The Nigerian National League (NNL) side, Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, has trimmed its squad and retained a few quality players to push for promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

Lobi Stars Chairman Simon Ikya made the disclosure in a statement signed by Austin Tyowua, Principal Media Officer to the club, and made it available to newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi.

Ikya said that the club took the decision after a meeting with all the players and technical staff at McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi.

The chairman explained that the decision was rooted in duty rather than dislike.

He stated that the players on the exit list would be granted clearance at the end of April once their entitlements were settled.

Ikya added that for those retained, there would be no room for laxity.

The chairman urged them to tighten their belts, keep the focus, and drive the Federation Cup campaign all the way to its final stop.

Meanwhile, the list of retained players was read out by the head coach, John Onuh.

The Kogi State Government has pledged to prioritise the development of basketball in the state to boost the sport’s profile and promote youth engagement.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, made the pledge at the inauguration of the Kogi State Basketball Association on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Anyebe assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to the development of basketball under the administration of Gov.

Represented by the Director of Sports in the state, James Igah, the commissioner said the administration would focus on nurturing basketball, particularly in rural areas, to enhance youth development.

He added that the government would collaborate with the association to promote sports development across the state.

Anyebe urged the newly inaugurated executives of the association to come up with innovative ideas to advance the sport.

Responding, the Chairman of the Kogi State Basketball Association, Mustapha Abdullahi, reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of basketball in the state.

Abdullahi, who is also the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, commended the state government for its efforts in promoting sports development.

A top US lawmaker called on FIFA to pay for World Cup public transportation costs on Tuesday following a report that local authorities in New Jersey are planning massive price hikes during the tournament.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said on X that football’s world governing body — which stands to earn $11 billion from the tournament — should foot the bill for transport costs to World Cup venues.

Schumer was responding to a report in The Athletic on Tuesday, which said New Jersey Transit is planning to charge fans more than $100 for tickets from Penn Station in Manhattan to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey during the World Cup.

A return ticket for the journey normally costs $12.90.

“FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup, yet New York area commuters and residents are being handed the bill,” Schumer commented.

“The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile. I am demanding FIFA step up and cover transportation costs for host cities and states.

“New York commuters and residents should not subsidise an $11 billion windfall.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also took aim at the reported price hike.

“The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible,” Hochul wrote on X. “Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me.”

NJ Transit did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by AFP.

The Athletic quoted a spokesperson for the agency as saying that no firm decision had been taken on World Cup ticket pricing.

“The ticket prices for match day travel have not been finalised, and any reference to cost would be unconfirmed speculation,” the spokesperson said.

The Athletic report cited NJ Transit sources as saying that the cost of laying on services for the eight matches due to be held at MetLife Stadium — including the final on July 19 — would cost around $48 million.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has said the state will not pass on the cost of transportation to local taxpayers.

“We are not going to be paying for moving the people who are viewing the World Cup on the back of New Jersey taxpayers and New Jersey commuters,” Sherrill said on Monday.

The issue of public transport fare hikes affecting World Cup venues also emerged in Boston, where the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority confirmed earlier this month that return tickets from the city to Gillette Stadium would cost $80 — up from the usual price of $20.