Nigerian Football
Curtain Falls on Nigerian Women’s Football League
BY PROMIX BLUE.
The Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) will come to an end this midweek with little to play for in Group A, but it gets intense in Group B as two teams slug it out for two Super Four spots.
GROUP A
In Group A, the verdict was already out even with games to spare. Leaders Bayelsa Queens, who face Ibom Angels are through to the Super Four tournament, alongside defending champions Rivers Angels, who ended their campaign last week with a 2-0 loss against Sunshine Queens.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Queens, who are sure of finishing third are guest to Abia Angels.
STAR MATCH: FC Robo VS Heartland Queens
This is a direct duel between FC Robo Queens and Heartland Queens to confirm the team that will be relegated in this group.
FC Robo, who are without a win in the second stanza of the season need a draw to secure their status, while Heartland Queens will need to win by a four goal margin to survive.
GROUP B
The last game week in this group decides who plays in the Super Four competition, with all top four teams playing a direct rival.
Nasarawa Amazons Vs Adamawa Queens
Leaders Nasarawa Amazon have the upper hand as a home win will see them join the big ladies in the Super Four.
Only an away win can help third-placed Adamawa Queens, after they further damaged their chances with a 3-0 loss to Edo Queens in an outstanding game on Sunday.
Delta Queens Vs Osun Babes
This is a clash of second placed facing the fourth side as Delta Queens entertain Osun Babes. Just like Nasarawa Amazon, Delta Queens will confirm a place in the Super Four with a home win, while Osun Babes need an outright win to have any chance.
Just two points separate all the four teams as they head into this make or mar final round of games.
In other games, Confluence Queens will hope to end the campaign in grand style when they host Pelican Stars, while Edo Queens host relegated Sa’adatu Queens.
WEEK 14 FIXTURES
WEDNESDAY
GROUP A
Ibom Angels vs Bayelsa Queens
FC Robo Queens vs Heartland Queens
Abia Angels vs Sunshine Queens
GROUP B
Confluence Queens vs Pelican Stars
Nasarawa Amazons vs Adamawa Queens
Delta Queens vs Osun Babes
Edo Queens vs Saadatu Amazon
Teams through to Super Four: Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels and two others.
Teams relegated: Sa’adatu Amazon and one other
Promoted Teams: Taraba Queens and Sure Babes of Ilorin.
Nigerian Football
Nigeria Football Federation Congress backs Pinnick for FIFA post
One of the high points of the Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation on Friday in Asaba is the endorsement of the body’s immediate past president, Amaju Pinnick to retain his position as a FIFA Council member.
Pinnick was elected into FIFA Council at the CAF Congress in Rabat, Morocco on 21 March 2021. He seeks re-election next year and has already secured the backing of the Nigerian president.
Nigerian Football
NFF budget surpasses Nigeria’s spending at Paris 2024
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has budgeted N17.6 billion for next year. The body’s Congress approved the budget, which sat in Asaba on Friday.
By the current exchange rate, the approved budget is $10,591,610. The figure is higher than the N12 billion that Nigeria budgeted for the Paris 2024 Olympics where no medal was won.
Next year, The NFF programme includes the six remaining qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which will be held in December if the Super Eagles qualify.
Nigerian Football
NFF launches monthly Football Awards
As football leagues across the globe resumed fully last month, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced the launch of NFF Monthly Awards, a celebration of the outstanding performances of Nigerian football players across various Football Leagues including Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
With the football calendar in full swing, the NFF Monthly Awards aim to honour the brilliance, dedication and passion that Nigerian football players bring to the game, recognizing the top players who have left their mark on the pitch.
Award Categories:
- Player of the Month (Male & Female)
- Goal of the Month
- Discovery of the Month
Nomination Process
According to the NFF, the nomination process for the awards is scientific, ensuring a fair and accurate selection of nominees. An independent organization will collect and analyse players’ statistics throughout the month, ensuring that the best performances are highlighted.
“This unbiased, data-driven approach guarantees that the nominations reflect the top-performing players based on their contribution to their teams”, an NFF statement signed by its director of communication, Dr Ademola Olajire disclosed.
Nominations for the first round of awards will be announced on Thursday. From there, voting will be opened to fans and journalists alike, making this a truly inclusive and engaging event for the Nigerian football community.
Voting Process
Fans and journalists will have the chance to vote for their favourite players via the official NFF voting portal on the website www.thenff.com.
The voting period will run for one week following the announcement of the nominations.
Fan Votes will account for 40% of the final decision, enabling supporters to have their voices heard and directly influence the outcome of these prestigious awards.
The remaining 60% will be determined by journalists and industry professionals, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded selection process.
Speaking on the launch of the awards, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said:
“The NFF Monthly Awards are a key part of our efforts to further elevate Nigeria football, not only by recognizing outstanding talent but by engaging with fans and the media in a way that brings the football community closer together. We believe that this initiative will encourage excellence on the field and foster a deeper connection between players and their supporters.
“The NFF Monthly Awards are a step forward in celebrating the rich and growing talent pool, and we look forward to the excitement that the awards will bring to fans, players and the media.”
Key Dates: Nominations Announcement: 3rd October, 2024; Voting: 3rd October – Midnight of 7th October 2024.
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