Gladiators Gear Up For Southwestern Derby: Rasheed Calls For Focus

 

Osun United's Rasheed: We're There For Each Other, On And Off Pitch

Osun United fit again winger Adam Rasheed played a crucial role in the team's vital win over Warri Wolves, executing the coach's plan to perfection. After nursing injuries for a significant part of the regular season, Rasheed was able to shake off his physical limitations and bring his A-rated performance to the pitch in Asaba. 

His contribution was instrumental in securing the win, and he earned praise from fans and coaches alike for his determination and skill on the field.

Rasheed is now focused on the upcoming match against Crown FC, a highly anticipated Southwest derby that promises to be a thrilling encounter. He is hopeful of another positive result and has called on his teammates to remain determined and focused as they prepare for the big game. Rasheed emphasized the importance of teamwork, declaring that whether on the field or off the pitch, " my teammates are there for each other," he said.

This sense of unity and camaraderie will be crucial as Osun United takes on Crown FC in a match that could determine the team's fate in the Nigeria National League Super 8 playoff.

A win against Crown FC would mean that Osun United secures the NPFL ticket, a dream that Seye Ajayi's side has been working towards. With Rasheed's talent and determination on display, The Gladiators will be looking to build on their momentum and make a strong case for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League. 

The upcoming match against Crown FC is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to make a statement in Asaba.

NFF Mourns As Nigeria Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai Dies At 61

 

NFF Mourns As Nigeria Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai Dies At 61

 

The Nigeria football firmament turned pale on Thursday evening after it was confirmed that the country’s 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup first-choice goalkeeper Peter Rufai had died in Lagos following a period of illness.

 

“This is really, really shocking,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in Abuja. “Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill.

 

“We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family.”

 

Reports said the flamboyant goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigeria senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks, before giving up the ghost at a Lagos hospital at about 6am on Thursday.

 

Former Nigeria international midfielder Waidi Akanni confirmed that the body of one of Nigeria football’s true heroes had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.

 

Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.

 

The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions), and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at a time.

 

Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981. He also played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Nasarawa United's Baruwa in Demand: Will He Stay or Leave?

 

Nasarawa United Faces Goalkeeper Crisis as Baruwa Attracts Rwanda Interest

•Nasarawa United's Baruwa in Demand: Will He Stay or Leave?

Nasarawa United may be on the verge of losing their highly respected goalkeeper's handler, Olatunji Baruwa MON. Top clubs in Rwanda have reportedly shown growing interest in securing his services. Baruwa's impressive track record, which includes stints as head coach at Osun United and goalkeeper's trainer for various Nigeria National Teams, has made him a coveted figure in the football world.

Baruwa's contribution to Nasarawa United has been invaluable. His expertise and tactics have significantly impacted the team's goalkeeping department. Last season, the club narrowly avoided relegation, and retaining Baruwa's services will be crucial to their future success. His ability to instill discipline and confidence in the goalkeepers has been a key factor in the team's performance.

While working with the senior national team, Baruwa brought stability and balance to the goalkeeping department, which had been plagued by crises. His presence helped to establish a sense of consistency and calm, allowing the team to perform at their best. It's no surprise that clubs have been making overtures to secure his services.

As the summer transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Baruwa will switch employers. While interest from Rwanda clubs is significant, it's unclear if he will leave Nasarawa United. The club will undoubtedly face a tough challenge in retaining their esteemed goalkeeper's handler, but his departure would undoubtedly be a significant loss.

Lifters Ready to Shine: Nigeria Para Powerlifting National Trials Get Underway In Abuja

 

Building for the Future: Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federations Set To Recruit Next Roland, Nwogu,Onyinyechi, Omolayo...

Seyi Akanni

As the curtains draw open on the National Para Powerlifting Trials, the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation has set the stage for a new generation of lifters to shine. According to Federation Secretary Afolabi-Oluwayemi Olabisi, this initiative is part of the federation's proactive approach to grooming young talent and ensuring a seamless transition from the current crop of ageing lifters who have brought glory to the nation. With an eye on the 2028 Olympics, the federation is keen on catching them young and nurturing their skills to achieve better results on the world stage.

The trials, which kick off in Abuja on Saturday, June 14th, and run through to Monday, June 16th, 2025, will feature lifters competing in various weight categories ranging from 41kg to 107kg for both males and females. This event promises to be an exciting platform for young and aspiring lifters to showcase their strength and potential. With the federation's focus on developing a robust pipeline of talent, the future of Nigerian Para Powerlifting looks bright.

Nigeria's recent performances on the international stage have been nothing short of impressive. At the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai, the team scooped seven medals, including two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals. This was followed by an equally stellar display at the 2024 Paralympics in France, where the team won six medals, comprising two gold and four silver medals. These achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the country's lifters and coaches.

As the trials get underway, the nation watches with bated breath, eager to see the next crop of Para Powerlifting stars emerge. With the federation's commitment to nurturing young talent, there is no doubt that Nigerian Para Powerlifting will continue to thrive and bring glory to the nation. The trials are not just about identifying new talent but also about building a strong foundation for future success. As the athletes take to the platform, they will be pushing themselves to new heights, and the nation will be cheering them on every step of the way.

COMPETITION TIME TABLE FOR PARA-POWERLIFTING OPEN NATIONAL TRIALS 

 DAY 1 14TH JUNE, 2025) 12noon.

86KG   FEMALE 

+86KG FEMALE 

107KG MALE

  DAY 2 MORNING*(15TH JUNE, 2025) 11:00am prompt. 

41KG FEMALE 

45KG FEMALE 

49KG MALE 

54KG MALE

59KG MALE

          AFTERNOON

50KG FEMALE 

61KG FEMALE 

65KG MALE 

72KG MALE 

DAY 3 MORNING* ( 16TH JUNE, 2025)11:00am prompt. 

79KG FEMALE 

55KG FEMALE 

67KG FEMALE 

73KG FEMALE 

        AFTERNOON

80KG MALE

88KG MALE 

97KG MALE

https://x.com/ParaLifterNaija/status/1933852157192643062?t=dIDr7n3Qcah6NhIOHL-5cg&s=19

Osun SWAN Condoles Kano over Tragic Loss Of Athletes

 Osun SWAN condoles Kano over tragic loss of athletes

With hearts heavy with grief, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter, extends our deepest condolences to the Kano state government, Kano State Chapter of SWAN and the bereaved families over the tragic incident that occurred in Dakstalle, resulting in the painful loss of 19 irreplaceable lives, including athletes, journalists, medical personnel, and sports administrators. These individuals were patriotic sons and daughters of Nigeria, who had journeyed with noble intentions to represent their dear state at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

This devastating event has cast a dark cloud not only over Kano State but also across the entire Nigerian sporting community. The loss of such vibrant and committed individuals—men and women who dedicated their lives to the growth and progress of sports in Nigeria—is a monumental tragedy that words alone cannot capture. We mourn alongside you, and our hearts weep with yours.

To the bereaved families, we say: we may not fully understand the depth of your sorrow, but we share in your pain. May Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant comfort to every grieving heart. May He forgive the shortcomings of the departed souls and admit them into Al-Jannatul Firdausi. Their contributions to the sports ecosystem, their passion, and their dedication will never be forgotten.

To our esteemed colleagues in SWAN Kano, please accept our heartfelt sympathy. This is indeed a moment of great sorrow for all of us as sports journalists and professionals. The loss of our comrades in the line of duty is not just a loss to Kano, but to the entire fraternity of sports journalism in Nigeria. We acknowledge and honour their sacrifice.

We also extend our thoughts and prayers to those who sustained injuries in the unfortunate crash. We pray for their swift and complete recovery, and for divine strength to continue in spite of this painful experience.

During this time of immense grief, we stand in unwavering solidarity with SWAN Kano and the Kano State Government. We call on relevant authorities to provide the needed support to the affected families and survivors, and to take steps to ensure the safety of our athletes, journalists, and officials in the future.

May the memories of the departed remain a blessing, and may we all find strength in unity and shared humanity as we walk through this valley of sorrow.