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NFF President Gusau Sets Sights on Advancing African Football Growth
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau has unveiled plans to strengthen African football through grassroots development, regional cooperation, and improved structures across the continent.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gusau, who also serves as First Vice President of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B, said his mission goes beyond Nigeria’s borders, focusing on building a stronger foundation for African football at all levels.
Speaking during the Nigeria National League Awards in Abuja, Gusau emphasized that lasting progress in football must begin at the grassroots. “No one builds a structure from the roof,” he said. “If we want to see real improvement, we must start with our youth, schools, and local clubs.”
According to Gusau, the NFF will intensify efforts to align Nigeria’s football calendar with global schedules to make local teams more competitive. He also highlighted plans to improve infrastructure and create better opportunities for women’s and youth leagues.
“Our goal is to build a system that allows every young player to dream big and have access to proper training, coaching, and facilities,” Gusau said. “This is how we will grow not only Nigerian football but African football as a whole.”
As part of his regional agenda, Gusau plans to use his position in WAFU to enhance collaboration among West African nations. He said joint tournaments, shared infrastructure, and collective youth programs would help raise the standard of football in the subregion.
“We have talented players across West Africa, but without proper coordination and support, we cannot maximize their potential,” he said. “Working together, we can build a stronger future for African football.”
Analysts say Gusau’s leadership at both national and regional levels puts him in a strong position to influence football reforms across the continent. His approach focuses on transparency, corporate partnerships, and technical development, areas many believe are essential for long-term growth.
However, challenges remain. Across Africa, football faces issues such as poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and limited investment in youth programs. Within Nigeria, critics have urged the NFF to turn its promises into visible action, noting that youth national teams have struggled in recent competitions.
Despite the criticism, Gusau has vowed to stay focused. He said the federation is working to attract more private sponsors and strengthen relationships with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA to secure more support for local development projects.
“We will continue to engage partners that believe in our vision,” he said. “Football is more than a game — it is a unifying force that can empower young people and promote peace across the continent.”
Observers believe that if Gusau’s plans are successfully implemented, the impact could transform African football. Stronger youth systems, better governance, and increased investment could help the continent compete more effectively on the global stage.
“Gusau’s vision is ambitious but achievable,” said a football analyst in Abuja. “If he follows through, we may see a new era for African football driven by homegrown talent and stronger institutions.”
As the NFF continues its development programs, all eyes are on Gusau’s next moves — and whether his leadership will indeed bring lasting change to African football.
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Lyon Win Five-Goal Thriller Against Crystal Palace As Sunderland Strike Late [Europa League Full Results].
Lyon took the lead in the 10th minute when Corentin Tolisso reacted quickly to a loose ball following a corner kick.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The French side extended their advantage in first-half stoppage time, with Ernest Nuamah finishing off Keito Nakamura’s cross after an impressive attacking move.
Crystal Palace reduced the deficit shortly after the restart through Yeremy Pino, who converted a well-executed set-piece routine.
However, Lyon restored their two-goal advantage when Pavel Sulc scored with a close-range flick.
Daichi Kamada brought Palace back into contention with nine minutes remaining, but Lyon defended their lead to secure their second consecutive victory in the league phase.
Sunderland Snatch Dramatic Late Victory
Sunderland produced a late comeback to defeat Torreense 2-1 in Portugal, with Noah Sadiki scoring the decisive goal in the 93rd minute.
The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute after Volnei Feltes beat his marker before unleashing a long-range effort beyond Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris responded by introducing Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee shortly before the hour mark, helping his side regain control of the contest.
Jules Ahoka subsequently equalised for the visitors before Sadiki struck deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.
The closing stages were marked by a lengthy VAR review that ultimately denied Sunderland a late penalty, but the visitors still left Portugal with all three points.
Leverkusen, AC Milan Record Convincing Wins
Bayer Leverkusen moved to the top of the standings after defeating Lech Poznan 4-0.
Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot in the first half, while Malik Tillman also found the net before the interval. Ibrahim Maza completed the scoring late in the game.
AC Milan recorded an identical scoreline away against Salzburg, with teenage forward Alphadjo Cisse netting a hat-trick. Goncalo Ramos added the fourth goal in the 72nd minute.
However, Filippo Terracciano’s red card took some shine off Milan’s emphatic victory.
Other Europa League Results
Elsewhere, Bournemouth defeated Sturm Graz 3-0, while Juventus claimed a 2-1 away victory over Celta Vigo. Olympiacos also secured a narrow 1-0 win against Marseille.
Real Sociedad were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Saint-Gilloise, while Dinamo Zagreb defeated Anderlecht 1-0.
Benfica cruised to a 4-1 victory over Celtic, AZ Alkmaar beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva 2-1, and Besiktas edged Hoffenheim 3-2 away from home.
Other results saw Celje lose 0-3 to Omonia, Ferencvaros defeat Plzen 2-1, Jagiellonia beat Ararat-Armenia 3-1, and Nijmegen draw 1-1 with Levski Sofia.
2026/2027 Europa League Matchday 2 Results
- AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Hapoel Be’er Sheva
- Celje 0-3 Omonia
- Lech Poznan 0-4 Bayer Leverkusen
- Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace
- Union Saint-Gilloise 1-1 Real Sociedad
- Salzburg 0-4 AC Milan
- Sparta Prague 1-1 Lillestrom
- Torreense 1-2 Sunderland
- Benfica 4-1 Celtic
- Bournemouth 3-0 Sturm Graz
- Celta Vigo 1-2 Juventus
- Dinamo Zagreb 1-0 Anderlecht
- Ferencvaros 2-1 Plzen
- Hoffenheim 2-3 Besiktas
- Jagiellonia 3-1 Ararat-Armenia
- Marseille 0-1 Olympiacos
- Nijmegen 1-1 Levski Sofia
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has proposed a schedule for President Bola Tinubu’s campaign rallies across 12 states ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the proposed timetable, the campaign is expected to commence in Kaduna State on October 24, 2026, and conclude with a grand rally in Lagos State on January 9, 2027.
reports that the planned rallies will cover Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with Tinubu scheduled to attend campaign events in 12 locations across the country.
Other proposed destinations include Port Harcourt, Jos, Ibadan, Maiduguri, Enugu, Bauchi, Sokoto, Asaba, Kano and Yola.
Full List of Proposed Campaign Dates and Locations
The proposed timetable outlines the following dates and venues for Tinubu’s campaign appearances:
- Kaduna, Kaduna State – Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Jos, Plateau State – Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Ibadan, Oyo State – Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Maiduguri, Borno State – Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Enugu, Enugu State – Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Bauchi, Bauchi State – Sunday, November 29, 2026
- Sokoto, Sokoto State – Friday, December 4, 2026
- Asaba, Delta State – Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Kano, Kano State – Thursday, December 17, 2026
- Yola, Adamawa State – Monday, January 4, 2027
- Lagos, Lagos State – Saturday, January 9, 2027
Momodu Questions Tinubu’s Commitment to Free and Fair Elections
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has expressed doubts about President Tinubu’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections in 2027, claiming that even some of the President’s supporters harbour similar concerns.
reports that the veteran journalist made the remarks during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time programme.
Momodu alleged that some Nigerians fear Tinubu might be unwilling to relinquish power if he loses the next presidential election.
He, however, insisted that Nigerians would resist any attempt by the President to remain in office after an electoral defeat.
The ADC chieftain further claimed that some governors elected on the APC platform, alongside judges and legislators, were apprehensive about the possible outcome of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the interview, Momodu said many Nigerians would question whether Tinubu could be trusted to oversee a credible and transparent electoral process.
He argued that some supporters of the President were confident of victory but, according to him, struggled to explain the basis for their optimism beyond their belief in Tinubu’s political influence.
Momodu also maintained that his confidence in the opposition’s efforts was not based solely on his party, but on what he described as the growing determination of ordinary Nigerians who do not want Tinubu to secure another term.
He recalled Tinubu’s political struggle to win a second term as governor of Lagos State, suggesting that opposition figures were also working behind the scenes to challenge his bid for re-election as President.
The ADC chieftain added that some political figures who publicly support Tinubu were allegedly concerned about the current political climate but were reluctant to express their reservations openly.
He concluded by describing the President’s position within the political establishment as one that many were unwilling to challenge directly.
Momodu’s remarks reflect his personal assessment of the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 elections and his criticism of the Tinubu administration.
A 15-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, to conduct a final inspection of facilities ahead of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The delegation, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, will assess venues and related arrangements in Lagos and Abuja to ensure they meet the standards required for hosting the two major continental events.
During their visit to Lagos, the CAF officials will inspect the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport. They are also scheduled to meet with representatives of the Lagos State Government.
The team will then proceed to Abuja, where it will assess the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The delegation is also expected to pay courtesy visits to the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
A six-member delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Dr Ademola Olajire, will accompany the CAF officials throughout the inspection exercise.
The visit follows an earlier assessment conducted between July 31 and August 4, during which initial operational agreements were established.
The final inspection will focus on verifying the readiness of the venues, security provisions and logistical arrangements to ensure the successful hosting of both events.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 21, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is slated for Monday, December 7, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.
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