Sports
Tornadoes Set For NPFL exit over Stadium Ban
Niger Tornadoes have threatened to withdraw from the Nigeria Premier Football League after the league body banned the Bako Kantagora Stadium in Minna from hosting top-flight matches, Tidesports source reports.
The chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Danjuma Masu, described the decision as unfair and unjust, accusing the authorities of targeting the club through what he alleged were politically motivated actions.
Speaking in Minna while addressing members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Masu said the directive forcing the club to relocate its home fixtures outside the state was driven by personal and selfish interests.
“Not that the stadium is bad,” Masu said.
The issue raised is about camera angles, and that can be fixed within one week. Playing politics with sports is unacceptable and should be discouraged.”
Masu insisted that the Niger State Stadium compares favourably with many approved venues across the country, arguing that it is better than at least ten other stadiums currently hosting league matches.
He called on the league to immediately reverse the decision, warning that the club could be forced to pull out of the competition if the ban remains in place.
“Rescheduling of Tornadoes’ matches to other states is politically motivated, personal and driven by selfish interests,” he said as relayed by Tidesports source. .
The state may withdraw the club from the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), if the situation does not improve.”
The Nigeria Premier Football League had earlier announced the ban on the Bako Kantagora Stadium, declaring the venue unfit under new broadcast and television rights agreements that require higher technical and infrastructural standards.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and signed by the league’s chief operating officer, Davidson Owumi, Niger Tornadoes were informed that the stadium no longer meets the requirements to stage league fixtures under the new broadcast framework.
As a result, the club was directed to relocate its remaining home matches for the season and choose an alternative venue between the Rasheed Yekini Main Bowl in Ilorin and the Jos Zaria Road Stadium. The league warned that failure to communicate a choice within the stipulated timeframe would lead to a venue being allocated on the club’s behalf.
Despite the directive, Niger Tornadoes were permitted to host their matchday 24 fixture, a 2–2 draw against Bendel Insurance, at the Kantagora venue due to the short notice of the decision. The relocation order is expected to take effect from the subsequent home games.
The club is now expected to move to the newly renovated Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa for future home fixtures until the Kantagora Stadium meets the conditions set by the league board.
After their away match against Ikorodu City in Lagos on Sunday (today), Niger Tornadoes are scheduled to host Rivers United, Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars away from Minna.
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
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.
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.