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.

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.

Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa led the nine other states in organising trials for local government and federal constituencies on the first day of the trials for the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) from Tuesday, March 11.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State declared that it was aiming to put forward its best young athletes in a fair and competitive environment.

It turned out to be trail blazing of sorts in Eket where Akwa Ibom held the first day of trials with athletes featuring in Canoeing, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Basketball and Athletics.

It was gathered that the Commissioner for Sports Development and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Liaison Committee, Hon. Daniel Igali, who also serves on the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), met with the Bayelsa State Working Committee in his office on Wednesday.

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The meeting was to strategize towards achieving the expected goals for the festival that holds in Uyo from April 1-8.

Igali emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the competition by ensuring that all participating athletes meet the age requirement of 25 years and below. He reiterated that while winning is important, the primary focus should be on fair play, development, and showcasing young talent.

Igali met at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, with the coaches and association secretaries.

The discussions centred on establishing a structured and practical framework for conducting trials at both the Local Government Area (LGA) and Senatorial District levels.

In Eket, Hon. Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey was seen at different competion grounds supervising the trials with budding talents from the Eket Senatorial District competing for one of 316 coveted spots to represent the state at the inaugural event.

From the pitch to the tracks, mat, sand, river, pool, and courts, young athletes gave their all, showcasing their skills in various sports, including football, track and field, weightlifting, traditional wrestling, swimming, basketball, boxing, tennis, handball, canoeing, and volleyball. The organization of the trails was top-notch, conforming to the standards set by the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) of the festival.

The technical lead of the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Committee, Catherine Ekuta Ewa, expressed her excitement about the talents on display, saying, “If we can harness the talents we have seen here, Akwa Ibom will have a very bright future in sports.” She also thanked the organizers for creating an avenue for young athletes to be screened and aspire to compete at a higher level.

The trials, which were held in various locations across the Eket Senatorial District, including Eket town, Ibeno LGA, and Oron, saw a high level of competition, with many young athletes displaying exceptional skills and energy.

Nine states including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta are among the competing states. The rest are Edo, Imo, Cross River, Ondo and Rivers. The festival is sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as a sports intervention project to mark its 25th anniversary and also help to harness talents in the region.