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NPFL Banishes Kwara United from Ilorin Stadium

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From Alfred Babs, Ilorin

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has banned Kwara United Football Club from playing its home matches in the 2021/2022 at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

A letter dated December 9, 2021 addressed to the Chairman of Kwara United FC and signed by Salihu Abubakar, COO League Management Company (LMC) Limited said that some facilities at the Stadium were not in good condition and not fit to be used for the matches.

According to the letter with the titled, “RE: Certification of Stadia: Kwara Township Stadium, Ilorin said that the report of the inspection team that visited the Stadium revealed that some facilities such as official dressing rooms, Toilets, Television Camera stands, Electronic Scoreboard and the Synthetic pitch need to be put in proper place.

“The report indicated that serious work needs to be done on areas like Official dressing rooms, Toilets, Television Camera stands and other upgrades etc. The Electronic Scoreboard need to be erected and put in good working condition.

“The Astra turf synthetic pitch of the Stadium has completely deteriorated to the extent of posing potential threat to users of the facility. You therefore need to replace the pitch.

“In view of the above, we cannot grant approval for Kwara Township Stadium, Ilorin to host matches of the NPFL for the incoming 2021/2022 season until the damaged synthetic pitch is replaced.

“You are therefore to indicate an alternate venue for your home matches.”

It will be recalled that the erection of tents at the main bowl of the Kwara State Stadium to host Women Conference by the Kwara State government stirred up controversy about 12 days ago.

However, the government in it reaction through a statement signed by Coach Bola Magaji, Chairman of the state Sports Commission denied damaging the football pitch contrary to the public outcry.

The Commission also said that the government was planning to replace the synthetic pitch in the Stadium soon.

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Alcohol, Animals, Others prohibited inside AFCON 2025 Stadiums

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As anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football has released a list of items prohibited across all tournament stadiums.

According to the guidelines cited on CAF’s website on Monday, the rules are aimed at ensuring fan safety throughout the competition.

Fans attending AFCON 2025 matches in Morocco will be subjected to security screening.

They are advised not to bring prohibited items into stadiums to ensure safety, order and a smooth match-day experience.

Below is the list of items fans are advised to leave at home before entering AFCON stadiums:

Alcoholic beverages, Illegal substances and drugs, Weapons and sharp objects, Fireworks and pyrotechnics, Glass bottles or containers, Flammable materials, Racist, violent or discriminatory banners, Unauthorised political, religious or commercial signs, Drones and animals, Large umbrellas and oversized hats, Professional cameras and recording equipment, Musical instruments and loud horns, Radio-emitting devices (except mobile phones) and Heavy or large bags.

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Man City Still Work in Progress –Guardiola

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has disclosed that the team are still a work in progress following his expensive overhaul of the squad since last season.

The Spanish tactician made this known after the Citizens thrashed Crystal Palace 3-0 in Sunday’s Premier League game.

In a chat with the club’s website, Guardiola stated that the team are in a better position than last season.

“Many things we have to improve.

Madrid gave me a lot of things, that still we are not ready, not in mentality but in how to approach certain games. They are young some of the players. But 3-0 here is a big statement for us.

“When you win in the past, you believe the past was perfect, always brilliant, always the red carpet.

When we won with 100 points, all the things we achieved, we had a lot of games like today. The resilience was part of that.

“There are moments that you struggle. Madrid was not the perfect game, but it was a step. We fought unbelievably to achieve that.

“We are in a better position than last season. We are close in the competitions we are in.”

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Palmer out for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup Quarter-final, Says Maresca

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Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer will not feature in the Blues’ Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City, head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed.

The match is set for Tuesday at 8 pm in the Welsh capital, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

Palmer recently returned to action after a spell out with groin and toe injuries and scored in Chelsea’s weekend victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.

However, Maresca, in his press conference on Monday, explained that the young forward is being carefully managed to avoid overexertion.

“I’ve already said many times in press conferences that we have many players who need to be protected. Cole is one of the players who deserves to be protected right now.

In this moment, he’s not available to play two games in three days. So, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game, but should be fine for the weekend,” Maresca said.

The Chelsea coach also praised Cardiff City and their manager, Brian Murphy, highlighting the challenge the Blues will face:

“They are top of the league, playing nice football and winning games. I know Brian and know he is doing a good job. This will be a dangerous game for us, and we need to pay attention and be careful tomorrow. We have the opportunity to achieve something important, which is to reach the semi-final of this competition.”

Chelsea will hope to progress to the last four while keeping key players fresh for the Premier League schedule.

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