NFF Poll Tension: Gusau Camp Rallies Chairmen In Northern Summit To Counter Normalisation Push

 

NFF Poll Tension: Gusau Camp Rallies Chairmen In Northern Summit To Counter Normalisation Push

State Football Association chairmen loyal to NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, are converging in the Northern region for a strategic meeting aimed at forging a common position to rescue the Nigeria Football Federation from what they termed external interference. The chairmen, who were initially in Kano, are expected to finalize deliberations in Katsina during the final of the Ahlan/Gusau Pre-Season Cup on Thursday.

According to sources, the meeting is in response to alleged moves by the National Sports Commission, NSC, led by Shehu Dikko, and Olopade to institute a Normalisation Committee that would unseat the current FA leadership and install loyalists ahead of the NFF elections scheduled for September. The chairmen described the development as an attempt to interfere in football administration.

Consultations are ongoing to ensure a strong turnout of influential FA chairmen, particularly from the North-West and North-Central zones, at the Katsina meeting. Organizers say the gathering will serve as both a show of force and a strategy session to confront the looming crisis and protect the autonomy of the NFF. Responses from chairmen invited have reportedly been positive.

The crisis comes amid growing pressure on Nigerian football following recent poor results by national teams. The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-final, while the Flying Eagles were beaten 4-0 by Burkina Faso, missing out on the African Youth Championship. The results have drawn backlash from Nigerians and politicians, further heightening tension around the federation.

Meanwhile, the NSC has reportedly directed that the scheduled September NFF elections be put on hold pending further directives. Efforts to get official confirmation from both the NFF and NSC were unsuccessful as of press time. Football stakeholders now await the outcome of the Katsina meeting, which may determine the next direction in the battle for control of Nigerian football.

Osun SWAN Congratulates Adeleke on Re-election, Seeks Quick Completion Of Osogbo Stadium Reconstruction

 

Osun SWAN Congratulates Adeleke on Re-election, Seeks Quick Completion Of Osogbo Stadium Reconstruction

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter, warmly congratulates the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Osun SWAN describes the victory as a renewed mandate and an opportunity for the Governor to consolidate on the achievements of his administration while pursuing programmes that will further improve the lives of the people of the state.

The association commends the people of Osun State for participating in the electoral process and congratulates Governor Adeleke on securing another term to continue his administration’s development agenda.

As an association committed to the growth and development of sports in the state, Osun SWAN particularly acknowledges the Governor’s commencement of the reconstruction of the Osogbo Township Stadium, describing the project as a significant step towards reviving sports infrastructure in the state.

The association, however, appeals to Governor Adeleke to ensure the speedy and full completion of the stadium reconstruction project to enable athletes, clubs, sports associations and other stakeholders to maximise the facility.

The Osogbo Township Stadium has historically played an important role in the development of sports in Osun State. Its completion and provision of modern sporting facilities will provide a conducive environment for grassroots talent development, competitions and major sporting events.

Osun SWAN believes that completing the project will further demonstrate the administration’s commitment to sports development and leave a lasting legacy in the sector.

The association therefore urges the Governor, in his second term, to sustain and expand his administration’s investment in sports, particularly grassroots development, athletes’ welfare, coaches’ development and the provision of modern sporting facilities across the state.

Once again, Osun SWAN congratulates Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and wishes him a successful second term in office.

We look forward to a stronger partnership with the administration and all stakeholders towards taking Osun sports to greater heights.

Gold Cup '26: Shock Results In Abeokuta As Grassrunners, Abakaliki Upset NPFL Sides

 

Gold Cup '26: Shock Results In Abeokuta As Grassrunners, Abakaliki Upset NPFL Sides

Lagos Derby rivals, Inter Lagos and Ikorodu City, were on Monday handed reality checks after losing, respectively, to Grassrunners FC and Abakaliki FC on MatchDay 4 of the ongoing Ogunjobi Gold Cup pre-season tournament at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Grassrunners FC took just 28 minutes to decide the game, with Ajibola Emmanuel finishing after a defensive slip during play. Ubi Johnson then doubled the lead with a precise shot, putting his team at the top with 10 points.

Ikorodu City paid the price for not killing the game against Abakaliki FC, despite dominating possession at 53%. 

Four minutes past the half hour mark, Moses Amanekwu scored to give De Rice Boys their first goal.

De Rice Boys, holding a one-goal lead, added another in the 88th minute when a poor clearance from Ikorodu City allowed Chimaobi Metumareobi to score a half-volley from inside the box. This victory moved Abakaliki FC to second place with 9 points.

Doma United earned their first Gold Cup win as the Savannah Tigers defeated Dokkal Khairu FC 3-1. Goals from Haruna Abubakar (7th minute), Bitrius Philemon (38th minute), and Usman Nasiba (85th minute) highlighted their strong performance against the newly-promoted NNL Dokkal Khairu of Ile-Ife.

Meanwhile, the first MatchDay 4 game between Stormers SC and Sunshine Stars ended in a 1-1 draw, with all goals scored in the first half.

Action resumes on Wednesday, as Tuesday is a rest day.

AMBO Congratulates Osun People, Urges Calm, Alleges Attacks On APC Members After Poll

 

AMBO Congratulates Osun People, Urges Calm, Alleges Attacks On APC Members After Poll

Osogbo, Osun State – 17th August, 2026

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the just-concluded Osun State governorship election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, FCIB, MBA, popularly known as AMBO, has commended party members and supporters for their commitment and sacrifice throughout the campaign period.

In a statement released on Monday, AMBO said he deeply appreciated the steadfastness of APC leaders, volunteers and voters who believed in the prosperity agenda presented to the people of Osun State.

“Your unwavering support for my candidacy and your belief in the prosperity agenda we presented to the people of Osun are experiences I will forever cherish,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the party had hoped for a different outcome, AMBO said the APC respects the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and is currently reviewing the results through the appropriate party channels.

He expressed gratitude to all voters, volunteers and party stakeholders who worked tirelessly to mobilize support across the 30 local government areas of the state.

“The campaign has come to an end and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive. We will continue to work for the effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun,” he added.

AMBO, however, raised concerns over what he described as growing hostility and violence against APC members and supporters in the last 24 hours.

He called on the Osun State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene promptly to arrest the trend and ensure the safety of all citizens in the post-election period.

“I urge all of you to remain calm and peaceful as you go about your daily activities. At the same time, I alert the State Government and security agents to the violent attacks on our members which have taken another dimension,” he said.

He concluded by thanking everyone who stood by the party and reaffirmed his pride in the campaign and the confidence reposed in him.

“God bless you all. God bless Osun State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

‘We Would Have Been In Hot Soup’ - Osun Workers Celebrate Adeleke’s Win, Labour Leaders Hail Poll

 

‘We Would Have Been In Hot Soup’ - Osun Workers Celebrate Adeleke’s Win, Labour Leaders Hail Poll

Seyi Akanni | OSOGBO 17/08/2026

Civil servants in Osun State on Monday shut down the state secretariat in Abere, Osogbo, to celebrate Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election. The workers, clad in yellow caps of the victorious Accord Party, sang, danced and trooped into the streets, saying the victory saved them from what they described as imminent victimisation by the opposition All Progressives Congress.

Many of the workers told Coded News that they had lived in fear during the campaign period, unable to openly show support for Adeleke. They alleged that the APC had threatened that Adeleke’s supporters would be punished if the party lost, a stance they described as aggressive and intimidating. The election outcome, they said, brought relief and vindication for their silent support at the polls.

Labour leaders joined the celebrations and addressed the jubilant crowd. Osun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Dr. Adeyemi Aboderin, commended workers for their steadfastness and urged them to remain hardworking. NULGE President, Comrade Kehinde Ogunbangbe, described the victory as one for labour and all Osun indigenes, warning that workers would have faced “hot soup” had the opposition won.

Ogunbangbe alleged that the APC had mapped out actions against the pro-Adeleke workforce and accused the party of creating the lingering local government crisis in the state. He recalled that the 12 years of APC rule stagnated civil servants and insisted that labour decided not to support the opposition’s activities. He also gave thanks that attempts to rig the election failed, saying it would have thrown the state into anarchy.

The Osun NLC Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, said workers, pensioners and residents came out to thank God for the outcome. He noted that history had repeated itself with victories against past administrations that did not prioritize workers’ welfare. Arapasopo concluded that any government that takes care of workers will always be favoured by them, describing the election as a victory for democracy and peace in Osun.