SPORTS
63rd Anniversary: AbdulRazaq, Speaker Lead Teams in Independence Day Novelty Match
From Alfred Babs, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Speaker of the Kwara state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu-Danladi will lead their respective teams in a novelty match to mark the 63rd Independence anniversary which will hold on Sunday.
While AbdulRazaq will lead the Executive arm of government, the Speaker will lead the Legislative arm of government in a novelty match.
However, the state government said that the celebration will be low keyed to reflect the mood of the nation
A statement signed by Abdulkadir Yusuf, chief press Secretary to the Speaker said the match scheduled to take place at the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) pitch on October 1, at 3.
00PM would be one-of-a-kind event that will bring together representatives from both arms of the Kwara State Government in a camaraderie and friendly competition, while also demonstrating the spirit of unity and collaboration between the two arms of government.“This historic match would also showcase the dynamism, physical prowess, and sportsmanship of the Kwara cabinet – Commissioners, Advisers, and Assistants to His Excellency and the lawmakers in the 10th legislature.
“Beyond the spirit of friendly competition, this novelty match seeks to foster a deeper sense of unity and commitment to the services of Kwara people among political office holders by showcasing their athleticism and teamwork as well as their commitment to democracy and the progress of Kwara and Nigeria, beyond their respective roles as policymakers and lawmakers.
“The novelty match is aimed at amplifying awareness about the importance of collaboration between the Executive and Legislative Arms in shaping a prosperous and democratic Kwara. Both arms will exemplify the significance of balanced governance and the need for effective checks and balances.
“Kwarans can therefore, anticipate an electrifying and scintillating atmosphere, as dignitaries, political supporters, and citizens come together to witness this historic display of unity and sportsmanship thereby fostering a deeper connection between government and citizens.
“In the face of challenging socioeconomic atmosphere, the novelty match will also demonstrate the essence of resilience and perseverance, and rekindle hope for the possibility of light at the end of the tunnel”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, Kwara state government has said that there will be no ceremony for the Independent day anniversary on October 1.
A statement signed by State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, on Thursday, said that there will be no elaborate ceremony for the celebration.
“The Kwara State Government wishes to inform members of the public that there will be no elaborate ceremony of any kind on October 1, 2023.
“This is to reflect the mood of the nation amid ongoing reforms and strong efforts of the government to ensure sustainable development.
“The state government urges citizens to use the October 1, holiday to pray for the state, our country, and the world at large”, the statement said.
Following are the results of Match Day 1 fixtures in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), played on Sunday and dates of the remaining fixtures:
Akwa United FC 1-1 Abia Warriors FC
Bayelsa United FC 1-1 Kano Pillars FC
Katsina United FC 1-1 Bendel Insurance FC
Niger Tornadoes FC 0-0 Nasarawa United FC
Shooting Stars FC 1-1 Plateau United FC
El Kanemi Warriors Vs Kwara United FC (postponed )
The following Match Day two fixtures
Would be played on Sept.
25:Ikorodu City FC Vs Enugu Rangers international FC
Enyimba international FC Vs Lobi stars FC .
(NAN)
Following are the results of remaining Match Day one fixtures played on Sunday in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)Heartland FC 1-3 Enyimba international FCKwara United FC 1-2 Niger Tornadoes FCBendel Insurance FC 0-0 Rivers United FCPlateau United FC 1-0 Katsina United FCKano Pillars FC 3-0 Ikorodu City FCSunshine Stars FC 3-0 Bayelsa United FCAbia Warriors FC 0-2 Remo Stars FCNasarawa United FC 1-1 Shooting Stars FC.
(NAN)
The interim coach of the Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, said his team can beat any team with the quality of players in the team.
Eguavoen stated this after his team spanked the Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4-0 in the 2025 African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Saturday.
“We have quality players to beat any team but we respect team anyway.
Any coach can come in and do the same job with the Super Eagles.“It is a mindset, we have the potential and how you perceived your opponent, given the information about them and then go out and do the job,“he said.
Equavoen attributed the victory to the formation adopted by the technical crew, adding that any formation could be used to ensure that the team was successful.
“We can decide to use any system. It is something we discussed and I slept over it. I know with the caliber of players that we have, we can decide to play any formation.
“Football is about you win, lose and draw, I don’t believe we have a poor result,” he said.
He, however, said that the former Super Eagles coach didn’t do a good job but it has to do with believe, what is at stake and what you want to achieve.
“Psychologically as a group, we are agreed, where we are and where we are going to be. We will definitely achieve it,” Equavoen said.
He commended the performance of the defence , describing it as superb, adding that the team had been training together for one week.
The coach said that asking six players to warm up for the second half was to buy time, adding that there was no need to rush to change.
He said the Cheetahs of Benin Republic were a good team, adding that they came with a good game plan.
Report says that Eguavoen was appointed interim coach after the deal between the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) and coach Bruno Labbadia failed.
NFF explained in a statement that it failed due to the stringent regulations of German tax authorities.(NAN)
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