Sports
Maigari Wants Global Standards In Premier League
Alhaji Aminu Maigari, the President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has said that all league matches should be properly organised to meet global standards.
Represented by Mr Yusuf Fresh, a Member of NF Federation’s Board of Directors, Maigari made this known at the Match Commissioners seminar in Abuja.
He said that the AFCON 2013 victory had placed the country’s football league best in Africa, adding that organisation of the league matches should, therefore, set the standard for countries of the continent.
“Today we are the champion of Africa at both senior and junior levels; it is, therefore, pertinent upon us to set standards and enhance those practices that other countries in the continent can emulate.
“Recently our league was voted best in Africa; to maintain that standard, match commissioners will have to give in their best and conduct good matches,’’ he said.
Maigari said at any football match, commissioners play a vital role because a match could not start without their approval to ensure proper officiating.
He added that the league, which would commence on March 9, needed only men and women of integrity that would not compromise their best.
“The duty of a match commissioner cannot be over-emphasised; they have the power to stop a match from taking place if such logistics as security, medical arrangement and others are not in place.
“Therefore, he must be a man of integrity and great honour.
“He must carry out his work professionally and must be able to stand above all temptations and not compromise to deliver a good football match for all to follow and applaud.’’
He further said that the NF Federations want all hands on desk to ensure that match commissioners perform their duties properly.
Malam Mohammed Sanusi, the NF Federation Director of Competitions, in his remarks, said that they were happy to contribute to the development of the game.
Sanusi said what they put into football was more than what they got as remuneration but that they were not discouraged.
He said the seminar was organised to ensure that the 2013 league was properly conducted and officiated without complaints.
“We have so many challenges as match commissioners ranging from doing what you are not supposed to do and not doing what are you supposed to do.
“These have caused a lot of problems in the administration of football in Nigeria and that is why we decided to bring you together.
“Its not that you don’t know what to do, but it is good to remind ourselves of what you are expected to do.’’ Sanusi said.
Sanusi said that at the end of the seminar, they hoped that commissioners would carry out their duties efficiently to improve the quality of league matches.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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