News Agency of Nigeria
South-West region emerges winner of FAAN regional football competition

South-West region emerges winner of FAAN regional football competition

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The South- West region of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has emerged the winner of the maiden edition of FAAN regional football competition held in Abuja.

FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said this on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the tournament that commenced on June 16.

Kuku, who was represented by Mr Rindap Domtur, the FAAN Acting Regional Manager of North Central, said experience and dedication of the South West regional staff to football were responsible for their outstanding performance.

She also commended North-West and South-East regions for taking second and third position respectively, while urging rest regions to put in more efforts in the following edition.

According to her, the authority will continue to improve staff fitness and teamwork through sporting activities.

“I am happy and fulfilled that there is no casualty in the game. That is the spirit of the game. We are not here for war, we are here to play.

“This is a maiden competition. The next edition is going to be better than this, especially in the area of kits availability and accommodations that we will improve upon.

“This sport festival has really unified us. We are planning for a female football competition, other sporting activities will equally be done soon apart from football, “ she added.

Also speaking, Mr Olatokunbo Arewa, Regional General Manager of South- West, FAAN, appreciated the management for organising the tournament to enhance teamwork among staff toward common purpose.

Arewa, who was represented by Mr Eidenagbon Austine, the International Terminal Manager, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos attributed the motivation gained by South- West regional players before and during the competition led to their outstanding performance.

“Lagos airport is a pathfinder, what happens there must replicate itself in other airports across the country. Being a flash point area, we have been doing sporting activity there for a long there.

“Really, this sporting activity is about love, unity, friendliness, togetherness. We want to beg management for a continuation.

“It should be a continuous process so that FAAN resilient, dedicated and hardworking staff will be fit for their daily jobs, “ he added.

In her comment, Chairman, FAAN Staff Sport Committee, Mrs Gladys Omotosho, commended all staff who participated in the tournament across the country.

Omotosho, who is also the General Manager, FAAN Welfare Management Services, said the tournament would definitely enhance efficiency and effectiveness of FAAN staff.

“It has been very exciting. It has brought some people from different backgrounds and different airports together.

“Some of them are flying and meeting new people for the first time. It is going to create a formidable team that will drive a productivity that FAAN Managing Director is looking for in her staff.

”It is going to create an opportunity for people to give their best, knowing that they have a Managing Director that knows how best to take care of her staff,“ said.

She added that the efforts aimed at preparing them for bigger tournaments like the Federal Civil Service Game. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

2025: Nigerian Football Stars to Watch

2025: Nigerian Football Stars to Watch

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By Daniel Obaje

As Nigerian football gains global recognition, these players are set to make a significant impact in 2025. Here’s a closer look at the stars to watch:

1. Ademola Lookman (Winger, Atalanta)

Ademola Lookman’s performances for Atalanta in Serie A have earned him a nomination for the prestigious African Player of the Year award.

Known for pace and creativity, Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season.

With a market value of 30 million Euro, he remains a crucial figure in Nigeria’s attacking setup and is expected to take his career to new heights.

2. Victor Osimhen (Forward, Galatasaray)

Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, continues to his legacy as one of Africa’s finest strikers.

Having already notched up goals and assists this season, the 120 million Euro-rated forward is on for another groundbreaking transfer.

3. Calvin Bassey (Defender, Fulham)

Fulham’s Calvin Bassey has proven to be a dependable and versatile defender in the Premier League.

Whether as a center-back or full-back, his solid displays have made him a vital player for both club and country.

With a current market value of 15 million Euro, Bassey’s influence in Nigerian football continues to grow.

4. Alex Iwobi (Midfielder/Winger, Fulham)

Alex Iwobi’s creativity and versatility have been crucial for Fulham since his move from Everton.

His ability to play across the midfield and attack makes him a key player for the Super Eagles. Iwobi’s market value stands at 18 million Euro, reflecting his importance on and off the pitch.

5. Wilfred Ndidi (Defensive Midfielder, Leicester City)

Wilfred Ndidi remains one of Europe’s most consistent defensive midfielders.

With his exceptional ball-winning skills, he played a key role in Leicester City’s push for promotion to the Premier League.

Valued at 25 million Euro, Ndidi continues to be a backbone for the Super Eagles’ midfield.

6. Moses Simon (Winger, Levante)

Moses Simon’s speed and dribbling ability make him a standout in La Liga for Levante.

A vital player for both club and Nigeria, Simon’s creativity ensures he is always in demand. His market value is currently 10 million Euro.

7. Umar Sadiq (Forward, Real Sociedad)

Umar Sadiq has been a revelation for Real Sociedad, with his aerial prowess and goal-scoring ability proving invaluable in Ligue 1.

With a market value of 15 million Euro, Sadiq is set to become a more prominent figure in Nigerian football in the coming years.

8. Igoh Ogbu (Defender, Slavia Prague)

Igoh Ogbu has cemented his status as a defensive stalwart at Slavia Prague, excelling in European and domestic competitions.

The 4 million Euro-rated center-back is increasingly becoming a leader in Nigeria’s defense.

9. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Midfielder, Lazio)

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s loan spell at Lazio has been a breakthrough for the young midfielder.

Known for his energy and attacking contributions, Dele-Bashiru is carving out a reputation as a dynamic force. His market value is 3.7 million Euro.

10. Gift Orban (Forward, KAA Gent)

Gift Orban continues to capture attention with his goal-scoring exploits for KAA Gent in the Belgian Pro League.

Valued at 25 million Euro and linked with a move to the Premier League, Orban is widely regarded as the future of Nigerian football

These players represent the next generation of Nigerian talent, excelling across Europe’s toughest leagues.

With Lookman’s African Player of the Year nomination leading the charge, 2025 promises to be a monumental year for Nigerian football.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NNPC Ltd pledges collaboration with sports stakeholders to revamp football

NNPC Ltd pledges collaboration with sports stakeholders to revamp football

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has pledged to work closely with stakeholders in the sports sector to develop and commercialise sports, especially football, in Nigeria.

Mr Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), NNPC Ltd., made the pledge on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), the International Management Group (IMG) and the Afrosport Network, at the NNPC Towers.

Kyari, while addressing the delegation led by Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of NSC, said NNPC Ltd. was ready to be part of the initiative to revamp the nation’s football.

Kyari, in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. expressed delight that the company was identified as a critical partner in the journey of making the country’s football sector work again.

“NNPC will be a prime partner in the journey to bring back value to our football, to reshape it, re-engineer it and bring happiness to our people,” Kyari stated.

He identified football as a tool of immense value that could bring untold benefits to the Nigerian economy and to the NNPC Ltd., as a company.

Speaking earlier, Dikko said football was fundamental to the economies of the best footballing countries in the world.

He added that President Bola Tinubu had already demanded immediate action to revamp the game.

He said that the multiplier effects of football were enormous and could facilitate the revamping of related industries across the value chain.

Dikko noted that IMG, which promotes the English Premier League, was invited as a technical partner to leverage their experience in the sport.

It would be recalled that NNPC Ltd. once had a football club, the NNPC FC, based in Warri, Delta, which played in the Division One of the then Nigeria National League before it was disbanded in 1989. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

0Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

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