By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo

Organisers of the Jalingo Champions League have called for increased government investment in grassroots sports development, describing sports as a strategic vehicle for youth empowerment, talent discovery, crime prevention and socio-economic development.The appeal was made during the group stage of the ongoing Jalingo Champions League at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, Taraba State.

Speaking with journalists, the Ambassador of the Jalingo Champions League and Youth Development, Dr. Daniel Buba, said the competition was established to provide a constructive platform for young people to develop their talents while steering them away from crime, violence, drug abuse and other social vices.

He noted that sustained investment in grassroots sports would not only nurture future professional athletes but also create employment opportunities, promote entrepreneurship and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth. Dr. Buba commended Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for establishing the Taraba State Sports Commission, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in the administration’s efforts to reposition sports as a catalyst for youth development.

He, however, urged the state government to deepen its commitment by providing sustained financial and institutional support for grassroots sporting competitions across football and other disciplines, stressing that sports development should not be left solely in the hands of private individuals and organisations.

According to him, stronger collaboration between the government and private sector would strengthen talent identification programmes, expand opportunities for young athletes and position Taraba as a leading centre for sports development in Nigeria.

He also urged participating teams to uphold the principles of discipline, teamwork, respect and fair play, adding that the values cultivated through sports should translate into peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship within their communities.

Also speaking, the organiser of the tournament, Mr. Jacob, described the Jalingo Champions League as a talent development initiative designed to identify promising footballers and provide young people with a productive alternative to street life and other negative influences.

He said the competition had continued to serve as a platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their abilities before scouts and football stakeholders, expressing optimism that players discovered through the tournament would eventually progress to professional clubs both within and outside Nigeria. “My greatest ambition is to see players from this competition earn professional contracts and compete on the international stage,” he said.

Mr. Jacob observed that while private initiatives have sustained grassroots football development in the state, greater government support is essential to unlock the enormous potential of young athletes. He called on the Taraba State Government to revive Taraba United Football Club and restore the state’s presence in Nigeria’s professional football league, noting that a functional state-owned club would provide a clear pathway for local talents to transition into professional football while bringing league matches back to Taraba.

According to him, the prolonged inactivity of Taraba United has deprived many talented youths of opportunities to showcase their abilities at the highest domestic level.He disclosed that the organisers are actively pursuing partnerships with reputable football academies, clubs and talent scouts to facilitate the progression of outstanding players from the tournament into professional football.

Recalling the previous edition of the competition, he revealed that one of the tournament’s standout players secured an opportunity with the Samson Siasia Academy but was unable to complete the process after being disqualified under circumstances beyond the organisers’ control.

He appealed to government agencies, corporate organisations, football administrators and development partners to support the Jalingo Champions League through sponsorship, talent development programmes and scouting initiatives, expressing confidence that sustained investment in grassroots football would produce players capable of excelling in domestic leagues and representing Nigeria on the international stage.

By Abigail David

Spain have been crowned champions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a thrilling final on Sunday.

Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the second period of extra time to hand La Roja their second World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa in 2010.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in the contest, but the South Americans’ task became more difficult in stoppage time of the second half when midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.

With Argentina reduced to 10 men, Spain dominated possession in extra time and finally found the breakthrough when Nico Williams brilliantly knocked the ball into Torres’ path, allowing the forward to fire home the winning goal.

Luis de la Fuente’s side capped an outstanding tournament with another disciplined defensive display, conceding just one goal in seven matches while combining defensive solidity with their trademark possession-based football.

Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, fought valiantly throughout the tournament, overcoming Egypt in the knockout stages and coming from behind to defeat England in the semi-finals.

However, the holders were unable to find a way past Spain, who claimed the biggest prize in world football for the first time since 2010.

By Abigail David

FIFA has announced that the winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive championship rings for the first time in the tournament’s history, alongside the World Cup trophy and gold medals.

The world football governing body unveiled the initiative on Thursday ahead of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

According to FIFA, the introduction of championship rings brings a tradition commonly associated with American sports to the FIFA World Cup.

In a statement, FIFA said a limited edition of 2,026 individually numbered rings would be produced to commemorate the tournament.

Thirty rings will be presented to members of the World Cup-winning team, while the remaining 1,996 will be offered to fans worldwide as officially licensed memorabilia.

FIFA said each ring will feature the FIFA World Cup trophy on one side, while the other side will be customised to reflect the identity of the championship-winning team. The rings will also be individually numbered, custom-fitted and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

The governing body added that the winning team’s captain and head coach will receive temporary rings immediately after the final, with the customised versions to be presented at a later date.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will see Spain and Argentina compete for the title on Sunday.