Sport
New Hope Stars Football Academy Set to Groom Future Champions in Plateau State
Plateau State’s sporting landscape received a major boost on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with the official launch of the New Hope Stars Football Academy in Jos. The event, held at the academy’s newly completed football facility along Domkat Bali Road, drew football enthusiasts, sports stakeholders, and community members who described it as a landmark stride in grassroots sports development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, commended the initiative, noting that it reflects the growing private sector interest in sports development across the state.
“We are unveiling a new football academy here, and that tells you sports is set to grow aeronautically in Plateau State,” Ashoms said. “Private investors are now showing confidence in our peaceful atmosphere, and this facility will not only groom young talents but also impact families economically.”
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing sports infrastructure across Plateau State, citing the ongoing rehabilitation of the Rwang Pam Township Stadium and preparations to host the Nigeria University Games in November.
“You can see our intentional investment in the sporting sector. Platforms like this create opportunities for discovering future stars who will represent Plateau and Nigeria at international levels,” he added.
Ashoms also lauded the management of New Hope Stars Academy for their foresight and pledged continued collaboration with the state government to ensure sustained growth in youth and sports development.
“New Hope Stars Academy has provided a credible platform for harnessing the energy and creativity of our youth. This aligns with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to youth development and empowerment,” he stated.
Founder and Chairman of the Academy, Mr. Yohanna Gorgi, said the idea was born out of passion and a desire to give young people a chance to achieve their football dreams.
“I have always loved football and saw great talent among youths in Jos. The vision is to help them grow into international stars who can one day play for the Super Eagles or win global honors,” Gorgi said.
He revealed that the project is currently self-funded but open to partnerships with individuals and organizations that share the same vision of youth empowerment through sports.
In his remarks, Mr. Simon Asemoh, Consultant and Director of Programs for the Academy, announced that New Hope Stars has already established international collaborations with clubs in Europe and America for exchange programs.
“This academy is designed to meet global standards. We plan to integrate academic learning with football training so our players are not just talented but also educated and disciplined,” Asemoh explained.
He added that the academy’s expansion plan will include the construction of a school, a recreation center, and the establishment of a female football program.
“We are committed to building complete athletes — disciplined, morally upright, and academically sound. Our goal is to produce world-class players who will make Plateau State and Nigeria proud,” he said.
The launch concluded with an exhibition match between the academy’s under-14 and under-16 teams, offering a glimpse of the promising talents eager to make their mark in Nigerian football.
With the establishment of New Hope Stars Football Academy, Plateau State continues to strengthen its reputation as a cradle of sporting excellence and a breeding ground for future football legends.
Liverpool can book a top-five finish in the Premier League table when they host Chelsea in Saturday’s early kickoff at Anfield.
Liverpool vs Chelsea betting tips
- Under 3.5 goals
- Both teams to score
- Liverpool to win
Liverpool vs Chelsea preview
Liverpool and Chelsea will get the ball rolling for this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures as they clash at Anfield.
It is a big game for both sides, but for contrasting reasons as they bid to bounce back from defeats to Manchester United and Nottingham Forest respectively.
The reigning champions’ winning streak came to an end in an agonising 3-2 loss to Manchester United last weekend, shortly before the Blues’ 3-1 home reverse to Nottingham Forest – a sorry sixth straight top-flight defeat.
Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League table with 58 points, six clear of Bournemouth and seven above Brentford. They will qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League if they beat Chelsea and the Cherries drop points at Fulham.
A draw could also be enough depending on how Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton get on.
As for Chelsea, they will be desperate to end a run of six consecutive Premier League defeats and build some confidence ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup showdown against Manchester City.
Points seem a largely foreign concept to Chelsea in the Premier League right now, and they head to Merseyside as the most out-of-form team in the division.
The ninth-placed Blues are mathematically out of top-five contention, sitting 10 points adrift of Aston Villa with three games remaining.
However, they are just four points off Bournemouth in sixth, which could suffice for UCL qualification if Villa finish in the top five and win the Europa League, though they risk no longer being in contention if results go against them this weekend.
Liverpool vs Chelsea head-to-head
Chelsea beat Liverpool twice at Stamford Bridge in 2025, most recently a 2-1 success in October.
However, the Reds have won their last two meetings at Anfield, including last season’s Mohamed Salah-inspired triumph by the same scoreline.
Following their 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge in October, Chelsea are looking to complete the league double over Liverpool for the first time since 2013/14.
However, Chelsea have won just one of their last 10 away games against Liverpool (D5 L4), a 1-0 win under Thomas Tuchel in March 2021.
Liverpool vs Chelsea team forms
Liverpool Premier League form: 🟧🟥🟩🟩🟩🟥
Liverpool form (all competitions): 🟥🟩🟥🟩🟩🟥
Chelsea Premier League form: 🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥
Liverpool form (all competitions): 🟩🟥🟥🟥🟩🟥
Liverpool vs Chelsea team news
Liverpool are hopeful Alexander Isak and Alisson Becker will be available for selection after injury.
Both players missed the defeat at Old Trafford, with Isak suffering a minor groin issue. Arne Slot said last week that he expected the Swede to return against Chelsea, and Alisson is not thought to be too far away from a comeback.
However, the Chelsea game may come too soon for Mohamed Salah, who is likely to play at least one more game before bidding farewell.
Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are all long-term injury casualties, and Giorgi Mamardashvili remains sidelined.
As for Chelsea, the loss to Forest was overshadowed by the sickening head injury to teenage attacker Jesse Derry, who was stretchered off to warm applause from both sets of supporters after his collision with Zach Abbott.
Derry-Abbott was one of two head clashes at Stamford Bridge, where Robert Sanchez and Morgan Gibbs-White also crashed into each other, so Filip Jorgensen may be required in between the posts in the former’s place.
McFarlane is at least hopeful of having attacking trio Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens fit for the weekend, but Estevao Willian (thigh) and Mykhaylo Mudryk (doping ban) will play no part.
Liverpool vs Chelsea possible starting lineup
Liverpool: Woodman; Jones, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Gakpo
Chelsea: Jorgensen; James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction
Liverpool are not without their problems, but Chelsea’s Premier League season is ending catastrophically, and McFarlane’s men could return to scoreless ways on Saturday.
Arne Slot’s side had put together a three-game winning run prior to defeat at Old Trafford, and while a classic is surely not in store, given their fitness issues, they’re ahead of Chelsea who have lost their last six in the league.
FA Cup wins aside, the Blues have looked poor in recent weeks and we can’t see that changing here. Form suggests this should be a routine Liverpool win.
Correct score prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea
-
News3 days agoFG donates foodstuffs to victims of bandits’ attacks in Plateau
-
News2 days ago
Riyom APC Youths Endorse Tinubu, Mutfwang, Dalyop Fom for Continuity Ahead of 2027
-
News4 days ago
Get ready for the whisper-filled office of the future
-
News3 days ago
Yusuf Gagdi Receives Massive Support as Ward Tour Begins Ahead of APC Primaries
