"Second FC Ebedei stadium will be world-class" - Joshua Adamu

FIFA and CAF-certified sports facility expert and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alan Smith, Joshua Adamu has informed plans to deliver another world-class stadium for FC Ebedei.

Joshua Adamu gave the hint of the plan while in a media chat with Family United By Football (FUBF) an informative sports group on a social media platform- WhatsApp. 

According to the Innovative and energy-driven sports facility manager of repute, "The FC Ebedei Stadium is three years old and still counting and it's still looking new. This is because quality was not compromised, and the core expert was used.

"Interestingly, the stadium is about the only pitch in Nigeria presently running fully on the French drain. You don't see any open drainage on the pitch.

"All drainages are underground and it's also one of the few pitches in Nigeria on full shock pads, not the usual underlays.

"So that gives the pitch extra cushion effects, and the players will be able to enjoy it and that's why experts and scouts that have visited the pitch have been commending the work done there. 

"By the grace of God, this year, FC Ebedei will be having its second stadium ready. That will be coming with a better quality and new look. They say the reward for good work is more work. 

"We are proudly associated with that pitch and we intend to build on it. What you see there is simple quality and no compromise."

Demilade Akanbi: Teenage swimming sensation steals show at 7th Ikoyi Club 1938 Inter School Sports Swim Meet

Demilade Akanbi emerged as the star of the show at the recently concluded 7th Zenith Bank/Ikoyi Club 1938 Inter School Sports Swim Meet. 

The event, held on Saturday, May 11th, featured a staggering 165 students from ten schools, vying for top honors across 36 thrilling events.

Representing the IC Marlins Swimming Team, Demilade Akanbi captivated spectators with her exceptional swimming skills, clinching an impressive haul of six gold medals for her team. 

Among her notable victories were the 100M butterfly girls race and the girls champion of champions races, solidifying her status as a standout performer in the competition.

Earning the title of girls Most Valuable Swimmer, Akanbi's stellar performance didn't go unnoticed. 

She secured this accolade after dominating all four of her individual races and contributing to two relay race victories, showcasing her versatility and competitive spirit.

This isn't the first time the 13-year-old prodigy has made waves in the swimming world. 

In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Akanbi previously claimed three gold medals at Nigeria's National Youth Games in Asaba in 2023. 

Representing Lagos State, she triumphed in the 50-meter backstroke, 100-meter butterfly, and 4x50-meter mixed medley relay events, etching her name in the annals of Nigerian swimming history.

Undeterred by challenges, Demilade Akanbi's unwavering commitment to her sport shines through. With her sights set on representing Nigeria at the Olympics, she continues to push the boundaries of excellence, driven by a passion to break records and inspire future generations of athletes.

Ibrahim Babangida: Hon Ekene Adams offers condolences to Babangida family over tragic death of former Nigeria international

 

The Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon Ekene Abubakar Adams, has expressed his condolences to the Babangida family following the tragic accident that involved the two former Nigeria football Internationals Ibrahim Babangida and Tijani Babangida.

The fatal accident that occurred along the Zaria/Kaduna Expressway took the life of Ibrahim Babangida who has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Honourable Ekene who is currently not in the country said it was very sad to hear that Ibrahim Tijani lost his life and he is still in very big shock over the news. He promised to go visit the family the moment he returns to the country while urging Nigerians to keep on praying for the Babangida family.

According to the lawmaker representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal constituency, the Babangida family needs the prayers of every Nigerian at this time because of the nature of the accident that involved the two brothers and other family members.

"This is a very difficult time for the Babangida family and I want every Nigerian to put them in their prayers because they need all our support now more than ever."

"The Babangida family have been a good servant to our country producing great football brothers like Tijani, Haruna and the late Ibrahim Babangida who had represented Nigeria at major tournaments like the World cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

"The Death of Ibrahim Babangida is not just a loss to the Country but a major loss to us in Kaduna because himself and his brother Tijani have been very key to developing young talents and grassroot development in the state for many years."

Honourable Ekene said on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Tajudeen Abbas, who is also very sad with the news and the House Committee on Sports, the National Assembly will do her best to support the family and be by their side in this critical time.

Signed 

Media , House Committee on Sports Chairman

LATE AMBASSADOR PAUL BABATUNDE FADUMIYO: A Life of Integrity, Courage, and Compassion

 

Amb. Paul Babatunde Fadumiyo. His life was a testament to the values of diplomacy, service, and leadership. 

Indeed, Ambassador Fadumiyo's contributions to the diplomatic community, as well as to the nations and people he served, will not be forgotten. 

His wisdom, experience, and dedication to his craft will continue to be a source of inspiration for current and future generations.

Being former elected President of Okun Development Association (ODA) speaks to the level of trust and respect Ambassador Fadumiyo garnered from his origin as an okun man.

It's clear that he not only made a significant impact on the international stage but also contributed to the well-being and development of his own okun nation. 

His work with the ODA also demonstrates his commitment to grassroots development, recognizing that positive change begins at home. 

His commitment to the Okun Development Association was part of a larger pattern of service and leadership throughout his lifetime. 

His leadership and vision will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Okun nation will be remembered as an inspiration for generations to come.

Ambassador Fadumiyo's dedication to his faith and to the Methodist Church,

his role as the "Babaijo" of the Methodist Church Igbagun community not only showed his strong faith but also his desire to contribute to the spiritual growth and well-being of others. 

Ambassador Fadumiyo's roots in Igbagun, a town in Nigeria's Kogi State, undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his identity, values, and dedication to the Okun nation. 

Growing up in Igbagun likely instilled in him a deep appreciation for his culture, history, and traditions, and inspired him to work tirelessly to improve the lives of his fellow Okun people.

Even as he traveled the world and dedicated himself to serving his country on the international stage, Ambassador Fadumiyo never forgot his roots in Igbagun.

The title of Ambassador Fadumiyo's book, "Igbagun: The Melting Pot of Yagbaland," speaks to his passion for and commitment to preserving the history and heritage of his community. 

By authoring this book, he not only chronicled the rich history and traditions of Igbagun but also emphasized its role as a cultural hub within the larger Yagba community. 

Ambassador Fadumiyo's 

scholarship in this area was undoubtedly driven by a deep love for his hometown and a desire to share its story with the wider world.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues. May the memory of his life and legacy inspire others to continue in his footsteps and make a positive impact on the world. 

May his soul rest in peace. 

May God Condole Igbagun community. 

Signed. 

Comrade sikiru olusegun

Golden Eaglets is intact, news of failed MRI test is false alarm

The news that first team members of Golden Eaglets failed MRI test is not correct. The team is intact.

Football fans in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja and it's environs that have been watching the training sessions friendly matches of the Golden Eaglets can bear witness that the team is taking shape and remained intact. 

Please if you live in Abuja, feel free to come and watch the Eaglets train at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja stadium. You can find out.

The MRI test conducted by the NFF found few players on grade 5 and these players are out. 

The pass grade is from grades 1 - 5, but the policy of NFF is that players on grade 5 will not be taken to the competition venue because they may fall into grade 6 when CAF conduct their own MRI test due to the fact that the borderline between grade 5 and 6 is very little.

In order to avoid that risk, the NFF insists that only players from grade 1 - 4 will represent Nigeria at the International tournament.

The team played another friendly game today and defeated Turbo touch academy 2-0.

Salim Fago Lawal: Nigerian youth international scores in Istra's humbling of Rudes

Nigeria youth International, Salim Fago Lawal was in terrific form for his club, Istra 1961, as he scored one of the goals in their 3-1 away win against Rudes, www.totorinews.com

It was yet another masterpiece for Istra 1961 in the Croatian top flight condemning Rudes home defeat. 

Lawal, the former Mavlon FC striker, who featured for the Flying Eagles of Nigeria at the last FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina hit the back of the net in the 16th min to make a strong statement that Istra 1961 came for the three points at stake.

But the joy of Istra 1961 travelling fans was short-lived when Riad Masala restored parity for Rudes three minutes later.

It was a ding- dong affair for both teams going into the break.

Second half completely belonged to Lawal and his teammates, as their efforts yielded fruits when substitutes Mario Cuic and Mateo Lisica scored in quick successions on the 73rd and 75th respectively to put the game beyond the reach of struggling Rudes.

Lawal played for 64 minutes before he was substituted.

Fouad Oki drags LSFA Board to Lagos State Police Command

 

Former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Ogboni Fouad Oki in another futile attempt to stop football administration and its development, has dragged congress members of the LSFA to the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, on several spurious allegations.

Chairman of LSFA, Hajji Gafar Liameed, Friday morning, led other congress members on invitation of the Lagos State Deputy Commissioner, Operations, DCP Fatai Tijani, to defend the petition written against the congress. 

Oki had alleged in his petition to the Police that he was physically attacked and severely injured by over 30 officers from the DSS, on the orders of the LSFA Chairman, Gafar.

However, the petitioner, Fouad Oki, refused to show up at the Police Command. 

It would be recalled that he (Oki) had earlier charged members of the congress to a civil court, which is contrary to the statutes governing the game globally. 

NLO1: Five Star Ogonna Okoro inspires Dino Sporting Club to crumble Olumo

Dino Sporting Club delivered a resounding 12-0 victory over Olumo United in their recent clash in the Nationwide LeagueOne, NLO1 playoffs on Wednesday.

Led by the stellar performance of Ogonna Hyacinth, who netted an impressive five goals, Dino Sporting Club showcased their prowess on the field, securing their third win of the campaign.

Solomon Etim set the tone with a well-executed goal, followed swiftly by Ogonna Hyacinth's close-range strike to double the lead. 

Henry Madubuku extended the advantage with a successful penalty kick, while Zakari Haruna sealed the first half with a fourth goal just before halftime.

Returning from the break, Ogonna Hyacinth wasted no time in adding to the tally, securing his second goal of the game. 

The onslaught continued as Stephen Ende notched the sixth goal, before Ogonna Hyacinth completed his hat-trick in dazzling fashion just minutes later.

Undeterred, Ogonna Hyacinth continued his scoring spree, notching his fourth and fifth goals of the match with remarkable ease, further solidifying Dino Sporting Club's commanding lead. 

Jibril Mohammed then capped off the remarkable victory with a hat-trick of his own, completing the emphatic 12-0 triumph.

With this stunning win, Dino Sporting Club has firmly established their dominance in the NLO1 league, having won three out of their four games and securing a draw in the remaining fixture. 

Their formidable performance sends a clear message to their competitors as they aim for continued success in the league.

SWAN confers The Most Improved League Award on NLO

 

The Nationwide League One will be conferred with the Most Improved League award by the national body of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). 

This was contained in an official correspondence sent to the NLO and signed by Ikenna Okonkwo, Secretary-General of the Sports Reportage body. 

According to SWAN, the nomination of the Nationwide League One as the Most Improved League in Nigeria, had been ratified by the National Executive Committee of SWAN after the screening committee's scrutiny which found the League worthy of the prestigious honour, based on its consistent track record of obvious improvements.

The formal conferment of the prestigious award on the NLO will take place during the Council Meeting of SWAN on Thursday May 2, 2024, in Kano.

It's on record the Nationwide League has made giant strides in the development of grassroot football over the years with prudent management of limited resources. 

Before the commencement of the season, the NLO under the leadership of ex-Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State His Excellency Silas Agara sealed its biggest sponsorship deal worth multi-million naira and also announced a partnership with two foreign service providers for the league.

Chairman House Committee on Sports celebrates godfather, Soname at 58

The Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th Assembly, Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams has joined family and millions of Nigerians in pouring glowing tribute on entrepreneur, philanthropist and sports enthusiast Honourable Kunle Soname as he celebrates his 58th birthday. 

Ekene, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, didn't hide his delight as he said. 

“I celebrate my 'God Father', Honourable Soname an energetic, vibrant and inspirational leader, whose philanthropic gesture towards humanity knows no bounds. 

"No doubt, Honourable Soname at 58, has contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s economy as well as youth development via the football platforms he has provided Remo Stars and Beyond Limit. 

"On this special day, I pray God to grant him good health, happiness, and continued success in all his endeavours. Cheers to a living lege

Lagos FA hold draws for Ex-Internationals Cup

 

Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), the organisers of the maiden Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup, Friday, at its Surulere office, held a press conference to unveil the tournament and the draws for the matches, slated for June 1st to 30th, across different centres in Lagos. 

At the well-attended event of the epochal tournament which was witnessed by several ex-Nigeria international players and the media, Chairman of LSFA, Hajji Gafar Liameed told the excited audience, the reasons behind organising the tournament. 

"Football belongs to footballers. They are the custodians of the beautiful game," Gafar began. 

"For so long a time, our retired football stars have been kept in the shadows. Now, it's time for them to return and enjoy the limelight, once again," he stated.

"This tournament is essentially, aimed at bringing our ex-international players, back to the beautiful game. However, this time, they are coming as Coach- Mentor," the highly-regarded football administrator added. 

Speaking further on the tournament, Vice-Chairman of Lagos FA, Adedotun Coker, explained that the tournament which is expected to feature 32 teams, would be played on a home and away knockout basis, from the preliminaries to the quater-finals, that would be played at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. 

Chairman of the tournament organising committee, Engr. Waidi Akanni, disclosed that the 32 ex-international players listed to participate are expected to form or adopt a team in their locality, and play the roles of the team's coach. 

Akanni, a former Lagos FA boss and Chief Executive Officer of Match International Limited, went ahead to disclose to the obviously delighted ex-international players that plans are ongoing to make the tournament, a most memorable one for everyone, even as all the teams and officials, shall be fully kitted by one of Nigeria's foremost sportswear companies.

Some of the ex-international players in attendance include, Peter Rufai, Franklin Howard, Friday Elahor, Taiwo Oloyede, Jide Oguntuase and Taiwo Enegwa.

Others are Friday Elahor, Edema Benson, Peter Nieketein, Loveday Omoruyi, Monday Kanu and Festus Odini.

Round Of 32 Fixtures

FC Victor Agali Vs FC Yakubu Aiyegbeni

FC Jide Oguntuase Vs FC Dosu Joseph

FC Alloy Agu Vs FC Yusuf Ayila

FC Loveday Omoruyi Vs FC Abiodun Obafemi 

FC Taiwo Enegwa Vs FC Edema Benson

FC Waidi Akanni Vs FC Friday Ekpo

FC Friday Elahor Vs FC Ifeanyi Udeze

FC Godwin Okpara Vs FC Peter Rufai

FC Clement Temile Vs FC Mba Agbai

FC Taribo West Vs FC Taiwo Oloyede 

FC Victor Ikpeba Vs FC Festus Odinni

FC Bode Babington Vs FC Wasiu Ipaye

FC Fatai Amoo Vs FC Ifeanyi Emeghara 

FC Tajudeen Disu Vs FC Henry Nwosu

FC Nduka Ugbade Vs FC Peter Nieketen

FC Joseph Yobo Vs FC Michael Dominic

Buruj FC's Spanish partners to arrive Nigeria for top football talents in May

Nigeria's top sports management company,Buruj Sports Management Nigeria has confirmed the coming of their partners from Spain to scout for talented players in Nigeria.

This piece of information was contained In a statement made public by Buruj Sports management on Wednesday.

"We are pleased to announce that our Spanish partners will be in Nigeria in the month of May" the statement said. 

" They are specialists in the scouting of talented top players with proven track records of connecting them to top European clubs".

" The Spanish based Sports talent management agency will be here in Nigeria to scout and select players with the basic skill sets to join a top club in Spain and other Europe top leagues. 

According to the CEO of Buruj FC, Dr Waheed Salaudeen, " the Spain based agency are excited about the endless possibilities of the project and they are already looking forward to a great time working with us to unearth the next big star in world football right here in Nigeria".

LSFA Boss, Hajj Gafar Liameed hails initiative of Dozy Mmobuosi's initiative with Tingo Energy Drinks

 

If Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Chairman, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed was a man of many words, he would have described the latest project of Dozy Mmobuosi - in the most colourful superlatives of adjectives. 

Some of the projects: Tingo Mobile to provide mobile technology and Fintech solutions to rural communities in Nigeria. Tingo Inc., a publicly traded company on the OTC Markets Group and Nwassa, a digital Agri-Marketplace that is Africa’s first agricultural technology and digital platform.

Following launch of Tingo Cola, Ojaja Bitters and Tingo Electric Energy Drinks in Victoria Island on Tuesday, an elated Hajji Gafar subtly described Dozy Mmobuosi as a true investor.

"Mr Dozy Mmobuosi is an example of a real investor and we should all commend him for his contribution to the society at large," the impressed and excited Hajji Gafar said to LSFA Media.

"I strongly believe that the projects launched today are great contributions to the national development of Nigeria. And that's what the administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands for.

Brimming with optimism, Hajji Gafar believes that the projects will secure future prosperity, pointing out that more investments by well meaning individuals would strengthen the social and physical infrastructure base of Nigeria.

It would be recalled that Dozy Mmbousi Foundation sponsored the NPFL/Dozy Mmobuosi Super 4 and Tingo Super 8 Cup in the past. The two tournaments were deemed successful by football stakeholders in Nigeria.

Hajji Gafar reiterated the LSFA's desire to be a partner of Tingo.

"At LSFA we are partners in progress. This invitation by Tingo is a special feeling for us and we would like to take this relationship to the next level; as we line up numerous football programs for Lagosians," he added.

Grinning with delight, Hajj Gafar, dignitaries like Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) and some eminent men of the society were present at the colourful event.

NWFL: Ifeoma, Whyte sure of Rivers Angels' win over Bayelsa Queens

 

Rivers Angels Football Club will on Wednesday lock horns with their perennial rivals, Bayelsa Queens in Port Harcourt. 

The Jewel of Rivers, who currently lead Group B standing, with 24 points, two points above the Restoration Ladies will be hoping to maintain the lead after this mid-week encounter which automatically seals the team's ticket to the Super Six finals.

A win over the Restoration Girls will ensure the Jewel Of Rivers go five-point clear at the summit of Group B and the Jewels of Rivers assistant captain, Polinus Ifeoma, believes it is achievable.

"We are prepared for the match, we know it's a big game on Wednesday," she started. "We played draw with them in the first stanza, and we know they're coming here with full force, but myself and my girls are ready for Bayelsa Queens."

Polinus also dismissed the issue of pressure in their camp but maintained that the team will give their best to ensure they seal the NWFL Premiership Super Six ticket on Wednesday. 

"There is no pressure at all, I'm sure of victory at the end on Wednesday. It's a big derby in the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership, I can't predict the scoreline, but at the end, we are coming out victorious."

Midfielder Edward Tejiri echoed her teammates' sentiments, stating: "We are ready for the game on Wednesday, we believe with love and unity in our team, we would conquer on Wednesday.

"There is no pressure. We just have to motivate ourselves and play on Wednesday. It's a big game, I can't predict, but I know with God, we would conquer."

Having won the Rivers State FA Cup recently, Coach Whyte Ogbonda believes the match was a good preparatory match for his girls ahead of the big showdown against the 2022 champions. 

Whyte further said that he expects a tough match against Bayelsa Queens, but his team is ready to nick the win.

"We are playing Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday. This is the second to the last match in the regular season before the Super Six. I will say that Rivers Angels is well prepared," he said.

"The match will go a long way to help the team qualify for the Super Six, we played FA Cup match during the weekend and I will say the match was part of our preparation for the match on Wednesday.

"We are expecting a very strong and good fight from Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday. They forced us to a 1-1 draw in Yenagoa in the first stanza, I think they will come out to ensure it doesn't repeat again but we are prepared to ensure we get the victory over them."

The last time both sides met during the first stanza in Yenagoa, it ended 1- 1, with Motunrayo Ezekiel the scorer for Rivers Angels.

Lagos FA Boss hails Manu Garba's appointment as Golden Eaglets' coach

Lagos State Football Association Chairman, Hajji Liameed Olawale Gafar, has congratulated Manu Garba, on his appointment as the new head coach of the Nigeria U17 national football team, the Golden Eaglets. 

Manu Garba's first tenure as Eaglets Manager saw him handling footballers such as Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success, Francis Uzoho, Chidiebere Nwakali and Musa Muhammed to victory at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup.

 

According to Hajji Gafar, he believes that this experience makes Manu Garba the ideal candidate to lead the Golden Eaglets to new heights.

The coach who returns for his third stint with the team has been saddled with the responsibility of leading the current crop of players to next month's WAFU B U17 Championship which serves as qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently appointed the former Flying Eagles manager as the Golden Eaglets' head coach.

Hajji Gafar harped on the need to make talents discovered at the NFF/NPFL U17 Youth League a priority by the gaffer. 

"I would like to congratulate you (Manu Garba) on your appointment as the new head coach of the Golden Eaglets," said Hajji Gafar, NFF/NPFL Youth Development Coordinator (Southwest Zone).

"I strongly believe your rich experience in coaching young talents will propel our development football brand, the Golden Eaglets, to the pedestal we have always desired it to be."

"I urge you to strive for nothing but excellence, be open to constructive criticisms and be your own man.

"The leadership of NFF has set the ball rolling through NPFL before appointing Manu Garba so the screening exercise for players should be a walk in the park. 

"I appeal that the new U17 team should be built around NPFL Youth League players across Nigeria. 

"The 17 top talents from the Southwest zone include Abiodun Olawoye (Shooting Stars), Oguniran Mujeeb Tomiwa (Shooting Stars), Samad Adekunle (Shooting Stars), Taofeek Afolabi Samad (Shooting Stars), Aribo Faith (Remo Stars), Olasunkanmi Abass (Remo Stars), Adejimi Peter (Remo Stars), Olatunji Olamilekan (Remo Stars) and Olaniyo Precious (Remo Stars)." 

"Others are Yusuf Abdullahi (Sporting Lagos), Oluwaseun Akanji (Sporting Lagos), Edward Ochigbo (Sporting Lagos), Naziru Yusuf (Sporting Lagos), Michael Awelewa (Sporting Lagos), Samuel Ita Umoh (Sporting Lagos), Afolabi Omobolaji Oluwasegun (Sunshine Stars) and Kehinde Oluwole (Sunshine Stars)."

"This should enable NFF/NPFL clubs and coaches of these young prodigies benefit fully from where they've been sowing," Hajji Gafar concluded.