The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, has rubber-stamped the sacking of the interim management of the Nigeria Premier Football League side, Kano Pillars.

The chief of staff to the governor, Shehu Wada Sagagi, confirmed this in a chat with the media in Kano.

Sagagi said that the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Kwankwaso did not act in any manner that contravened the official position of the state chief executive.

He revealed that the government had embarked on the reorganization process that will place the club, on the scope , where it can compete favorable amongst it soccer peers.

“The commissioner for sports is the one supervising Kano Pillars , they have to be subordinate to him, what is always expected from him is to exercise due diligence at all times,” he stated to the media.

“The commissioner did not act without the approval of the governor, he has made his submissions to the governor and he is waiting for approval.”

DAILY POST recalled that the Alhaji Babangida Umar Little led management board was sacked last week.

FCT Football Association has concluded plans to stage Division One League Super 4 Finals on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Area 3 Football Pitch.

According to the chairman of the FCT league committee and a member of NLO board, Barrister Babatunde Bucknor, the winner of the Super 4 which will be decided on points will represent FCT in the NLO Division 2 play-off .

The super 4 fixtures released by the organisers, Camp United will engage FGT FC in the first match of the day at 1:pm, while the second game billed for 4 pm, will see IB Sports confronting New Dawn .

To qualify for the Super 4 Finals. Camp Utd  emerged from Group A with 12 points, Future Guarantee FGT top won Group B with 10 points, while T B Spots New Dawn finished top in Group C and Group D with 9 and 10 points respectively.

The final will witness the presence of FCT director sports development, Lukas Istifanus, as a special guest and he will be assisted by the chief host, Adam Mouktar Mohammed (Chairman FCT FA) and Haruna Ilerika (FCT FA Scribe).

Muhammad Tijani is looking forward to scoring more goals for Sky Bet Championship club, Plymouth Argyle after bagging a brace in the club’s victory over Cheltenham Town.

Wayne Rooney’s side thrashed the EFL League Two club 5-1 in their first pre-season game.

Tijani was on target in the 36th and 59th minutes respectively.

The 24-year-old stated that he is determined to maintain his scoring form going into the new season.

“Going into the season with the same hunger. A big thank you to our fans that came to Whaddon Road,” Tijani wrote on X.

The striker joined Argyle on loan from Czech Republic outfit, Slavia Prague last month.

The Jordan Nwora Foundation (JNF), in collaboration with New York Square, a Beninoise NGO, Enfant Du Benin Debout, along with Beninoise and Ghana Basketball Federations (FBBB & GBBA) have opened a new vista aiming at fast tracking the development of basketball at the youth level.

To achieve the set target, JNF and its collaborators in partnership with FIBA Africa Zone 3, organized basketball camps for boys and girls between the ages of 14-18 across the zone recently. With the support from the hierarchy of FIBA Africa, the multiple camps were held in iconic cities like Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire, Accra in Ghana, as well as Makurdi, Abuja, Lafia, Lagos and Onitsha, all in Nigeria as well in since 2021.

Some talents discovered at these camps have secured basketball scholarships to foreign and local institutions among other benefits.

Within the year under review, three camps have been successfully held in Port-Novo/Cotonou, in Republic of Benin, (June 4th, 5th and 6th). Same for Tamale, in Ghana (June 4th-6th) and Awka, South-East Nigeria (June 21-23).

The success of the camps were further bolstered by the decision of the organizers to partner with other organizations to provide some logistics at each centre.

According to organisers, the camp held in Ghana was exceptional, in the sense that Africa witnessed a first of its kind collaboration which culminated in the construction of a basketball court and borehole for the local community in Tamale, by one of the partners, New York Square, while Jordan Nwora Foundation provided all the materials and also handled the camp’s technical aspect with support from FIBA.

With respect to the event in Ghana, President of FIBA Africa Zone 3, Col Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), stated that, “It became necessary to explore the idea of each party contributing resources towards achieving the overall objective.

The construction of a borehole and basketball court for the local community has indeed opened up a new vista in youth development.”

Col Ahmedu added that, “Besides acquiring basketball knowledge during the JNF Camp, the folks of Tamale have been blessed with a borehole and basketball court, The Dr. Baba Sampanah Memorial Court, which is a legacy left behind by the donors, and for ages to come.”

“The mission to promote youth development, healthy lifestyles, and community cohesion through sports were therefore pursued, and successfully achieved with flying colors,” a visibly excited Col Ahmedu stated.

In his remarks, Daniel Isaacs, the Founder and CEO of New York Square, posited that, “it is a blessing to be part of this historic partnership, which I hope will serve as a model for the future of Sports in Africa”.He added that, “New York Square, in collaboration with FIBA Africa Zone 3 and the Jordan Nwora Foundation is dedicated to using sports as a vehicle to provide sporting infrastructure, as well as support, guidance and mentorship for the youths of Africa.

WNBA legend, Rushia Brown, who mentored  the youths during the camp remarked that, “it was such an honor to be part of the court dedication. To see the gratitude in the faces of the youths [in Tamale], and the opportunity of impacting their lives during the camp was life-changing for me. Our focus includes inculcating in the youths the benefits of clean water, healthy living and well-being, quality education and gender equality”.

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen will receive a €4 million wage increase at Paris Saint-Germain after agreeing personal terms with the French giant.

According to Tuttosport, the reigning African best footballer striker has penned a five-year deal worth €14 million per season with PSG, which represents a significant pay rise from his current €10 million annual salary at Napoli.

The 25-year-old’s agent, Roberto Calenda, was in Paris earlier this week to negotiate with PSG, but the Ligue 1 side must still reach an agreement with Napoli to finalise the transfer.

While Napoli and new coach Antonio Conte are open to parting ways with Osimhen, PSG appear reluctant to meet the player’s €130 million release clause. Reports suggest they could offer €100 million plus a player to secure the deal.

The former Serie A champions are keen to offload players before bringing in reinforcements for Conte’s squad. Completing Osimhen’s sale would pave the way for the former Italian champions to sign Romelu Lukaku who is seen as a potential replacement for Osimhen at the Stadio Maradona.

Despite interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli, Osimhen has remained focused on continuing his career in Europe, with the Premier League being his initial preferred destination, but the English clubs are not willing to meet the player’s €130 million release clause

The former Lille striker has maintained a professional attitude in pre-season training with Napoli amid ongoing negotiations. He has impressed Conte despite not featuring in the coach’s plans for the upcoming campaign.

With just five days to the commencement of the Paris 2024 Olympics, sports development minister, Senator John Owan-Enoh has urged Nigerians to throw their weight behind Team Nigeria’s contingent as they set to do the nation proud at the global sporting fiesta.

Nigeria’s contingent comprises talented and world-class athletes are set to take the world by storm after several months of preparation and training, with world record holder Oluwatobiloba Amusan, Ese Brume, Blessing Oborodudu, Odunayo Adekouroye, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Aruna Quadri and the two Favours (Ashe and Ofili) among others the country is counting on to surpass its best outing at the quadrennial games achieved at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics..

“My aspiration for Team Nigeria is to surpass its best Olympic outing achieved at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, USA.

“Our athletes are putting in tremendous effort and dedication in their preparations. We are confident that with the support of every Nigerian, our team will excel and make the nation proud,” Senator Enoh said

Senator Enoh revealed that the athletes will be fully motivated to excel at the Games, their welfare is a top most priority. “The entire 100 million naira contributed by the Federal House of Representatives will be given to the athletes,” the Minister announced at the parley with journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

“Additionally, domestic camping allowances, foreign training grants, foreign training allowances, Olympic Games allowances, and winning bonuses will be given to ensure our athletes are well-supported,” he said.

A total of 87 athletes will be representing Nigeria in 12 sporting events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games kicking off on Friday, July 26. The sports are athletics, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, boxing, canoeing, cycling, basketball (women) and football (women).

French defender, Raphael Varane, has decided to join Como.

Varane is set to sign a two-year contract with the Serie A side, where he will play under Cesc Fabregas.

This was confirmed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, on Twitter.

He wrote: “Raphael Varane to Como, here we go! Documents ready and set to be signed.

“Former Real Madrid and Man United CB will play in Serie A under Cesc Fabregas as manager.

“Understand Varane will sign a two year deal until June 2026 + option until 2027.

“Exclusive story, confirmed.”

Varane left Manchester United this summer as a free agent.

The 2024 Committee for Ladies Golf Section (LGS) of the IBB International Golf and Country Club has unveiled four toilets and one store facility at the practice Range of the club golf course, Abuja to improve public health, hygiene and dignity to create a better environment for all.

Unveiling the toilet facilities, the club’s lady captain, Julie Okah Donli, said the gesture was borne out of a desire of the 2024/25 Ladies Golf Section (LGS) committee to meet a dire need in the history of the club, saying the committee agreed to make personal sacrifices to ensure that they delivered a project that would outlive their one year tenure in office.

Donli explained that access to clean, safe, and well-maintained sanitation facilities is a basic human right. and essential for public health, personal dignity, and the well-being of the entire community.

According to her, “This project is a testament to our commitment to these values and to creating a better environment for all”.

She noted that the project is a significant milestone in the community.This event may seem small to some, but it represents a major step forward in improving public health, hygiene, and dignity for everyone who uses this space.

The lady captain hinted that the project was self-funded by the 14 members of the LGS committee. “I am indeed so proud of the Committee members who, together, undertook this self-funded project in the wake of the harsh economic realities.”

She appreciated the construction team, for their meticulous work and for ensuring that the facilities meet the highest standards of cleanliness and accessibility, saying their efforts have made a tangible difference in our community.

“As we officially unveil these new facilities today, let us remember that this is more than just a building; it is a symbol of progress, respect, and care for our community. Let us continue to work together to ensure that everyone has access to the necessities that promote health and dignity”, she said.

She also announced that the Junior Open takes place on the course and the use of the range is for participants of the Open who wish to use the range. “Same with Ladies Open participants who wish to use the range. And all golfers who use the range. But essentially for the Childrens golf clinic that has daily participants for two weeks, the range toilets are more crucial. The store is also very handy for storing items during the event.”

Former Atletico Madrid defender, Kieran Trippier has advised Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher to consider a move to the Spanish LaLiga club this summer transfer window.

Gallagher has just one year left on his contract at Chelsea and could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The 24-year-old has attracted interest from Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur.

Atletico Madrid have already seen an offer of €20million for Gallagher rejected by Chelsea this summer

However, according to AS, Trippier has spoken ‘very highly of Atletico Madrid’ in his talks with Gallagher, telling him to consider moving to Diego Simeone’s side.

Trippier spent two-and-a-half years at Atletico, helping them win the LaLiga title in 2021 before returning to England to join Newcastle United the following year.

Brazil forward, Adriana Leal da Silva has warned they must be at their best to beat Nigeria in their opening fixture at the 2024 Olympic Games.

The South Americans will begin their quest for a podium finish against Super Falcons at Stade Bordeaux on Thursday.

Brazil recorded a 3-1 victory over the Super Falcons when both countries met at the Olympics in Beijing 2008.

Adriana is however anticipating a more difficult duel this time around going by Nigeria’s impressive showing at the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“This first game is crucial. In fact, it will always be like this. In any case, we need to have a lot of concentration and focus for this debut.

“And take it step by step,” the Orlando Pride striker said following the team’s arrival in Bordeaux.

Brazil will be led by veteran midfielder, Marta in Paris.