Smart City beat 36 Lion to retain Jagaban Cup title

After Nail Biting Final With 'Determined' 36 Lion, Smart City Are Champions Of Jagaban Cup Again 

Smart City Harvest Jagaban Cup For The Second Time In A Row

Smart City have emerged champions of Jagaban Cup Scouting Tournament after defeating 36 Lion 5-4 via penalties at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday morning.

The result meant Smart City retained the title, having also triumphed in 2022.

In the third place match played earlier in the day, Dino SC fought gallantly from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against The Charlesann at regulation time.

The penalty shootouts saw Dino SC winning 5-4.

Memuda Emmanuel delivered a sumptuous effort beyond goalkeeper Samuel Oriola to edge Smart City in front on 20 minutes. 

A beautiful strike from ex Nigeria international Wisdom Ubani came off the woodwork as 36 Lion searched for the equalizer.

36 Lion deservedly restored parity through Lawal Seun who scored on the hour mark.

The game ended 1-1 after 70 minutes at Onikan and it all went onto what would be an intense and entertaining penalty shootouts you could see.

Smart City prevailed 5-4, thus retained their title.

Meanwhile, the Exhibition game saw Team Yellow&Blue humbling Iwowo&Alasho 2-0.

Brain behind Jagaban Cup, Gafar Olawale Liameed expressed satisfaction on success of the scouting tournament. 

"We give praises to God for His mercies and protection upon us throughout this tournament," the Lagos State Football Association Chairman mused. 

Speaking on plans to make subsequent editions of the tournament better and bigger, the President of 36 Lion Investment promised to bring lots of unique and exciting features to the tournament. 

"This is the second edition. Beyond the facts that Jagaban Cup symbolises the virtues and socio-economic re-engineering ethos of President BolaTinubu, it's equally a testament to our desires to birth a progressive and beneficial football ecosystem in Lagos and Nigeria."

"Football is my life. I breath and live for the beautiful game. It is my destiny, and I shall continue to work and collaborate with other genuinely concerned football stakeholders and investors, to return the glorious days of Lagos and Nigeria football," he added.

36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management Limited, Lagos Enigma and IFMM are official partners of Jagaban Cup.

36 Lion set up clash with Smart City in Jagaban Cup final

Smart City and 36 Lion have booked their tickets to the final of this year's Jagaban Cup holding in Lagos State. 

The third place match would see The Charlesann battle Dino SC. 

Defending champions, Smart City displayed gritty performance to stage a comeback and record 2-2 against Mavlon FC in the opening match of Day Three in the 2024 edition of Jagaban Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Mavlon raced to an early lead with brilliant finish from Emmanuel Stephen before half time. 

A thunderbolt strike from Egbeduokun Samson sailed past former Flying Eagles goalie Oremade Olawale to double the lead for Mavlon. 

The defending champions halved the deficit two minutes afterwards with Ibrahim Fuad getting to the end of a team build up initiated by Busayo Lemon. 

Ibrahim Fuad completed the comeback with his second of the game with nine minutes left on the clock. 

Both sides could have scored the winner in the closing minutes but they were undone by criminal misses.

The result saw Smart City end Group A as winners with five points from three games while Mavlon recorded two points. 

In the second match of the day, 36 Lion and Dino Sporting Club cancelled each other out with a drab goalless draw. 

The encounter produced less sparkling moments that could give either side the chance to secure victory but couldn't make it count. 

The encounter between The Charlesann and Ikorodu City ended 2-2 with the former finishing the match with 10 men. 

The Charlesann took the lead in the 11th minutes through Adebayo Joshua benefitting from a poor communication between the defenders and goal keeper of Ikorodu City.

The Oga Boys even the score seven minutes later as Sesan Emmanuel scored for his team with a great finish. 

Egeonu Collins restored the lead for The Charlesann through a sumptuous finish six minutes before half time. 

The Charlesann were reduced to 10 men after Ayinla Olayinka got his marching order for a second bookable offense. 

It didn't take Ikorodu much time to find the equalizer with Onyeme Emmanuel getting his second of the match. 

The enterprising striker went close to sealing the victory for the Oga Boys with two minutes to end the match but was denied by smart goalkeeping of Chigozie Joseph.

The result saw Charlesann finishing the group with five points but they were edged to first place by Smart City on goal difference. 

The last encounter for the day and also for the group ended 2-1 in favour of Broad City against Imperial FC. 

The first half of the match ended goalless with both teams failing to pounce on good scoring chances. 

However, with a minute into restart, Broad City took the lead through Bakare Ayomide as he capitalized on a defensive gaffe in Imperial FC goal area. 

The Boys of Seyi Olofinjana equalized four minutes later as Abisuga Samuel calmly placed his effort past the goalkeeper. 

With 10 minutes to end the pulsating encounter, Broad City regained the lead as Ayomide got his brace. It ended 2-1.

Group B was topped by 36 Lion who picked seven points while Dino placed second with four points.

Day 3 Results:

Smart City 2-2 Mavlon FC

36 Lion 0-0 Dino SC 

Charlesann 2-2 Ikorodu City 

Broad City 2-1 Imperial FC 

Day 4: March 29th

Third Place

The Charlesann Vs Dino SC 7am

Final 

Smart City Vs 36 Lion 8am

Smart City, 36 Lion record big wins as Dino SC fall to Imperial in Jagaban Cup Day 2

 

Game Day 2 of Jagaban Cup was filled with surprises. Smart City humiliated Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Imperial secured massive three points against highly fancied Dino SC, The Charlesann overpowered Mavlon and 36 Lion showed no mercy to Broad City. 

The day began with Nigeria National League derby.  

Hammed Adepoju's first blood was cancelled out by Adelani Shola as the first half ended all square.

Smart pierced a sharp dagger in the heart of Oga Boys during the home stretch.

Monday Emmanuel and Ibrahim Fuad delivered crushing blows, as Chibuike Prestige was unlucky to bag an own goal in an unforgettable game for his team.

Broad City faced another tough challenge in a ding dong battle with 36 Lion. Bangoura Mohammed opened the scoring just after three minutes. Badmus Ahmed equalized 26 minutes later. In the 44th minute, Oluwafemi Opeyemi tapped in from close range. Broad City stayed in the fight but Bangoura extinguished their hopes with the "Insurance Goal" for 36 Lion.

A beautiful solo goal from Emmanuel Stephen of Malvon distabilized The Charlesann in the third match of the day.

But The Charlesann dusted themselves and fought like Warriors. They got their victory thanks to goals from Egeonu Collins and Emma Chukwu.

10-man Imperial needed to make a statement after disappointment in their opener with 36 Lion. 

Dino never really got out the blocks. They had good possession and missed two penalty kicks.

Chidera and Musa Malik showed efficiency to give Imperial a two-goal cushion. James Okpe accounted for the consolatory strike in a dramatic end to the game.

Day 2 Results:

Ikorodu City 1-4 Smart City 

 Broad City 1-3 36 Lion

The Charlesann 2-1 Mavlon 

Imperial 2-1 Dino SC 

Day 3: March 28th:

Smart City Vs Mavlon 7am

36 Lion Vs Dino SC 8am

The Charlesann Vs Ikorodu City 9am

Imperial Vs Broad City 10am

Jagaban Cup is a powerful tool for societal change

 

Football has consistently served as a powerful vehicle for societal change thanks to the recognition and embracement of shared experiences which build character, teamwork, perseverance, and community.  

The game provides opportunities to confront adversity with confidence.

Football is a great unifier in times of war and peace, it has broken several social barriers.

The round leather game can teach us the importance of effective communication and sound judgment.

Jagaban Cup is a youth engagement empowerment through football, it is for the youths to show case their talents and get employment with football clubs in Nigeria and abroad. 

The competition has seen people from the different parts of Nigeria show the resilient part to be successful. The Nigerian spirit is something that makes us strong.

Football is about joy for the winner and momentary despair for the loser.

Asiwaju’s life has gone full circle with too many despairs and some joys. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu loves football, he lives his life for the youths, he is our father, as good sons and citizens of Nigeria we would always make our father happy. 

Jagaban Cup is not a celebration in any form, it is total Youth Empowerment, the previous Jagaban Cup gave young boys football employment contracts in Czech Republic, Switzerland, Spain and various clubs in Nigeria. More than Five Thousand individuals will watch the final on Friday March 29th at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Dino Sporting Club kicks off Jagaban Cup campaign with victory over Broad City

 

Dino Sporting Club, commenced their Jagaban Cup campaign in stellar fashion, clinching a hard-fought victory against Broad City in a thrilling encounter at a bustling stadium in Lagos.

The match saw an electrifying start as Abubakar Ibrahim of Dino Sporting Club swiftly seized the initiative, securing a lead within the first two minutes. 

However, Broad City's resilience shone through as Jeremiah Christopher leveled the scoreline in the 57th minute, injecting a surge of suspense into the match.

Yet, Dino Sporting Club's determination proved decisive, with Amos Adzuu netting the crucial winning goal just four minutes later, securing a 2-1 triumph and igniting celebrations among their fervent supporters.

Looking ahead, Dino Sporting Club will face Imperial FC in their continued quest to lift the coveted Jagaban Cup , with anticipation building for another exhilarating showdown scheduled for Thursday.

Jagaban Cup Day 1 Wrap: Ikorodu City held by Mavlon, Dino snatch late winner

 

The Charlesann displayed impressive performance to draw 2-2 with defending champions Smart City in the opening match of 2024 Jagaban Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday morning.

The enterprising Lemon Busayo opened the scoring for Smart City after slamming the ball home from the penalty spot on 8 minutes. 

With The Charlesann slowly settling into the game, they managed to push the Nigeria National League team into their shell on several occasions before finally breaching the defense of the Smart City to draw level through Ayinla Olayinka as first half ended 1-1.

The Charlesann stunned Smart City on the half hour mark. A beautiful long range shot from Abatan Ayodele outside the box landed in the top left corner of the post.

Smart City replied the Academy boys instantly scoring the crucial equaliser. 

Although both teams tried to flourish in their attempt to find the winning goal, neither side had the luck and hence was forced to settle for a 2-2 draw.

36 Lion started their Jagaban Cup campaign on a sweet note as goals from Bangoura Mohammed and Opeyemi Oluwafemi secured a 2-1 comeback win against Imperial. 

Ashuku Joel stunned 36 Lion against the run of play in the 20th minute, striking beyond Oriola Samuel.

Lion missed strings of chances, with the Imperial keeper twice denying Wisdom Ubani and Bangoura.

Guinean Bangoura equalised on 35 minutes, when he stabbed home from the penalty spot as Imperial finally cracked under intense Lion pressure.

The match winner arrived from a flowing move and the energetic Oluwafemi fired straight to the net.

Meanwhile, Ikorodu City endured a frustrating morning as Mavlon held on for a 0-0 draw.

The Oga Boys were kept well in check by the Via Reggio Cup semi finalists, who also proved dangerous on the break.

Substitute Amos Adzuu scored a late winner to put Dino SC in a strong position at the Jagaban Cup.

Abubakar Ibrahim drew the first blood for Dino SC after just two minutes.

Henry Maduboko was denied by goalkeeper Okeoghene Isaac from the penalty spot as Dino failed to double their slim lead. 

Broad City upped their game and were rewarded with a fine header by Jeremiah Christopher to equalise.

Adzuu, a second half substitute, powered a clinical effort beyond goalkeeper Okeoghene.

Day 1 Results

Smart City 2-2 The Charlesann 

36 Lion 2-1 Imperial

Mavlon 0-0 Ikorodu City

Dino SC 2-1 Broad City

Day 2 Fixtures: March 27th

Ikorodu City Vs Smart City 7am

Broad City Vs 36 Lion 8am

The Charlesann Vs Mavlon 9am

Imperial Vs Dino SC 10am

Stakeholders commend organisers of Jagaban Cup

 

It is few weeks to the kick-off of the second edition of the annual Jagaban Football Cup, organized by 36 Lion Investment Limited, and football stakeholders and enthusiasts of the game, have been salivating on the expected thrills and feels during the tournament. 

Speaking on the tournament, Coach Dominic Etim of Akwa Ibom based Stars Football Academy, said he is eagerly looking forward to the tournament, which would feature eight of the best grassroots football teams in Lagos State. 

"I witnessed the first edition and it was pure excitement for all football enthusiasts. And I can't wait for this year’s edition to begin. I also wish the organisers of the tournament can extend the invitation to other states, so we can also expose our players to such top quality tournaments," he added. 

A former footballer Samuel Ibeh, who once played for Nigerdock FC, in the Nigerian National league, commended the organizers of the Jagaban Football Cup, for giving opportunities to grassroots players to express themselves for better career opportunities. 

"I wasn't in town to watch the games of the first edition of this Jagaban Cup. But the reports and remarks from some of my friends and former colleagues were encouraging. 

"And as a former footballer and lover of grassroots football, I shall be around with some of my friends to enjoy the games and also encourage the organisers," Ibeh said. 

The eight teams invited to participate in the tournament include, Ikorodu City, Broad City, Smart City, 36 Lion, Mavlon FC, Dino SC, The Charlesann and Imperial FA. 

Meanwhile, the second edition of the Jagaban Cup, which is scheduled to hold March 26-29, 2024, at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, would witness the presence of top foreign football scouts and managers drawn from different European countries. 

By Akeem Busari 

Eight clubs to jostle for second Jagaban Cup trophy as European scouts invade Nigeria to fish our more talents

 

The 2nd edition of Jagaban Cup powered by 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management Limited, IFMM and Lagos Enigma Group will be held between March 26th and 29th, 2024. 

The tournament will host European scouts at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos for 3 days.

Eight teams would feature in an effort to showcase their skills to foreign scouts with their eye on being invited to Europe for trials.

The previous tournament which took place in Lagos was very successful with scouts from Belgium, Turkey, Slovakia, Azerbaijan and Czech Republic in attendance. 

The outcome was invitation of several players to trials abroad and signing of deals.

Sochi wing back Solomon Agbalaka played in the first edition of the tournament.

Chief Organizer, Hajj Gafar Liameed briefed the Media on Tuesday night: "The scouts were happy with the standard that they saw in 2022 and believe there are many untapped potentials in Nigeria."

"Clubs have expressed their readiness to play the competition because of the opportunities and exposure it will bring to the table. We have already mapped out plans to surpass the successes recorded in the first edition.

"Flying Eagles defender Solomon Agbalaka is a product of Jagaban Cup. The lad has excelled so far in his stint at Sochi and we are proud that he is a player who shone at the Jagaban Cup.

"The aim of Jagaban Cup is to provide opportunities for players to excel in their careers and take the next steps to success. We did well to mobilize the youths to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in the first edition. They are excited to be part of this year's event due to the trust they have in us.

"Football is a unifying factor for the Nigerian youths. The feedbacks we got from the first edition was massive. The fans want to enjoy the feeling of the Jagaban Cup and we are excited to ignite the good feeling," the Lagos State Football Association Vice President added.

Teams invited for this year's competition are Ikorodu City, Broad City, Smart City, 36 Lion, Mavlon, The Charlesann, Imperial FC and Dino SC.

Blessing Essien Edet: Sensational Dino Sporting Club midfielder inks three year deal with Caracas FC

 

By Wale Mustapha 

Dino Sporting Club's rising star, Blessing Essien Edet has completed a three year deal with Venezuelan top side, Caracas FC. 

Edet's move came after a successful negotiations between the two clubs.

The young midfielder who gained attention for his standout performances in various competitions will be making a crucial step in his promising career.

Dino Sporting Club confirmed the deal expressed delight in announcing the transfer agreement with Caracas FC, emphasizing the fruitful collaboration between the parties.

"Both Dino Sporting Club and Caracas FC have reached a three-year contract agreement, providing Edet with an opportunity to further his development in South America.

"Edet has being a dedicated and committed player since we became part of Dino family and we are excited about this move to further help his career and we wish him the very best" stated the official announcement. 

This move adds another chapter to the success stories of talented young players transitioning from Dino Sporting to international clubs. 

Dino Sporting Club expressed gratitude to the organizers of the JAGABAN CUP, Alhaji Liameed Gafar of 36 Lion FC, and the esteemed agent Cem Sagar for providing the platform that allowed Edet to shine in the tournament.

The 19-year-old midfielder, having excelled in Dino Sporting Club's Jagaban Cup outing last year and the ongoing Creative Championship League, is expected to bolster Caracas FC's squad and contribute to their aspirations in the Copa Libertadores. 

Football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Edet's journey in the vibrant football landscape of South America.