
Additionally, the lawsuit asks the court to order all defendants to recognise Omo-Agege as the interim president of the federation.
The legal action comes just days after the African Boxing Confederation officially lifted Omo-Agege’s suspension in a formal letter dated April 26, signed by AFBC Interim Secretary General Yohannes Brehane.
“The African Boxing Confederation is writing to formally inform you that, during its Board of Directors meeting held on February 9, 2025, the matter of your suspension was reviewed and resolved. The Board has decided to lift your suspension with immediate effect,” the letter stated.
In the court documents, Omo-Agege alleges that the move to World Boxing “was as a result of the International Olympic Committee’s pressure through the NOC by the machination of World Boxing.”
He claims that a letter was written to all African federations “mandating all International Boxing Federations across the world, especially Africa, to withdraw their membership from the International Boxing Association and join World Boxing as members.”
The factional leadership has significantly affected Nigeria’s boxing performance, with athletes expressing concerns about preparation and administration.
The lawsuit also contains allegations of financial misconduct, claiming that “monies belonging to the NBF have been expended fraudulently” by Minimah and Oladapo, including partial payment of athletes’ allowances and diversion of funds to private accounts.
The case, which has been filed through the law firm of Karina Tunyan (SAN) & Co, is expected to further complicate matters for Nigerian boxing, which has already struggled with administrative challenges affecting athlete preparation and performance at international competitions.
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