Sports
NFF Picks Renovated MKO Abiola Sports Complex For Int’l Matches
The efforts of the Ogun State Government in renovating, renaming and rebranding the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta have gotten the attention and approval of football authorities in Nigeria.
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau has disclosed that Nigeria’s senior female football team, the Super Falcons, will play the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in an international friendly match at the renovated sports complex on May 31st and June 3rd.
According to the NFF boss, stated that the Sports Complex would also host Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Togo, Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria in a West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Under-17 Championship in September 2025.
Gusau made this known when he led other executive members of the NFF on a courtesy call to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in Abeokuta on Sunday.
ALSO READ: IPOB Declares Total Lockdown For May 30 To Honour Biafran Heroes
He said, “We are organizing a friendly match for our senior female national team, the Super Falcons, against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, which will take place at the end of this month.
“We have arranged two-legged matches; the first leg will be played on May 31st, and the second will be played on June 3rd.
“So, we plan to play the first match on May 31st at Remo Stars Stadium, and the second match will be played in Abeokuta, so the match on June 3rd will be held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex.”
He added that in his capacity, as the acting President of WAFU B, he made efforts to secure the hosting rights for the Under-17 qualifications from WAFU B, which will consist of about seven countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Togo, Benin, Ghana, and Nigeria.
“We secured the hosting rights, and I informed them that we are going to host it in Ogun State,” he said.
Gusau also noted that the federation under his leadership had been able to sanitize the Nigeria Professional Football League.
“When we came on board, everybody knew you could not talk about the Nigeria Premier League because nobody could tell you when the league would start or when it would end.
“But we made a promise to ensure we do what is right, and we must do our best to make sure that the Nigeria Premier League aligns with other leagues around the world, and by this season, we were able to achieve that,” he said.
In his remarks, Gov Abiodun appreciated the management of the NFF for restructuring and repositioning the Premier League, which he said now occupies its pride of place among premier leagues all over the world.
Gov Abiodun also stated that his administration is working towards developing a sports economy in the state, saying that all hands are on deck to ensure that the National Sports Festival becomes a reference point in hosting festivals in the country.
The Governor also praised Remo Stars Football Club for lifting the Nigeria Professional Football League trophy, noting that it had been over twenty years since a football club from the state or the Southwest achieved such a feat.
“We will build an economy around sports, and I want to thank you for supporting us in that. Besides, we are going to host the All African Under-18 and Under-20 athletics in July, which will take place here because of the facilities we now have.
“You have also announced that there will be a few matches played here, and we are very excited about that. This will help us strengthen the sports economy that we have begun to ensure we sustain this stadium that we have built,” he said.
The Governor also pledged the support of his administration towards ensuring that the state-owned team reclaims its place of pride among the comity of football teams in the country.
“As a government, I want to pledge that we will do everything to support sports, particularly football. Our Gateway Football Club—whatever it is that we are going to do, whichever way—we will invest.
“Because they say charity begins at home, we couldn’t have made such an investment and then they will not win the Premier League,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the dates for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for a historic tournament to be jointly hosted by three countries for the first time.
According to CAF, the competition—branded “PAMOJA 2027”—will kick off on June 19, 2027, and conclude with the final on July 17, 2027.
SEE ALSO: CAF Under Fire as Guinea Challenges Morocco’s 1976 AFCON Win after Senegal Ruling
The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a significant milestone in the history of African football.
CAF noted that the venues for both the opening match and the final will be confirmed at a later date, as preparations continue across the three host nations.
Describing the tournament as a landmark initiative, CAF said the joint hosting arrangement is expected to boost regional unity and enhance football development across East Africa.
The body also highlighted the opportunity to engage a massive audience of over 400 million people within the region.
In addition, CAF released details of the qualification process ahead of the tournament.
The draw for the qualifiers is scheduled to take place on May 19, 2026, following the preliminary rounds.
A total of 48 teams, including the host nations, will compete in the qualifiers.
The teams will be grouped into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the final tournament.
The qualification matches will be played across three FIFA international windows: from September 21 to October 6, 2026; November 9 to 17, 2026; and March 22 to 30, 2027.
With the announcement, anticipation is already building for what is expected to be one of the most unique and widely watched editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of Osogbo stadium, announcing that the sitting capacity of the modernised and upgraded stadium is to increase from 4000 to 15,000 upon completion.
Speaking after an early morning daily project review session which started since last week, the governor said the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost development of all games in the state.
“Upon completion, Osun will be qualified to host local and international events. Sports development will take a new tone. Our young population will have a big supportive platform to develop their talents”, the governor noted at the meeting.
ALSO READ: BOI Partners with RMRDC to Boost Agric Value-chain Growth
He particularly expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners who are working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium satisfy FIFA standard to eventually secure FIFA certification.
“In remodelling the stadium, we must satisfy global standards. I am happy at the involvement of local and international experts to ensure we meet FIFA and all associated standards. This is the way to go to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sport loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sport Trust Fund becomes operational. We are working round the clock to meet legal requirements and develop appropriate policy framework among others.
“We are working to also fully operationalise the Osun State Sport Commission. This and other structures are being put in place to address the many challenges facing the Sport sector. I have a vision of an Osun state sport sector with modern facilities, empowered workforce and big opportunities for sportsmen and women.
While commending the contractor for a job well done so far, Governor Adeleke commended the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi who doubled as the Commissioner for Sports, for demonstrating deep commitment to the completion of the project.
Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has thrown his full support behind rising midfielder Nico O’Reilly, insisting the youngster deserves to be crowned Premier League Young Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign.
Guardiola made the remarks on Monday following Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, a result that further strengthened their push in the title race.
ALSO READ: Emery Outshines Guardiola As Aston Villa End Man City’s Unbeaten Run
In the match, O’Reilly delivered another impressive performance, playing with composure and confidence beyond his years.
The youngster also provided an assist for Erling Haaland, helping City secure a crucial win at a key stage of the season.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola was emphatic in his praise for the teenager, suggesting there should be no debate about the award.
“O’Reilly deserves the Young Player of the Season. What a season he has had,” Guardiola said. “I don’t know who will win the overall Player of the Season, but for the young category, it has to be Nico.”
The statement has since gained wide attention, especially after being highlighted by football journalist Fabrizio Romano on social media.
O’Reilly’s emergence has been one of the bright spots in Manchester City’s campaign, with the midfielder earning praise for his versatility, maturity on the ball, and ability to step up in high-pressure games despite his young age.
As the season enters its final stretch, Guardiola’s strong endorsement is expected to boost O’Reilly’s profile in the race for individual honours.
Over 100 Students Hospitalised as Fresh Gas Leak Hits Ogun Schools
“Free El-Rufai Before Eid” — Atiku Blasts FG Over Detention
2027 Showdown Begins as Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Makinde Unite Against Tinubu
$100,000 Science Prize: NLNG Raises Bar for AI Innovation
Tinubu Moves to Grant Visa-Free Entry for Rwanda
Adoption of AI Feature as NIPetGE Pays Courtesy Call at NNPC Ltd
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
