Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the air transportation of 170 of the state’s contingent to compete in 17 sporting events at the National Youth Games, Asaba, Delta State.

The acting Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Ibrahim Fagge, who disclosed this , said that the contingent is departing Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, for Asaba today (Tuesday).

Fagge said the decision was in line with the Governor’s pledge to prioritise the safety of athletes representing the state at national events.

He recalled that 22 athletes from the state lost their lives in a road accident while returning from Ogun during the Gateway Games.

“The governor is a humble leader who has shown concern and readiness to deploy all available means to protect the lives and property of Kano people,” he said.

He urged the athletes to strive to make the state proud and remain good ambassadors of the government and people of Kano throughout the competition.

The acting chairman added that two coaster buses with drivers had already been deployed to Asaba to assist the contingent and provide local logistics during the games.

“I’m deeply honoured to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a top-drawer club in Europe.

This is a major step for me, and I’m committed to giving my all to help PSG win titles and to inspire young footballers, be they in Nigeria or elsewhere,” said Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade, after she completed her move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

PSG signed the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)-winning captain on a two-year deal after she left Spanish side Atlético de Madrid at the end of last season.

The 24-year-old links up with compatriot Jennifer Echegini as Les Parisiennes strengthen their squad in a bid to reclaim the Ligue 1 Féminine title, which they last won in 2021.

Ajibade shone at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she was voted Player of the Tournament after scored one goal and provided two assists as Nigeria claimed a record 10th continental crown.

• Taribo West

Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has condemned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for alleged abandonment of the family of deceased goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.

During Rufai’s burial at Ikoyi cemetery on Friday, Taribo West expressed outrage at what he described as the consistent failure of Nigerian authorities to honour football heroes after their death.

In a video shared by News Central on Friday, the ex-Inter Milan star , lamented: It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association. They drop the bulk on the family. I felt in my spirit that there is nothing to put your life for. That’s why I say I have to shift back so that I will not implode. It’s grieving.

“My mother died . I never shed tears. My father died in my hands. I never shed tears. When Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples on my body. And every individual I’m speaking to, there were tears rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?”

“With this kind of example they have shown in (Yisa) Sofoule, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliya and Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country. Send me out! Do we have a Football Federation or do we have a Football Association in this Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way in his family.

“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit in within our groups to ask for money? That is madness. Look, please let me go. I don’t want to pour my heart,” he stated.