President Buhari, save Ahmadu Bello Stadium from El-Rufai Now

By Gafar Yusuf

I want to believe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari is not aware that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) is about to be handed over to Kaduna State Government. In fact, the people of Kaduna State are of the opinion that the plans to hand over the Ahmadu Bello Stadium is an arrangement between Nigeria's Sports Minister, Sunday Dare and the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai.

The Federal Government of Nigeria will kill the only existing sports facilities (only *FUNCTIONING* STADIUM) if they hand over the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to Kaduna State Government as over 1 million youths excluding women and children will be rendered jobless and the rate of crime will increase geometric sequence. 

I am sure that President Muhammadu Buhari is unaware of the state of Muritala Muhammed Square in Kaduna. *Since it was renovated by the administration of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai and privatised, no sporting activities have taken place there; sporting associations have been denied access to the facilities*. No sporting competition, championship or challenge have taken place at the Muritala Muhammed Square despite the huge resources spent to rehabilitate the infrastructure. In the past, the Muritala Muhammed Square was also used for recreational purposes where families engage in exercises during the weekdays as well as picnics but all are history today.

The Rancher Bees Stadium suffered the same fate in the hands of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, demolishing the stadium that brought us memories during the 90's and early 2000's. He practically rendered the football community homeless for years and now the only place that brings joy to the good people of Kaduna is about to be handed over to El-Rufai again. 

When the minister of sports, Sunday Dare said after the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), a novelty match between the Governor and the Minister, organised to motivate young footballers who have chosen to develop the game as a career, I smiled. Kaduna State does not have any club in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL); the only time Kaduna State Government supports sports are during the National Youth Games and National Sports Festival (with prayers). The various sporting associations get little or no support from the State Government led by Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai.

Dear Sunday Dare, be rest assured that once you sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to handover ABS to Kaduna State Government, hundreds of thousands of youth will not have access to sporting facilities to train for national and international engagements. Due to the rate of kidnapping in the state, the only safe place to engage in sporting/recreational activities is the Ahmadu Bello Stadium.

The Kaduna State Football League (KSFL) that produces football stars across the world will die a natural death, our annual Inter Local Government Area (LGA) football competition, the football academies will not have access to training pitches; the Athletics Association will not have tracks to train their athletes for subsequent championships, the badminton athletes will not have courts to train; families can't engage in their regular rituals on weekends. Kaduna State might not have access to watch Nigeria Premier Football League again due to the forthcoming draconic policy that will be put in place by the Governor.

The legacy of the Sardauna of Sokoto, the first and only Former Premier of Northern Nigeria, masterminded Northern Nigeria through the independence of Nigeria in 1960, Sir Ahmadu Bello will be destroyed TOTALLY if this move of handing over the AB Stadium is done.

Let me use the words of one of the Presidential candidates in the forthcoming election, "GO AND VERIFY" from the good people of Kaduna State before making this huge mistake that will not only cost sports lovers in the state but the other 18 Northern States. 

I want to appeal to  President Muhammadu Buhari to review his approval for the handing over of Ahmadu Bello Stadium and save the only existing sports facilities.

God bless Kaduna State,

God bless Nigeria.

Samuel Columbus: Dino SC boss bags national appointment, OGSFA award

 

Dino Sporting Club CEO, Omomafe Samuel Columbus has received an award of excellence from the Ogun State Football Association.

According to the OGSFA led by board member of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, the recognition is as a result of Columbus's immense contributions to the development football in the state and country at large.

The recognition came few days after he was appointed as the Deputy Director of Sports and Social Development by the Nigeria Youth Congress.

According to his letter of appointment signed by the President of the Nigeria Youth Congress, Blessing Akinlosotu, it stated : 

"Sequel to the ongoing re-organization and restructuring of the Nigerian Youth Congress in conformity with modern-day reality, global best practices and in consonance with the NYC", 

"Constitution, the President has approved your appointment as the Deputy Director, "

"Directorate of Sports and Social Development for effective running and administration of the Congress in Nigeria. You are to ensure you act within the provisions of the bylaws of NYC and the operational".

An elated Columbus who is the CEO of amateur side Dino Sporting Club, said : 

"I'm really happy and honored to receive these recognitions from Ogun FA and Nigeria Youth Congress,

"Sometimes I'm a bit shy, but I'm really happy to be recognized for my quota to the growth of Nigerian youths and society at large.

"The recognitions mean I'm on the right track, and must be do something right, but I can assure you, I'm not done yet, I'm inspired to give more to Sports and the community as whole." He said.

Mr Columbus, a seasoned grassroot football administration is known for his dedication and passion for sports and community development.

He has positively affected the lives of young Nigerians which constitute the largest percentage of Nigeria's population and contribute to Community Development and Nation Building in the spirit of Volunteering.

Columbus has also helped young Nigerians fulfilled their dream of becoming a professional football player through his various grassroot football competitions, with international scouts in attendance.

He currently presides over Dino Sporting Club, one of the fastest rising football clubs in Nigeria, and the current Creative Championship League Cup holders.

The Club is also rated as the 2nd best in the Creative Championship League, behind Beyond Limits.

Sunday Dare congratulates Tonobok Okowa on African Athletics Regional Presidential victory

 

Sports Minister Sunday Dare has joined millions of compatriots to congratulate the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa on his election as the president of African Athletics Region 2, West Africa on Saturday.

Consequently, the election victory also means Okowa has become one of the vice presidents of the Confederation African Athletics (CAA).

Dare expressed his delight at the victory of the Delta state-born sports administrator, stating that it comes as good news to Nigeria.

“I’m glad at this victory and I’m also not surprised that Okowa has ascended to the level of international leadership in athletics. He has paid his dues from the grassroots, in Delta State and now he is performing creditably at the national level.

“He has performed well since he emerged president of the AFN. Nigeria had a good outing at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, our athletes were incredibly fantastic at the Commonwealth Games and even at the African Youth Athletics Championship. Without doubt, his role in these successes were major.”

Okowa, who is also the chairman of Delta State Sports Commission claimed the victory in Ghana, contesting against Vierin DeGon of the Benin Republic, Togo’s Tchanile Salifuo Falilatou and Oually Sara of Senegal in the first round. He clinched his victory at the second round against DeGon with nine votes to six.

He will now become one of the vice presidents to Cameroon’s Hamad Malboum, who heads the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA).

Oluwashinaayomi Makanjuola: 11-year-old wonderkid who impress on his Water FC debut

Water Football Club coach, Adewale Adeniyi has recently been working with several teenagers within the age range of 10 to 14. 

11-year-old Oluwashinaayomi Makanjuola is one of them. He is regarded by many to be the brightest talent currently at Water FC in that age range.

The teenager is comfortable taking on the defender, inevitably there have been comparisons with Lionel Messi.

Despite being just 11 years old, Oluwashinaayomi has joined up with Water FC's senior team after netting 49 times in 23 appearances last year for the U14 side of the club.

He made a scoring debut for the main team of Water FC in a 22-0 friendly win over Super Stars FC on Saturday. The lad bagged a brace in a 15-minute substitute appearance.

"The boy will become a professional one day. I'm absolutely sure of that," coach Adewale Adeniyi said.

"He's handling everything around him in an extremely cool way. He has established himself very well so far and has been able to fit in perfectly with our team."

Often described as an inside forward, Oluwashinaayomi is comfortable operating across the front line. It is a feature of Water that players tend to be moved around in the team to ensure they are comfortable playing in different positions. 

His mastery of the ball, the quick twitch reactions and composed dribbling style make him stand out. Receiving the ball, he will often look for a slaloming run if the space opens up. Whenever he has the defender on the back foot, he is an adept finisher or possesses an excellent weight of pass.

While it is early days, he profiles as an all-round forward. Quick acceleration and strong balance make him hard to stop. 

Time and increased level will no doubt expose any more that he has. Provided Water FC manage his development well, which is no given, then they could have another young star on their hands.

Ayodele Psychotherapy Hospital Holds First Session as CEO Tasks People On Lifestyle Behaviours

 

Foremost herbal psychotherapist, Dr. Isaac Ayodele has warned people to be mindful of what they eat, as some foods rather kill than heal.

Dr Ayodele who was speaking during an interactive session with his patrons recently, also urged all health-conscious people to toe the line of the forefathers of medicine who made food their medicine and medicine their food.

He also stated that one’s state of health depended on the category of food they consume. “If you consume unhealthy foods that kill,” he asserted, “you will surely shorten your life and destiny.

“It is very unfortunate that a lot of people, who should enjoy their lives today, are patients at nursing homes. Their children wish such parents were dead not because they hate them, but because they have become liabilities to the children and people around them. They eat foods that kill under the guise of enjoyment. To enjoy is not bad though, but pleasure is better and rewarding in moderation.”

The public health expert also revealed that festive periods are the time people abuse food mostly, advising people to avoid over-indulging in merriments at the expense of their health.

“It is true that food has become a universal tool of diplomacy to bring people of diverse cultures together. So, food have a lot of merits that cannot be wished away in a hurry. However, food and drinks keep bringing sorrows to many homes.

“If you cannot keep to the rule of moderation, and you eat both healthy and foods and drinks that kill, make sure you engage in my Food and Lifestyle menu to reverse the ailments that accompany your unhealthy foods and drinks.

“If, however, your challenge is eating disorder, psychological, emotional, addiction and other habits defiling your good personality, seek help.”

On the focus of his new programme, he said a lot of people misconstrue herbal practitioners as herbalists. According to him, many people perceive herbalists as people who peddle some concoctions and herbs in the streets propagating a thousand and one things that the concoctions could cure.

“We don’t only deal with the physical health challenges. We provide solutions to ailments from neck up and from neck down. Indeed, most of the modern-day ailments which medical laboratories can diagnose did not originate from the body. The roots of most diseases are behavioural and self-inflicted. The worst disease are the ailments emanating from the brain, as well as from the heart, emotions and the mind.

“Hence food, drinks and inordinate, defiling lifestyles are the bane of the modern debilitating ailments,” he declared.

He added that for holistic health to take place, one must put into consideration the mind, heart, body and the various organs altogether. “Suicidal thoughts, depression, bipolar, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, attention deficit hyperactivity, eating disorders, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder as well as addiction and substance abuse have rendered many people’s lives miserable than most medical conditions that we dread.”

According to him, his mode of practice stands out his organization in the medical space. “We diagnose ailments from the mind and the body from our psychometric laboratory, we do psychosocial prescribing, and use herbal and integrative complementary and alternative therapies to treat the people and reverse them to their original good person from the bad and the ugly they have become.

“Indeed, herbal psychotherapy is an emerging field known as the Principles of Herbal Psychotherapy 101,” he said.

Sedentary lifestyle is also a disease according to the expert. “It creeps in little by little until all you love to do is to sit down and hate standing and walking like a plague. The situation gets very ugly to the extent that you feel like engaging people to do every chore for you. You feel like sleeping endlessly or at least lying down,” he revealed. This can aggravate to acute and chronic diseases, like high blood pressure, stroke, eating disorder, obesity, kidney and liver disease and high insulin resistance, which is the problem of diabetes.

“The list is endless including, low libido, prostate disease, partial or total memory lost and blindness. Never ignore your daily movements. Engage in any exercise that you love, be it aerobics, swimming, sports, or just brisk or lethargic walk. For a minimum of 30 minutes.”

The online interaction with potential patrons of Ayodele Herbal Psychotherapy Hospital is a regular event on Zoom.

Fortunate Cup '23: 16 Teams Set To Battle For Big Price

By Wale Mustapha

The organisers of Fortunate Cup have released the Grouping of the prestigious Fortunate Cup U-16 Championship.

The tournament in its third edition will see 16 teams battle for supremacy and over 300 players jostle for individual awards.

The tournament which is the brain child of ace entrepreneur, Alhaji Wasiu Adejumo who is the CEO of Fortunate Bread in Osun will take off from the preliminary stage. The opening game will feature perennial rivals Excel FC and Golden Boys on  Tuesday by 4pm at the main bowl of Osogbo Township Stadium. Kolawole FC will then trade tackle with Light Star FC in the second match, of the tourney the following day.

The tournament is aimed at discovering young talents and provide exposures for upcoming footballers in the state.

Defunct Olansile FC made history last time as they won it back to back. The tournament is powered by Fortunate Bread and endorsed by Osun FA. Fortunate Bread are producing quality products such as Jumbo, Sardine, Fortubite, Premium, Cluster, Fruitbite, Bamba , Tyson, and King loaves under a well controlled hygienic environment.

GROUPINGS

GROUP A

EXCEL FC

GOLDEN BOYS

KOLAWOLE FC

LIGHT STAR

GROUP B

YSF WARRIORS

GOLDEN STARS

YOUNG KINGS FC

NET BREAKERS FC

GROUP C

TSO FC

SHARP STRIKER

ZAKARIYAU FC

FORTUNATE FC

GROUP D

HADJI HAMMED FC

KAMAL FC

CITY ROLLER FC

LATONA FC

Full fixtures soon..

Ankara Keciorengucu offers Innocent Christian professional contract

 

Nigeria midfielder Innocent Christian has signed his first professional contract with Turkish TTF side Ankara Keciorengucu.

The Barrier FC product spent the last four months in the U19 side of the team. 

Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder, Christian made nine appearances in the Under-19 Turkish League, scoring six goals and providing three assists. 

The youngster has been rewarded for his brilliant displays.

With this deal, Christian could become a regular for the main team as they bid to gain to the Turkish Super Lig.

A left-footed playmaker, Christian is a fantastic dribbler who is at his best when he is taking on the opposition – and anyone else for that matter. While the level of opposition might give him the freedom and licence to express himself, his dribbling is nevertheless the biggest weapon in his artillery.

What makes Christian so difficult to defend is his unpredictability as he likes to cut inside onto his favoured left but can just as easily beat his man and go to the byline instead.

As with any creative attacking midfielder, the youngster possesses impressive passing and vision to pick the eye-of-the-needle through balls to unlock defences.

Coventry City star striker, John Awodi shines at Flying Eagles camp

 

By Wale Mustapha

The current Flying Eagles camp is filled with fantastic players jostling for final place in the team for the AFCON U20 tourney billed for Egypt next month. 

One of them is a young striker, John Awodi from the UK based Coventry City Football Academy.

The striker was recently on trial with Queens Park Rangers of England and scored hattrick for them in a friendly.

He was granted permission by Coventry City International Academy to attend the second phase of camping for the Flying Eagles. 

Awodi has impressed the Ladan Bosso led technical crew with impressive displays in the team's camp at FIFA Goal Project Pitch.

The goal poacher appears to have the perfect height for a striker. He is very comfortable player on the ball, as well as having intelligence off the ball; which is always a fantastic trait for a striker to have. 

The teenager predominately operates as a striker, but he can be deployed as a winger and even just behind the striker; this is evidence of the versatility he possesses; one of his most impressive characteristics. His dribbling is also a key part of his game, with him able to control the ball confidently and beat players using speed and skill.

Strengths and Playing Style

Not only is Awodi quick with his feet, he is equally quick and effective with his decision making.

Very intelligent with his runs on and off the ball, Awodi has shown a penchant for creating space for himself as well as his teammates.

However, it is his goal scoring record and calmness in front of the goal that has hogged the limelight, and rightly so.

He is a calm customer even in the tight of positions – a trait very few players of his age possess – has a tidy shot and is quick to get into space in the attacking third.

Given his skill sets and the extended playing time being afforded to him, it is no surprise that he has already bagged goals for Flying Eagles in training.

Awodi's abilities as an attacking menace documented, but it is time to look at another aspect of his game that has impressed many – his defensive contribution. He loves to tackle, haggling the opposition defenders and is constantly tracking back to help his teammates out of precarious situations.

Conclusion

With his pace, precarious situations are often turned into advantageous ones as he has demonstrated an eye for fine link up play and counter attacking football.

He offers a lot of counter-attacking threat and he never disappoints with his finishing ability. For a forward, he has relatively good vision and awareness and can pick out some wonderful passes. 

It's evident to see that Awodi has talent in abundance. Not only is he a potential Flying Eagles regular in the future. John Awodi could be destined for greatness.

President Buhari's Minister Promotes ace journalist, Kola Daniel to Executive Media Aide level

 

Mr. Kola Daniel, One of the media aides, of the Honorable Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare has been promoted to the Position of Executive Media Aide.

Kola Daniel, an ace  Sportswriter and  Media Aide was elevated in status, following an appraisal carried out in November last year, to properly evaluate and situate performances by staff of the Ministry.

The report on the exercise, seen pressmen

rated Mr. Daniel and a few others, as top and most effective staff.

Kola Daniel thus  ventured into the new year in style, after a well deserved promotion by his principal, Chief Sunday Dare, who was unequivocal in heaping praises on the dexterity, commitment, foresight and deligence; in handling any task assigned to him.

"After appraising all of my staff, I considered him as one of the best, most productive member of staff, hence, my decision to elevate him to the position of Executive Media Aide". Dare said.

Receiving this news, the elated Mr. Daniel told pressmen  that, he is overwhelmed with the happiness and satisfaction, such a timely reward and recognition to his services, has brought him".

He reserved special thanks for his principal for finding him worthy of being relied on, and committed to remaining loyal, while learning under him.

Owumi: Why IMC Choose Select Match Balls For NPFL

 

Head of Operations of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Prince Davidson Owumi, has revealed why the Interim Management Committee opted for Select ball as official match balls for the league.  

Kaduna-based Markana Management are the official partners of NPFL and supplier of the Select match balls for the 2022/2023 season, after sealing a deal with the IMC.

Akwa United, Bendel Insurance and 18 other NPFL clubs received 24 official Select match balls each, with the  presentation done at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (Nest of champions) Uyo, the venue of the 2023 NPFL Abridged League opening season game.

Owumi: "It's good to have Markana Management as one of our partners.

The choice of Select match balls design is unique for the NPFL, as all 20 clubs now have same kind of branded balls, which is good publicity for our domestic league.

" The next stage is the branding of these balls. We plan to domesticate then to suit our product." 

The Select match design features black and Navy Blue colour and cool graphic  outlines to make it pop from the white ball.

Meanwhile, Ekene Adams, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Markana Management expressed his delight after he said: "This is a step in the right direction for the NPFL and the many good plans the Interim Management Company (IMC) has for the league. 

"We are trying to do something new and positive with the NPFL. Markana Management has a long-term plan for the development of the domestic league in Nigeria by including all the Under 17 teams of all the clubs.

"We are discussing developmental projects with the office of the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as well."

Egypt 2023: Ohaka, Nwosu, Yusuf arrive Flying Eagles' camp

 

Dominion Ohaka, Aminu Yusuf and Nathaniel Nwosu are early birds in the Nigeria national team camp for the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Lobi Stars defender Aminu Yusuf was one of the players who arrived in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday night.

Also expected to be with the team on Sunday night is Giant Brillars’ goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso.

Before arriving camp, Ohaka and goalkeeper Nwosu featured for Water FC in a 5-0 massacre of Kuje FC at Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon.

Ohaka scored two goals and provided an assist in the rout. Kadiri Collins grabbed a double while John Edwin also netted in the game.

After the match, Ohaka and Nwosu breezed to the camp of the Flying Eagles.

Training sessions will commence on Monday as coach Ladan Bosso looks to pick his final squad for the tournament that also serves as the qualifying tournament for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Indonesia.

Seven-time champions Nigeria will do battle with host nation, Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique in Group A of the 12-nation tournament taking place in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Ismailia, 19th February – 11th March.

All four semi-finalists at the championship will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup.

Uganda, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Congo are in Group B, while The Gambia, Tunisia, Benin Republic and Zambia will slot it out in Group C.

NFF’s Chairman of Chairmen, Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’ commends organisers of Unity Preseason Tourney, says medical support will be start of more to come

 

Olaoluwa Aro

The newly elected Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf 'Fresh' has saluted the efforts of the Unity Preseason Tourney organizers, for putting together a successful preseason event, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

EFCC of Abuja emerged champions of the tournament, as they walked tightly against Nasarawa United to lift the trophy of the second edition of the annual Preseason Tournament. 

The second edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament has been described as one of highly competitive football showpiece in the North Central, owing to the fact that, top clubs in Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL) and Nigeria National League ( NNL), within the circuit of this Geopolitical zone, have made it a point of reference, for preparing themselves, ahead of the new season(s) respectively. 

In a telephone conversation with Comrade Ahmed Yusuf, who was obviously busy with other grassroots engagement in his state, but distantly monitored almost 75% of all the games at this year’s edition of Unity Preseason event.

Fresh euphorically maintains his commitment toward the Unity Cup project, while hailing the idea behind the event, as he shared his views on the event. 

" Unity Preseason Tourney is platform for Nigerian clubs through which opportunities are provided to test the readiness of the new players and equally asses them. I followed all the updates from the beginning and I am confident, the purpose of this preseason tournament is being achieved without hyperbole" he noted but continued by saying;

" The organizers sought for my contributions and I picked up the Medical aspect, because that area is usually neglected in organization of football event. 

“It's noteworthy to make Medical personnel services available at Match venues, even though, no body prays for a mishap but as someone who organizes grassroot events, I don't pay less regard to the Medical units,  so that the entire Football program wouldn't be stained with an emergency, and to avoid anything that can vitiate it as well" he said, while cogently explaining his unavailability at the finals.

"  I was invited to watch one of the Quarter final matches on Thursday but I rain-check it because of the final but painfully, I didn't grace this year's final as I had to join other NFF's executives at Ibadan on national assignment, " said the Former NFF Technical and Development Committee Chairman. 

This year's edition of Unity Preseason Tourney had four groups with 13 teams and matches were played at two venues, which are Area 10 football pitch and Area 3 as well. 

The final of the second edition was between Nasarawa United, one of the Nigeria Professional Football League Sides( NPFL) and EFCC of Abuja, a household name amongst the Nigeria National League ( NNL) Teams in North Central. 

The Solid Miners lost 4-3 on penalties to the Anti graft Agency Football team after normal duration ended in a one all draw.  

Historically, Nasarawa United lost two consecutive finals of the Unity Preseason Tournament since the birth of the competition. In 2021, Plateau United defeated the Lafia-based team by lone goal.

Nigeria Football: Time to Unbound

 

... Attention Honourable Sports Minister, the time to *'ADOPT A CLUB IS NOW'!

By Adewale Ajayi

Let me start this piece by first defining the word *'Unbound'*. It simply means not bound together,  release, separate, not fastened together, not confined, freedom and so much more.

 In this context, Unbound means freedom, proliferation, opening the space for private investors to come in and operate in an environment that is condusive, accommodating and appreciative. 

The Nigeria professional football league as it is today, is a 20-clubs league format that has 95 percent government owned clubs and just 5percent privately owned clubs.

 What this means is that government plays a huge impact in what goes on within and around the league, leaving our football at the mercy of some politicians who see football as a political tool that has to be managed by their political loyalists, who inturn know that the only way they can keep their jobs is by getting results at all costs. 

Disadvantages of government ownership of Nigeria clubsides

1. Poor management

     

Most times, the men appointed are political loyalists to the government in power.

 Majority of them have never played football, have no managerial skills and lack the basic ideas of running a football club so all they do, is to apply orthodox means of winning matches to satisfy their owners 

2. The win at cost Syndrome 

These loyalists will want to win at all cost as that is the only way to keep their jobs.  It happens every year in the NPFL, before the start of every season, the chairman of Referees appointment committee and Chairman of the Nigeria Referees Association, pay courtesy calls to state governors on the request of the club owners and at such meetings, continental tickets are promised and delivered at the end of the season. 

3. Poor officiating

This has been the biggest bane of the NPFL. It is no longer news that club owners pay match officials large sum of monies to pick vital points especially at home. The Referees play a key role in helping to actualize the win at all cost syndrome and the reason behind this is well understood. The club owners have no idea of how to run the clubs, how to make money from the sale of players, branding and merchandising in order to meet their overall investments so they are left with just one option, which is to cheat. 

4. Crowd Violence

In the last few seasons, football hooliganism has been on the rise in the NPFL. The reason is that, majority of the club owners are under pressure to get results and when that doesn't come, they insight the fans against the referees which in most cases lead to serious infield and off-field crisis. 

SOLUTION

Using the Nigeria Telecommunication model

Over two decades ago, Nitel enjoyed absolute monopoly as the sole distributor of telecommunication network in Nigeria until the federal government thought it wise to allow other interested parties come forward with proposals on how to better the sector. That was how MTN, Econet and later Globacom came on board and today, the country is better off. 

       

Government realized at that time that Nitel has not lived up to expectation and are happy today with the improvement the sector has made so far. 

WAY FORWARD

The Adopt A Club initiative

Like the adopt an athlete and adopt a stadium initiative of the Sunday Dare  administration which has enjoyed widespread publicity, acceptance and endorsement, many are of the opinion that the federal government through the sports ministry can appeal to individuals, corporate bodies and other multinationals to adopt a football club from their state and sponsor the adopted club in the NPFL. 

The likes of Aliko Dangote, Baba Ijebu, Femi Otedola have shown over the years that they have deep passion for football but they are afraid to come forward and invest in the league because of the negative stories that comes out of the system. 

Multinational companies like Shell, Oando, AITEO and telecom giants like Mtn, Globacom and Etisalat can all adopt a football club, offer them full and total branding and use same to promote their social responsibility to society. 

 In the last two seasons, the English Premier League spent over 425M pounds on community development alone. Football in Europe is very big business and the earlier we see the need to gradually take these clubs away from government, the better it will be for our football. 

In 2003, Roman Abraham Abrahamovic bought Chelsea for just over 140m pounds and earlier this year, thesame club was sold for 4.25billion pounds out of which, 1.5b pounds will be used to build a new Stadium for the West London Club. 

That is how football business has grown and the earlier we key in as a country and a people, the better it will be for all of us.

Adewale Ajayi writes from Canada. 

2022 NANS DELEGATE CONVENTION UPDATE

 

NANS 2022 CONVENTION UPDATE

20TH JULY, 2022.

ATTENTION:

All Stakeholders,

All Zonal Coordinators,

All JCC Chairmen,

All SUG Presidents and Relevant Stakeholders.

NOTIFICATION OF AN ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR ACCREDITATION PORTAL FOR THE 2022 NANS NATIONAL CONVENTION AND INVITATION TO SUG PRESIDENTS TO MANDATORILY REGISTER ON THE PORTAL.

 

Solidarity greetings from the office of the NANS Assistant Secretary General/Chief Accreditation Officer of the 2022 NANS National convention.

2. As part of processes for accreditation in the 2022 NANS National Convention, I hereby write to notify and inform All the afforelisted Stakeholders that there is now an online Registration portal where all SUG Presidents ought to go register on, for their details to be captured for seamless Accreditation and Participation in the 2022 NANS Convention.

3. Accordingly, All SUG Presidents are hereby invited and mandated to visit this portal and get registered on our accreditation portal to enable us accredit you.

4 The said portal for this process is http://nansdelegate.com.ng  you are to visit this website and fill in your details on the form and append your passport photograph.

5. The registration excercise on the portal will last for one week only starting from 21st to 28th of July, 2022 after which the portal will shut down.

6. Failure to register within the stipulated period will amount to not being accredited to participate in the NANS 2022 convention.

7. Furthermore,  be informed that part of the criteria for accreditation is that all Students Union Government must have fulfilled all financial obligations to NANS.

8. For the Information of All relevant NANS Stakeholders and necessary action, please.

9. Thank you.

Use this link to check your zone: NANS DELEGATE CONVENTION

Signed:

Comr. Sunday Omede,

NANS Assistant Secretary General/Chief Accreditation Officer of the 2022 NANS National Convention

Dino SC claims derby bragging rights against Imperial

Two first half goals from Ilechukwu Friday and Pascal Chukwudi gave Dino Sporting Club a bragging right against their city rivals Imperial FC in the Matchday 15 of The Creative Championship, TCC League on Saturday.

The encounter played at the famous Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode was one of the early fixtures in the Matchday 15 which Dino won deservedly. 

Friday gave the Columbus Boys the lead in the quarter of an hour following a perfect team build up and put the host in a comfortable stead. 

Dino doubled their lead with just four minutes after the half hour mark with cool finish from their creative player Chukwudi given them full control of the first.

Imperial tried to stage a comeback in the second half but the hosts had taken care of the business in the first half and did well to protect the two goal cushions. 

The result has however moved Dino to second with 30 points ahead of Gbagada FC who will be playing tomorrow. 

Dino will next be taking on Iganmu FC in Lagos on Wednesday.