NFF Seeks Closer Collaboration With Chinese Football Association

 

NFF Seeks Closer Collaboration With Chinese Football Association

 

The Nigeria Football Federation has taken the step to forge a closer relationship and meaningful ties with the Chinese Football Association, following a meeting between the NFF leadership and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, in Abuja on Thursday.

 

President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON reiterated that football is an immensely powerful tool to solidify relationships among nations and entities, and assured the top diplomat that the NFF is eager for closer ties with Chinese football, especially in the women’s category where China is a global force.

 

“We have received an offer from certain persons who are close to the Chinese FA, and who want our U17 girls to participate in a mini-tournament in China in July. We believe that this will be the beginning of a great working relationship with Chinese football.

 

“We are looking at more regular games among our teams. Certainly, matches can be organized both in China and Nigeria for both nations to participate, and at all times, the NFF will always intimate the Chinese Embassy and seek its guidance and advice.”

 

His Excellency Yu Dunhai, who is into the second year of his tenure in Nigeria, praised Gusau for the great interest in Chinese football and said there is a lot of collaboration and exchange programmes taking place between both nations in other sectors presently.

 

“As you said, football is a very strong instrument for forging unity because it belongs to the youth, and the youth represent the future. Presently, there are many Nigerian players and coaches in the Chinese League, and I am always thrilled to realise that Nigeria and China share the same Independence Day – October 1.

 

“Actually, my first knowledge of Nigeria came through football – when your boys won the Olympic football gold in Atlanta in 1996. Twelve years later, they won the silver medal right in China. Your U17 boys are also very strong and have the greatest collection of titles in the FIFA World Cup. Incidentally, their first title was in China in 1985.

 

“Football needs no language. Although our men’s team is not that strong, we are better in the women’s game and our people do enjoy watching the game.”

 

At the occasion as well were the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi; NFF’s Director of Media & Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire; Chinese Embassy’s First Secretary Ni Zhichen and NFF’s Director of Protocol, Barnabas Joro (right).

 

Osun State Football Association Congratulates Tosin Oyedokun On Super Eagles Invitation

 

Osun State Football Association Congratulates Tosin Oyedokun On Super Eagles Invitation

The Osun State Football Association extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tosin Oyedokun on his well-deserved invitation to the Nigeria Super Eagles, the senior national football team. This milestone marks a proud moment not only for Tosin but for the entire football community in Osun State, as one of our own steps onto the national stage. The FA commends his dedication, discipline, and perseverance, which have shaped his journey from the grassroots pitches to earning recognition at the highest level of Nigerian football.

The Osun FA notes with pride that Tosin’s talent was personally spotted by the Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, during a recent league match. Such recognition underscores the quality of players emerging from our state and the impact of consistent performance in the domestic league. Tosin, a native of Osun State, has demonstrated that hard work and a disciplined lifestyle remain the surest path to success in the game.

Speaking on the achievement, Osun FA supremo Mayor Sola Fanawopo stated, “Grassroots is truly the bedrock of Nigeria’s football. We congratulate Tosin on this milestone in his career.” He further emphasized that this accomplishment should serve as motivation for all stakeholders in the state’s football ecosystem to continue investing in young talent.

The Association also congratulates the grassroots coaches across Osun State whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in developing players like Tosin. “Tosin’s new achievements should further cement their unwavering commitment to the catch-them-young program,” Fanawopo added. Currently plying his trade with Ikorodu City FC as a midfield maestro, Tosin previously honed his skills with the defunct Destiny Boys and 3FC Ifon-Osun. The Osun FA wishes him success as he dons the green and white and continues to make the state proud in the Unity Cup and beyond.

Seeking Forgiveness Brings Divine Blessings To Mankind - Imam Abdulazzez

 

Seeking Forgiveness Brings Divine Blessings To Mankind - Imam Abdulazzez

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Islamic Affairs, Imam (Dr.) Abdulrasheed Adewale , Abdulazzez  has urged Muslim faithful and particularly, Oyo State pilgrims in Mecca to continually seek forgiveness from Allah, describing Istighfar as a pathway to divine mercy, peace and abundant blessings.

The Governor's Aide gave the admonition on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, during a sermon delivered at Diyar El Shaab Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as part of activities for the ongoing 2026 Hajj exercise.

In his sermon, Imam Abdulrasheed emphasized that seeking forgiveness from Allah brings numerous spiritual and worldly benefits, including guidance, protection, increased provision and inner tranquility. He noted that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives those who sincerely repent and remain steadfast in obedience to His commandments.

“Allah forgave Prophet Adam and his wife, Hawwa (Eve), after they sincerely sought His forgiveness for years following their disobedience in the Garden of Eden. This should serve as a lesson to every believer that no matter the gravity of one’s sin, Allah’s mercy is always available for those who repent with sincerity and humility. If Adam and Hawwa could obtain Allah’s forgiveness through persistent supplication and repentance, then Muslims must not despair of Allah's mercy but should constantly return to him in repentance and obedience ", Dr. Abdulazzez said. 

According to him, believers must cultivate the habit of constant repentance, especially during the sacred pilgrimage period. He further stated that Istighfar strengthens the relationship between mankind and the Creator, while also promoting humility and righteousness in society. He encouraged pilgrims from Oyo State and across Nigeria to use the holy season to pray for themselves, their families and the nation at large.

Imam Abdulrasheed also offered special prayers for the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, asking Allah to elevate him and continue to grant him wisdom, strength and success in the administration of the state. He equally prayed for the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Mogaji Haseem Atere, seeking divine guidance and protection for him and all officials coordinating the Hajj operations.

Oyo State Pilgrims Hold Special Prayers In Saudi Arabia For The Safe Return Of Kidnapped School Children, Teachers

 

Oyo State Pilgrims Hold Special Prayers In Saudi Arabia For The Safe Return Of Kidnapped School Children, Teachers

Pilgrims from Oyo State currently observing the holy pilgrimage in Mecca on Monday, May 18 2026, organized a special prayer session for the safe return of kidnapped school children and teachers in Oyo State. The prayer session was held after Ishai prayer at the Diyar El Shaab Mosque, Mecca, Saudi Arabia 

The solemn gathering drew dozens of Nigerian pilgrims who expressed deep concern over the rising cases of insecurity and abduction of students and teachers in parts of the state. The worshippers offered fervent prayers, seeking divine intervention for the victims’ safe release and for peace to return to affected communities.

Leading the prayer session, Head of Dawah Committee, Dr. Ibrahim Ballo Adelani urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers and support efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted victims. He stressed the importance of unity and collective supplication during difficult times facing the nation. He also called on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing the kidnapped children and teachers unharmed. 

"We received the news of abduction of innocent pupils and the purported murder of one of the teachers with shock. While we sympathise with families of the victims, our prayer to Allah is for the safe return of all others in the captivity of the bandits. We also want to state that the safety and welfare of these innocent citizens should be a top priority for the government and the security agencies", stated Dr. Adelani

The pilgrims further prayed for lasting peace, security, and stability in Nigeria, asking Allah to protect citizens from violence and criminal activities. They equally expressed hope that the abducted students and teachers would soon reunite safely with their families and loved ones.

Oyo Pilgrims Undergo Familiarisation Tour (Ziyarah) Of Holy Sites In Makkah Ahead Of Arafat Exercise

 

Oyo Pilgrims Undergo Familiarisation Tour (Ziyarah) Of Holy Sites In Makkah Ahead Of Arafat Exercise

Pilgrims from the Oyo State, on Monday, May 18, 2026  visited notable historical and religious sites in Makkah as part of preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise scheduled to commence fully with the Arafat rites on May 26. 

The familiarisation tour was organised to give the intending pilgrims firsthand knowledge of the sacred locations and help them prepare mentally and physically for the rigorous spiritual exercise ahead.

The pilgrims visited important sites including the Mount Arafat area, Jabal al-Nour, Mina, Muzdalifah and other notable places. The tour enabled the pilgrims to acquaint themselves with the terrain, historical significance and spiritual relevance of the holy sites before the commencement of the core Hajj rites

The visit was approved by the Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mogaji Haseem Atere, as part of measures aimed at ensuring a hitch-free pilgrimage for all contingents from the state. The chairman stressed the importance of adequate orientation and practical exposure for the pilgrims, noting that the exercise would assist them in understanding movement procedures and safety guidelines during the Hajj period.

Leading the pilgrims during the educational tour, the Head of Da’wah of the Board, Dr. Ibrahim Ballo Adelani, provided detailed explanations on the religious importance of each location visited. He urged the pilgrims to remain focused on the spiritual objectives of the pilgrimage and to conduct themselves in accordance with the teachings of Islam throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Some of the pilgrims such as Alhaji Faees Abimbola, 

Alhaji Badmus Isola Akeem and Imam Tajudeen Abdulazzez Obelawo  expressed appreciation to the board for organising the excursion, describing it as timely and enlightening. 

"We appreciate the Board for organizing this familiarization visit for us. This had boosted our confidence and preparedness ahead of the Arafat day, regarded as the peak of the Hajj exercise. It had also given us a clearer understanding of what is expected of us to successfully perform these rites in the coming days and how we should remain healthy to be able to withstand the rigour," they concluded.