Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reconstituted the board of the Kwara State Sports Commission with the return of squash legend, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, as Executive Chairman.

Alhaji Dele Abubakar, MON, and Hon. Abdullahi Yunusa Lade were retained as representatives of Kwara Central and North, while Mrs. Monisola Yemisi Makanjuola was newly appointed for Kwara South.

Government sources said the reshuffle is aimed at consolidating sports development gains and strengthening the commission’s structure.

Analysts say the move restores stability after a brief leadership vacuum unsettled the state’s sporting community, particularly as Kwara United prepares for both the CAF Confederation Cup and the new NPFL season.

Mogaji, expressing gratitude for his reappointment, pledged to intensify efforts to grow the state’s sporting sector. “The reward for hard work is more work. I have challenged myself to meet the expectations,” he said, while urging stakeholders to unite for the common goal of building Kwara’s sports industry.

His earlier tenure had improved youth development structures and raised Kwara’s visibility at national tournaments, but experts warn these gains need consistent leadership to avoid stagnation.

In this short interview, Dr. Ndanusa, a director at Aidu Football Academy (AFA), Lafiagi, speaks with our correspondent on the struggles of running a private football academy in a region ravaged by banditry, and the broader challenges of managing football without government support. AFA players wore black armbands during their friendly against NPFL side, Kwara United, in Ilorin, as a show of solidarity for communities in Kwara North under siege.

AFA only launched formally in February. How has the journey been so far?

What we did in February was an unveiling. The academy had actually started long before that. After the launch, we set up a boot camp where we picked some of the best talents to expose them to the wider world of football. Over the last six months, our boys have had several encounters — some are currently in Ethiopia trying out with clubs, while others are preparing to move to Doha, Qatar. Those at home continue to engage local teams, and coming to Ilorin feels like homecoming since Lafiagi is part of Kwara. But beyond football, our presence here is symbolic — our home base in Kwara North is bleeding due to insecurity. That’s why our boys wore black armbands: a cry for solidarity. Government is doing its best, but security is everyone’s problem.

What does it mean to run a football academy from an insecure region like Lafiagi?

Dr. Ndanusa: It is both emotional and challenging. Every day, we battle the reality that while we try to raise young men through football, our community is under siege by armed bandits. Players come to training after hearing gunshots the previous night. Families are displaced, and yet we must carry on. It shows that football is more than sport — it is a beacon of hope. Our boys are saying through football that Lafiagi deserves peace.

How tough is it for the private sector to invest in football in Nigeria?

Dr. Ndanusa: Very tough. It requires money, time, and enormous resources — things one man alone cannot shoulder. Unfortunately, unlike government-backed clubs such as Kwara United, private academies struggle without institutional support. People understand football’s value but they have not directly benefited from it, so they shy away from investing. Until more investors come in, academies like ours will remain at the mercy of passion and sacrifice.

What lessons do you think government and stakeholders can take from AFA’s effort?

That football can be a force for good. Beyond winning trophies, it can rebuild broken communities, unite people, and take young people off the streets. Our academy is proof — even in a conflict zone, young men can choose football over crime if given the chance. What we need is more investment, collaboration, and deliberate policies that support private football academies. With security guaranteed and stakeholders involved, Nigeria can produce not just players but true ambassadors of peace and development.

Ilorin is buzzing with youthful energy as over 1,200 athletes and officials from the North Central region gather for the zonal elimination of team sports ahead of the 9th National Youth Sports Festival (NYSF) slated for Delta State later this year.

The event was originally scheduled for Nasarawa State, but Kwara stepped in at the last minute to host after Nasarawa failed to meet requirements.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq approved full sponsorship of the eliminations, earning praise from organisers.

“We are immensely grateful to Governor Abdulrazaq for saving the day. Our impression so far has been very positive,” said Saka Akeem, Zonal Coordinator.

Nine sports – Abula, Cricket, Handball, Beach Volleyball, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Rugby, and Hockey – will be contested, with only two finalists per sport advancing to the festival in Delta.

Participation from Benue State remains uncertain, but Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, Niger, Kogi, and hosts Kwara are confirmed.

Screening of athletes, pegged at 15 years and below, began Saturday with matches set to run through Monday.

Kwara’s Director of Sports, Coach Ibrahim Bako, assured smooth organisation despite the late notice.

> “Kwara is always prepared, and that’s why the state leads in North Central and ranks among the top five nationwide at the NYSF,” he said.

Sports experts say the eliminations are more than just a qualifying series.

They serve as a platform for talent discovery, youth development, and regional pride, especially for North Central states where opportunities for structured sports are limited.

The festival has a strong track record of producing stars who later represent Nigeria on the international stage.

For Ilorin, the event also means an economic boost, with hotels, restaurants, and transport operators already recording increased patronage.

By giving teenagers across the zone exposure to national-level contests, the eliminations are expected to inspire a new generation of athletes while strengthening grassroots sports development in the region.

(DDM) – The 2025/2026 Premier League season opened in dramatic fashion as Liverpool defeated Bournemouth 4-2 at Anfield on Friday night.

The match was filled with everything fans had longed for during the 82-day break.

There was the opening choir, VAR controversies, a racist incident, and a stunning solo goal from Antoine Semenyo.

Tributes were also paid throughout the night to the late Diogo Jota, who passed away earlier this year.

Arne Slot’s men needed no reminder of the pressure to start strong, and they delivered three points in front of their fans.

DDM learned that Liverpool enter the season widely tipped as favourites to retain their crown, having bolstered their squad in the transfer window.

Analysts point to the acquisition of Hugo Ekitike, who has already scored twice in his first two appearances.

The 23-year-old striker is seen as one of the defining signings of the summer.

Football podcaster Clinton McDubus told Daily Post that Liverpool’s squad looks “title-worthy” and more balanced than last year’s.

He added that the chase for Alexander Isak could make them even stronger.

But the competition is fierce.

Arsenal have signed Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, a prolific scorer in Portugal.

Manchester United brought in Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko to bolster their attack.

Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, have signed Brazilian Joao Pedro to add depth.

All four traditional powerhouses are expected to battle closely for supremacy.

DDM notes that pundits believe Gyökeres and Ekitike could easily deliver 20-goal seasons in the Premier League.

That level of firepower may determine who lifts the trophy next May.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, newly promoted Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland are tipped by many to struggle.

However, Sunderland have defied expectations in the transfer market, spending over £130 million on reinforcements.

McDubus believes their smart acquisitions could see them survive and surprise critics.

In contrast, Newcastle United, who reached the Champions League last season, are expected by some to underachieve.

Their window has been widely criticized, with speculation that star striker Alexander Isak could depart before deadline day.

Observers warn that their European commitments may further derail their domestic campaign.

As the first matchday unfolds, fans are bracing for another rollercoaster season filled with goals, controversies, and unexpected twists.

The Premier League, often described as the most competitive in the world, looks set for yet another classic campaign.

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(DDM) – Senior Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has called on Nigerians never to give up on themselves, regardless of the challenges they face.

The cleric drew inspiration from the Nigerian women’s national football team’s dramatic comeback victory over Morocco in the African championship final.

Speaking during a recent sermon, Pastor Ibiyeomie described the match as a perfect example of resilience and self-belief in the face of overwhelming odds.

He recounted how the Super Falcons—referred to as the “Nigerian Falcon” female team during his message—were losing 2-0 at halftime against the host nation, Morocco.

According to him, even many Nigerians watching the game had given up hope of a comeback.

However, the players refused to accept defeat.

“In the second half, these young ladies said, ‘No way, we’ll make it.’ Their potentials came out,” he told his congregation.

The pastor narrated that the Falcons equalised and eventually scored the winning goal, sealing a 3-2 victory after what appeared to be a lost cause.

“They went to penalty, they won. Why? Even when the world gave up on them, they refused to give up on themselves and they took the cup,” he said.

Pastor Ibiyeomie explained that the victory was more than just a football result—it was a life lesson.

He noted that failure only becomes permanent when one accepts it.

“In case you fail and everybody says you fail, you don’t fail. You just give up,” he declared.

He urged his audience to tap into their inner potential and confront challenges with confidence.

“Bring your potential out. Tell the world you are not a failure,” he encouraged.

The cleric concluded his message with a blessing over his listeners.

“And I decree you’ll be declared a winner,” he proclaimed.

Observers note that Pastor Ibiyeomie’s sermon aligns with the Super Falcons’ reputation as one of Africa’s most successful women’s football teams.

The team is renowned for their fighting spirit and ability to defy expectations on the international stage.

His message comes at a time when national conversations about resilience, determination, and hope are gaining momentum.

By connecting a real-life sports triumph to a broader motivational theme, Pastor Ibiyeomie reinforced the belief that mindset is key to success.

He reminded Nigerians that perseverance can turn the tide, even in the darkest moments.

“When you think it’s over, that is when you should push harder,” he said.

“If you refuse to give up on yourself, no matter how many people have written you off, your story can still end in victory.”