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Gara Gombe warns FG against allocating N78bn to sports commission

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Sports entrepreneur and Chairman of Gombe Athletics Association, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has urged the federal government not to release the proposed N78 billion budgeted for the National Sports Commission (NSC).

He argued that the commission has the capacity to raise funds independently to drive the sports economy, particularly e-sports, without relying on taxpayers’ money.

In a statement shared on his social media handle, Gombe criticized the allocation, warning that previous funds earmarked for sports development were mismanaged. He called for reforms and accountability before any public funds are released to the commission.

“Sports economies across the world are not funded with public money but driven by private investments,” Gara Gombe stated. “I have read reports about the N78 billion allocation, and sadly, the same people who celebrated past budgets that were squandered are jubilating again. This is a recipe for disaster.”

He referenced the failed N3 billion sponsorship deal between SuperSport and the League Management Company (LMC) as an example of financial mismanagement in the sector. According to him, the lack of accountability in the use of such funds has hindered sports development in Nigeria.

Gombe said, “The same people who promised they could attract sponsors are celebrating N78 billion. If they truly have the capacity, let them use their contacts to raise the money instead of relying on public funds. The NSC must be sanitised before any funds are released.”

He also emphasized the need to reduce government funding for sports and proposed the re-establishment of the Team Nigeria initiative, managed by trustees, as a more effective model for raising and managing funds.

“Efforts should be made to re-establish Team Nigeria with appointed trustees to manage funds. Government funding should be transitional and eventually phased out to encourage private sector investment in sports,” he said.

The sports advocate expressed concern over Nigeria’s lack of world-class sports infrastructure despite previous government interventions.

He specifically criticized the $1 million reportedly sourced from Aliko Dangote by former Sports Minister Sunday Dare for renovating the Abuja Stadium, noting that the facility and others across the country still fail to meet international standards.

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Transfer: Fulham reject Atletico Madrid bid for Iwobi

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Fulham have rejected Spanish Atletico Madrid bid for Nigeria midfielder Alex Iwobi, Ekwutosblog reports.

Atletico Madrid, according to Africa Foot, submitted a $21.5m.bid for Iwobi this week.

Diego Simeone’s side offered him a four-year contract with a salary worth €7m per year.

The 29-year-old was reportedly open to the idea of playing in Spain, but Fulham are not willing to sell one of their best players.

Atletico Madrid have lined him up as a replacement for Belgium international Yannick Carrasco.

Iwobi was in excellent form for Fulham last season, registering 10 goals, and six assists in 38 appearances.

The versatile midfielder made history as the first Nigerian to play all 38 games in the Premier League in two different seasons.

He came second in Fulham’s Player of the Season award, which was won by his international teammate, Calvin Bassey.

 

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Liverpool manager, Slot reveals last conversation with Diogo Jota before death

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Liverpool manager, Arne Slot has revealed his last conversation with forward, Diogo Jota before his death.

Recall that Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car accident in Spain died on Thursday.

Speaking on the development, Slot revealed that he wished Jota all the best on his wedding in their final-ever conversation together.

“The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo [Jota] on winning the [UEFA] Nations League [with Portugal] and I wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding.

“In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo Jota and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this,” Slot lamented as he told Liverpool’s website.

Jota played a vital role for Slot’s team as they won the English Premier League title last term.

The 28-year-old has won several trophies at Anfield since joining the Reds from Wolves five years ago.

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UEFA announce moment of silence for Diogo Jota, André Silva

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UEFA have announced a moment of silence in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who sadly passed away on Thursday.

In the early hours of Thursday, both football stars died as a result of a car crash in Zamora, Spain.

In a post on their website, UEFA said a moment of silence will be observed at all UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 games taking place today and tomorrow in memory of the late players.

Reacting to the tragic news, President of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, said: “Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final, a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that’ll now forever be burned in memory with sorrow.

“Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You’ll not be forgotten.”

Just last month, Jota got married to his long-time girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, in Porto.

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