Sports
NWFL Hosts UTA, To Collaborate For Growth Of Women’s Football
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.
Sports
Obi’s Inspiring Christmas Message Of Hope For Women’s Football
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Nkechi Obi, has delivered an inspiring Christmas message, celebrating the board’s achievements in 2024 while expressing hope and determination for the future of women’s football in Nigeria.
Reflecting on the milestones of the past year, Obi extended heartfelt gratitude to players, coaches, fans, and stakeholders for their unwavering dedication to the league’s growth and success.
The experienced sports administrator described 2024 as a year of breaking barriers, strengthening structures, and laying the groundwork for even greater accomplishments.
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“As we celebrate Christmas and reflect on another remarkable year, I want to express my profound gratitude to everyone who has been part of the NWFL’s journey,” Obi said.
“To our players, your passion, talent, and resilience are the heart of this league, inspiring us to aim higher. To the coaches, officials, sponsors, and supporters, your commitment to advancing women’s football in Nigeria has been invaluable.”
Obi emphasized the values of love, unity, and hope that Christmas embodies, drawing parallels to the collaborative spirit driving the league forward. She encouraged stakeholders to celebrate the progress made and remain optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.
“The 2024/2025 season promises to be one of growth, excitement, and greater inclusivity,” she added.
“Together, we will continue to push boundaries and ensure women’s football reaches its full potential in Nigeria. I wish you all a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May the season bring peace, love, and renewed inspiration for us all.”
Her message not only celebrates the successes of the past year but also sets a tone of optimism and collaboration for 2025, reaffirming the NWFL board’s commitment to excellence and progress.
Sports
Australian Tennis Champion, Max Purcell Faces Doping Suspension
Australian doubles champion, Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended after admitting to a violation of anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.
The 26-year-old, ranked 12th in the world for doubles, confessed to using a “prohibited method” and voluntarily entered a provisional suspension beginning December 10.
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The ITIA confirmed the suspension took full effect on December 12, stating, “Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”
As a result of the suspension, the 26-year-old is banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies.
This suspension rules him out of January’s Australian Open, where he was expected to be a strong contender.
Purcell’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and this year’s US Open doubles crown alongside Jordan Thompson.
In a statement, Tennis Australia clarified that the violation concerned a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.
“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.
“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it said.
The ITIA did not provide further details regarding the breach but noted that investigations are ongoing.
This case comes amid increased scrutiny over doping in tennis. Recent incidents include Polish world number two Iga Swiatek and Italian top-ranked player Jannik Sinner.
Swiatek received a one-month sanction earlier this year after testing positive for a banned heart medication, though the violation was deemed unintentional.
Meanwhile, Sinner was cleared after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, though the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision.
Both Swiatek and Sinner are set to compete in the Australian Open, beginning January 12.
Sports
CAF Awards: GTI Congratulates NFF, Lookman, Others
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Group has congratulated the football ruling body on the successful achievements of Nigerian footballers at the just concluded CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco where Super Eagles dare-devil striker Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year.
Head of Media and Publicity, GTI, Andrew Ekejiuba, in a statement in Lagos, expressed great hope that the efforts of the NFF at restructuring and repositioning football development in the country has begun yielding the desired results.
Biztellers reports that CAF awards event also witnessed the back-to-back emergence of Super Falcons goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year award.
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Ekejiuba reiterated that the Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is gradually returning the country to the glorious years when Nigeria dominated the award and was once ranked 5th best soccer-playing nation by the world football ruling body FIFA.
“The achievements of our Nigerian players at the just concluded CAF Award is a testament to the abundance of talents in the country and the clear vision of Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to ensure that these players realise their ambition to become the best in the continent and beyond.
“Therefore, GTI congratulates the Awardees for bringing honour to Nigeria,” he said.
“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League, GTI’s relentless effort with the NPFL Board has helped to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous elite league that will eventually attract the best legs locally and internationally. Also, by focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive”.