Sports
GTI Commends NSC, NFF for Commitment to NPFL Transformation
Following the significant increase to the prize money for winners of Nigeria’s top-flight football league, strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, have commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their renewed commitment to the development and transformation of the NPFL.
This was detailed in a press statement in Lagos, under the signature of its Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, the GTI described the decision as a bold and encouraging step that reflects the determination of Nigeria’s sports administrators to reposition the NPFL as a more competitive and commercially attractive league, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“GTI commends this progressive initiative. Increasing the NPFL prize money sends a strong statement of intent that will undoubtedly motivate clubs, improve competitiveness, and send the right signals to investors and stakeholders about the future of Nigerian football. Additional financial commitment from the NSC to strengthen the operations of the NPFL will further accelerate its development,” Ekejiuba said.
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He also paid tribute to NPFL Board and GTI Group, for their unwavering commitment over the past four years to advancing and repositioning the league through innovative reforms, strategic investments, and a clear vision for sustainable football development.
“The contributions of GTI Group cannot be overlooked. Over the last four years, we have remained steadfast in supporting the NPFL and helping to lay the foundation for a more structured, commercially viable, and globally competitive football league. Our vision and commitment have continued to inspire confidence in the future of Nigerian club football, particularly through the extensive work of strengthening the league’s corporate governance, commercial value and making it more attractive to investors.”
Ekejiuba emphasized that effective synergy among football’s key institutions is essential for meaningful progress.
“This collaboration is not an end in itself but a means to an end, because it serves as catalyst upon which the real work continues.”
While expressing optimism about the recent developments, Ekejiuba cautioned against premature celebration.
“It is not yet time to celebrate because there is still a great deal of work to be done. Beyond increasing prize money, we must continue to strengthen governance, improve club licensing, enhance infrastructure, improve quality of production, create efficient content and data management, ensure financial accountability, deepen fan engagement, and build confidence among corporate Nigeria and international investors.
“In line with GTI’s vision, our commitment remains to work closely with the NPFL in order to build an accountable, transparent, and conducive football ecosystem that will naturally attract more partners, corporate sponsors, and investors to Nigeria’s elite league. This is how sustainable growth is achieved and a clear pathway to building one of Africa’s most respected football leagues.
“This collaboration between the NSC and NFF further compliments the efforts of the NPFL Board and GTI. We therefore, welcome more partners to join this transformation journey because the current value including the grant recently announced represents less than two per cent of the league’s overall potential revenues which we expect to unlock over the next five years,” he concluded.
Sports
Tragedy Hits Spanish Football As Tenerife Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies At 30
Spanish football has been thrown into mourning following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died at the age of 30 after suffering serious injuries in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a second-division match.
Tenerife confirmed the player’s death on Tuesday, November 3, revealing that he died at 8:00 a.m. following complications from injuries sustained during the encounter.
The incident occurred towards the closing stages of the match, which was tied at 2-2, when Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, rushed out of his goal and collided with De Miguel in the middle of the pitch.
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The goalkeeper was sent off following the incident, while the match was subsequently abandoned.
Spanish media reported that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after the collision and was resuscitated. However, Tenerife later announced that his neurological condition had deteriorated before he eventually died.
In a statement announcing the tragedy, the club expressed profound sadness over the loss of the striker and extended its condolences to his family, friends and supporters.
“Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe this is real, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death, at 8:00 am (7am GMT), of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 from Castellon and had spent just over a season with the Spanish side.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across Spanish football, including former Barcelona defender and FC Andorra majority shareholder Gerard Pique.
“I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,” Pique wrote on social media.
FC Andorra also expressed its condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates and Tenerife, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and several other Spanish clubs sent messages of sympathy.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation equally expressed its grief, describing the news as deeply saddening and extending its condolences following the striker’s death.
Sports
Sanwo-Olu Pledges Full Support as Lagos Prepares to Host 2026 CAF Awards
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged the state government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday after meeting with a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly.
The governor said his administration would pay particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access to ensure a memorable experience for participants and visitors.
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In a statement shared on his social media account, Sanwo-Olu said, “Meeting with the CAF delegation, led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, I assured them of our full support, with particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access.”
He described Lagos as a city with the energy and capacity to host major international events.
“Lagos is a city of talent, culture, enterprise and youthful energy,” the governor said.
He added, “We look forward to welcoming football leaders, stakeholders and visitors from across Africa and beyond, while showcasing our hospitality and ability to host major international events.”
The meeting comes as preparations continue for the continental football awards, which will bring together prominent figures in African football to celebrate outstanding performances and achievements.
The latest engagement follows the arrival of a 15-member CAF delegation in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, for a final inspection of facilities ahead of the awards and the organisation’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly.
The delegation, led by Emeruwa, was expected to assess facilities in Lagos and Abuja as part of efforts to evaluate the country’s readiness to host the two events.
The inspection also followed an earlier visit by CAF officials in August, when Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Lagos’s readiness to host the awards after a delegation inspected the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, in Iganmu.
The 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 7, while Abuja is expected to host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly on November 21.
The awards ceremony will recognise outstanding performances and achievements in African football, bringing together players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders from across the continent.
Sports
Iheanacho Flaunts Turkish Nickname
After scoring twice and providing an assist as Bursaspor beat Muglaspor 3-0 in the Turkish 1. Lig on Thursday, Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho took to social media to declare himself boss.
The Super Eagles forward who moved to the Turkish league from Celtic to Bursaspor has made history, becoming the first football player to score in 10 consecutive league matches for the club and in the Turkish professional league football.
He took to his social media handles to flaunt his Turkish nickname – “Agabey”.
In a post on his verified handle on X, the Nigerian forward shared a picture of himself in traditional Turkish dress with a new nickname, “Agabey”. The caption read, “We go ball till eternity, Kelechi Agabey.”
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The word is a respectful Turkish title that translates as “Big Brother” or “Boss”.
The 30-year-old has now scored in all 10 games he has played for Bursaspor, and including his appearance for the Super Eagles, he has found the net in 11 straight matches. He has 14 goals and three assists since joining from Celtic.





