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SWAN demands investigation into crash that killed 22 Kano athletes

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The National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Benjamin Isaiah, has called on government authorities to investigate the road crash that claimed the lives of 22 Kano athletes returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
Isaiah made the call on Monday during a condolence visit to the Kano State Government, where he led a delegation of sports journalists.
The delegation was received at the Government House by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the visit, Isaiah described the incident as a national tragedy that demands urgent attention.
“These are precious lives lost on national assignment. They were not just travellers, but patriots who went to represent their state and, by extension, the nation.
“Beyond mourning, there is a pressing need for the government to investigate the root cause of this accident to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
The SWAN president called for the immortalisation of the deceased athletes but said symbolic gestures alone were not enough.
He said the recurrence of such incidents at national sporting events underscored the need for a comprehensive review of travel logistics and safety protocols.
Isaiah decried the poor transportation arrangements often provided for athletes, citing long hours on the road and the use of unfit vehicles.
He also criticised the disparity between the treatment of public officials and athletes, noting that while politicians travel in chartered flights and helicopters, athletes endure dangerous road journeys in unsafe vehicles.
“We will issue a strong communiqué and continue to push for policy reforms to safeguard our athletes.
“If necessary, athletes should be airlifted to competition venues. Their lives are as valuable as the medals they compete for,” he said.
He urged all states to prioritise safe and efficient transportation for sports contingents, particularly during national events.
Responding, Deputy Governor Gwarzo commended SWAN for the visit, describing it as a gesture of national unity and support.
He thanked the association on behalf of the state government and people of Kano, saying the solidarity shown would bring comfort to the bereaved families.

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NPFL: Kano Pillars Won’t Go Down, Says Coach Babaganaru

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Kano Pillars coach, Muhammed Babaganaru, has assured supporters that the club will retain its Premier League status despite its current position at the bottom of the log.

Muhammed gave the assurance during a post-match interaction on Wednesday in Katsina, shortly after Pillars defeated visiting Kun Khalifat 2–1 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in the ongoing annual football competition.

He urged fans to remain calm, insisting that the four-time league champions would not suffer relegation.

According to him, the team will be reinforced once the transfer window reopens. He said new signings would help strengthen weak areas and improve overall performance.

Muhammed said only productive players would be retained, adding that those performing below expectation would be released.

He also appealed to supporters to continue praying for the club, saying their backing remains critical to achieving the set targets.

Pillars captain, Rabiu Ali scored two goals to increase his season tally to six goals.

Kano Pillars, who have won the Nigerian Premier League on four occasions, slipped into the relegation zone after their banishment to Katsina following crowd troubles in their 1–1 draw with Shooting Stars of Ibadan.

The club now has 12 points and is scheduled to travel to Warri, Delta State, this week for a crucial encounter with Warri Wolves.

In a related development, Barau Football Club played out a goalless draw against hosts El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri as the league entered the latter part of its first phase.

With the draw, the Kano-based side now has 17 points and one outstanding home fixture against Rivers United. Barau FC will host Shooting Stars of Ibadan on Sunday.

 

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NPFL fines Katsina Utd N9m, orders closed-door matches over crowd violence

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Katsina United N9 million and ordered the club to play its home matches behind closed doors following disturbances during its Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC.

In a statement on Sunday, the NPFL said the sanctions followed several breaches of its Framework and Rules, including poor crowd control, harassment of match officials, and actions capable of bringing the league into disrepute.

The Disciplinary Committee said N1 million was imposed for throwing objects onto the pitch, N1 million for failure to control fans, and another N1 million for conduct deemed to have tarnished the image of the league.

The body also fined the club N2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during the match.

It said Katsina United would pay an additional N2 million as compensation for persons injured during the incident and another N2 million for damages to Barau FC’s team buses and for detaining match officials and the visiting team after the game.

The NPFL further directed that the club’s subsequent home matches be played at the New Jos Stadium, behind closed doors, pending further review.

It said the decision was taken to safeguard the league, protect players and officials, and reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on violence at match venues.

Katsina United have 48 hours to appeal the ruling.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has fined Katsina United N9 million and ordered the club to play its home matches behind closed doors following disturbances during its Matchday 12 fixture against Barau FC.

In a statement on Sunday, the NPFL said the sanctions followed several breaches of its Framework and Rules, including poor crowd control, harassment of match officials, and actions capable of bringing the league into disrepute.

The Disciplinary Committee said N1 million was imposed for throwing objects onto the pitch, N1 million for failure to control fans, and another N1 million for conduct deemed to have tarnished the image of the league.

The body also fined the club N2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during the match.

It said Katsina United would pay an additional N2 million as compensation for persons injured during the incident and another N2 million for damages to Barau FC’s team buses and for detaining match officials and the visiting team after the game.

The NPFL further directed that the club’s subsequent home matches be played at the New Jos Stadium, behind closed doors, pending further review.

It said the decision was taken to safeguard the league, protect players and officials, and reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on violence at match venues.

Katsina United have 48 hours to appeal the ruling.

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NPFL: Barau FC names Tata as interim coach after Bosso steps down 

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NPFL: Barau FC names Tata as interim coach after Bosso steps down
Barau
The club announced the development in a statement issued by its Media Director, Ahmad Hamisu Gwale, on Wednesday in Kano.
According to the statement, Tata, a former assistant coach with the team, will oversee technical and tactical preparations ahead of Barau FC’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 9 fixture against Kano Pillars, scheduled for Sunday.
“The management of Barau FC has approved the appointment of Coach Rabi’u Tata as interim Technical Adviser of the club with immediate effect.
“This follows the decision of Coach Ladan Bosso to step aside temporarily due to family reasons,” the statement read.
The club expressed appreciation to Bosso for his professionalism and commitment to the team’s development since assuming his role earlier in the season.
It added that Tata would work closely with the existing technical crew to ensure continuity and maintain the team’s momentum in the league campaign.
Barau FC, currently occupying 19 position in the NPFL standings, would play against Kano Pillars this weekend in what promises to be a highly competitive North-West derby.
Fans and supporters have expressed confidence that Tata’s leadership would revive the team’s performance and stability during the interim period.

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