Sports
Celtic emerge champions, Hearts relegated as Scottish season ends
Celtic have been declared 2019/2020 Scottish champions for a record-equalling ninth successive season by the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), while Hearts were relegated.
This ending came after the clubs voted on Monday to end the Scottish Premiership season early because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
`The SPFL has today announced that, following consultation with all 12 top-flight clubs, the Board of the SPFL has determined that the 2019/20 Ladbrokes Premiership has been concluded with immediate effect,” the SPFL said in a statement.
“The decision means that Celtic are crowned 2019/20 champions and Hearts have been relegated to the Championship.”
When the season was stopped in March because of the pandemic, Celtic were 13 points clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers, who had a game in hand.
Also, Hearts were four points adrift at the bottom of the standings.
Places were decided on a points-per-game average.
Hearts said they were still considering legal action, saying they had been “unfairly penalised” because of the pandemic.
In a statement, the Edinburgh club said they would be submitting a member’s resolution offering a “pragmatic solution” to the issues the game is facing.
Hearts believe there is an appetite for a restructuring of the Scottish leagues.
“It is our belief that this resolution, if supported, will provide an opportunity to avoid disproportionately disadvantaging —- financially and otherwise —- any club,” the club said.
“This is possibly the final chance for our game to stand together, protect each other and not only survive but flourish in the aftermath of this terrible pandemic.
“As previously intimated, the club has been taking legal advice throughout this process and is continuing to do so.
“We hope that the resolution being prepared will avoid the need to go down this route. Legal action will be both time consuming and expensive.
“However, the cost to the club of relegation will outweigh these considerations.’’
Last week Scottish clubs failed to support a request by Rangers for an independent investigation into SPFL’s handling of the season in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The resolution, backed by Hearts and Stranraer.
It was put forward after serious misgivings about how a previous vote on the SPFL’s plan to end the lower leagues early, and possibly the Premiership too, was carried out.
The SPFL executive committee last week met all 12 Premiership clubs about declaring the season over.
Media reports had it that relegated Hearts had made a final push for a revamp of the league structure.
Scotland’s three lowest tiers were ended immediately in April, with positions also decided on a points-per-game average, although the door was left open for a resumption of the Premiership.
That has now been ruled out.
Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers were declared winners of the Championship, League One and League Two respectively.
The SPFL released end-of-season payments of over 1.8 million pounds (2.18 million dollars) to clubs to ease their financial burden.
“We will all have rather seen the league season played out on pitches, in stadiums and in front of supporters,” SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said.
“COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on sports competitions around the world and the repercussions will be felt for a long time.”
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell dedicated the club’s title, their 51st compared to Rangers’ 54, to the fans.
“I am so proud of our team and proud of you for all you have given us,” he said on Celtic’s website.
“While we rightly celebrate this fantastic, deserved achievement, we must take time to consider the wider circumstances we have all been experiencing.”
Celtic also won nine league titles in a row from 1965 to 1974, a feat matched by Rangers from 1989 to 1997.
Credit: Reuters/NAN
Sports
Jimoh, Adedeji and Tachie-Menson Among Top Contenders As Lekki Scrabble Classics begins
Defending champion, Abdulmumeen Jimoh will be among the top contenders as the Lekki Scrabble Classics beginning on Saturday in Lagos.
According to NAN, the two-day championship will be taking place at the Peninsula Hotel, Lekki from Saturday, September 26, 2026 to Sunday, September 27, with players competing in Divisions A and B.
Jimoh, popularly known as the “Scrabble Assassin” has been in impressive form, winning titles in recent championships.
However, he faces a tough task as several top players will be aiming to dethrone him and claim the title he won last year.
Jomoh, is expected to battle through 18 rounds of games in his bid to retain the title.
The defending champion will also begin his campaign against Khaleel Adedeji, in the opening round.
Other leading contenders include Grand Master John Ayedun, current African champion Oluwatimilehin Doko, Tega Okiemute, Hakeem Olaribigbe and Ghanaian Charles Tachie-Menson.
Tachie-Menson won the Lekki Scrabble Classics title in 2024.
The tournament will also introduce a Children’s Category for players under 12 years.
Organisers of the championship said the new category was a strategic platform for discovering and nurturing young players for the future.
Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) and the World English-Language Scrabble Players Association have rated the tournament
Sports
Akorede Shines: Jordan FA’s Star Player Crowned MVP of Elite Super League 2025
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Aliyu Akorede Oladejo, a talented player from Jordan FA, has been crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025.
Akorede’s outstanding performance earned him the prestigious award, which was presented during the medal and trophy ceremony on Sunday in Lokoja.
js">
Akorede’s impressive display on the field was matched by his teammates, with two Jordan FA players making the Elite Super League Best 11.
The players are Akorede himself, who played as right forward, and Hashim Kings, who anchored the defense as central defender.
Jordan FA garnered 20 points, finishing as runner-up behind league champions Reigners FC, who accumulated 22 points.
The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025, sponsored by Afriskaut/Ozi-Bako Foundation, provided a platform for young players to showcase their talents and gain exposure to scouts and clubs.
The tournament featured six teams and ran from June 13 to July 20 at Confluence Stadium Lokoja.
Jordan FA’s founder and CEO, Jordan Haziel, expressed gratitude to partner BAKO for providing a platform to announce their Academy.
Haziel emphasized the need for partnerships and sponsorships to support the academy’s growth and development, stating that with the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.
“With the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.
“The academy is open to enrolling young talented players from ages 15 to 18.
“As a team, we will analyze our performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine our skills to come back stronger next time, and always.
“Our Academy will continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop their talents,” Haziel said.
Sports
Afriskaut Stars Unite: Super Team Clashes with Reigners FC on Sunday
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the best young talents in the Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025 come together to take on the reigning champions.
The super team will face off against Reigners FC in a highly anticipated match at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, on Sunday, July 27.
js">
The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025, sponsored by Afriskaut/Ozi-Bako Foundation, concluded with Reigners FC emerging as champions after securing a 1-0 victory over FC Bako.
The six-team tournament showcased young talents and provided exposure to scouts and clubs.
Reigners FC topped the table with 22 points, followed closely by Jordan FA with 20 points, and Flamingo FC with 17 points.
The tournament saw some thrilling matches, with the young players displaying their skills and determination on the field.
A 21-player super team has been selected from the participating teams, comprising talented young players who will train with Reigners FC, the champions of the tournament.
This selection promises to bring together the best of the young talents in the league.
The Golden Boot and Bronze Boot awards for the top scorer and best goalkeeper, respectively, will be presented to the winners after the super team’s training session with Reigners FC on Sunday.
Jordan FA’s Commitment to Developing Young Talents:
Despite losing in the final match, Jordan FA’s founder and CEO, Jordan Haziel, expressed gratitude to partner BAKO for providing a platform to announce their Academy.
He emphasised the need for partnerships and sponsorships to support the academy’s growth and development.
“With the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.”
“The academy is open to enrolling young talented players from ages 15 to 18.
“As a team, we will analyze our performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine our skills to come back stronger next time, and always.
“Our Academy will continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop their talents,” Haziel said.
-
Entertainments4 years agoNollywood Produces 541 Movies in 2022 First Quarter – NFVCB
-
News7 years agoI will Maintain High Decorum – Hon Monguno
-
News5 years ago2021 Ethics And Integrity Compliance Scorecard Of MDAs: ICPC Scores Censors Board High
-
Business and Economy4 years agoNon-interest TAJBank Reports 433% PBT in 2021 Financial Year
-
Entertainments7 years agoCensors Board Trains, Gives Grant to 100 Youths in Nasarawa State
-
News4 years agoICDA North Central: Prince Oruma Sues for Igala Unity
-
AWF7 years agoAWF to Feature Adedokun, Kawu and Okah-Donli for April Guest Writer Session
-
News3 years agoFull List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio