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NFF concretize plans for CAF B-License Coaching Course

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has set in motion concrete plans to organize a four-month CAF B-License Coaching Course that is designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian coaches and prepare them for current and future challenges. The programme is for both men and women coaches. NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen told thenff.com that the course is part of NFF’s strategic effort to build the capacity of coaches across the country, and will be done in modules. To be eligible to participate in the course that will run between 7th April and 25th August 2025, a candidate must be an active coach, possess a CAF C-License certificate that has been put to use in the past two years, must be able to read and write in the English language, have basic computer skills and a laptop, have a valid G-mail account, and must submit a medical certificate that proves he/she is physically and mentally fit to undertake the course. “We are targeting a maximum number of 25 participants. Applicants will be provided with a CAF CMS registration link upon successful completion of the pre-course assessment, and will pay the sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only) on or before 31st March 2025,” Eguavoen added. It can be recalled that last year, the NFF organized a CAF C-License programme exclusively for women – the first-ever – which drew 30 women coaches from across the country, including a good number of former Nigeria international players. The three-module course took place between July and September 2024.

NSC, Plateau State partner to advance mutual interests in sports

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko on Friday received Plateau State Governor Bar. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in the NSC Secretariat in Abuja. The visit enabled both parties to discuss strategic roadmap to advance issues of mutual interest in sports. Rising from the meeting, they resolved to set up a joint-working committee to implement the objectives set in the areas identified. Among wide-ranging issues, discussions included the state collaborating with the Commission in the state’s intention to complete the New Jos Township Stadium, a project the present administration is committed to executing. Similarly, the NSC will activate the Commission’s Training Center in Plateau including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approval for the NSC to align with the state government regarding the asset. Governor Mutfwang applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring the National Sports Commission and appointing Dikko as Chairman. He expressed his confidence in Dikko’s capacity to take Nigerian Sports forward. “I have been following closely everything said about this appointment. This is about the first time in sports that everyone is saying that the right person was picked. We must thank Mr. President for getting this spot-on. Monitoring developments in sports since then, there is no doubt that the sector is heading upwards. I am so sure that this collaboration will yield desired results because of the man in charge of sports in the country”, he said. Mallam Dikko is similarly optimistic about the collaboration. His words, “It is interesting to note the vast knowledge His Excellency has about sports and his commitment to drive its growth in Plateau state. Where there is a will there will surely be a way. Plateau is a place of interest to us. There is a lot that both parties can do together and when the joint-working committee is set up, we will pick it up from there.”

Amiesimaka Stadium, Gowon Stadium, others to receive facelift

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

Plans are underway to give several Stadia and Sports facilities in Rivers State a facelift in line with the latest plans of the Rivers State Ministry of Sports to develop Sports in the State. Revealing this, Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Christopher Green identified the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Alfred Diette Spiff Sports Complex (Civic Centre), amongst others as some of the edifices earmarked for the exercise. “The Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium will undergo massive renovation,” Barr. Green said as he added that the facility will soon host football games sanctioned by Africa’s and the world football governing bodies, CAF and FIFA. “The Yakubu Gowon Stadium will also undergo massive renovation. The Alfred Diette Spiff Civic Centre will also undergo massive renovation. “The Basketball Stadium we have and other such facilities we have (in Rivers State) will also undergo massive renovation,” he said. The Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium was built in 2015 by the Rivers State Government in 2015 and will be undergoing a facelift of this magnitude for the first time. Distinctively different from many Stadiums across the country, it houses a hockey pitch, a shooting range and 25 emergency exits, among other features that backs its boast as the most equipped stadium in Nigeria. The Stadium was officially opened on 19 July 2015 with a 2016 Olympics men’s football qualifier between Nigeria and Congo. Nigeria’s men’s U23 team won the Rio Olympics qualifier 2-1. Virtually all necessary sports in the world could be done in the stadium as it has an aquatic centre that includes two Olympic-sized swimming and diving pools. Also integrated in the stadium are two basketball courts, two tennis courts, two badminton courts, two handball courts, two indoor sports halls as well as hostels and administrative buildings. This stadium is named after one of Rivers State’s former national footballer, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka. It has a seating capacity of 38,000 with all stands covered. Two training pitches flank the main bowl and all pitches are adorned with natural grass.

Super Eagles’ goalie, Okoye risks four-year ban

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into Nigeria and Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, as the goalkeeper is suspected of illegal betting practices and could risk a ban from all competitions for at least four years. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, betting agency Sisal reported unusual gambling patterns detected by its algorithms, as people placed an abnormal amount of bets on the likelihood of Okoye being booked during Udinese’s away clash at Lazio in March of 2024, with the goalkeeper receiving a yellow card for time-wasting after 64 minutes. Such a warning sparked suspicions in the public prosecutor, who is also looking at the role of Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old owner of the Biffi pizzeria in Udine. The pink newspaper explained that the restaurant owner is also under investigation, as it’s alleged that a verbal agreement regarding the bet was made at the pizzeria and later executed at a Sisal betting outlet in the city, just a few days before the meeting between Lazio and Udinese. If found guilty, Okoye could face a ban from all competitions for at least four years, in addition to potential legal consequences. However, the player’s legal representatives have denied all allegations, claiming that the accusations are unfounded and lack any substantial evidence. The goalkeeper is now out of action after undergoing wrist surgery, with the club recently signing Egil Selvik as a precautionary measure.

Solskjaer named Besiktas new coach

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago01 mins

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been named new coach of Besiktas. The former Manchester United manager has been out of football since his sacking in December 2021. Solskjaer said at his presentation: “It’s great to be here. “It’s very nice to see so many people who care about this fantastic football club. “I’ve had a very nice first meeting with the members of the board. “I’m really looking forward to this – it’s fantastic to be in this beautiful city.” Besiktas axed Giovanni van Bronckhorst last month. The Black Eagles currently sit sixth in the Super Lig table.

NFF to strengthen partnership with Mini-Football team

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has initiated a collaboration with the mini-football team aimed at creating a strategic partnership that is expected to benefit both entities. This initiative is part of the NFF’s broader commitment to enhance football development and governance in Nigeria. On Friday, representatives from the mini-football team visited the NFF headquarters in Abuja, where they met with the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON. During the meeting, Dr Sanusi highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism within the federation and emphasized the necessity for the NFF’s operations to align with the regulations established by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Dr Sanusi reiterated the NFF’s primary role in overseeing and regulating football activities in Nigeria, clarifying that all related events must receive the appropriate approvals and sanctions from the federation. He stressed the need for compliance with the standards set forth by FIFA and CAF, underscoring the importance of adhering to global practices in football governance. The mini-football team included Alhaji Umah Yusuf Datti, Ambassador Paul Chukwudi Maduakor, Chief Agu Chukwuemelie Lambert, Ambassador Sheriff Mulade and Fabian Edaba. Their presence underscored a collective effort to advance football governance and foster collaboration within various levels of the sport in Nigeria. This partnership between the NFF and the mini-football team represents a pivotal move towards enhancing football governance and development in the country. The NFF is committed to engaging with stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

Sports

CAF unveils new CHAN 2024 logo, trophy

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new logo and Trophy for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda. The new look for the tournament brings a fresh identity and emphasises its deep-rooted connections to African football and culture. It comes with a new CHAN 2024 trophy that features a sleek, contemporary design, combining gold and silver elements, representing the prestige and growing stature of the tournament. A significant detail is the 54 distinct lines encircling the trophy, symbolizing the 54 African nations united with a map of the continent at its core. This element underscores the championship’s celebration of diversity and unity across the continent. Each line represents the foundation of African football, a pathway carved by our passion and skill, a tribute to our players and our dreams. The new trophy stands as a powerful symbol of African football’s ongoing progress and our shared passion for the game.

CHAN 2024: Nigeria draws Champions Senegal, Congo, Sudan

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago02 mins

Super Eagles B team otherwise known as the CHAN Eagles has been drawn against defending champions, the Teranga Lions of Senegal in Group D of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2024. The Nigeria will also slut it out with Congo and Sudan for the knockout stages of the tournament. The Daniel Ogunmodede lads are expected to opening their campaign in the competition against Falcons of Jediane of Sudan. Nigeria secured their place in the CHAN 2024 finals by overcoming Ghana in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles recorded a 3-1 aggregate victory, with captain Junior Nduka playing a pivotal role by scoring a crucial goal. Ogunmodede has inspired confidence with his declaration that the Super Eagles “need to fight to win the competition.” His tactical expertise and motivational skills will be critical in Nigeria’s quest for their first CHAN title. Nigeria’s best CHAN outing came in 2018 when they reached the final but were narrowly defeated. They have reached the semifinals twice in their previous three appearances, underlining their pedigree in the competition. The Groups Group AKenyaMoroccoAngolaDR CongoZambia Group BTanzaniaMadagascarMauritaniaBurkina FasoCAR Group CUgandaNigerGuineaQ2Q1 Group DSenegalCongoSudanNigeria