Featured
‘This Is A Big Opportunity’: NPFL Boss Hails Congress Expansion — Says New Voting System Will Reward Performance
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has praised the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to expand its Congress, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening domestic football and enhancing competitiveness.
READ ALSO: Reach The Quarter-Finals’: Customs Set Target — Volleyball Team Boosted Ahead Of Cairo Championship
Under the new structure approved by the Nigeria Football Federation, the NPFL will now have 10 delegates in the Congress, with five slots allocated to the top five clubs at the end of the 2025/2026 season.
For Elegbeleye, this represents a major shift in how the domestic league is integrated into football governance.
“This is a good development,” he said, highlighting the importance of giving clubs a stronger voice in decision-making.
In addition to the NPFL’s increased representation, the Nigeria National League and Nigeria Nationwide League One will each have two delegates, a move designed to ensure broader inclusion across different tiers of the football pyramid.
Elegbeleye believes this new system will not only deepen competitiveness but also reward performance, as only the best-performing clubs will earn the right to participate in the electoral process.
“It encourages excellence,” he implied.
He also pointed out that the reform aligns with the need to modernize football governance in Nigeria, making it more inclusive and performance-driven.
For clubs, the opportunity to gain voting rights adds an extra layer of motivation, as success on the pitch could now translate into influence off it.
As the NFF prepares for its elective congress later this year, the expanded structure is expected to play a key role in shaping the outcome.
For Nigerian football, the change signals a move toward a more balanced and representative system.
And as Elegbeleye suggests, it could mark the beginning of a new era.
Where performance is not just rewarded with trophies, but with a voice.
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Featured
Reach The Quarter-Finals’: Customs Set Target — Volleyball Team Boosted Ahead Of Cairo Championship
Head of Sports of the Nigeria Customs Service, Samuel Onikeku, has set a clear target for the Nigeria Customs Women Volleyball Club ahead of the upcoming African Volleyball Club Championship in Cairo.
READ ALSO: ARMWRESTLING BATTLE FOR NIGERIA! Lagos Showdown to Produce Strongest Team for Ghana Qualifiers
With the tournament scheduled to run from April 11 to 24, Onikeku revealed that significant efforts have been made to strengthen the squad, including the addition of quality players to improve competitiveness.
“We’ve made additions,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the team’s preparations.
The championship, which will bring together top clubs from across the continent, presents a major test for the Nigerian side.
But despite the challenges, Onikeku remains optimistic about their chances.
“Our target is clear,” he stated, setting a minimum expectation of reaching the quarter-finals.
For the team, this goal represents both ambition and realism, a benchmark that reflects confidence in their ability while acknowledging the level of competition they will face.
Onikeku also stressed the importance of preparation, noting that the team has been working hard to build cohesion and improve performance ahead of the tournament.
“We must be ready,” he implied.
The African Volleyball Club Championship is a key platform for Nigerian teams to showcase their talent and compete at a higher level.
A strong performance in Cairo could boost the profile of the team and contribute to the growth of volleyball in the country.
As the countdown to the tournament continues, expectations will rise.
But for the Nigeria Customs Women Volleyball Club, the mission is straightforward.
Compete, perform, and reach the next stage.
Because in sport, setting targets is the first step.
Achieving them is the next challenge.
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From Debut to Dominance’ — SSA Adeboye Hails Inter Lagos FC’s Rise to NPFL, Speaks as SmartCity FC Founder
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has congratulated Inter Lagos FC on their historic promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), describing their rise as a powerful example of structure, patience, and consistency in Nigerian football.
Adeboye, who is also the Founder of SmartCity FC, a club currently competing in the Nigeria National League (NNL), praised Inter Lagos FC’s steady progression over the past three seasons, noting that their journey reflects what is possible with the right football development model.
“What Inter Lagos FC has achieved is truly commendable. In their first season, they made it to the playoffs. In their second season, they showed consistency and growth. And now, in their third season, they have earned promotion. That is the kind of steady development we want to see in Nigerian football.”
Speaking from his experience as a football club owner, Adeboye emphasized that such success is not accidental but the result of deliberate planning and commitment.
“As someone who is actively involved in club football through SmartCity FC, I understand the level of work, discipline, and structure required to achieve this kind of success. This is not a fluke—it is the result of a clear vision and consistent effort.”
The presidential aide commended the players, technical crew, management, and supporters of Inter Lagos FC for their collective role in achieving the milestone.
“Every success like this is built on teamwork. I commend the players, the coaches, the management, and the supporters for believing in the project and staying committed to the journey.”
He noted that Inter Lagos FC’s promotion will serve as inspiration for other clubs, particularly those competing in the NNL.
“This is a big motivation for clubs in the NNL, including ours at SmartCity FC. It shows that with the right structure and determination, promotion is achievable.”
Adeboye further stressed that such achievements are vital for the growth of grassroots and professional football in Nigeria.
“Stories like this strengthen our football ecosystem. They encourage investment, inspire young talents, and raise the overall standard of the game.”
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that Inter Lagos FC will compete strongly in the NPFL and continue to make Lagos State proud.
“As they step into the NPFL, I believe they will bring energy, competitiveness, and quality. Nigerian football needs ambitious clubs like Inter Lagos FC.”
He concluded by congratulating the club once again, describing their journey as a blueprint for success.
“Congratulations to Inter Lagos FC. Your rise is a story of resilience, growth, and achievement—and this is just the beginning.”
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Nigeria’s Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams have intensified preparations ahead of the 2026 IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Tournament in Lomé, Togo, with both squads now fully unveiled for the regional showdown.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s U-18 & U-20 Handball Teams Land in Togo for Zone 3 Battle
The Under-18 team features a promising group of young talents, including Friday Shuaibu, Shaibu Mohammed, Aliyu Rufai, Sani Muntari, Usman Umar, Godstime Michael, Huzaifa Abdulkadir, Chidebere Davine, Hamza Yahaya, Mohammed Yahaya, Umar Mohammed, Abubakar Abdullahi, Akibu Mohammed, and Obeze Akunebu.
The team will be guided by officials Abdulhakim Yakubu and Ayo Joshua, who are tasked with shaping the squad into a competitive unit capable of challenging for top honours.
In the Junior category, Nigeria’s Under-20 team boasts a strong and diverse lineup drawn from both domestic and regional clubs.
The squad includes Attahiru Ab Sahabi (Sokoto Rima), Obabori Samuel Aduralere (Adjidja HB Cotonou), Ganiu Aduragbemi Emmanuel (Tojemarine HB), Kareem Faruk Olamilekan (Tojemarine HB), Akanni Basit (Lagos Seasiders), Mohammed Musa (Safety Shooters), Jackson Nelson (Adamawa Warriors), Chuks Moses Egwuelu (Safety Shooters), Okolie Olisaemeka Andrew (Tojemarine), Yusuf Suleiman (Sokoto Rima), Abaaka Simon (Safety Shooters), Suleiman Sani (Flowers HB Cotonou), Mustapha Mohammed (Sokoto Rima), and Isyaka Mustapha (Flowers HB Cotonou).
The U-20 side will be led by Head Coach David Emmanuel, alongside Assistant Coach Cole Olatunde, both of whom bring valuable experience into the tournament as Nigeria aims for a deep run.
With the group stage fixtures already confirmed and the teams settled in Lomé, focus now shifts to the opening matches.
Nigeria will be aiming to assert dominance early, build momentum, and secure qualification for the next phase.
The International Handball Federation tournament remains a crucial pathway for nurturing emerging talents across the continent.
For Nigeria, the objective is clear—excel at the Zone 3 level and earn the right to compete on the continental stage, further strengthening the nation’s growing presence in international handball.
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