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NWFL Hosts UTA, To Collaborate For Growth Of Women’s Football

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The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) on Wednesday, in Abuja, received a delegation from the United Towns Agency (UTA) for North South Cooperation.

 

Details of the visit and purpose were gleaned from a statement from the media department of the NWFL on Thursday.

 

Biztellers gathered that the purpose of this meeting was to explore mutual interests and partnership opportunities.

 

The NWFL, it explained, has been actively engaging with various organisations to foster social, economic, structural, and technical growth within the country’s women’s football league.

 

Chairman, NWFL, Nkechi Obi, warmly welcomed the UTA team, to discuss partnership strategies that would leverage the agency’s resources and expertise to support the development of women’s football in Nigeria.

 

Obi laid out her vision for the collaboration, thus, “We are delighted to have hosted the Global General Secretary of the United Towns Agency, Amb Eya Essif. The message is clear: women’s football presents a unique opportunity to advance gender equality, grassroots development, and overall community well-being.

 

“At NWFL, we are committed to promoting football and empowering the girl-child. We eagerly anticipate what UTA will bring to the table with the MOU, which we have already drafted and submitted. In no time, we will sign the agreement and embark on programs and initiatives to drive gender equality and community development.”

 

Obi was accompanied by NWFL board members, including Alhaja Rukayat Lola Alaya, retired referee Hadiza Musa, Ms Henrietta Ehiobor and NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Ms Modupe Shabi.

 

The UTA delegation, led by Essif and Country President, UTA, Abigail Amalaha, who also represents an organisation accredited by the United Nations, based in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

The UTA operates in 110 countries, with involvement in a wide range of humanitarian projects, including irrigation systems, electricity, environmental protection, human rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

Essif made clear the agency’s commitment to working with th NWFL to enhance its capacity for resource mobilisation and support for gender equality and women’s football development, particularly at the grassroots level.

 

Biztellers reports that the partnership will encompass financial and technical assistance aimed at strengthening the NWFL’s capabilities, expertise, and resources for the betterment of girls through football.

 

Essif highlighted the significant role that the UTA could play as a partner in boosting the growth of the women’s league, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to addressing development challenges within women’s football, aligning with NWFL’s goals.

 

“We are here to strengthen our partnership with the women in Nigeria and to champion gender equality in football,” the Tunisian-born businesswoman said.

 

“Our aim is to bridge the existing gaps and make this vision a reality. I am highly optimistic about promoting this cause in Nigeria,” she added.

 

Corroborating the stance of Essif, Amalaha, a renowned Nigerian journalist, said, “Today, we join hands with the Nigeria Women Football League to fortify our relationship between developing nations and to pave the way for development.

 

“Our shared mission is to advance women’s football, empower women, and contribute to the progress of our countries.”

 

Also part of the UTA delegation were Executive Officer, Austin Anene; Project Coordinator, Engr. Patrick Udeme; Protocol/Programme Officer, Oyekunbi Ashamu, and Audio Visual/Information Officer, Collins Peter.

 

The parties have identified the potential signing of a UTA-NWFL strategic initiative as the next crucial step in their collaborative efforts.

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Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return

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Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.

Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.

READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal

According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.

Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.

After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.

Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.

Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca

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Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.

This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.

Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.

READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea

The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.

While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.

Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.

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Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs

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RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.

This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.

READ MORE: Wizkid Breaks Spotify Records With ‘Kese (Dance)’ Release

The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.

Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.

With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.

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