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.
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.
SEE ALSO: Spain’s World Cup Joy Turns to Horror as 13-Year-Old Dies in Celebration Disaster
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.
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.
RELATED NEWS: FIFA, CAF Move to Halt NFF Elections as Football Crisis Deepens
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.
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.”
READ ALSO: Tinubu Charges PCC Members to Deliver Wards
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.
Shettima Heads to Ebonyi for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
Flamingos Return To Abuja After Historic U-17 World Cup Triumph
FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct
2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
NDC Warns Judiciary Against Turning Courts Into Tools for Political Opposition
Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award
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
