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Borno Plans Grassroots Sports Revival

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The Borno State Government has said that it planned to unfold a blueprint for the development of sports at the grassroots.

Isa Buratai, Commissioner for Sports Development, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the plan was aimed at addressing the dwindling fortunes of sports in the state.

“We have faced a decline in sports in recent times but we are now taking bold steps to address the situation.

“We are going back to the drawing board in order to revive sports, in essence, we are going to produce a sports development blueprint,” he said.

Buratai added that the blueprint would ensure that structures were put in place to identify young talents and train them.

He said that the programme would emphasise sports where the state had comparative advantages.

“Borno teams used to be the best in cycling, handball, basketball and the likes.This is exactly what we are trying to revive.

“We will also lay the foundation for the development of other sports to take care of our youths,” Buratai said.

He said that the blueprint would also help the resuscitation of school sports, adding that committees would be set up at the local government level to ensure the success of the talent hunt programme.

“The idea of setting up the committees is sequel to the recent visit of the Segun Odegbami-led Nigeria Academical Sports Committee to the state.

“We actually agreed to set up the Academical Committee at the state level after meeting with the national body in Maiduguri,” Buratai said.

He said that the aim was also to harness budding football talents at the grassroots, for training as future champions.

“We bought the idea in full because we believe that the state has so many hidden football talents waiting to be tapped.

“In essence, the idea is to uncover numerous talents at the local level so that we can have youths who can represent us well at national competitions,” Buratai added.

He said that the state recorded some successes in sports last year in spite of many challenges.

“The state contingent at the 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt in September did well by winning one gold, three silver and eight bronze medals.

“The state female handball team won the trophy at the national championship in Kano, while the male team also went far in the competition,” Buratai said.

He said that the state U-17 footballl team, Alooma Babes, secured the ticket to represent Nigeria at an international championship in Brazil this month.

“The team won the ticket after emerging champions at the Ibrahim Shema U-17 Championship in Katsina last year. “The state government is preparing the team to ensure that it performed very well at the championship,” Buratai said.

He said that the state government had also initiated measures to ensure the completion of the abandoned multi-purpose Maiduguri Stadium.

“You will recall that a task force was set up by the state government toward completing the stadium. The aim was to clear all legal impediments that could hamper its completion.

“I am happy to say that the task force had completed its assignment and the report presented to the State Executive Council which mandated the government to do the project,” Buratai said.

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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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Financial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks

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Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has confirmed that financial discussions are ongoing over his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, but insisted his attention remains on coaching duties and upcoming assignments.

Chelle, whose current deal runs until January 2027, said negotiations over his future are being handled by his representative, while he focuses on team preparation and player assessment following Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the team finished third.

Speaking to Nigerian journalists, he acknowledged that financial matters remain part of the ongoing talks but stressed that he is prioritising his responsibilities with the national team.

“Yes, there are financial issues to be discussed and resolved. But I leave them to my agent to handle with the federation,” Obayiuwana quoted Chelle as saying on X.

“I want to concentrate on the job and the task at hand.”

Chelle’s comments come amid increased attention on his future following Nigeria’s recent success, which has reportedly attracted interest from other teams, although he remains committed to ongoing preparation.

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