Gusau Archives | Trendbrio.com

Gusau charges Edo Queens to win CAF Women’s Champions League title

Prince Odutola1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

An exultant President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Sunday commended the extraordinary fighting spirit of Nigerian champions Edo Queens in overpowering defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on Saturday night, to reach the semi-finals of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League competition in Morocco. Edo Queens, who won the Nigerian title for only the first time last season, went ahead to beat all comers to win the WAFU B Women’s Champions League competition (a qualifying tournament for the continental championship) in Cote d’Ivoire, and have now made it to the last four of the dollar-spangled event. “The NFF and the Nigeria football family are very happy at the accomplishments of Edo Queens over the past months, from winning the WAFU B title to reaching the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League. We congratulate the Edo State Government and all those involved in this remarkable progress of the team. “The ladies exhibited the much-talked-about Nigeria spirit to come from behind and defeat the Cup holders. Theirs is a statement in resilience, determination and ambition. I believe they have been highly inspired by that victory and have the capacity to go all the way and win the title.” Sundowns, who have reached, at least, the Final of every edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League since the competition was inaugurated in 2021, went ahead in the 24th minute through Melinda Kgadiete, and held on to the advantage until the end of regulation time. However, five minutes into added time, Emem Essien drew the Nigerians level when her tenacity in the box paid off after the Sundowns’ goalkeeper dropped the ball from a cross. Five minutes later, Mary Mamudu gave the Queens victory by lashing into the roof of the net after a good run and pass by Super Falcons’ forward Goodness Osigwe. The win handed the Nigerian champions leadership of group B, with the defending champions eliminated. Edo Queens will take on TP Mazembe of DR Congo in the first semi-final on Tuesday, at 4pm Morocco time, before AS FAR of Morocco confront Masar of Egypt in the second semi-final three hours later. In their first two matches of the competition, the Queens defeated Commercial Bank of Ethiopia 3-0 and drew 0-0 with Masar FC of Egypt.

Gusau hails Lookman, encourages him for better Ballon d’Or outing next year

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has commended Super Eagles’ forward Ademola Lookman for finishing in 14th place in this year’s Ballon d’Or race, saying he believes the petite forward has what it takes to finish much higher in the race next year. Lookman finished 14th in this year’s contest which gala was held in Paris on Monday night, and which was won by Manchester City ace Rodri. “The NFF commends Ademola Lookman for his feat, and we believe he has the potential to finish much higher next year. He was already a winner before Monday’s night’s gala, as the only African on the 30-man shortlist. He was also the second highest-rated Italian Serie A player in the race. “We encourage him to continue doing his best for club and country, and the sky will be the limit for him.” Lookman scored three important goals for Nigeria as the Super Eagles finished in second place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year, and then scored all three goals in the Europa Cup final as his Italian club, Atalanta, routed German top side Bayer Leverkusen. This season, he has remained within the goals/assists frame for club and country. He has scored two goals for Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON qualification race, with two other goals controversially chalked off. Most pundits see him winning this year’s Africa Player of the Year award. If that happens, it will be the first time that a Nigerian has picked the continental gong from a fellow Nigerian, since ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Nosa Ikpeba took over from Nwankwo Kanu in 1997. The first was in 1994, when Emmanuel Amuneke took over from Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory).

NFF budgets N17.6bn for 2025

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has budgeted a whopping sum of N17.6 billion for the year 2025. Raising from its Annual General Meeting held in Asaba, Delta State on Thursday, the Congress in a communique approved the new budget. “The Congress approved the NFF’s 2025 budget proposal amounting to the sum of N17.6 billion,” the Communique stated. The Congress also approved the NFF’s Financial Statements for the Year ended 2023. The Congress acknowledged the Federal Government’s expectation for the Super Eagles qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Congress assured the government of its commitment to ensuring that necessary preparations are made to meet these objectives, while urging the Executive Committee of the NFF to prioritize decisions that will further develop Nigeria football. The Congress lauded the efforts of Nigeria’s national teams, especially the Super Eagles for their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations’ silver-medal feat and the Super Falcons for their participation in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after 16 years.