Deputy President of the Senate, Dr. Barau I. Jibrin, has inspected the Dambatta Stadium as part of his commitment to providing a conducive environment for youth development.

The Independent Mirror reports that the Dambatta Stadium is one of 13 stadiums constructed by DSP Barau in the Kano North Senatorial District.

Senator Barau Jibrin, along with his delegation, stopped at the Dambatta Stadium while returning from Daura, Katsina State, to demonstrate his continued support for football and other sporting activities among the youth.

While speaking, Senator Barau said the project was initiated to promote sporting activities among the region’s vibrant youth population.

“This effort is in line with my commitment to providing a conducive atmosphere and environment for our teeming youth to become better citizens and future leaders of the country,” he stated.

“We will not relent in our efforts to engage our youth, who are crucial to our developmental drive,” he added.

Dambatta Stadium serves as the home ground of Barau Football Club, which competes in the Nigerian National League (NNL).

How Prostars/NNL February Awardees Were Selected

side.

Energy Kennedy (Godswill Akpabio FC) – Best Goal of the Month

Kennedy’s stunning strike captured the attention of the league’s media forum and became a fan favorite after voting on NNL’s media platform. His goal stood out for its technique and timing, earning widespread acclaim.

Adekoya Warith (Lagos State Referees Council) – Best Referee of the Month

Praised for his performance in the Gateway United vs. Kun Khalifat FC fixture, Warith was lauded for his firm, fair, and accurate application of the rules. His control of the game and sound judgment earned him the referee honor.

The February awards showcased not just talent, but also integrity and professionalism, affirming the NNL’s commitment to recognizing excellence across all levels of the beautiful game.

Five-month old NNL side, Abakaliki FC bundle Enyimba out of President Federation Cup

By Ifeanyi Eduzor

Abakaliki FC Wednesday pulled the mother of all surprises in the President Federation Cup beating Enyimba 2-0 in Asaba to land in the quarterfinals of the competition.

Abakaliki FC who are just five months old as a club scored in each half of the encounter to send fumbling Enyimba out of the highly unpredictable competition.

The NNL side will now face Nasarawa United who defeated Bayelsa United in another round of 16 match by 5-4 penalties.

All the quarterfinal pairings:

Abakaliki FC Vs Nasarawa United

Wikki Tourists Vs Ikorodu City

Akwa United Vs Kwara United

Plateau United Vs Rangers Int’l

FEDERATION CUP 2025: WIKKI TOURISTS EDGE WARRI WOLVES IN THRILLING PENALTY SHOOTOUT TO REACH QUARTERFINALS.

Wikki Tourists FC are through to the quarterfinals of the 2025 President Federation Cup after a dramatic showdown with Warri Wolves ended in a 4-3 penalty shootout victory, following a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Played at the Area 3 Field in Abuja,the match was nothing short of a rollercoaster.

Warri Wolves took the early lead just 5minutes into the game stunning the Wikki defense and keeping their advantage all the way into injury time.

The Tourists were however not going down without a fight.

Then came the hour and the man John Taiwo stepped up in the 94th minute with a thunderous equalizer, sending Wikki fans into a frenzy and dragging the game into penalties.

In the shootout, Wikki Tourists held their nerves, converting 4 out of 5 spot-kicks, while Warri Wolves managed only 3.

Reacting after the match, Technical Adviser Wikki Tourists Abdu Maikaba praised his team’s resilience:

We knew this match would be tough,both teams are among the top sides in the NNL,but I’m proud of my boys.
They dominated the game and created many chances, even though we didn’t convert as many as we should.

We’ll work on that before the next match,emphasized Maikaba.

With this hard-fought win, Wikki Tourists now march into the quarterfinals, where they will face Ikorodu City with the date to be announced soon by the organizers.

WTFC Media

Prostar Sports International once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to grassroots football development as it powered the third edition of the prestigious NNL Prostar/Sportslight Hub Monthly Awards, held at the West Point Hotel in Abuja.

The vibrant ceremony, held in Nigeria’s capital, brought together top football dignitaries, club officials, referees, players, and media to celebrate standout performances from the month of February in the Nigeria National League (NNL)—widely regarded as the country’s most critical league for talent elevation to the top flight.

As an innovation champion and proud partner of the NNL, Prostar Sports International continues to set new standards in player recognition and sports branding across the nation. Since launching the monthly awards in December 2024, Prostar has not only created a platform for rewarding excellence but also contributed significantly to the increased visibility of the league both locally and internationally.

Award Winners – February 2025:

Best Behaved Team: First Bank FC (Lagos)

Best Coach: Obinna Uzoho – Kun Khalifat FC (Owerri)

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Austin Ajegbeyi – First Bank FC (4 goals)

Highest Goal Scorer: Anthony Ndubisi – Madiba FC (4 goals)

Best Goalkeeper: Lateef Nurudeen – Igbajo FC (Osogbo)

Best Referee: Adekoya Warith – Lagos Referees Council

Goal of the Month: Energy Kennedy – Godswill Akpabio United FC

Speaking at the event, NNL CEO Mr. Emmanuel Attah praised Prostar’s pivotal role:

“Since the Prostar initiative began, it has brought life to the league, encouraged players, and created visibility that we’ve never seen before.”

NFF 2nd Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi, representing the NFF President, noted:

“The NNL is the heartbeat of Nigerian football. Initiatives like these by Prostar make a real difference, and the NFF stands proudly behind them.”

NNL COO Mr. Danlami Alanana emphasized continuity:

“We thank Prostar Sports International and our partners. This award is here to stay. It’s a symbol of our belief in rewarding performance and integrity.”

Prostar CEO Ambassador Paul Maduakor added:

“Our goal at Prostar is clear—to promote, recognize, and elevate Nigerian football. We are proud of the impact we’ve made so far and we are just getting started.”

As Prostar continues to set the gold standard in football innovation, branding, and motivation, the NNL Monthly Awards now stand as a beacon of recognition, excellence, and hope for players, coaches, and officials dreaming of the big stage.

Photo : Hon. Elegbeleye (standing) gives his speech while Chief Anyansi (second left), Aluo (first right) and Dr Sanusi (left) watch.

There were commendations from all quarters for the George Aluo-led Board of the Nigeria National League as the management of the second-tier of Nigeria’s domestic football organized its third Awards Ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who was represented by the NFF 1st Vice President Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, gave kudos to the NNL Board for the innovations it has introduced into the league, and challenged it to keep at the pace in order to take the ‘most important league’ to new heights.

On his part, NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman of NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, affirmed that the NNL is on the right track to actualizing full private-sector clubs’ participation, while challenging the NNL board to keep encouraging private sector participation in club ownership and management. He also applauded the accomplishments of the Aluo-led board so far.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, was emphatic that given the various changes and innovations introduced into the league by the present board, the NFF has no regrets in putting the board in charge of the second-tier league.
He utilized the opportunity to invite First Bank PLC to consider partnering with the NNL, as a way of giving back to the society and taking the youth off the streets to curb all forms of social vices.

In his remarks, former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi commended the warm relationship among the various league bodies and the Nigeria Football Federation.
He noted that the present NFF leadership has continued to show genuine passion for football development at the grassroots, while also calling for private sector involvement in sponsorship of the domestic game.

Chairman of the NNL, Mr. George Aluo, was full of appreciation to the eminent guests for their warm words of encouragement.
He extolled the leadership qualities of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Dr Mohammed Sanusi at the NFF, and attributed the successes recorded so far by the league to the purpose-driven leadership at the NFF.

“These Awards are a way of encouraging good performances and good conduct, and also to inculcate the spirit of competition among the various participants in the league. I commend our partners, ProStar Recreational Services Limited and Sportslights Hub for supporting the NNL to organize these awards to encourage our outstanding players, officials and referees.”

Chief Executive Officer of the NNL, Mr. Emmanuel Attah, gave a brief background on how NNL secured the partnerships with ProStar and Sportslights Hub.
He enjoined both organizations to continue to identify with the league especially as footage of league matches are now being seen in various parts of the country and the world at large.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau has expressed his satisfaction with the leadership of the board of the Nigeria National League (NNL), following the boards seamless organization of the country’s second tier league

Gusau gave the commendation during the third edition of the NNL Monthly Awards ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.

The NFF president, who was represented at the event by the first vice president of the federation, Felix Anyansi Agwu, said the National League has taken a new shape with giant and commendable strides since the emergence of George Aluo as it’s chairman.

He emphasized that the newly introduced monthly awards has given the league a greater face and made it more competitive as all actors, including players, coaches, referees and managers alike not only compete to be recognized and selected but ensure a transparent management and smooth flow of the league.

Earlier in his opening remarks the NNL chairman, George Aluo noted that
the awards recipients, including players, coaches and clubs have shown enormous strength in projecting the image of the most important league in the country, the NNL, adding that the awards is therefore designed to reward those who have performed exceptionally well in the month under review.

He expressed the board’s appreciation of the support from the NFF president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, noting that he has always give the NNL a free hand to do what he believes in, adding that he has remained very supportive in all the achievements the NNL board has recorded in the ongoing league season.

Aluo further highlighted the strength and quality of the second tier league, stating that the strong performances of the clubs in the league have similarly been replicated in the big victories the NNL clubs have recorded in the ongoing President Federations Cup where NNL teams are upstaging their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) counterparts.

He said, “Exceptional achievements are within our reach when we stand tall on a foundation of personal integrity, hard work and unwavering determination.

“Success is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution.

“Today, I feel very privileged and honoured to stand here in front of you all and acknowledge the achievements of our brilliant Football Players, Team Officials, outstanding Team and outstanding arbiters for the Month of February, 2025 who have made themselves, their parents and their clubs proud.”

The NNL chairman noted further that the awards program is held “to recognize the young talents who have made an immense contribution to our noble League “the most important League in Nigeria,” adding that the brilliant athletes exhibit such qualities that will not only help them in achieving their goals, but also bring glory of success to their football clubs and organizations.

“Today, we have gathered here not just to celebrate the achievements of our players, but also to give due regard to our values and morals which these awardees exemplify, like discipline, compassion and zeal for learning.”

He explained that the awards are a way to encourage good performances, good behaviour and inculcate competitive spirit, stressing that such practices informed the Nigeria National League (NNL) alongside its partners, organize monthly award ceremony to encourage outstanding footballers, officials and referees.

“So we are here to give away the awards in mainly seven categories; the best behaved Team, the best coach, the Best Goalkeeper, best Goal of the month, Highest Goal Scorer, Most Valuable Player and Best Referee,” he noted.

First Bank FC of Lagos, Kennedy, Nurudeen Among Winners at NNL Prostar/Sportslight Hub February Edition Awards

…Over Nine NNL Matches Streamed Worldwide – Emmanuel Attah

By Joel Ajayi

The third edition of the NNL Prostar/Sportslight Hub Monthly Awards took center stage at the West Point Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, where clubs, players, coaches, and referees were honored for their outstanding performances in February.

The glamour-filled event brought together dignitaries, players, and key stakeholders to celebrate excellence and dedication across the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Award Highlights:
Best Behaved Team of the Month: First Bank FC of Lagos

Best Coach of the Month: Coach Obinna Uzoho Kun Khalifat of Owerri.

Best Player of the Month: Austin Ajegbeyi of First Bank FC of Lagos.
Best Goal of the Month: Energy Kennedy of Godswill Akpabio FC.

Best Referee of the Month: Adekoya Warith of Lagos State FA Council.

Best Goalkeeper of the Month: Lateef Nurudeen of Igbajo FC, Osogbo.

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Austin Ajegbeyi of First Bank FC of Lagos – with four goals in the month.

Highest Goal Scorer of the Month: Anthony Ndubisi of Madiba FC – also with four goals

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League, Mr. Emmanuel Attah, congratulated all awardees and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.

He emphasized that the awards initiative, launched in partnership with Prostar in June 2023, is aimed at motivating players, coaches, and referees while promoting discipline and professionalism in the league.

“Since we began in December 2024, the impact has been significant. The awards have helped boost the visibility of the NNL globally—with at least nine matches being streamed and watched around the world,” Attah said.”The presence of NFF management here today is a testament to the progress we are making.”

Representing the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the 2nd Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi, officially declared the third edition of the awards open.

“There’s no doubt that the progress made by the NNL is commendable. These awards will boost morale, promote healthy competition, and inspire players to reach their full potential,” he stated.”The NFF is proud to witness the growth of the NNL and reaffirms its commitment to supporting continued development and innovation in the league.”

In his opening remarks, the new Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Mr. Alanana Danlami, noted that the monthly awards are designed to energize players and teams, helping to elevate the league’s profile.

“We’re committed to intensifying our efforts and improving on this initiative. We thank our partners and the NFF for their support, without which the NNL could not thrive,” he concluded

The third edition of the NNL Prostar/Sportslight Hub Monthly Awards lit up the West Point Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, as clubs, players, coaches, and referees were celebrated for their outstanding performances in February.

The event, filled with glitz and excitement, brought together dignitaries, football stakeholders, and players to honor excellence and dedication across the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Award Highlights:

• Best Behaved Team of the Month: First Bank FC of Lagos
• Best Coach of the Month: Coach Obinna Uzoho Kun Khalifat of Owerri
• Best Player of the Month: Austin Ajegbeyi of First Bank FC of Lagos
• Best Goal of the Month: Energy Kennedy of Godswill Akpabio FC
• Best Referee of the Month: Adekoya Warith of Lagos State FA Council
• Best Goalkeeper of the Month: Lateef Nurudeen of Igbajo FC, Osogbo
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Austin Ajegbeyi of First Bank FC of Lagos – scored four goals in the month
• Highest Goal Scorer of the Month: Anthony Ndubisi of Madiba FC – also with four goals

Speaking at the event, Nigeria National League CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Attah, praised the awardees and highlighted the purpose of the initiative launched in partnership with Prostar in June 2023.

“Since we began in December 2024, the impact has been significant. The awards have helped boost the visibility of the NNL globally—with at least nine matches streamed and watched worldwide,” Attah noted. “The presence of NFF management here today is a testament to the progress we are making.”

Representing the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Felix Anyansi, the 2nd Vice President, declared the third edition officially open, praising the league’s development.

“These awards will boost morale, promote healthy competition, and inspire players to reach their full potential. The NFF is proud to witness the growth of the NNL and reaffirms its commitment to supporting its development,” he said.

In his opening remarks, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Mr. Alanana Danlami, reaffirmed the league’s commitment to the awards as a driver of motivation and visibility.

“We’re committed to intensifying our efforts and improving on this initiative. We thank our partners and the NFF for their support—without which the NNL could not thrive,” he concluded.