Tag: Gusau

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has  formally took office as President of the WAFU Zone B. The taking-over ceremony took place at the WAFU headquarters in Cocody Rivera 4 area of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Gusau was elevated to the position following the election of Mr. Kurt-Edwin Simeon Okraku, President of Ghana FA, into the CAF Executive Committee at the congress in Egypt on 12th March 2025. Okraku has since been appointed CAF’s second Vice President.

In a related development, erstwhile Nigeria Premier Football  League (NPFL)  match commissioner, Robert Terlumun Akpenpuun,  yesterday welcomed Gusau in Abidjan at his new office.

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The  Assistant Comptroller in the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS ) who was for many years , a protocol officer for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has  been  on diplomatic assignment at the Nigerian Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire since 2023.

“I have the privilege of welcoming the NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau at his WAFU Zone B office in Abidjan WAFU zone B,” Akpenpuun fondly called Bob told NationSport.

“ I feel so elated  about the development  and I will surely offer any assistant  whenever needed.”

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will be special guest at the Nigeria National League Monthly Awards ceremony taking place in Abuja today, June 18.

The Awards ceremony is set to be a prestigious event that highlights the commitment and professionalism of players, coaches, management, and fans alike. This initiative seeks to recognize exceptional performances and contributions, while also promoting excellence, encouraging grassroots development, and enhancing the relationships between government entities and football stakeholders.

Award Winners for April 2025:

1. Highest Goal Scorer: Gugut Chindi from Edel FC, who netted 3 goals in four matches, earning one Man of the Match (MOTM) award.

2. Best Goalkeeper: Efevwhera Joke of Warri Wolves FC, who impressively conceded no goal in three matches.

3. Best Coach: Napoleon Ahuma of Warri Wolves FC, who managed to secure 2 home victories and 1 away win, showcasing excellent conduct on the bench.

4. Best Behaved Team: Sokoto United FC, recognized for receiving only two cautions across three matches.

5. Most Valuable Player: Valentine Ugwu from Solution FC, who received MOTM honours twice in four matches (specifically on Match Days 12 & 14).

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6. Goal of the Month: Shamasu Mohammed, awarded for the standout goal in Match No. 32 on Match Day 11.

7. Best Referee: Daniel Amadu from the Kaduna Referee Council, noted for his firm decision-making in the match between Sokoto United and Wikki Tourist on Match Day 8, where he remained resolute against pressure from players and officials.

Award Winners for May 2025:

1. Highest Goal Scorer: Yakubu Wonderson of Wikki Tourist, who scored 4 goals in 3 matches, including a notable hat-trick.

2. Best Goalkeeper: Bala Favour from Inter Lagos FC, who conceded only 2 goals over 5 matches.

3. Best Coach: Shakiru Favor Giwa of Inter Lagos FC, who led his team to 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss while demonstrating commendable discipline in the technical area.

4. Best Behaved Team: Sokoto United FC, recognized for receiving only one caution in three matches.

5. Most Valuable Player: Gabriel Olalekan of Osun United FC, who earned MOTM recognition twice in three matches (specifically on Match Days 16 & 18).

6. Goal of the Month: Aniete Ukoh from Dakada FC, awarded for the goal scored in Match No. 90 on Match Day 18.

7. Best Referee: Abubakar Zubairu from the Katsina Referee Council, acknowledged for his decisiveness during a crucial match between Kada Warriors and Adamawa United on Match Day 14, effectively managing interactions between players and spectators.

A two-day FIFA Club Professionalization and Management Programme workshop  began in the Federal Capital, Abuja yesterday  with President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau  urging  the participants to devote attention to the various sessions in order to improve their wisdom, knowledge and understanding towards improving the lot of the country’s domestic game.

 “The Nigeria Football Federation has been intentional in impressing it on the Clubs that they must work hard towards financial sustainability, and generally contribute to making the football ecosystem better for all stakeholders to be proud of the industry.

 “This workshop will go a long way in getting the message across in more profound manner, that the leagues and club football are the lifeblood of a nation’s sport, and that significant contributions to the Gross Domestic Product of our country can only happen through the activities and the gravitas that the leagues and clubs are able to establish to generate direct, indirect and induced income.”

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Gusau’s message was delivered by the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed

Sanusi , who also implored the participants to be ready to implement the knowledge that they stand to gain in the two-day workshop for the good of the nation’s game.

The vice chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League board, Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Saidu, represented the NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, who is also the NFF 2^nd  Vice President.

Participants include Chairmen and CEOs of the 20 Clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Chairmen and CEOs of the NPFL, NNL, NWFL and the NLO, as well as some top officials of the NFF.

The sessions yesterday focused on strategic planning and finance  while today’s sessions will be on governance and commercial and marketing.

The Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC), has  congratulated the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on his recent appointment as the Acting President of CAF Zone B (West B).

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This  recognition by the sub-regional body is a testament to  Gusau’s steady leadership, dedication to football development, and respected influence within the African football community.

“As a club that believes in the strength and vision of Nigerian sports leadership, we proudly celebrate this new chapter and trust that his tenure will foster greater collaboration, unity, and progress for the region,” the ANFASSC President, Prince Abayomi Ogunjinmi, said in a statement .

He added: “We look forward to continued growth and success under his guidance, both at home and across the continent.

“Congratulations once again, President Gusau.”

The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has  expressed the deep appreciation of the NFF and the Nigeria Football family for the warm words of encouragement from the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR following the Super Eagles’ return from a better-forgotten Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match adventure in Libya.

On Monday, President  Tinubu put out a statement warmly welcoming the team back to home, and asking for prompt justice from the Confederation of African Football following the inhumane treatment of the Nigerian contingent. 

He also commended the proactive coordination between the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of the players.

 “We hereby express our deep and sincerest appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his warm and kind words of encouragement. These words have gone a long way to reassure the players of the firm support of the Government and people of Nigeria for what they do and the efforts and sacrifice they make in representing this great country.

 “The commitment and love for the team by the Government and the entire nation was aptly demonstrated by the physical presence of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh at the airport to welcome the team back to Nigeria.

Read Also: NFF: Gusau praises Tinubu, commends ValueJet crew for diligence

 “Mr. President as the father of the nation, has once again demonstrated his concern and keen interest in the beautiful game of football that unites our peoples from all walks of life and across all known mental, physical, spiritual, political and economic boundaries, and which fosters national unity and friendship among peoples and nations of the universe.”

Gusau, who led the delegation to Libya, also commended the captain and crew of the ValueJet aircraft that flew the delegation to and from that country, saying that their patience, diligence, good manners, warmth and endurance made the trip less arduous for the contingent.

 “The captain (Mr. Abdul-Latif) and crew were awesome. I must commend, in particular, the captain. He did his job professionally and with a touch of excellence, and even intervened at a point to talk to the airport operatives to allow the NFF leadership to go outside the airport to find a way to hire vehicles for the team. As a fellow North African (Tunisian) who had worked in Libya previously, they were ready to offer him hotel accommodation but not any other member of the crew or any Nigerian, as all the hotels in the city disclosed that they had strict orders not to welcome any Nigerian nationality. He refused their offer and rather opted to sleep in the aircraft with the rest of the crew.

“The captain and crew showed great maturity and kindness. We will never forget them.”

Champions of the 2023 edition of Gusau/Ahlan Cup Competition, Niger Tornadoes FC will begin their title defence with a tie against Mailantarki Care FC on Wednesday in Jos as the competition starts off in style today.

Tornadoes arrived Jos, the Plateau State capital yesterday to partake in this year’s edition of the prestigious competition barely two days after finishing runners up runners up at the just concluded  Unity Pre-season Tournament in Abuja.

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The Ikon Allah Boys are drawn in Group A alongside hosts Plateau United, Barau FC and Mailantarki Care FC.

Notable NPFL clubs that registered for the competition includes; Lobi Stars, Kano Pillars, Nasarawa United and Kwara United.

The opening ceremony of the competition is slated for today between Plateau United and Barau FC.

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has declared that it is the responsibility of the current governors of the game in the country to do their very best to protect the game, and ensure its sustainability through necessary developmental projects that will eventually empower everyone in the game’s ecosystem.

On a visit to Osun State at the weekend, the NFF boss stated that the game of football is for all – men and women, young and old – and expressed delight that the Osun State Football Association led by Mr. Sola Fanawopo is promoting inclusivity with the upcoming Women’s League, and the Corporate Football League meant to promote the recreational side of the game.

 “Football belongs to all: players, coaches, referees, supporters, volunteers and communities. It is good to know that a community-based club, Igbajo United FC has qualified to play in the Nigeria National League. I must say the community-owned clubs in the NNL are doing quite well.

 “Grassroots football must remain the foundation of our football. It is the bedrock of the vision of the present NFF administration. I am excited by what is going on in Osun State in this regard. I have been told that 32 grassroots Football Clubs participated in the SmartCity Osun State Football League, that there are over 400 grassroots clubs affiliated to the Osun State FA, that there are over 400 grassroots coaches here alongside 13 referee societies and 15 independent grassroots leagues. This is commendable and I recommend this model to all other States in the Federation.”

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Gusau acknowledged that the government plays a huge role in the Nigeria game, and used the opportunity to appeal to the Osun State Government to help the Football Association by building more stadiums and modern training pitches, and to also support privately-owned and community-owned Football Clubs with monetary grants.

The Gusau administration has been taking practical steps to improve Nigeria Football, with farsighted projects and developmental programmes. The administration has opted to, in focus on infrastructure, build a 3-Star accommodation facility for the National Teams through the FIFA Forward 3.0 project, alongside excellent training facilities.

Only last week, not less than 40 upcoming referees were involved in a 5-day training programme organized by FIFA, with the objective of having exceptional talents among them take over from the present guard and return Nigerian refereeing back to its bold state of reckoning at international level.

Beginning today, a three-module CAF C Coaching Course, exclusively for women, will commence at the NFF/FIFA Technical Centre, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. A total of 30 women coaches will be involved.

On the tour with Gusau were Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman, Ondo State FA, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi; Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman, Ogun State FA, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi; Chairman of Oyo State FA, Kabiyesi James Odeniran; Chairman of Ekiti State FA, Mr. Oluwole Oloworemo and; the host, Chairman of Osun FA Mr. Sola Fanawopo.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji  Ibrahim Gusau has made a passionate appeal to spiritual leaders to pray for a divine intervention to ensure Super Eagles qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a poor start of the campaign.

The Super Eagles are currently in distressing fifth position with  just three points from their opening four matches including a 2-1 loss to neighbouring Benin in their last match away in Abidjan .

But speaking at the Kano state Football Association (KSFA ) awards night over the weekend, Gusau admitted that the Super Eagles were  struggling in the chase for the sole FIFA  World Cup ticket available in CAF  qualifiers group C

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Gusau reportedly  appealed to the chairman, council of Ulamas, Kano state, Sheikh Ibrahim Khaleel, who graced the night  to  kindly and urgently present his request  to the body of spiritual leaders in Kano and beyond seeking for their spiritual assistance to save the worrisome situation.

He  admitted that the Super Eagles were  struggling in the World Cup qualifiers , adding  Nigeria’s  World Cup 26 fate  is in dire  need of  prayers.

He noted that, the  federation was  not resting on its oars in doing the needful to get the team to fly Nigeria’s flag at the FIFA world 26, however he appealed to sheikh Khaleel to help the federation solicit for spiritual support from his clergy peers.

While Nigeria is  fifth  in their Group C qualifying section, Rwanda is currently on  top with seven points from four  matches  with better goal difference ahead of  Bafana Bafana of South Africa  who also have  seven  points from four  matches.

Incidentally, Benin Republic is placed third on the group with seven  points from four  matches while Lesotho  are fourth with five  points from four  and Zimbabwe occupies the bottom of the table with two points from four matches.

The FIFA World Cup 26  would be  the 23rd   edition  of the quadrennial  competition’s  and would be the first  to accommodate 48 teams as well as the first  to be co-hosted by three countries, namely Canada, Mexico and USA.

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has called on players of the U20 Boys, Flying Eagles, to be ready to put up more than their level best when they confront Senegal’s Young Lions of Teranga in tomorrow’s  make-or-break 13^th  African Games group phase final match at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra.

The NFF boss minced no words in saying he has not been impressed with the outing of the seven-time African champions at the continental meet so far, in which they have lost 1-2 to Uganda and edged South Sudan thanks to a late penalty converted by Isiyaka Muhammad Sadiq.

 “Nigeria has a high pedigree in youth football across the globe and that is a fact that should ring loud in the minds of every player wearing the green-white-green at that level. We did not fare well against Uganda and I gave the boys a piece of my mind.

 “Against South Sudan, we should have done more and taken the three points quickly but had to struggle. I believe the players have the potential to do far more and they should start by showing their stuff against Senegal on Friday. It is a match we have to win to reach the semi-finals.”

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Initially, the group B housing Nigeria had five teams, which would have amounted to each team playing four matches instead of three. However, Tunisia pulled out late in the day, and with six-pointer Uganda having picked the first semi-final ticket from the pool, the second ticket is a straight fight between Nigeria and Senegal. South Sudan are out of the running having lost both games.

On their part, defending champions Falconets have no such worries in the women’s event of the Games as they head into their final match of the group phase having picked up the semi-final ticket, with six points from their first two matches.

Chioma Olise and Yina Adoo scored to send Morocco packing on Matchday 1, before an avalanche from Loveth Edeh, Motunrayo Ezekiel, an own goal by Aisha Kales and again Chioma Olise put Senegal to the sword on Monday night.

Cameroon, who have endured a string of defeats by Nigeria in various sporting spectacles in recent weeks, face another humiliation as they must take on the supercharged Falconets at the Cape Coast Stadium on Friday evening.