The Group Managing Director of GTI, Abubakar Lawal, has reiterated the desire of his company to ensure the total restructuring and repositioning of Nigerian football to match what is seen in other climes, where the game if professionally managed.

Lawal spoke after being honoured with an award at the just concluded Newstap/SWAN 5-Star Award ceremony in Lagos.

He maintained that the recognition given to him by the organisers of the event will spur him and GTI to do more for the benefit of the sports ecosystem.

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In his words, “I’m delighted that the umbrella body of sports journalists in this country, SWAN and a leading online media platform, Newstap recognized our huge investment towards reviving the Nigeria Premier Football League and the President Federation Cup. For us in GTI, this award is too dear to us and that was why I came here with my lovely wife and the GTI team to witness this auspicious occasion.

“This award will spur us to do more for the country’s elite league and our President Federation Cup because GTI is keen in uplifting Nigerian football.

“Today, is a historic day in GTI Group and I thank all who made this event possible as we have just witnessed a fantastic event that is full of glamour.”

Lawal used the opportunity to thank the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko for his efforts at reviving sports since he took office and also believing in the vision of GTI at restructuring the beautiful game in Nigeria.

“I want to thank the NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi for their support which culminated in the emergence of GTI into our sports ecosystem. I also thank the media for believing in our dream of providing a lasting solution to the problems confronting our elite league and President Federation Cup.

“Our project on the NPFL is in three phases and I want to use this opportunity to state that as strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI has successfully completed our first phase of intervention in the elite league. Today, NPFL is visible globally and enjoys improved organisation cum management.

“We are now into the second phase in which we will see our clubs being managed more professionally with improved welfare for the players. This will help stem the mass exodus of our quality players to many obscure leagues in the world.

“Finally, I want to say kudos to other awardees tonight and Hon. Kunle Soname for setting the benchmark for other NPFL clubs to emulate when it comes to club management. For us at GTI, the best is yet to come,” he concluded.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have begun preparations for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, with key players already arriving at the team’s camp.

Super striker Victor Osimhen, along with Bruno Onyemaechi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, were the first to join the squad.

A video shared on the team’s social media handles showed the quartet arriving at Kigali International Airport in the Rwandan capital, where they were received by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and other team officials.

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The early arrivals mark the beginning of what is expected to be an intense buildup to Friday’s clash, as Nigeria seeks to revive their World Cup qualification hopes.

Osimhen, who has been in superb form this season, is expected to lead the attack as the Super Eagles aim for their first win in the qualifiers.

Currently, Nigeria sits in fourth place in Group C with just three points from four matches, having yet to secure a victory.

They trail group leaders Rwanda by four points, putting them in danger of missing out on back-to-back World Cup tournaments after failing to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Chelle, who will be taking charge of his first match as Super Eagles head coach, has called up 23 players for the upcoming qualifiers.

Following the Rwanda game, Nigeria will host Zimbabwe next Tuesday in another must-win encounter.

More players are expected to arrive at camp in the coming days as the Super Eagles prepare for what could be a defining moment in their World Cup qualification journey.

Nigerian para-badminton star Eniola Bolaji has once again showcased her dominance on the global stage, clinching gold in the women’s SL3 category at the Spanish Para-Badminton International 2025 in Toledo, Spain.

Bolaji, who is ranked world number two, secured her second title in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in Sunday’s final.

The Paralympic bronze medallist was in top form throughout the tournament, defeating India’s Sanjana Kumari 2-0 (21-15, 21-8) in the second round before another straight-game win over Yildiz (21-9, 21-12) in the third round.

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She continued her dominance in the semifinal, overpowering Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyba 2-0 (21-16, 21-4) to book her place in the final.

Reacting to Bolaji’s triumph, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, hailed her consistency and resilience, describing her as the only African player to have won 12 gold medals in all her international outings.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Eniola Bolaji on her incredible achievement of winning her 12th gold medal in as many international tournaments. This remarkable feat is a testament to her consistency, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence,” Orbih said.

“Bolaji has not only made Nigeria proud but has also firmly stamped her authority in the world of para-badminton. Her journey continues to inspire many, and we at the Badminton Federation of Nigeria remain committed to supporting her as she reaches even greater heights.”

Orbih also expressed excitement about Nigeria hosting the All African Para-Badminton/Abia International Para-Badminton Championships later this year, emphasizing that the event will further highlight the country’s growing influence in the sport.

“It gives me joy that the giants of Africa in para-badminton will be hosting an international championship and the African championship in Nigeria. It will give us an avenue to further expose other potential champions to the world,” he added.