The Gambia National Sports Council - NSC

PS BULLI DIBBA: WAFU-A MUST RAISE THE STANDARD OF WEST AFRICAN FOOTBALL

Banjul, The Gambia — 6 September 2026

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. Bulli M. Dibba, has issued a bold charge to the West African Football Union Zone A (WAFU-A), urging the regional body to significantly elevate the standard of football development across the sub-region.

Delivering the Government of The Gambia’s official statement on Sunday during the WAFU-A Ordinary General Meeting in Banjul, Mr. Dibba underscored the urgent need for expanded investment in youth and women’s football, robust institutional governance, and capacity building.

The high-level gathering brought together delegates from all nine Member Associations within the Zone, alongside officials from CAF, FIFA, and key football development partners.

While acknowledging recent advancements in the sub-region, Mr. Dibba cautioned stakeholders against complacency. He emphasized that football has evolved beyond a sporting discipline into a crucial driver of economic opportunity, social cohesion, and regional integration.

“We must continue to raise our standards. We must continue to invest in our young people. We must strengthen our institutions. We must improve the quality of our competitions,” Dibba stated, maintaining that the success of football administration must ultimately be judged by the tangible opportunities it generates for West African youth.

Highlighting the strategic importance of hosting WAFU-A’s headquarters in Banjul, Mr. Dibba described the recent formal ratification of the headquarters agreement as a major milestone. He noted that the country's physical hosting of the body must serve as a functional hub for regional cooperation in training, technical growth, and competition administration.

Reaffirming the Gambian government's backing, he assured continued alignment with the Gambia Football Federation, CAF, and FIFA to ensure the headquarters yields sub-regional dividends.

Addressing specific strategic growth areas, the Permanent Secretary called for structured talent pathways connecting grassroots academies to professional and international levels. He further demanded accelerated, targeted investment in women's football, covering infrastructure, coaching, administrative capacity, and commercial viability.

On administrative integrity, Mr. Dibba insisted that transparency, accountability, and financial discipline must remain non-negotiable pillars of football administration. Recognizing financial constraints, he urged Member Associations to actively engage private sector sponsors and broadcasters rather than relying solely on state funding.

Closing his address, Mr. Dibba framed football as an indispensable tool for sub-regional peace and unity, encouraging delegates to make decisions anchored in the long-term interest of the continent's next generation.

“May our discussions strengthen the unity of WAFU-A, may our decisions advance the development of football, and may our collective efforts continue to inspire and empower the next generation of West African footballers,” he concluded.

PRESS RELEASES!

The Ministry of Youth and Sports is please to announce the election of Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports, to the role of Chair of African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 2 Conference of Ministers

NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL MOURNS THE PASSING OF LAMIN JAMMEH

The National Sports Council joins the sporting fraternity in mourning the passing of Mr. Lamin Jammeh, a dedicated member of the Executive of the Gambia Chess Federation.

Lamin was a passionate sportsman whose commitment to the growth of chess in The Gambia went beyond words. Through his selfless service, dedication and active involvement, he made a meaningful contribution to the development and promotion of the sport. His participation in international competitions also reflected his commitment to representing The Gambia with pride.

His passing is a great loss to the chess community and the wider Gambian sporting family. His contributions and the memories he leaves behind will continue to be cherished by those who knew and worked with him.

The National Sports Council extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Gambia Chess Federation.

May Allah SWT forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May He also give his family and loved ones the strength and patience to cope with this painful loss.

Rest in eternal peace, Lamin Jammeh. Your service to Gambian sport will not be forgotten.

CONGRATULATIONS TO KEMO CEESAY AND HIS TEAM

Heartfelt congratulations to Kemo Ceesay on his election as President of the Gambia Football Federation(GFF), and to his entire team on their successful election.

This is an important new chapter for Gambian football, and we wish the new leadership a successful and impactful tenure.

We look forward to continued collaboration between the GFF, The Gambia National Sports Council - NSC, and the Ministry of Youth & Sports (MOYS) as we work together to further develop football, support our athletes, strengthen our sporting structures, and take Gambian football to greater heights.

Congratulations, President Kemo Ceesay and team!

Wishing you wisdom, unity and success as you take on this important responsibility.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports under the leadership of Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, extends its warmest congratulations to Mr Kemo Ceesay on his election as President-elect of the Gambia Football Federation.

Mr. Ceesay’s election marks a significant milestone for football development in The Gambia. The Ministry is confident that under his leadership, the GFF will continue to promote transparency, good governance, and the growth of football at all levels.

The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the new GFF executive to advance the sport and create more opportunities for Gambian youth.

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