" Years of excellence " Ogunowo celebrates Nigeria Nationwide League One at 10

The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) held a media briefing at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, to update sponsors, corporate organizations, and football stakeholders on its activities over the past decade. 

The theme of the event was "2013-2022: A Decade of Growth," which celebrated the league's achievements over the past 10 years while highlighting its objectives and plans.

The NLO is Nigeria's third-tier football league and in 2022 (the last year of the decade in question), had 344 clubs spread across the country's six geopolitical zones and the FCT. The league provides young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential while promoting community, respect, inclusivity, and growth. 

With over 20,000 players, coaches, officials, and over 8,000,000 match-day attendance per season, the NLO represents a significant opportunity for businesses to achieve their objectives.

The NLO's primary objectives are to reposition the league as a key resource base for other local and international leagues, professionalize its operations, and generate interest from corporate organizations. 

To achieve these objectives, the league has adopted a growth strategy anchored on good corporate governance, administration and management reforms, implementation of reforms in its season operations, and activation of strong brand-building initiatives.

According to Olushola Ogunnowo, NLO's Chief Operating Officer, "Our goal is to make NLO the access market for grassroots football in Nigeria and the youth football target market. We aim to produce the highest number of youths participating in the NLO at the grassroots level and continue to strive for and maintain official recognition of the Youth League from FIFA and increased interest from foreign clubs because of our Youth League."

Ms. Nkechi Obi, NLO’s Marketing Consultant over the past decade, emphasized the importance of NLO's success in becoming recognized as the access market for grassroots football in Nigeria. She stated that "NLO Product Consolidation is driven by deliberate brand optimization and value chain development, partnerships, and sustainable community engagement, as well as media activations and content creation." She also stated that full details of NLO’s 2023-2032 Decade of Consolidation will be made public at the Official Unveiling of NLO Partners and Season Activation Plans in May.

From the 2023 Season, NLO will have only Two Divisions instead of three with Divisions II and III merged into the Youth League. 

The new NLO will feature 420 Clubs, kicking off on May 3rd with a Season Opening Game to be played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, and feature Kano Pillars Jnr against Kwankwasiya United FC in what promises to be a cracking game.

The NLO has made significant progress in achieving its objectives over the past decade, with the league becoming the highest exporter of talent to foreign leagues. 

However, the league aims to do more, and with its growth strategy, it intends to professionalize its operations and generate more interest from corporate organizations. 

NLO is committed to its primary objectives and its vision to provide young Nigerians with the opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential while promoting community, respect, inclusivity, and growth.

Naija Super 8: How to vote for Smart City FC of Lagos

Smart City Football Club of Lagos is asking fans to vote massively for the club to enable the Lagos Darling Club to participate in the upcoming Naija Super 8 Competition.

According to a release from the club,  one hundred fans of the club would be sponsored to see the club play in the competition in Uyo, and Lagos respectively.

A part of the release read : 

" 100 Fans and supporters stand a chance to participate in the main tournament with interesting packages, including an all-expense paid trip to watch the team play live in Lagos and you throughout the tournament". 

For Smart City FC to be selected as one of the  teams to participate in the  competition you need to vote massively for the club following the procedures 

Visit 

 www.naijasuper8.ng

Select South West 

Select Smart City  Football Club of Lagos 

Register

Verify number (OTP)

Vote Smart City Football Club of Lagos. 

Submit. End of the process.

Voting ends by the 10th of May 2023

The Naija Super 8 tournament is a competition massively backed by DSTV as the matches will be widely televised on the channel.

" Widows and Para Athletes will benefit " Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club rolls end-of-the-year plans

Para Sports athletes and widows will benefit from the Seed of Love Outreach of the Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC). 

The beneficiaries will receive several food items and other materials.

Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi, National President of the vibrant supporters club stated that the "ANFASSC Seed of Love Outreach 2022" will hold on Thursday, December 22 at the club's Secretariat, 96, Ogunlana Drive, Surulere Lagos, starting from noon.

He noted that it's part of their efforts to continue reaching out to society, particularly as the 2022 yuletide season draws nearer.

The ANFASSC Supremo said it's a gesture that has been enshrined in the yearly program of the Supporters' club.

Meanwhile, ANFASSC's end-of-the-year party will come up on December 27, 2022, at the Club's Secretariat in Lagos.

NFF President Gusau, two ministers lead other dignitaries to Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup as grand final holds on Wednesday

 

The Hon. Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Kedem Tallen, Former House of Representatives member and Delta North Senatorial candidate in next year's elections, Prince Ned Nwoko, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick are among top dignitaries expected at the grand finale of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament on Wednesday.

The tournament which is in memory of former Super Falcons talented midfielder Ifeanyichukwu Chiejine commenced in Asaba, Delta state capital last Thursday and will end this Wednesday with a grand closing at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

The winner of the maiden edition of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament will go home with 500,000 nairas while second and third place will get 300,000 and 200,000 nairas respectively.

Meanwhile, Nollywood Screen goddess Ngozi Ezeonu, USA-based Richard Opanuga, and Media house GIS Sports TV have donated trophies for the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament.

Ezeonu, while speaking to the media, said she donated the trophy because she is a massive supporter of the girl child and will always do anything to support the girl child. 

The veteran also called on the Federal government to immortalize the late Ifeanyi Chiejine because she did well while playing for Nigeria.

"If Ifeanyi Chiejine can get immortalized at the national level, it will be good. Late Stephen Keshi was immortalized here in Asaba, and Sam Okwaraji was also immortalized. Why don't they do it for a girl child? If the Federal government can immortalize Ifeanyi Chiejine, it will be good and show that they're not discriminating."

Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament convener, Judith Chime, has revealed the prize money for the tournament. While speaking to the media, Chime said that the maiden edition winner would go home with 500,000 nairas, while the second and third-place teams would receive 300,000 and 200,000 naira, respectively.

Popularly known as Kamala, Judith Chime said that she feels fulfilled giving honor to the late Ifeanyi Chiejine with the memorial tournament and ensuring her name isn't forgotten.

"I feel happy and fulfilled honoring my dear sister, friend, and sports daughter. Ifeanyi isn't someone that should be forgotten so soon. Whatever I have put in this tournament, Ifeanyi deserves it. The Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament has come to stay. It will be a yearly tournament. I hope to see corporate bodies in subsequent editions supporting this project."

The grand finale of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament will take place in Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba on Wednesday, 21st December.

Nigerian junior curlers clinch Africa's first 2024 Youth Winter Olympics ticket despite zero support from Sponsors, NOC or Sports Ministry

"The beautiful thing about the whole success is that we actualised the dream using the locals, the home-based athletes and children from the grassroots"  

"Not minding that there was no support from anybody; Government, NOC or sponsors, we achieved this" 

Team Nigeria has emerged as the first African team to qualify for the curling event of the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics. 

President of the Nigeria Curling Federation, Daniel Damola, confirmed Nigeria's qualification for both the Mixed and Mixed Doubles events. 

According to him, Nigeria's qualification for the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics was secured after the country became the sole participating team from Africa at the World Junior B Curling championship held in Finland.

He said the qualification ticket and the official notification will be sent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee in March 2023.

 "Well done, Team Nigeria youth curlers for making history again by becoming the first African Nation to qualify for the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics. We are proud of you all and the boys’ team as well. Still we rise,” the delighted boss declared as he shared the cheering news.

 Fresh from the eye-opening outing in Lohja, Finland where they played on ice for the very first time, alongside the very best teams in the world,  the newly groomed Nigerian Junior curlers have been tipped to ruffle feathers on ice in the years ahead.

"The beautiful thing about the whole success is that we actualised the dream using the locals, the home-based athletes and children from the grassroots. " Mr Daniel said.

"This is a life-changing thing for all of them and basically for the country as well. For us to pull out this historic achievement using only home-based youth athletes, the first of its kind in the entire African region. I’m glad and happy. I’m happy with the staff and management, from the cleaner to the presidency. It is a team success and I thank God for everything,” he added.

The Nigeria Curling Federation president, while noting that the recent successes have been from personal sacrifices since there has been zero sponsorship from government quarters, stated that more can be achieved if the Federation gets the needed support.

 "Not minding that there was no support from anybody; Government, NOC or sponsors, we achieved this. That means if we had sponsors, you can only imagine what we would have achieved. Like I always say, still we rise at the Nigerian curling”.

 The 2024 Youth Winter Olympics is scheduled to take place in the Gangwon Province, South Korea from January 19 to February 1.

Photo Caption: The Nigerian Junior Curlers Team Boys & Girls

NPFL: Ilechukwu calls on IMC to consider "Grassroots players slots " in NPFL teams

Ilechukwu canvasses IMC for Grassroot players slot In NPFL teams 

"NPFL teams should be a mix of both experience and young. It worries me to see most of the old players in the domestic league every season, while the talented grassroots players engage in free-age tournaments when they can easily break into the starting 11 of the top teams" 

Plateau United head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has appealed to the leadership of the Interim Management Committee(IMC) of Nigeria's domestic league to make it mandatory for NPFL clubs to give more slots to grassroots players, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The former Heartland and MFM FC of Lagos coach made the passionate appeal after FC Jassy defeated Austin Amateur Academy to emerge champions of the maiden Fidelis Ilechukwu Football Tourney held in Jos, Plateau State.

"With the new season kicking off soon, it's very important that the IMC makes it compulsory for clubs in the Nigerian Professional Football League to have a good number of young players in their squad, as NPFL clubs’ penchant for old players makes it difficult for our football to catch up with the developing new trends in the game.

"NPFL teams should be a mix of both experience and young. It worries me to see most of the old players in the domestic league every season, while the talented grassroots players engage in free-age tournaments when they can easily break into the starting 11 of the top teams. 

"I know the former NPFL leadership had in place a youth players clause of five (5). Clubs were permitted in Article A.2.1.2 to register up to five such players aged 16-18 and issue them jersey numbers 36-40 in addition to the regular 35 players allowed for a season. The players can also be withdrawn at any stage in the season and replaced by another player of their category.

"Giving more of these talented players the chance in the NPFL will go a long way to better our football, as the NPFL is the bedrock of our national cadet teams.

"As coaches in the NPFL, we must give these next generation of stars the platform to showcase their skills. For me, it's not just having five of them in teams but having the will to start them or give them match time.  

"Once clubs begin to give these young players a chance to break into the system, they will be able to supplement their squads with unlimited additional players under the age of 21 years old, which will be good for the NPFL.

"It's only when these young players get exposed early to the rudiments of the game on the big football stage, that they can easily pass football trials in Europe.

"I want to crave the IMC leadership to see it as necessary as there should be a kind of reward mechanism where clubs get rewarded for giving young players match times. Such benefits will see clubs have a new orientation towards players in the grassroots."

"She was a great person" Ndidi Chiejine shares sweet memories of late Super Falcons star, Ifeanyi Chiejine

Ndidi Chiejine has described her sister, Ifeanyi Chiejine as a great person.

The youngest player to hear featured at the FIFA Women’s World Cup died in 2019 after a brief illness. 

In celebrating her, a competition coined “Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup” was named after her.

 

Ndidi described her late sister as a great leader with a wonderful personality.

“Ifeanyi Chiejine was a great leader who knows how to move people forward and does great things. Her impact on my life is much that I can’t explain it. She was a very great person with a great personality. For her to be recognized by her friends is a beautiful thing,” Ndidi said.

Imo Strikers, Delta Babes, and Moje Queens are through to the semi-final of the Maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup which is scheduled to take place on Monday, December 19, 2022, and Ndidi offered her fine reviews of the event.

“Having this kind of tournament for my late sister is a great idea. It’s something spectacular to discover more talents like my sister. I appreciate Judith Chime because she has done well in coming up with this for my sister,” she continued.

“Watching the girls play, I can see the likes of Delta Babes with some great players like my sister. I am sure the girl child support is something that should be looked into in helping them achieve their goals.”

Nollywood star Phil Daniels Aniedo vows to continue girls' empowerment through football

Nigeria’s Nollywood star, Phil Daniels Aniedo has thrown her weight behind the empowerment of youth through women’s football following her support to the ongoing Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup in Asaba, Delta State.

With many young girls turning international stars in over three decades in the country, actress and television personality, Daniels has underlined her quest for youth and girl child empowerment through the women’s game.

“This is actually something that should continue. I like something like this,” Daniels told the media.

“It’s good to empower our youths and help them discover their talents as well as encourage them.  By doing that, the world will be a better place.”

The Anambra-born Nollywood actress opened up on her attraction to women’s football.

“Former Super Falcons goalkeeper and Ifeanyi Chiejine teammate, Judith Chime motivated me to attend this event as a very good friend. When she invited me to this Late Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup, I was surprised,” Daniel continued.

“Surprised because I have never heard about late women’s football legends being celebrated. For the first time, something like this is coming up, I decided to attend no matter my tight schedule.

“The girls tried. Actually, this is my first time watching live women’s football. I have watched men’s football live in times past. Honestly, the girls tried. Anambra Angels and Delta Babes tried. I am impressed with their performance.”

Respected veteran Nollywood diva Ngozi Ezeonu graced the opening ceremony of the maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup on Thursday between Delta Babes and Anambra Angels and performed the ceremonial kick-off.

Ezeonu was accompanied by other actors like Daniels, Amar Ignis, and Ken Odurukwe.

The group stage of the tournament is expected to end on Sunday after Saturday’s rest day. 

Imo Strikers and Delta Babes have already qualified for the semi-final ahead of the last group games.

Ifeanyi Chijiene Memorial Cup: Two teams punch the Semi Final tickets

Two out of four semi-final places have been determined after Matchday two of the maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup in Asaba, Delta State capital on Friday.

Delta Babes in Group A made it to the semi-final after playing out a 2-2 draw with Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship side, Moje Queens.

Jacob Victoria gave the Kwara State-based side the lead as early as the fourth minute. Itaingbene Happiness, however equalised for Delta Babes in the 23rd minute before giving her side the lead for the first time with just the five minutes from the half time break.

The two goals increased Happiness’s goal tally to three after two games. Victoria Idehen equalised for Moje Queens in the 54th minute to ensure a 2-2 draw for her side.

The draw sealed a semi-final spot for Delta Babes while Moje Queens will have to avoid defeat in its last group game against Anambra Angels to make it to the last four.

Imo Strikers in Group B joined Delta Babes in the semi-final after pipping Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens 1-0.

Ezeka Miracle’s 52nd-minute strike was enough to earn a win and a semi-final place for the host team.

Okundia Aisosa’s 29th-minute goal revived Fortress Ladies’ hope of making it to the semi-final after a 1-0 win over Castmog Academy of Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Fortress Ladies occupy the third position in Group B with three points and an inferior goal advantage below Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens which also has three points.

Saturday, December 17, will be observed as a rest day before Sunday’s final group games.

Ezeonu leads other Nollywood actors to get maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup underway

Screen goddess, Ngozi Ezeonu led a band of Actors to the mainbowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium as the maiden edition of Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup got underway. 

Ifeanyi Chiejine an important member of Super Falcons gave up the ghost on 21st August  2019 following a brief illness.

Respected veteran Nollywood diva Ngozi Ezeonu, a lover of the Girl-child and fan of Ifeanyi Chiejine graced the opening match  between Anambra Angels and Delta Babes on Thursday 15th December. Delta Babes won 2-0.

Ngozi noted for her excellent interpretation of roles in series of movies like Glamour Girls, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Forbidden, Co-Wives and Three Wives remarked that she came to identify with the memorial project with the aim  of further supporting the Girl-Child and encouraging budding talents.

She praised former Super Falcons goalkeeper Judith Chime (Kamala), teammate of late Ifeanyi Chiejine for championing the idea to remember the fallen shero.

"This is an idea worth praising and emulation, that concerned players led by Kamala and Vera Okolo. Their efforts should not be forgotten. I hope the authorities should always see the need to do this."

Citing an example with herself, Ngozi went on to admonish the girl-child to never give up in life.

"I struggled and never gave up in life, I come from a family in the South East where the boy child seemed more appreciated than the girl. I fought to be where I am today.

"So I say to the girls, your dreams will be realized if you keep fighting no matter the circumstances, chase your dreams always," she enthused.

Ngozi Ezeonu was in the company of other actors like Phil Daniels, Amar Ignis and Ken Odurukwe .

Meanwhile, action will continue Friday 16th December at the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup with three games on the cards.

Delta Babes will try Moje Queens for size in the first game.

Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens will clash with Imo Strikers in the second match of the day.

The last encounter will see Castmog Academy and Fortress Ladies battle.

Day 2 Fixtures:

Delta Babes vs Moje Queens

Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens vs Imo Strikers

Castmog vs Fortress

Anambra Angels (Bye)

Morocco coach, Regragui reveals one mistake his players must avoid against France

Coach Regragui: “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake" 

Morocco coach, Hoalid Regragui was the cynosure of all eyes at the press conference preceding the all-important Semi-final clash between Morrocco and France billed for Wednesday evening at the Virtual Stadium Doha. 

Coach Regragui was answering questions on his team's wonderful run at the World Cup has gone undone unbeaten so far at the World Cup. 

The Morrocan are faced with the history of becoming the first African team to qualify for the finals of the World Cup but are faced with the challenge of crossing the French hurdle.

France has been scoring for fun with Kyllian Mbappe scoring fine times as well as Olivier Giroud scoring four times and the combination of the two attackers posed a great threat to the Arabian African team's ambition of winning the trophy. 

This, coach Regragui acknowledged at the press conference, " that the French team poses too many individual threats" 

This mistake of concentrating on a particular player ( Kyllin Mbappe) will be avoided as he said " any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one". 

Regragui said:  “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” 

“France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing.

“If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world-class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.”

Mbappe vs Achraf battle  

The coach also spoke on Mbappe facing his PSG teammate and blossom friend Acraf Hakimi on the left of the attack. 

 

“Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him daily, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. 

Morocco will aim to upset the books once more to continue their furious run at the world with their compact style of play which has seen them defeat the top three European top sides, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal from the competition conceding only once and scoring five times.

Morocco Football: Inside the $70 million Mohammed VI Football Complex

$70 million Mohammed VI Football Complex 

Morocco football is on the lips of many football lovers across the world, after their heroics at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

The team defeated Portugal by 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup to become the first African team to qualify for the semi-finals in the history of the World Cup. 

The jinx is still being celebrated all over the continent of Africa with commentators and analysts waxing lyrical about their success and explaining how Morocco got to the enviable position of playing in the semi-final of the world cup.

One of the reasons alluded to this great feat is the whopping 70 million US dollars in the construction of the Mohammed VI football complex which was commissioned in 2019.

 

Three years after the completion of the massive edifice, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has started reaping its humongous investments in infrastructure and talent development. 

 

Apart from being part of the remaining four teams left in Qatar, to jostle for the ultimate prize, the 2022 men’s and women’s African Champions League titles are currently held by Moroccan clubs -  Wydad Athletics Casablanca and ASFAR respectively.

RS Berkane, another Morrocan club is the holder of the CAF Confederations Cup. 

The home-based Atlas Lions is also the winner of the CHAH Championship and are also poised to defend the 2023 edition in Algeria.

The women's national team qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time and came second in this year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations, the highest position the country ever attained in the competition.

The Mohammed VI Football Complex is a constant mention anytime the topic of discussion is the successes of Morrocco at both continental and intercontinental competitions. 

 

The football complex is situated on 30 hectares of land, near Rabat. 

It has house pitches, hotels and accommodations, and a world-class medical center. 

The complex four natural grass football fields are a sight to behold. 

The complex also has three artificial football fields, a covered football pitch, a hybrid football field, and a re-training room that can host futsal matches.

It also has an outdoor Olympic-sized pool, two tennis courts, and a Beach Soccer field. 

The accommodation facilities have a five-star hotel, two three-star hotels, and dormitories.

The accommodation can accommodate has 66 rooms and 4 suites. It also has a 150-bed capacity and an 80 bed-capacity, with 54 rooms with dormitories respectively. 

The complex also has a 221-seater auditorium to host various events (conferences, film screenings), and administrative buildings.

This can serve as a camp for all the teams as well as a campsite for local football teams while preparing for major championships. 

The state-of-the-art Mohammed VI complex has an ultra-modern sports and performance medical center 

The medical center has physiotherapy, stress testing, dentistry, ophthalmology, trauma, psychology, podiatry, nutritional medicine, radiology, ultrasound, electrotherapy, bone densitometry, cryotherapy, and an emergency mobile medical unit. 

 

Africa and the World should prepare for more success from Morrocco on the field of play as this edifice guarantees that Moroccan football has finally joined the elite league, and winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup can just be a starting point for more to come.

NPFL Super 4 Prize Money: How 3SC shared the 100 million prize among participating teams

Shooting Stars Clear Air on 100,000,000 Naira Prize Money

The management of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, wishes to clear the air on the prize money of the just concluded NPFL/Doxy Mmobuosi Super Cup Football Tournament. 

Contrary to the belief that 3SC got the whole 100,000,000 nairas, being the winner of the 4-team tourney, we wish to state that the club only got 50,000,000 nairas as the champions.

We will like to inform all that the organizers doled out 100,000,000 nairas to the club, as seen in the cheque presented to the Oluyole Warriors.

However, there was a mutual agreement between the four participating clubs, before the commencement of the tourney, that whoever emerges as the winner, will part with fifty percent of the money, to be shared by the other three teams.

This was done in the spirit of sportsmanship and also to douse the tension which could attend the tourney if it were to be a winner takes all situation and to ensure that all the participating teams have something to take home, no matter how small.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by the four clubs to back up the agreement.

Based on this, Shooting Stars, who won the tourney got 50,000,000 nairas, the first runner-up, Enyimba FC got 25,000,000 nairas,  while third-placed Bendel Insurance and fourth-placed Rangers International got 15,000,000 nairas and 10,000,000 nairas respectively.

This was purely an arrangement between the four clubs, outside that of the organizers, hence the presence of a 100,000,000 naira check to Shooting Stars after the final match.

NWFL: Lucky seeks Bayelsa Queens' scalp as Heartland Queens go after first win of the season

Heartland Queens won’t lose to Bayelsa, says Lucky

Heartland Queens’ all-time top scorer, Lucky Mary has voiced her conviction and preparedness to change her side’s fortune at the ongoing 2022/2023 NWFL Premiership.

The Owerri side will be on the road at the reigning champions and Africa’s third best team, Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa for matchday 3 action.

The two sides who will be meeting each other for the first time in a competitive match had mixed experiences in matchday 2 while the Prosperity Girls enjoyed a well-deserved rest the Owerri landladies were stretched to the limit and benched by perennial rivals and visitors, Delta Queens right there at their hallowed ground, Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

The Owerri torchbearers are still without a point in the two-week old topflight after going down 1-3 in Abuja to Naija Ratels in the season’s opening matchday 1 clash.

Lucky whose match winner secured the gold for Team Imo in the women football event at the just concluded 21st National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba, Delta state assured that her side will harvest fruitfully at the backyard of the opponents, Bayelsa Queens.

“We are going into the match as underdogs and I’m comfortable with that tag as it’s capable of removing pressure from us.

“We will play our normal game, we will be natural and take our chances when it comes.

“Yeah, two matches without a win is not really good going into this crucial league match but we are going to change all that with the clash at Yenagoa.

“We are aware this match will be our last for the year and we will not want to go into the New Year without a point.

“And where do we hope for the point(s) if not in Yenagoa so we are not going to lose to Bayelsa Queens.

“The game will be tough given the pedigree of the home side, we have told ourselves not to go back to Owerri empty-handed.

“I missed action against Delta Queens, I want to make up for the sore miss in Yenagoa, I give you my word - we will not lose in Yenagoa,” said the potent goal poacher.

Heartland Queens will be on bye on matchday 4 and will be resuming league action in the New Year against multiple champions, Rivers Angels.

U20 AFCON: 6 foreign-based players that could help Flying Eagles pick World Cup ticket in Egypt

So far, only home-based players have been training under the watchful eyes of coach Ladan Bosso but the team can be better with the addition of good legs plying their trade outside the shores of the country. 

The U20 Africa Cup of Nations will take place from 18th February to 12th March 2023 in Egypt.

The top four teams will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup scheduled to place in Indonesia from 20th May to 11th June next year.  

In the last 16 days, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been sweating it out at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja.

So far, only home-based players have been training under the watchful eyes of coach Ladan Bosso. 

Below are six foreign-based players who could help the team in Egypt. 

6. Abel Ogwuche [Trelleborg]

Ogwuche is a symbol of the new direction Trelleborg has taken in Sweden. Developed by Tripple 44, Trelleborg invested heavily to make his move permanent this summer after the successful loan spell of the central defender.

His games are a lovely blend of calmness and aggression. He reads the game well and seems to have a good grasp of when to push wide or press up to extinguish dangerous attacks. The lad has good height at 

5. Ahmed Abdullahi [Jong KAA Gent] 

Playing for Jong KAA Gent has done wonders for HB Academy product Ahmed Abdullahi, who has played four games this season.

The 19-year-old is looking like a machine in Belgium and undeniably earning himself some Jong minutes so far. Fast and energetic. Bosso doesn't dull.

4. Lekan Oyedele [Feirense U19]

Oyedele is a very promising athlete - he moves around the pitch comfortably and has room to fill out, possessing dynamic changes of pace with a good burst off his back foot. He has good body control in general, is agile, and is well-balanced in most situations, while he is fairly robust in contact and able to withstand challenges. The Remo Stars product is a left-back.

3. Ereku Temitayo [Brooke House FA]

Hopes have been high for Ereku for a while now. The central defender plays for Brooke House FA in the United Kingdom.

The 19-year-old has been sensational and shouldn't have any issue getting a shirt in the Flying Eagles squad.

2. Innocent Christian [Ankara Keçiörengücü U19]

If there is an in-form player capable of creating and scoring goals for the Flying Eagles at the AFCON, then that person is Innocent Christian.

The 18-year-old has been an absolute hit since joining Ankara Keçiörengücü U19 in the summer. The attacking midfielder has scored four goals and provided three assists in eight appearances, quickly proving himself as one of the country's most promising prospects in the midfield. He can play left back too.

1. Olubi Adams [FK Zalgiris Vilnius]

Of all the names on this list, Adams's involvement in the 2023 U20 AFCON seems the most certain. He's already a regular for Flying Eagles and is still going from strength to strength.

The attack is perhaps the strongest area in Bosso's squad and the FK Zalgiris Vilnius youngster is one of the stand-out names.

Adam is a strong dribbler under pressure with impressive coordination between technical skill and athleticism. He has a good sense of his surroundings and is adept at freezing opponents with intelligent body movements to create time and space.

CAF Confederation Cup: Rivers United gets tough opponents as CAF unveils group stage draws

Rivers United, Nigeria's representative in the Confederation of African Football ( CAF) Confederation Cup has been drawn into a tough group as the draws were held in Cairo on Monday.

The ceremony was attended by a host of guests including Angolan legend Flavio Amado, Tunisians Aymen Mathlouthi and Mejdi Traoui, and Moroccan Ghizlane Chebbak. 

Former Zambian international Christopher Katongo who played in the tournament during his active years conducted the draw under the guidance of CAF Competitions Director Samson Adamu.

Rivers United was drawn in group B alongside African club football powerhouses, DC Motema Pembe, Asec Mimosa of Cote d'Ivoire, and Diable Noirs of Congo. 

The Nigerian side will be attempting to become the first Nigerian side to win the competition since it was rebranded into the new format 25 years ago.  

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup draws have the following  groups

 

Group A: USMA (Algeria), Marumo Gallants (South Africa), Al Akhder (Libya), St Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo) 

Group B: ASEC Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire), Diables Noirs (Congo), Rivers United (Nigeria), DC* Motema Pembe (DR Congo) 

Group C: Pyramids FC (Egypt), ASKO de kara (Togo), Future FC (Egypt), ASFAR (Morocco) 

Group D: TP Mazembe (DR Congo), US Monastir (Tunisia), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS Real Bamako (Mali)

 

The matches will be played in a round format among the teams in each group on a home and away basis according to the following schedule:

Matchday 1: 12 February 2023

Matchday 2: 19 February 2023

Matchday 3: 26 February 2023

Matchday 4: 8 March 2023

Matchday 5: 19 March 2023

Matchday 6: 2 April 2023 

The first two teams in each group will proceed to the quarter-finals.

36 Lion Football Club chief, Liameed Gafar receives Ladi Kwali Leadership award

The President of 36 Lion Football Club, Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar, Monday, received the Ladi Kwali Platinum Leadership Award of Excellence as "Icon of Women Development." 

According to the organizers, the nomination came as a result of the 36 Lion Chief's philanthropic gestures and ability to work with different people irrespective of their tribe and religious inclination.

"Hajj Gafar's empowerment of youths and women in the area of skills acquisition and mentorship impressed the panelists to deem him worthy of the award," National Coordinator of National Youth for Women Empowerment and Education Development in Nigeria Ambassador Ibrahim Ibrahim added.

The talent developer is one of the most successful grassroots administrators in Nigeria with a series of successful international transfer deals by 36 Lion.

He was the brain behind the recently concluded 2022 Jagaban Cup which was a success.

The Award was presented to Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar by Ambassador Ibrahim Ibrahim at the office of 36 Lion Football Club in the National Stadium on Monday.

Governor Dapo Abiodun calls for grassroots sports development

Abiodun calls for grassroots sports development 

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has called for the development of sports at the grassroots level in the country.

 The governor said that the current challenges the country is facing sustaining its competitive sports reputation as a regional, continental, and global champion can only be addressed in the long term when the country returns to grassroots sports.

Abiodun made this call during the 3rd Edition of the Ogun State Public Primary Schools Governor's Cup Competition held at the M.K.O International Stadium, Abeokuta.

He opined that sports provide a veritable platform for the development of everyone and a wholesome education plan.

"Sports provide a veritable platform for the development of all of us and a wholesome education plan, the hosting of this Governor's Cup has allowed all participants to widen the horizon for knowledge and Sports activities.

"Apart from the development of skills in our youths, grassroots sports are essential to provide an array of sports men and women for competitive events at all levels.

"The current challenge we have in sustaining our national competitive sports reputation at regional, continental and global levels will be addressed in the long term when we return to grassroots sports.

"It is instructive to note that most of the former and current thriving sportsmen and women such as Segun Odegbami, Felix Owolabi, Akeem 'The Dream' Olajuwon, Falilat Ogunkoya and so many others, were those that were made at this level, including our latest current world record holder, Tobi Amusan, they were all discovered through local competitive sporting events such as this," he said.

Abiodun while calling on well-meaning investors and individuals to come and partner with the state government in the development of sports, said that it is important for the country to begin to nurture the younger and agile generation to be able to compete internationally.

"I, therefore, call on well-meaning investors and individuals to come and partner with us, you will find us willing and ready partners, 

"We cannot afford to continue to rely on aging sportsmen and women, we must begin to nurture our young agile ones to compete internationally.

"Let me assure our stakeholders in the sporting industry that our administration will continue to support sports, not just football as an avenue to harness the raw energy of our youths," he stated.

Governor Dapo Abiodun while acknowledging the efforts of Team Ogun who recently won 70 medals comprising 15 gold, 18 silver, and 37 Bronze medals at the just concluded National Sports Festival held in Delta State, promised that the state apart from aiming to host the best sports festival ever would also ensure that it comes first.

The governor also urged the pupils to eschew all forms of violence during and after competitions.

In his address, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education, Chief Femi Majekodunmi, while appreciating the governor for his support which ensured the success of the competition, said that the board would continue to play its role of nurturing talents from the primary school level.

Majekodunmi who also noted that the competition was introduced by the Board to build the pupils, said that the conception and implementation of school sports help to instill patience, and teamwork into the lives of future leaders.

The state chairman of the National Association of Primary Schools Games and Sports Teachers (NAPSGAST), Opedimeji Ola, while noting that sports in general and football in particular a unifying factor and the panacea to the socio-security challenges that have bedeviled the country in recent times, said that the just concluded Ogun State Sports Festival for all public primary schools and the 3rd Edition of the Ogun State Governor's Cup for primary schools have shown that talents abound in the country.

Opedimeji expressed his happiness at the display of quality football by the pupils on the field of play and appealed to corporate bodies and wealthy individuals to see sport as a golden investment and service to humanity.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, while noting that the technical team of the ministry was on the ground to pick as well as nurture talents discovered at the competition, commended Governor Abiodun for his support to the ministry at the just concluded National Sports Festival just concluded in Delta State.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, who was represented by the Director of School Sports, Olarotimi Okeleye commended the governor for supporting the hosting of the competition. 

Nigeria's Skating super talent wins big at Africa Skate Games in Cairo

Omotosho wins big for Nigeria as curtain drops on Africa Skate Games 

 

Omotosho Samson representing Nigeria in Inline Freestyle Skating, on Friday, won a silver medal, in the ongoing 2nd Africa Skate Games in Cairo, Egypt.  

The skater who was featured on BBC World special talents is the sole representative of the country at the championship which comes to an end on Sunday.  

Skaters participated in Skateboarding Championship, African Inline Speed ​​Championships, African Inline Freestyle Championships, African Rink Hockey Championship, African Inline Downhill Championships, and African Freestyle Roller Championship.

The event which started on Wednesday saw Samson in the senior category of the Inline Freestyle Championship, alongside 15 other competitors.

This is his first outing at the multi-level competition and he ended with a podium finish at the games.

The Athlete will be back in Lagos Nigeria on Sunday, December 11, 2022.

2024 Winter Olympics Qualifiers: Nigeria’s Junior curlers get accolades despite a tough run in Finland

The young set of curlers representing Nigeria at the ongoing World Junior-B Curling Championships in Lohja, Finland have what it takes to become world beaters in a few years. 

This was the assertion made by Daniel Damola, President of the Nigeria Curling Federation, NCF as he reviewed the country’s performance so far in Finland.

According to the NCF President, the outing in Finland is more of an eye-opener for the Nigeria contingent, who are only being exposed to competing on ice for the very first time.

Even with the losses recorded in the games against Latvia, Austria, Spain, and then Italy, Mr. Damola noted that the players have shown the great potential that can be developed with the right resources and support system,

“When the team played against Latvia, they lost,0-24, being their first experience because they only had two days to train.  

“You can imagine kids that are coming from sub-Saharan Africa that have not been on the ice before getting on the ice, having less than 48 hours of training on how to slide, how to move from the arc, how to deliver a stone, how to play stones and then how to sweep at the same time within the 24-48 hours window to train.

“I think it speaks volumes that these kids have something in them.”

Having shown great improvement as they progressed in their group games; especially in Friday’s tie against Italy, the NCF President is confident that the lads are on the right path to stardom.

“They are the future of curling, watch out for them. You will see that these kids will be world-beaters because I think they played so well. The only thing that worked against them is the placement of stone because of their lack of experience and this is their first time stepping on the ice.  

“I think we can do better in our subsequent games. I believe we will do better because the first time they played, they won five against us in the first innings and second innings. It was six and then they now dropped to 3,4,2 and so on. 

“They are picking up and we believe they will do better because they were lacking some technicalities being their first time on ice. And then to play an international championship of that magnitude, they also played against older kids that have gotten the experience of maybe 5,6,10 years ahead of them. They did well.” the excited NCF President added.

Kamsiyochukwu Emmanuel Dike (Skip), Ebube Daniel Chukwuemeka (Vice-Skip), Fatiu Adedamola Danmola, Goodnews Idongesit Charles, and Great Aniedi Umoren are the history-making curlers for Nigeria in the male category.

The ongoing World Junior-B Curling Championships is open to junior teams from all World Curling Federation Member Associations that have not already qualified for the World Junior Curling Championships. 

The top three women’s and men’s teams will qualify for this event for the World Junior Curling Championships.