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“Sports Can Save Our Youth” – NIS Boss Shaibu Backs Five-A-Side Tournament as Tool for National Development

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The Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Philip Shaibu, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to leveraging sports as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and national development, describing football as a key driver of social transformation in Nigeria.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by organisers of the Naija Five-A-Side Football Tournament, Shaibu emphasized that sports remain one of the most effective ways to address unemployment, reduce crime, and channel youthful energy into productive ventures.

Read Also: Lagos FA Cup: LSFA Trains Club Media Officers, Emphasises Diligence and Collaboration

“Sports can curb social vices and insecurity because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” Shaibu stated.

He highlighted football’s universal appeal, noting that the game naturally attracts participation across all age groups, regardless of background or experience. According to him, while many can play football instinctively, proper coaching and structure are essential to develop talent and maximize potential.

“Football is a phenomenon. Everyone can play, but mastering team strategies requires proper coaching. That is where we come in—we are ready to train coaches and bridge the gap,” he added.

Shaibu also underscored the importance of five-a-side football, describing it as a more intense format that demands higher energy levels, quicker decision-making, and stronger teamwork compared to the traditional 11-a-side game.

He noted that integrating five-a-side systems into training could significantly improve players’ stamina and technical development.

The NIS boss further stated that platforms like the tournament can expose Nigerian talents to global opportunities, while also preparing them for the level of scrutiny faced by top professionals such as Victor Osimhen.

He called for stronger institutional support for sports, urging the prompt constitution of the National Sports Commission Board to ensure that collaborations and agreements within the sector are properly structured and sustainable.

Shaibu also advocated for inclusivity, particularly encouraging the participation of northern female players, including those who wish to compete while observing cultural dress codes.

“Football is one of the strongest forces that can unite this country. We must channel the energy of our youth into development,” he said.

Earlier, tournament president Patrick Osek revealed that the competition now features 16 male teams and 8 female teams nationwide, with improved structure to ensure continuity and broader participation.

The next edition is scheduled to kick off in April at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, as organisers continue to expand the reach and impact of the initiative.

With backing from key institutions like the NIS, the Naija Five-A-Side Tournament is increasingly being positioned as a platform capable of discovering talent, promoting inclusion, and driving national development through sport.

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Clear Intent’ Ikorodu City Coach Ozegbagbe Salutes Team Spirit After Hard Fought Win Over Warri Wolves in Lagos 

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8 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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Head coach Bright Ozegbagbe has praised his team’s resilience and mentality following Ikorodu City FC’s dramatic 4–3 victory over Warri Wolves FC in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 32 clash.

The pulsating encounter, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, March 29, 2026, delivered seven goals in an end-to-end contest that showcased attacking quality from both sides.

Reacting after the match, Ozegbagbe took to social media to celebrate his team’s performance, highlighting their determination and belief:

“Emphatic win at the arena .Statement performance. Strong mentality. Clear intent.

The belief stays alive, till the very end, till the final whistle. ” Ozegbagbe wrote .

Ikorodu City made a fast start, with Abayomi Ayodeji netting twice (8’, 42’) to set the tone. Joseph Arumala added another in the 24th minute, while Tosin Oyedokun struck in the 54th minute to complete the hosts’ tally.

Warri Wolves responded through C. Orji (26’) and a brace from I. Evwierhurhoma (52’ penalty, 90’), but fell just short in a fiercely contested tie.

Arumala’s goal proved significant, as the forward moved into a tie for the NPFL top scorer chart with 11 goals this season—further underlining his importance to Ikorodu City’s campaign.

The victory marks Ikorodu City’s 14th win of the season and lifts them to third place on 52 points, keeping them firmly in contention for a continental qualification spot behind leaders Rivers United and second-placed Enugu Rangers on 55 and 54 points respectively.

Warri Wolves, meanwhile, remain 13th on 40 points as they continue their push for a stronger finish in the league.

Ikorodu City’s spirited display and late-game composure reflect a side growing in confidence, something their coach believes could prove decisive as the season approaches its climax.

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NPFL: Bendel Insurance, Boboye Fined; Home Matches to Be Played Behind Closed Doors

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8 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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Bendel Insurance have been sanctioned for multiple breaches of the NPFL Framework and Rules following their Matchday 32 fixture against Plateau United on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

READ ALSO: J200 Champion Ogunsakin Climbs 18 Steps up to Career-High Ranking, Begins J300 Cairo Campaign

According to the league authorities, the Benin City club failed to provide adequate and effective security during the match, which led to unauthorized individuals gaining access to restricted areas.

The club’s supporters were also found guilty of displaying unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

In addition, fans reportedly harassed match officials and failed to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

Head coach Kennedy Boboye was also cited for gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed contrary to the principles of fair play and discipline.

As part of the sanctions, Bendel Insurance were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate security and an additional ₦1 million for supporters’ misconduct.

The club will also pay ₦2 million for holding match officials hostage for approximately 40 minutes after the game.

Boboye has been fined ₦2 million and handed a 17-match suspension for his actions.

Furthermore, Bendel Insurance will play their next three home matches behind closed doors as part of the disciplinary measures imposed by the NPFL.

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J200 Champion Ogunsakin Climbs 18 Steps up to Career-High Ranking, Begins J300 Cairo Campaign

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8 hours ago

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March 31, 2026

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Nigeria’s rising tennis star Seun Ogunsakin has reached a new milestone in his junior career after climbing 18 places in the latest ITF rankings to a career-high world No. 64.

READ ALSO: NPFL: Ebimobowei Hails Team Effort After Bayelsa United’s Convincing Home Win

The 17-year-old earned the significant jump following his impressive triumph at the J200 tournament in Cairo over the weekend, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s brightest young prospects.

Ogunsakin’s steady rise continues to gather momentum, with the Ekiti-born player now firmly in contention for a place in the main draw of Roland Garros junior event if his current form is maintained.

Fresh off his J200 success, the Nigerian will waste no time returning to action as he begins his J300 Cairo campaign. He is scheduled to face Botswana’s Ntungamili Raguin in the first round on Monday.

The matchup presents an intriguing contest, with Ogunsakin having defeated Raguin en route to his title win last week.

However, the Botswana player has proven his resilience on the big stage, having reached the third round of the Australian Open junior event earlier this year after progressing through the qualifiers.

Ogunsakin, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Australian Open, will be aiming to build on his recent success and continue his upward trajectory on the global junior circuit.

Currently Nigeria’s top-ranked junior player, Ogunsakin has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year.

His achievements include winning the U-18 Africa Regional Championship and multiple J100 titles, while training at the ITF High Performance Centre in Tunisia.

With confidence high and form on his side, the Nigerian teenager will be looking to make a strong statement in Cairo as he pushes closer to junior Grand Slam qualification.

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