Omokwo, Olowookeere Win NWFL Premiership December Player, Manager Of The Month Awards

Confluence Queens FC star Mercy Omokwo and Naija Ratels FC Manager Bankole Olowookeere have won the Naija Women Football League Awards player and Manager of the month. 

Mercy Omokwo finished ahead of Naija Ratels forward Olamide Adugbe and Nasarawa Amazons Abigail Sunday to win the coveted monthly awards.  

The Confluence Queens forward scooped the prize after some sensational performances in the matches against Pelican Stars and Osun Babes. She netted the first hat-trick of the season against Pelican Stars on Matchday one and went ahead to score the only goal as her team went past Osun Babes in Ile-Ogbo. 

In all, Mercy Omokwo scored four goals in three matches, the same as Olamide Adugbe, who also scored four goals in three matches, with fewer minutes played.  

In the Manager's category, Bankole Olowookeere edged out Liadi Bashiru of Confluence Queens and Christopher Danjuma of Nasarawa Amazons to win his first Manager of the month awards. 

Seven points out of nine possible gave the Naija Ratels Manager the prestigious awards. His team, Naija Ratels are on top of the NWFL Premiership Group A table with 2 wins and a draw in December. 

The 'One day at a time' Ladies won Osun Babes 2-0 in the first game at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja, before deservedly getting a point in their 2-2 draw against Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. 

They ended the month on a high with the 5-2 bashing of Adamawa Queens in Abuja. 

A panel of NWFL Premiership experts decided the winners of the Player/Manager of the month awards through a very fair voting process. 

The awards will be presented to the duo on Matchday five in Lokoja.

Kamaru Usman visits Nigeria again as "Face-Off Fight Night" holds on Friday in Lagos

Kamaru Usman in partnership with 5five 4four, to host the first official MMA fight in Nigeria, leading the development of MMA in Nigeria and Africa.   

Olusola Adebayo  

Kamaru Usman is in Nigeria, to organise the Face-Off Fight Night - the first edition of the Martial Mixed Art,( MMA ) fights series which will hold in Lagos on Friday, January 7, 2022, at the grand Africa Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel in Lagos from 6 pm. 

The event which is endorsed by the Lagos State Sports Commission is powered by 5Five 4Four will see five professional fights among ten MMA fighters from Africa. 

In a well-attended press conference held in Lagos on Wednesday at the Lagos Continental Hotel, the organiser reveals that the vision behind the historic event is to provide opportunities for the burden fighters in Africa. 

Kamaru Usman who was excited about the partnership said he was happy to go into the partnership with 5five and 4four as it provides opportunities for more youths in Africa to become world champions like himself.  

Speaking at the event, Kamaru Usman said:  

“At first, I thought about it over and over on how I can help, and how I can create opportunities for more youths like myself. Luckily, I was able to run into these amazing partners, which was the best way to go to achieve the vision and what we eventually plan to do,” he said. 

The fight will feature Damilare ‘Ring Beast’ Addulrahim as he will face off Ugochukwu ‘Nicotine’ Melvin. 

Jude ‘Hurricane’ Ezugwu will go toe to toe with Richard ‘Resident Ninja’ Chidi Nwankwo. 

Emmanuel Onoja will battle with Richard ‘Shield’ Muzaan, while Daniel ‘Big Shark’ Emeka take on Ayivor ‘Finisher Mawuko.

Otunba Isiaka Adeleke Memorial Cup: Eyiowuawi FC Beats Molababs FC, Cruise Into Semi-Final

Babatunde Eyiowuawi FC of Ede on Monday cruised past Molababs FC in the first Quarter-Final of the ongoing Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup. 

Eyiowuawi FC who were last year's second runners up dominated in most part of the game and deservedly earned a 2-1 victory over their opponent. 

The Ede-South based side created alot of goalscoring chances and before the hour mark scored the first goal of the game, scoring one more later in the game to become the first side to book a spot in the Semi-Final of the prestigious football tournament held in honour of the first Civilian Governor of Osun State, Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. 

Molababs FC made a flurry of changes mid way in an attempt to turn the tables with an equalizer, but were unable to breach the Eyiowuawi FC defence. 

With this result, Babatunde Eyiowuawi FC will now face the winner of the second quarter final game between GFCC Ede North and Unity FC, which will come up today at the Muslim Grammar School Ede. 

The third quarter final match between Unity FC, Ejigbo and New United FC will come up at the Baptist High School Ejigbo on Thursday, the 6th of January. 

Meanwhile, the date and time for the fourth quarter final game between Hammola FC Ido-Osun and New Dawn FC, Ofatedo will be communicated soon. 

The Competition which is dedicated in honour of the first Civilian Governor of Osun State, Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke is solely sponsored by Rep. Bamidele Salam, who represents the good people of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the National Assembly. 

The final of the Competition will come up on the 15th of January 2022 in Ede.

Omokwo battles Adugbe, Abigail for NWFL's December player of the month

The Organisers of the Naija Women Football League Awards have revealed nominees for the Player and Manager for the month of December. 

Three players namely Abigail Sunday of Nasarawa Amazon, Olamide Adugbe of Naija Ratels and Mercy Omokwo of Confluence Queens made the shortlist for the prestigious monthly awards. 

 Mercy Omokwo played all three games for Confluence Queens in the month of December, scoring four goals, including the first hat-prison against Pelican Stars on Matchday one. 

She also went on to score the only goal of the match against Osun Babes, to give her side successive victory in the new campaign. Her team is placed second in group A with two wins and a draw. 

Olamide Adugbe of Naija Ratels is the only player in the league to have scored in all the three games played in December. In all the games, she came in as a substitute, scoring one against Osun Babes on Matchday one, leveled up in Benin against Edo Queens in the 89th minute through a two levelled free-kick and scored two against Adamawa Queens in matchday three. Her team is placed 1st on the log in Group A, with two wins and an away draw. 

Abigail Sunday joined the 'Solid babes' from Sunshine Queens during the summer and has quickly adapted to their style of play. She scored a brace in the game against Osun Babes to earn her side a 4-0 victory over the Omoluabi Queens. Nasarawa Amazons are third in group A, her team recorded two victories in two games. 

In the Managers Category, Naija Ratels Bankole Olowookeere, Nasarawa Amazons Christopher Danjuma and Confluence Queens Liadi Bashiru all made the final shortlist for December Manager Of the month. 

Bankole Olowookeere, whose side is new in the league won two of their home games and drew away to Edo Queens in Benin.

The 'One day At A Time' Ladies recorded a remarkable 2-0 and 5-2 wins against more experienced sides Osun Babes and Adamawa Queens at the Area 10 Sports Complex, while on Matchday 2, they succeeded in picking a precious draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.  

Christopher Danjuma's side won big in the two  games played in the month of December. The 'Solid Babes' started with a comprehensive ory in Calabar against Pelican Stars and recorded a 4-0 victory in Lafia against Osun Babes. 

Liadi Bashiru of Confluence Queens got off to a 4-0 victory at home to Pelican Stars, won Osun Babes 1-0 at the home ground in his second game, but was held by Edo Queens in his third game at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja. 

The names of nominees was shortlisted by a panel of NWFL Premiership experts, who will also be aiding the winners on Thursday, 6th of January 2022.

Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup Heads Into Quarter-Finals

The Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup is heading into the business end, with four teams already through to the quarter-finals. 

Hammola FC of Ido-Osun ended as group winners in the Egbedore centre. Hammola FC won two of their games, drawing just one, while New Dawn FC, Ofatedo came second with five (5) points. 

In Ede North, GFCC Ede and Unity FC ended as group winners and runners up respectively. GFCC Ede North had a great run in the Competition going past Victory Football Academy and Adegbite FC to book an automatic slot in the quarter-finals. 

In the Ejigbo Centre, the final group matches will be played this week, Ifesowapo FC (Isoko) will battle Temidire FC (Ilawo) on Thursday, 30th of December, while Unity FC (Ejigbo) and Temidire FC (Ilawo) will play their last group games on Friday, 31st of December.  

In Ede South, Last year's second runner up, Eyiowuawi FC defeated their opponent Molababs FC 1-0 and look to be in a comfortable place to book a  Quarter-Final spot. 

Coordinator of the Competition Oladele Bamiji said he is satisfied with the way the Competition has been going so far. Bemidji also hailed and described  Hon. Bamidele Salam, who is the sole sponsor of the Competition as a man who has great intention and love for his people.

"We are glad and satisfied with the way the competition has been going so far, it is a clear indication that Sports is a major component that brings the old, young and everyone together.

 "People from all four centres have trooped out en masse to give the Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup a major boost and we are happy about that. Last year we witnessed massive support from everyone in our Constituency and this year, the support is even more. 

"Specifically, Rep Bamidele Salam has done a lot in all areas, and coming out again for the second time to give the youths a platform through Sports, shows that he has his people dear to his heart."

The Competition, which is dedicated in honour of the first Civilian Governor of Osun State, Otunba Isiaka Adeleke is solely sponsored by Rep. Bamidele Salam who represents the good people of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the National Assembly.

The final Competition will come up on the 15th of January 2022 in Ede.

Sportivation Awards Edeh, Ujiri others as Media Hang Out Holds This Weekend

All is set for the 2021 edition of Sportivation Media Awards which is billed to hold in Nigeria's entertainment and showbiz capital, Lagos, on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

Organised by Sportivation Media, a sports media, events and broadcast outfit, the award recognises and celebrates sports personalities in Nigeria and beyond for their spectacular and exceptional performance in chosen sporting endeavour and contributions to the sport.

The CEO of Sportivation Media International, Mr. Taiwo Ibrahim leads the young and enterprising company with a team of enthusiastic and creative sports journalists, broadcasters, and professionals. 

This year's edition will honour six remarkable individuals who have left footnotes in the sporting world with different award categories: Sports Personality of the Year Award, Diaspora Award, Administrator of the Year Award, Special Recognition Award for Innovation, Special Recognition Award for Service to Women Football, Special Recognition Award for Contribution to Sports and Youth Development.

Masai Ujiri, the first African-born general manager of a professional sports team in America (Denver Nuggets, NBA, 2013) and first president of an NBA Team (Toronto Raports) to be born by African parents, will be presented with the Sports Personality of the Year.

Also to be awarded is Barrister Paul Edeh, the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, a foundation that has used sports in empowering the girl-child over the years. The RSDF is also the sole sponsor of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in the whole of Africa (The Flying Officers Cup). 

Mr Shina Philips, is the Chairman of Matchmakers Consult Group, an organisation that has been hosting the biggest Sports Award in Nigeria (The Pitch Awards) since 2013. 

 Mr Marcellinus Anyanwu, a former Arsenal Soccer School Coach in Dubai, He has also helped Nigerian players with scholarship opportunities abroad. 

Mrika Valentine, a Nigerian Coach based in India and highly recommended for his contribution to football in the east Asian nation. 

Samuel Dosunmu, is being rewarded for his uprightness and East support to the brand (Sportivtion Media). 

Speaking on the 2021 award, the Organiser, Taiwo Ibrahim said: "the Sportivation Media Awards is aimed at rewarding excellence in the sports sector, we have diligently selected the recipients based on their contributions to youth development through sports.

"The choice of Masai Ujiri was easy because of his feat in basketball in Nigeria and Africa where he is currently on a mission to build 100 basketball courts across the continent through his 'Giants of Africa' NGO.

"Barrister Paul Edeh, has also contributed a lot to the development of women football in Nigeria; a staunch supporter of the girl child.

"Mr Shina Philips has continued to defy the odds by organising the Nigerian Ptich Awards since 2013.

"Mr Marcellinus Anyanwu, a former Arsenal Soccer SchoPitchach in Dubai, has been flying Nigeria's flag very high in the oil rich country; he has also helped Nigerian players with scholarship opportunity-rich

"Mr Chika Valentine, a Nigerian coach based in India, is highly commended for his contributions to football in the east Asian nation and also gives opportunities to Nigerian players to study and easy football in the country."

The prestigious event will hold at the SWAN hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday, the 18th of December 2021.

Heartland players vow to take club to FIFA over 8 months unpaid salaries

Ahead of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season scheduled to kick off next week, the players of Heartland FC of Owerri, have threatened to take the Naze Millionaire,  to World Football governing body, FIFA over eight months unpaid salaries.

Before the end of last NPFL season, the management of the Owerri-based side, promised the team, that all their financial entitlement including, the eight monthly backlog of salaries will be paid, but according to the player's nothing has been paid.

With less than a week to start another season, in the Nigerian topflight, Heartland player who pleaded to be anonymous, claimed that the weak League Management Company (LMC) has failed them hence, they have vowed to take the club to FIFA as they seek for justice.

“It’s sad that we are here talking about our unpaid salaries of about eight months after we involved the League Management Company who appear to be very weak and toothless.

“Some of us are family men, breadwinners of our families, we don’t have another profession than football, but it’s sad that after you worked tirelessly for a season, you still have to beg and cry for what is rightfully yours.

“We are highly disappointed with the LMC because by now they ought to have sanctioned Heartland and place an embargo on them, but here we are, Heartland is preparing to start the new season, having completed half of the registration process with the same LMC.

“Since it appears the League body can not help us, then we have decided to report the case to FIFA and see maybe we will get the desired justice.”