2022 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Olumide Oyedeji To Run Lagos With Sanwo-Olu, Shaibu

Basketball legend Olumide Oyedeji over the weekend signed for the 2022 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Oyedeji who visited the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Marathon Village at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere commended the headline sponsor of the race Access Bank for their fate in the race which has rubbed off positively on Lagos State and Nigeria. 

Discussing with the General Manager Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Yussuf Alli after signing his form, he said: 

“I must commend Nilayo Nigeria Limited the Project Consultant and the secretariat headed by you. Your pedigree as an athlete and administrator is well known but I must commend the headline sponsor Access Bank for investing in the race when it was just an idea on paper”.

Oyedeji said the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has put Lagos on the global sports map, “everywhere I go people always talk about Access Bank Lagos City Marathon informing me that we are doing a good job and that will be coming to Lagos to run the marathon. 

The decision of foreigners to come to my city and run motivated me to decide to run this year. It will be a great honour to run along with the Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Edo State Deputy-Governor Philip Shaibu and hundreds of thousands of runners from different parts of the world”.

Oyedeji urged celebrities in the sports and entertainment industry to join hands with the Lagos State Government to add colour to the annual marathon.

“Alicia Keys and celebrities in New York join the New York Marathon not just to run but because they know celebrity participation motivates millions and once millions show interest worldwide, it brings economy business to the city. 

In other American cities, celebrities join their local marathon I am appealing to celebrities in Lagos to embrace Access Bank Lagos City Marathon”. Said Oyedeji

36 Lions Product Collins Yira Sor Joins Peter Olayinka In Slavia Praha

36 Lions product Collins Yira Sor has joined Slavia Praha on a five-year deal from Banik Ostrava. 

The contract will keep the former Nigeria youth international at the Sinobo Stadium until December 2026, and he joins compatriots Peter Olayinka and Ubong Ekpai. 

Sor has played 16 matches in the current Czech Fortuna Liga campaign, scoring three goals and providing five assists. 

He has the chance of playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

After completing the move, the attacker spoke of his ambition with his new side.

“I am very positive, both on and off the pitch and I am very much looking forward to this new challenge,” Sor told the Media.

“As a player I am versatile, I usually play as a winger but I can also play well in midfield and as a striker.

“My ambitions at the club? Help Slavia Praha beat Fenerbahce in the next round of UEFA Europa Conference League and of course become champions. I also want to win the League title too. We should aspire to that!”

Yira Sor developed his game in Lagos at 36 Lion before switching to Banik Ostrava in February 2021.

The 36 graduates made two appearances for the Nigeria team at the 2019 U20 FIFA World Cup.  

The transfer was a bit frustrating but one of 36 Lion European representatives Mr Hannes D'Hoop made sure all stones were turned. Mr D’Hoop left Belgium and stayed in the Czech Republic for two weeks until Collins Sor signed.

Collins Sor kicked his first ball at Family Love Academy in Port Harcourt owned by Jeremiah Atu Kalu before coming to 36 Lion where his potentials were maximized as a young speedster.

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

 Ratels FC Manager, Bankole Olowookeere and Confluence Queens forward Mercy Omokwo both received their Naija Women Football League Awards for the best Coach and player for December. 

The duo picked up their awards on Wednesday at the Ilorin Township Stadium, just before the NWFL Premiership Week Five game between Confluence Queens and Naija Ratels. 

Mercy Omokwo in the first week of January was nominated for the NWFL Premiership Player for the month of December alongside Abigail Sunday of Nasarawa Amazons and Olamide Adugbe of Naija Ratels. 

The in-form striker scored four goals in December, including a hat-trick against Pelican Stars in week one of the NWFL Premiership and went on to gain over 70% of votes from Women Football experts, thus becoming the first recipients of the prestigious Award for the 2022 NWFL Premiership season. 

Olowookeere won two matches, including a 2-2 draw against Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin. The former Dreamstar Ladies Coach got the accolades ahead of Liadi Bashiru of Confluence Queens and Christopher Danjuma of Nasarawa Amazons. 

Mercy Omokwo after receiving the awards hailed her teammates and everyone involved in the team for giving her the platform and support needed to excel. 

"This is the first time I am winning the player of the month award and for me, it is something special. Hopefully, I can win more in the future. I am indeed grateful to all my teammates for their great support, and also to the technical crew and management as a whole. I will continue to give my support to confluence Queens.

Pleased to be recognized, Bankole Olowookeere was also eager to give credit to his players, technical assistants, backroom staff and Club President, Barrister Paul Edeh for their help in allowing the team to perform to a top-level. 

"I am just grateful to be part of this wonderful team," he said after receiving the top-level There are no egos in the squad, no cliques, everyone is a tight unit and that helps us on the pitch. He concluded.

NFF celebrates Francis Achi at 50 years

It was a double celebration here in Garoua, Cameroon where Francis Achi, highly reputable Nigerian journalist clocked the golden age of 50 years and the Super Eagles also won their last group game against Guinea Bissau 2-0 to spice up the day.

Achi, popularly known as Totori Master, is the publisher of www.totorinews.com, also  the media officer of the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria and the NFF chiefs here in Garoua, Cameroon gave him a pleasant surprise birthday celebration as they baked a special cake for the milestone he has achieved.

"We thank God as we celebrate Francis Achi, whom we all call Totori on this occasion of his 50th birthday, his golden jubilee and to mark his day, NFF presented a special cake for the celebration," Fresh Yusuf, chairman technical committee of the NFF said.

"We are happy to celebrate a brother and friend in the football family in Nigeria and we want to urge him to remain steadfast in the discharge of his duties" he added.

Speaking also at the event, Hon. Sunday Samson Longbap, chairman of Plateau State Football Association, admonished him to always be guided with wisdom in whatever decision  he takes, noting that attaining the age of 50 years is a welcome to the club of elders and elders are known for their acts of wisdom.

"You are welcome to the table of elders as we all join you to celebrate your 50 years on earth. God deserves the honour and glory for this feat and we pray that you will apply more wisdom in all you do," Hon. Longbap advised.

The celebrant gave thanks to God and also appreciate the NFF for honouring his day, as he crowned it by singing a special number ' 'Goodness of God" to the delight of everyone at the event.

It was then dance, dance, dance with a lot of merryment.

Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup: Eyiowuawi FC Tackle Hammola Int'l FC In Final

The stage is now set for the final of this year's Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup, as Babatunde Eyiowuawi FC, Ede-South defeated GFCC Ede-North by 2-0 in the second Semi-Final played on Thursday, at the Ido-Osun High School, Ido-Osun.

Goals from Farooq Oyeniyi and Taiwo Lawal in the 65th and 77th minute ensured that the Ede-South based side got to their first-ever final. 

Recall that the first Semi-Final played between Hammola Int'l FC and New Dawn FC on Wednesday also ended 2-0 in favour of the Ido-Osun side. 

The final of the tournament between Hammola Int'l FC and Babatunde Eyiowuawi FC will come up this Saturday, January 15th, which is a significant date, as it is the birthday of the late first executive Governor of Osun State, Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. 

 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 of the Competition will be played at 3 pm at the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Football Pitch.

Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup: Hammola Int'l FC Cruise Into Final, As Organisers Present Set Of Jerseys To Finalists

Hammola Int'l FC has booked their place in the final of the Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup. 

The Ido-Osun based side booked one of the tickets after defeating New United FC of Ejigbo by two goals to nil on Wednesday evening at the Muslim High School Ede Football pitch. 

Two beautiful strikes from Adekunle Shakiru and Abiodun Tiamiyu gave the victory against New United FC side. 

The 'Lee Bombers' showed class and dexterity right from the start of the game and left no one in doubt in their determination to pick one of the final tickets. 

The Egbedore flag bearers will now meet the winners of the Semi-Final clash between Babatunde Eyiowuawi FC (Ede South) and GFCC FC (Ede North) which will come up at the Ido-Osun High School, Ido-Osun on Thursday Evening. 

Customary of the sponsor of the annual grassroots football fiesta, Representative Bamidele Salam, presented both Hamola FC Ido-Osun and New United FC Ejigbo with brand new football kits including a set of 20 pieces Football Jerseys with the same number of Football Hose and a pair of Goalkeeper Glove each. 

The adoring football kits, being the first layer of prizes for outstanding teams in the tournament, are to be used by the teams in the final and the 3rd place playoffs on Saturday.

All roads now lead to Ido-Osun High School for the highly anticipated contest between the other two teams from the ancient city of Ede, who like their counterparts in the other two local governments, will have their match decided at a neutral ground at the Ido-Osun High School.

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.

AFCON 2021: Super Eagles Supporters Club (SESC) President sure of Super Eagles victory in Cameroon

President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, Prince Vincent Okumagba on Thursday evening, has expressed his believe in the ability of the Super Eagles to conquer Africa once again. 

The president made this known in his message at a send forth party the club organised for members of the club ahead of the African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon as the team jets out of the country.

The well attended event was held at the Club's secretariat, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.  

The soft spoken prince told the members 

to be good ambassadors and role model as he is optimistic that their support cam propel the Super Eagles to victory.   

I'm optimistic we will come back with the trophy". 

"The time we are all waiting for has come, as you all know the Super Eagles is already in Garoua, Cameroon. 

"I want us to go in to Cameroon in our unique style as we give our maximum support to the team, I also enjoin us to be ambassadors as we come out each Match-Day to show our unflinching support to the Super Eagle" said Okumagba 

He also thanked the AFCON Committee for ensuring everything is made possible to cheer our darling team. 

I want to sincerely thank the African Cup of Nations committee for putting in a lot of work to ensure we make this trip. 

Leader of the delegation who is also the Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Chairman of the AFCON committee Mr Olutoye Orishabiyi will lead 60 members across the 36 States as they leave Nigeria on the 9th of January to Garoua,

venue of Nigeria’s Group matches at the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.  

Forty members of SESC will join the party later in Garoua.

President of the Club, Prince Okumagba in his final remarks hinted that members on arrival in Garoua will get wonderful hospitality as everything has been put in place to ensure a memorable stay. 

Nigeria's campaign in Cameroon begins on the 11th of January, 2022 against Egypt in Garoua.

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.