AAYK Nig Ltd Reactivates Partnership With Gold Cup Tourney

 AAYK Nig Ltd Reactivates Partnership With Gold Cup Tourney

AAYK Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its partnership with the Gold Cup Tourney. 

Based in Osogbo, AAYK Nigeria Limited is a registered firm offering professional services in real estate, logistics, technology, and sports, dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality services across various sectors. 

The 14th edition of Nigeria's first preseason tournament will be held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta from Thursday August 13, through Saturday August 22, 2026. 

AAYK Nigeria Limited Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Famomi Ayomide Kolawole expressed pride with the development. 

He stated, "We are proud to reactivate our partnership with the Gold Cup Tourney. What began as an exciting football event in 2013 has grown into a platform that significantly boosts the careers of our talented players and that of ambitious clubs aspiring to succeed in Nigeria's three tiers of leagues. 

"Our partnership underscores our commitment to football development." 

Tunde Shamsudeen, Gold Cup Tourney General Coordinator, added, “We are pleased with the renewed partnership with AAYK Nigeria Limited, a company active in multiple sectors with a strong presence in sports. This collaboration promises more thrilling matches for fans, as the Gold Cup Tourney continues to create lasting memories for Nigeria's domestic football followers worldwide."

Flying Eagles Through To WAFU B U20 Final, One Win From AFCON Qualification

 

Flying Eagles Through To WAFU B U20 Final, One Win From AFCON Qualification

 

Nigeria’s U20 team, Flying Eagles, on Wednesday evening booked their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over host nation Côte d'Ivoire.

 

The pulsating semi final encounter ended 2-2 after extra time, making the penalty shootout inevitable. The hosts started on the front foot and controlled the tempo from kickoff. They came close to an early opener twice in the 12th and 14th minutes, but Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani was alert and kept Nigeria in the game. The pressure eventually told in the 16th minute when Côte d'Ivoire’s Kaita slotted home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

 

The Flying Eagles pushed for an equaliser before half-time with more urgency, but the Ivorian defence held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the break. Goalkeeper Lawani continued to be Nigeria’s hero in the second half. In the 59th minute, he produced a brilliant save to parry away a dangerous corner that looked destined to be the second goal. Both teams traded attacks as Nigeria chased an equaliser and the hosts sought to double their lead. The breakthrough for Nigeria came in the 67th minute when Captain Habila Simeon rose highest to nod in a pull-out and level the score at 1-1.

 

Despite several chances created by both sides, no further goal came, and the game went into extra time at 1-1. Extra time brought more drama. Aliyu Abubakar put the Flying Eagles ahead 2-1 in the third minute of the first period of extra time. Gift Subi almost made it 3-1 in the 100th minute after a brilliant solo run, but his shot went wide. Côte d'Ivoire responded immediately and levelled it at 2-2 before the end of the first half of extra time.

 

The scoreline remained 2-2 at the end of extra time, forcing the tie to penalties. From the spot, the Flying Eagles held their nerve and won 4-3. The victory sends Nigeria through to the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, where they will aim to retain the trophy and thus qualify for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

WAEC Sanctions 50 Schools, Witholds Results of 167, 486 Candidates Over Malpractice In 2026 WASSCE

 WAEC Sanctions 50 Schools, Witholds Results of 167, 486 Candidates Over Malpractice in 2026 WASSCE 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) wishes to inform you that the results of candidates from the under-listed schools have been withheld due to alleged cases of malpractice in the 2026 WASSCE for School Candidates examination.

The affected schools are to submit a detailed report on the incident(s) to this office within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice. Failure to comply may attract further sanctions.

On result processing, the council said 1,834,695 candidates, representing 94.05 per cent, have had their results fully processed and released.

It added that the results of 116,031 candidates, representing 5.95 per cent, are still being processed.

The examination body also said 1,213 candidates with special needs registered for the examination. They include 137 visually impaired candidates, 491 with hearing impairment, 55 spastic and mentally challenged candidates, and 41 physically challenged candidates.

On examination malpractice, WAEC said it withheld the results of 167,486 candidates, representing 8.59 per cent, over various offences. The figure is lower than the 9.7 per cent recorded in 2025.

“The increasing use of cell phones in the examination hall, in spite of the existing ban, and organized cheating in some schools, are other nagging issues,” Dr Dangut said.

He added that some supervisors and invigilators caught helping candidates cheat had been arrested and would face sanctions through the State Ministries of Education.

Dr Dangut, who said this was his third and final media briefing as Head of the WAEC National Office, noted that the 2026 examination was the second Computer-Based WASSCE conducted for school candidates.

NNL AGM: Owerri Set To Welcome Nigeria’s Football Stakeholders.

 

NNL AGM: Owerri Set To Welcome Nigeria’s Football Stakeholders.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced Owerri, the Imo State capital, as the host city for the 2026/2027 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

NNL Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Danlami Alanana, said His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has given the nod for the 17th AGM to be hosted in the Eastern Heartland.

"We are delighted that the sports-loving Governor of Imo State Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has magnanimously approved NNL’s request to host our AGM in Owerri. This is one of the most important events in our calendar,” Danlami disclosed.

The AGM, a precursor to the 2026-2027 NNL football season is scheduled to hold on Friday, 21st August, 2026 with top officials of the nation’s soccer governing body led by NFF president Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi in attendance.

According to the schedule released by the NNL Secretariat,the  thirty-six (36) NNL clubs are expected to converge on Owerri on Thursday, 20th August and depart on Saturday, 22nd August, 2026.

Although the venue of the AGM in Owerri will be communicated to the clubs in due course, all the clubs have been advised to take note of the date and host state.

Far-reaching issues such as the roadmap for the 2026/2027 season, club licensing regulations and possible review and amendments to the NNL rules and regulations will headline the AGM.

Alanana further commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his kind gesture and undying love for sports. 

"We can't thank the Governor enough for his love for the game and the youths of this country. Little wonder Imo keeps producing myriads of great sports stars," he added.

It would be recalled that the 16th edition of the NNL Annual General Meeting was hosted by the Kaduna State Government and held at the 5th Chukker Resort in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State.

Gold Cup Embraces League Format To Boost Pre-Season Competition Ahead Of 2026/27 Season

 

Gold Cup Adopts League Phase Format for Landmark 2026 Edition

The organisers of the Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament have unveiled a new League Phase competition format for the 2026 edition, marking a significant evolution in the structure of Nigeria’s premier off-season football tournament.

The innovative format, inspired by modern international club competitions, is designed to increase competitiveness, provide clubs with more meaningful fixtures, and further strengthen preparations for the 2026/27 football season.

Now in its 14th edition, the Gold Cup will take place from Thursday, 13 August, to Saturday, 22 August, 2026, at the MKO Abiola Stadium,  Abeokuta.

Unlike previous editions that featured a group-stage format, the 2026 tournament will be played as a single League Phase. Each club will play five matches against different opponents, with every point contributing to one overall league table. At the end of the League Phase, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, with the winners progressing to the tourney final.

The new format is expected to deliver more balanced competition, ensure every fixture carries greater significance, and offer coaches increased opportunities to assess their squads against quality opposition before the start of the new domestic campaign.

Speaking on the introduction of the new format, Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator for the Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament, said the decision reflects the organisers’ commitment to continually improving the competition.

“The Gold Cup has always been about innovation and providing clubs with the best possible platform to prepare for a new season. Introducing the League Phase format is another important step in the tournament’s growth.

“Every match will have a direct impact on the league standings, creating a more competitive environment for the participating clubs while giving players and coaches the opportunity to test themselves against a wider range of opponents.

“With 10 clubs competing across five League Phase matches before the knockout stage, supporters can look forward to high-quality football throughout the tournament. We believe this format will further enhance the reputation of the Gold Cup as Nigeria’s leading pre-season competition.”

Since its inception, the Gold Cup has grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected pre-season tournaments, providing clubs with elite-level preparation while showcasing emerging talent and promoting competitive football ahead of each new campaign. The introduction of the League Phase format further reinforces the tournament’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.