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“Sports Can Save Our Youth” – NIS Boss Shaibu Backs Five-A-Side Tournament as Tool for National Development
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.
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“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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Nigeria Premier Football League side El-Kanemi Warriors FC have paid glowing tribute to former head coach Aliyu Zubairu as he marks his birthday,on April 1.
Elkanemi praised his immense contribution to the club’s recent successes during his stay at the club from 2023 to 2025.
In an official statement released by the club’s media department, the Maiduguri-based outfit expressed pride and appreciation for Zubairu’s achievements during his time in charge.
“On behalf of the management, technical crew, players, and supporters of El-Kanemi Warriors FC, we celebrate you today with great pride and appreciation,” the statement read.
Zubairu, who led coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, tp the last FIFA World Cup was instrumental in the resurgence of El-Kanemi Warriors.
He led the club back to the top flight and capped the achievement with victory in the President Federation Cup, one of the most prestigious honours in Nigerian football.
The club highlighted his leadership qualities and commitment, noting that his impact continues to resonate within the team.
“You have made us proud by leading our great club back to the NPFL and crowning it with the remarkable achievement of winning the President Federation Cup. Your dedication, leadership, and passion for the game continue to inspire everyone connected to this team,” the statement added.
El-Kanemi Warriors further expressed gratitude for his service and voiced optimism for continued success in his coaching career.
“We are grateful for your hard work and commitment, and we look forward to even greater successes under your guidance. Wishing you long life, good health, and continued prosperity, Super Gaffer.”
The statement was signed by the club’s Media Director, GAGA, who concluded by wishing the highly respected tactician a memorable birthday celebration.
Coach os presently with Telecom SC a second division side in Egypt on a two year contract.
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Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle’s decision to make several second half substitutions after starting with six changes to his line-up for Tuesday’s international friendly with Jordan back fired massively, as the Nigerian squad toiled all through the match and eventually settled for a 2-2 draw.
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Sports247 reports that Chelle had already been forced into three replacements from the squad that won 2-1 against Iran in their first match on Friday, as goalkeeper Maduka Okoye bowed out with injury in training, while left-back Bruno Onyemaechi and central defender Semi Ajayi both left camp due to personal reasons.
Dramatically, Chelle decided to tinker his team further, as he dropped captain of the side, Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi and mercurial midfielder, Alex Iwobi to the bench and gave a debut in attack to Belgium-based Yira Sor agead of Samuel Chukwueze.
However, things started looking ugly for the Franco-Malian tactician and his squad as early as the 17th minute, when alternate keeper Francis Uzoho failed to stop Jordan’s well-worked cheeky free kick from distance and the Eagles had to battle from behind against the ‘hosts.’
Paris FC of France winger, Moses Simon justified wearing the captain’s band for the evening in Antalya, Turkey as he slotted home a crucial equaliser with a pop shot through a swarm of legs in the 26th minute, which spurred the Eagles back into the game.
Glasgow Rangers of Scotland centre-back, Emmanuel Fernández also justified his first start for Nigeria by ramming home a goal in the 42nd minute of play, and the Eagles went into the break 2-1 up; only for Chelle to commence a massive overhaul of his line-up at half time.
The second half turned into a struggle, despite the introduction of Ndidi and 98-capped Iwobi in midfield as they failed to settle down fast, while the arrival of Adebayo Adeleye in goal turned out to be another blunder.
The game turned on its head when Adeleye misjudged his positioning and rushed off his line but failed to stop the ball, which allowed Jordan to equalise, only for Iwobi to get himself sent off after jumping on an opponent who tackled him hard.
That was just two minutes to the final whistle and the ref ended the game seconds after finally getting a restart in the wake of confusion that ensued from Iwobi’s rash reaction, leaving Chelle to rue where he got his team selection wrong on the night in Antalya.
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Clear Intent’ Ikorodu City Coach Ozegbagbe Salutes Team Spirit After Hard Fought Win Over Warri Wolves in Lagos
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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