By Ellams Awwal

Mustapha Salisu, once prolific goal scorer for NPFL team Katsina United. In the previous two seasons, Salisu showcased his prowess emerging top goal scorer for the Chanji boys before embarking on a free transfer that led him back to Kano Pillars.

Now at Pillars Salisu, Known for his electrifying pace and skillful plays, has become an enigma this season. Despite starting several matches from the bench and making impactful appearances in five games, Salisu’s name vanished from the squad list after matchday 16, leaving fans puzzled.

Contrary to speculation about injuries, reliable sources confirm that Salisu is fit and well. The mystery deepens as it appears that he has fallen out of favor with Coach Abdul Maikaba, a surprising turn of events given the coach’s track record of providing opportunities to young talents.

This season witnessed Coach Maikaba’s commitment to nurturing emerging players, with a focus on building a formidable team around the likes of Mustapha Salisu, Tsamage, Muhammad Aminu, Mustapha Umar, and Mubarak Sani. These rising stars were set to complement the experience of seasoned players like Mustapha Yuga and Rabiu Ali Pele leading Pillars attack.

The absence of Salisu raises questions about the underlying dynamics within the team. Could there be more to this situation than meets the eye? Football enthusiasts are left wondering about the factors that led to Salisu’s sudden disappearance and the implications for Kano Pillars’ strategic lineup.

Ndagi Suleiman says: “Although a team is bigger than any player. I found it odd that while recently promoted Junior team players like Tsamage and Mustapha Umar makes it only two wingers the coach has at his disposal. I would have thought somebody like Salisu with more experience would be given more playing time.”

As the season unfolds, the spotlight remains on Mustapha Salisu, a missing piece in the football puzzle, whose absence sparks curiosity and speculation among fans eager to see the talented winger back in action.

The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Isaiah  Benjamin, on Wednesday January 17, 2024 arrived Abidjan, capital of Cote d’ivoire as hostilities continue in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Mr. Isaiah who touched down Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan shortly after noon had departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja earlier same day, aboard Cotevoir airline.

A press statement by the SWAN Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, confirmed that President Isaiah will among other things parley all Nigerian Sports Journalists covering AFCON in a bid to interface and find ways of ameliorating the challenges of his colleagues away from their country.

“First of all, I want to thank God Almighty for granting me and others on board safety to Abidjan. I have successfully settled down, ready for next line of actions, all geared towards finding ways to assist our colleagues do their work in a more conducive atmosphere.

“As a leadership, we are committed to ensuring that Sports Writers carry out their professional and constitutional duties without hitches,” the SWAN President said.

The number one Sports Writer in Nigeria then acknowledged the spirited efforts of the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Sports Development, under the hardworking leadership of Senator John Owan Enoh as Minister in ensuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved backlog owed Super Eagles and other national team coaches as well as players’ allowances.

He also thumped up the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau as President for the vital role of giving Super Eagles necessary preparatory and participatory atmosphere suitable to thrive.

While expressing optimism that the country’s senior national team will surmount any challenge to pull through the group stage of the competition, enjoined Nigerians to continuously support them, always.

“On our part as sporting media, we will continue to give the team maximum support by ensuring fair report of their matches and other activities partnering their participation at the 2023 AFCON,” he said.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are scheduled to face Cote d’ivoire’s Elephants on Thursday in their second Group A duel inside Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe.

Kano State Athletics team and the media crew are in a detariorated situation due to the paucity of funds , yet to be released by the state government officials in the ongoing second edition of the National Para Games 2023 in Abuja.

It was exclusively revealed that, the government has not recognized any efforts for the Para Athletics team.

Up to now, there is no reason for the unnecessary financial support from the Kano State Government.

Because of this, Kano may miss out on the remaining days, which would not only discourage them but also have a negative impact on their overall development as athletes.

One of the players, urged the Kano government to intervene and provide the necessary funds to continue the participation of Kano State Para athletes in the Para Games.

In line with this, the Kano Athletics team appealed to the state government to allocate funds considering the vital role of the Kano crew, especially recognition, and success entirely of Kano State.

Another source Exclusively informed NIGERIAN TRACKER that since Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved the release of the funds ,the file was missing.

Since the begining of the game its the coaches that are buying foods for the athletes from their own pockets which is lessening the moral of the athletes throughout the games.