Sports
English Premier League clubs to resume training from Tuesday
Premier League clubs will return to training on Tuesday after agreeing to allow “small group” sessions to begin, the first step on the road to a return to competitive action.
The league held a conference call for all 20 clubs on Monday where the move was given unanimous backing.
It is the first move in the league’s `Project Restart’ plans to restart play in the league, which has not held a game since March 9 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Failure to resume the season could cost the league around 750 million pounds (913.80 million dollars) in lost revenue from broadcasters, according to British media estimates.
Some reports said clubs could lose out even if the league restarts should broadcasters demand a 330 million pounds rebate.
“Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to return to small group training from tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon —- the first step towards restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so,” the league said in a statement.
“Step One of the Return to Training Protocol enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing. Contact training is not yet permitted,” it added.
The Government last week opened the door for the return of elite sport.
But several hurdles remain before the Premier League can resume behind closed doors with the aim of completing the remaining 92 matches of the season.
Clubs will have been encouraged, however, by the return of the Bundesliga at the weekend —- the first major football league in the world to resume after the lockdown.
Project Restart was originally looking at a June 12 resumption date.
But should the clubs agree and, if there is no rise in infections in the country, a return date of June 19 or June 26 appears the most likely.
However, the prospect of clubs playing their remaining matches at neutral venues has receded with more than half speaking out against such a proposal.
The league said the decision to return to `group training’ had been taken in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the government.
“Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible,” it added.
“The health and well-being of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process.
“Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) and LMA (League Managers Association) as protocols for full-contact training are developed,” the statement added.
Safety measures are expected to include tents where temperature checks will be conducted, strict hygiene criteria, no canteens and no showers.
A maximum of five players will be allowed per pitch, with tackling forbidden.
Players will be tested twice a week and are being asked to provide written approval that they have received and understood the club’s COVID-19 policy.
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.
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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.
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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.
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