Club Owners: We won't play in a league run like a private business

By Olusola Adebayo

NWFL club owners group photograph taken in Lagos after the election of new executive commitee of the association

If feelers coming from the women's football sector in Nigeria is anything to go by, there may be a delay in the resumption of next season's football leagues. 

Delta Queens' Henrrieta Ehiarbor, the chairperson of the NWFL club owners

This is because the Club Owners Association of the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL have threatened to boycott the league fixed for September if the NWFL body does not fix the anomalies in the administration of the league.

The club owners in the women's football recently elected new officers with Henrietta Ehiabor leading the reformed association who have promised to bring freshness to the league and ensure that there will be absolute transparency that will bring about the doctrine of checks and balances in the league. 

They believed that the composition of the NWFL board is illegal, as it should have representatives of club owners on its board but the existence of a caretaker committee for the NWFL in place, could not allow that from happening making the club owners plan a standoff from the league until the NWFL constitutes a legal board. The Club Owners insisted that elections to herald new leadership of the NWFL Board are supposed to take place before the new could commence.

A top official of the Club Owners' body who spoke with our reporter on the condition of anonymity disclosed that the latest stand of the owners will remain unchanged until the needful is done. 

"The election of the new club owners board last week did not sit well with the league body and they have released a statement, saying they only recognize the body led by former chairperson of the association, Mrs Matilda Otuene.

"This stance from the league body has been interpreted as interference and autocracy and the club owners are ready to repel any form of such in the running of their affairs, as they believe being independent will return accountability and inclusiveness in the leagues."

Among the issues of concern for the league, the body is that they said that the chairperson of the NWFL, Aisha Falode, has been running the league like a private business for five years without rendering an account of how the league is being run.

This, they said, must come to an end before they agree to start a new season, as they are all critical stakeholders of the league and must be carried along.

NWFL: Ehiabor defeats Matilda to emerge as NWFL Club Owners Chairperson

Following several weeks of suspense, elections for the board of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Club Owners finally took place on Thursday at Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos. 

After a transparent exercise, Delta Queens' Ehiabor Henrietta emerged as the New Chairperson after defeating incumbent Matilda Otuene of Rivers Angels.

The election was scheduled by the former Chairperson Matilda Otuene after a simple majority activated a part of the constitution that says "an emergency meeting can be called either by the Excos or simple majority."

26 clubs from the NWFL Premiership and Championship were in attendance with only Pelican Stars not represented.

Barrister Paul Edeh (Naija Ratels), Omokhagbor Sixtus (Edo Queens), Rollanson Odeh (Ibom Angels), Victor Ejiofor (Imo Strikers), Ademola Kiyesola (Moje Queens), Gloria Anta (Oasis) and Kuhwa Jeremiah (Honey Badgers) were in attendance at the meeting. They also voted in the election.

At the meeting, the Excos were dissolved, and three panel electoral committee was set up as stated in the Association's constitution. The election was properly carried out and winners emerged.

The electoral committee was made up of:

A. Hajia Husseini Suleiman – Chairperson Nasarawa Amazons (Chairman)

B. Danny Nazzal – Chairman Dannaz Ladies FC (Member)

C. Alimasan K. Edema – General Manager Royal Queens (Secretary)

Several elements had tried to restrain the NWFL Club Owners from going on with the transparent process, but the electoral committee headed by Hajia Hussaina went ahead with the elections.

In the election which was conducted at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ehiabor pulled a total of 16 votes to beat Rivers Angels General Manager, Matilda Otuene. Matilda pulled a total of 10 votes.

Aminu Muhammed narrowly defeated FC Robo Queens owner Emmanuel Osahon for the position of Vice Chairman. He had 14 votes against his opponent's 12.

Abolore Rahman of Dream Stars had 17 votes against Akingbade Temitope (Osun Babes) 9.

Ojo Tosin of Confluence Queens emerged as Treasurer.

Other members of the Club Owners board are Kehinde Odogun (Financial Secretary), Humphrey Njoku (PRO) and Sylvia (Assistant Secretary).

The NWFL Club Owners thanked Hajia Hussaina Suleiman of Nasarawa Amazons for a motherly role in the progress of the Association.

The meeting appreciated the leadership of Matilda Otuene for her efforts over the years.

Ehiabor who was immediately sworn in along with the other board members assured all candidates that she would carry every football stakeholder along in her challenge to move Nigerian women's football forward.

She said, "I accept the very big task now on my shoulder today I hope to discharge my well for the development of women's football."

"I want to be at every club owner's service and that of the Association. I want to be accountable and ensure the growth of women's football in Nigeria.

"As a former board member and General Manager of Delta Force, I understand what growth entails."

Foreign Scouts Set To Glitter Amapro Football Championship

The annual Amparo Football Championship which has now become a constant feature in preparing players for the new football season and this year's edition will be graced by foreign scouts Sportspedal reports. 

This was contained In a release put out by the organiser, Freestyle Sports. 

This year's version will be the seventh edition of the tournament with professional and amateur players expected to take part.

The competition will hold from 8th to 14th August.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the brand, Shogo Shodunnke, the tournament will see 16 teams participating.

Under the auspices of the Kwara State Football Association, AMAPRO has grown in status over the years due to a large number of quality players and teams participating and the proper management of the tournament by its organisers.

Shodunnke revealed that this year’s edition which would take place in Ilorin, Kwara (as usual). The competition would look to be an improvement on the high standard of the previous editions.

“We are expecting teams from near and far, in and out of Kwara State to participate in the competition this year and we promise to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that teams get the right platform to express their talents and that fans get the opportunity of watching the future stars of the country,” Shodunnke stated.

He further confirmed that Football scouts and agents from Europe are expected to be in Kwara to watch this year's edition.

Shodunnke, a FIFA-trained Sports Manager has been widely applauded by fans and participating clubs for his tireless efforts in organising the competition which has produced young players that are currently playing their trade at the top level both home and abroad.

NPFL All Stars, Jazzy Stars, Terwoh Sports Club, Tiyu Football Academy, AMPRO Selected, NLO All Stars, NNL All Stars, Abraysport FC, Kwara Football Academy and Dickalo Football Academy have confirmed their readiness for the competition.

The partners of the seventh edition of the Amapro Football Competition are Kwara State Sports Commission, Kwara State Football Association, Kwara Football Academy, Excel All Stars, Cyteck Engineering, Afribase Nig Ltd, and Afase Nig Ltd, TSTV, Dickalo Nig. Ltd and Abraysport.

Further information on the competition can be gotten from 08033408685.

Sarata wins Richy Inter University Football League best player award

Sarata Bello, an undergraduate of Ahmadu Bello University has been named best player of the Richy Inter University Football League in Kaduna. 

The youngster who also captains the Ahmadu Bello University squad, helped the team to finish first on the ladder. "I am very proud of this award. I was named as the best player in the tournament, all this has been possible thanks to your continued support," Bello said in message to the Media during the award nite. 

The soft spoken baller says that she draws inspiration from Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala. "As a footballer you strive to become good and improve in all ramifications. For me I always watch the video clips of Asisat Oshoala. She is my role model. 

The youngster who was brilliant for the ABU team tormented defenders with her direct and mobile approach. The Methodist High School product will be hoping to further develop herself as a footballer in years to come.

Sarata opens up on her love for health care profession

 

Lincoln City University undergraduate, Sarata Bello has stated why she intends to be in the Health Care line in future.

The versatile Lincoln Lion star has done well to combine football and education in the United States of America since arriving from her native NIGERIA. 

Bello who also studied at Methodist High School, Sagamu says the love for the Healthcare profession really inspired her.

She mused in a chat with the Media: "Most people value their health above everything else in their lives whether they know it or not." 

" When someone is sick or injured, his or her normal way of life is disrupted and health care practitioners have the incredible opportunity to restore these people's lives to normalcy and even save some from death itself."

"Becoming a Health Practitioner means learning everything there is to know about the human body."

The human body itself is an incredible thing to study and medical students and doctors have the opportunity to further examine it with the most innovative technology. 

" From the pumping of the heart to drugs that take away pain to machines that allow you look inside a person, modern medicine remains one of the most fascinating subjects in the world. By the virtue of their title, we are trusted with sensitive information that most other people would not have access to. Patients share their deepest concerns with their doctors in hopes of being healed. To be trusted to this extent by anybody is a great honor."

"Health care experts are considered the leaders in health care and often have the final say on treatment decisions. When they talk, people usually listen. We interact with different kinds of people with various ailments every day. The variety of experiences guarantees that every day will have some sort of excitement."

"Just because you are a health care expert does not mean you have to see patients all day every day. There are numerous opportunities available for MD’s and DO’s: clinical research, basic science research, journalism, consulting, business ventures, hospital administration, public health, and public policy," she added.

Sarata Bello is expected to graduate from Lincoln City University before the year runs out.

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.