Meet Hyacinth Ogonna, talented footballer whose Messi's arrival at Barcelona inspired him to strive for greatness

By Wale Mustapha

For Hyacinth Ogonna, playing football remains his motivation, source of joy and avenue to become great. 

The enterprising young forward is fast becoming one of the talented players penciled for greatness in a foreseeable future. 

He arrived at Dino Sporting Club in 2017 as a relatively unknown player but quickly became the face of the fast rising youth team in Nigeria.

Ogonna recently signed a three year deal with Belgian club side, Westerlo FC to continue his development as a footballer. 

In this exclusive interview with OnwardNews24, Ogonna talked about his football journey so far, highest moments in football and source of motivation to strive for more. 

Q: What inspired you to start playing football? 

Ogonna: I started playing football at a very young age, playing football makes me happy and I enjoyed it, so I said that I will be a professional footballer, it’s what I love doing the most.

Q: Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

Ogonna: It's Lionel Messi. His story of arrival in Barcelona always motivates me. It taught me that when they doubt you prove them wrong with your best performance always. 

Q: What do you believe is the greatest challenge most athletes are facing today?

Ogonna: My perspective I think is consistency.

Q: What are your highest moments in the colors of Dino SC?

Ogonna: My highest moments in the colors of Dino SC was when we won the TCC Cup. It was a moment of greatness being able to be among the players to win a trophy for the club. It's amazing moments for me. 

Q: How much has playing in Dino influence your career and as a person?

Ogonna: Dino SC played a very big role in my life, on and off the pitch, it's helped shape my attitude, development, exposure, experience and so on, I was guided.

Dino SC is a family to me and a big thanks to Dino family.

Q: Tell us about the person, Chief Samuel Columbus and who he is to you?

Ogonna: Chief Samuel Ali Columbus is like a father to me. 

I’m really thankful to him for believing in me even when there were critics, he only saw the light in me and also showed and guided me in the right path to success. 

He treats and loves me like a son and I’m grateful to him because he's a Godsent to me.

Q: What are the preparations you think Dino has given you to be a champion?

Ogonna: I learned that to be a champion you must have a good attitude, be hard working and dedicated, be the best in what you love to do best, be exceptional, always be ready.

If you believe you can achieve anything you put your mind to it. 

Q: What are your dreams in football?

Ogonna: To play for the best teams in the world, win the world's best player, win a champions league trophy, win the World Cup with my country Nigeria, to be recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time. 

Q: Have you set any target for yourself over there in Belgium?

Ogonna: Yes I have set my target and I believe I will achieve them.

Alamuro Congratulates Gov. Ododo on Supreme Court Victory, Urges Him to Sustain Right Path

 

The Alamuro of Amuro, HRM, Oba (Engr.) Alfred Modupẹ Aiyedogbon (JP), has congratulated Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his Deputy, Joel Salifu, on Supreme Court Victory as the duly elected Executive Governor of Kogi State. 

In a unanimous judgement on Friday in Abuja, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, affirmed Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.

The Apex court affirmed Ododo's victory at the November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election in the state. 

The Alamuro in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Effo Amuro, described judgment as a remarkable and well-deserved victory. 

"The entire Amuro Kingdom is thrilled to extend her heartfelt congratulations to you on your remarkable and well-deserved victory as declared by the esteemed Supreme Court of Nigeria. 

"This momentous ruling is a triumph for democracy and the will of the Good People of Kogi State.

“The people of the state have placed their trust in you, and we have no doubt that you will work tirelessly to fulfil the aspirations and dreams of the citizenry. 

"Your passion for public service, your vision for progress, and your unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people will undoubtedly guide you in the path ahead," he said

The royal father urged the Governor to develop a robust partnership with the Federal government in the interest of the people of Kogi State.

The monarch added: "Now that you have been finally affirmed as our Governor, I beseech you to develop a robust partnership with the Federal government in the interest of our people. 

"We have full confidence that you will be magnanimous in victory and also, lead with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. 

"Your tenure is an opportunity to bring about positive change, uplift communities, and foster an environment of inclusivity, progress, and development which we have no doubt that you will succeed in.

"Congratulations, Your Excellency."

Oba Alfred Modupẹ Aiyedogbon (JP)

Alamuro of Amuro.

End

10-man Shooting Stars dethrone Beyond Limits as Optima Energy Gold Cup champions

 

A 10-man Shooting Stars of Ibadan defied the odds as they broke their Optima Energy Gold Cup final jinx, as they emerged champions of the 12th edition beating defending kings Beyond Limits 2-0 in a tantalizing clash at the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday. 

It was heartbreak for Beyond Limits who, despite an impressive performance, were put to the sword by an experienced and more determined Oluyole Warriors. 

Just after the half-hour mark, Shooting Stars reminded fans watching the Optima Energy Gold Cup finale exactly what they are capable of with the ball and tactical play.

On the 32nd minute, the referee was spot on as he awarded 3SC a penalty after Sodiq brought down Olaniyi Fasanmi, who was put through on goal by Utim. Aliyu Abubakar then stepped up and converted the to hand Shooting Stars the lead, as they entered the break. 

Two minutes after the restart of the second half, 3SC lost its captain Taye Muritala, who received his marching order for a needless foul on Beyond Limits striker. 

A second Shooting Stars goal would come in the 72nd minute, after Desmond Ojietefian jumped highest and connected with a superb delivery to nod into the net from range for a second goal.

 

Beyond Limits would rule lady luck and rue their misses chance as the Oluyole Warriors were crowned champions after fourth attempt at giving it a shot in the final. 

Shooting Stars were rewarded a sum of ₦2, 000,000 from Proud Sponsors Optima Energy while Beyond Limits took home a sum of ₦1, 000, 000 for emerging as runners-up. 

For the individual awards, Olisa Emmanuel of Beyond Limits took home the Golden Glove after keeping three clean sheets hearing to the final.

 

Benin Premier League Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC were awarded the Best Behaved Team while Stephen Idowu got the Best Referee award. 

It was deserving of Kparobo Arierhi, as his three goals and one assist earned him the Highest Goalscorer award. 

The tournament Most Valuable Player went to Shooting Stars attacker Aliyu Abubakar, as his coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, was presented with the off-season tourney Best Coach gong.

Beyond Limits' Olumide hails Optima Energy Gold Cup organizers with SofaScore innovation

 

The idea of the organizers of 2024 Optima Energy Gold Cup to have their games stream on popular SofaScore Application has been commended by the Head Coach of Beyond Limits, Ajibolade Olumide. 

Recall before the kickoff, Optima Energy Gold Cup has announced SofaScore as its official technical partner. 

Sofascore, owned and developed by Croatia based tech company SofaIT, will in the next three years, starting from 12th edition to collect and analyse match data to the millions of global users of the Sofascore app, of teams and players taking part in the nation's sought-after off-season football tournament. 

"I think the positive of the 12th edition is the fact that games were now live on the SofaScore app," Olumide said. 

"I have not been around since the tournament started, but I was able to follow the games in detail. 

"Even before the tourney started, the schedule was already up on the app, which was really freshing to see, so it's a positive development. 

"However, the football is still the same, the quality is there so we appreciate the fact that quality teams still grace the tournament and hopefully in subsequent seasons, we keep having proper teams and we keep having a good tournament."

Beyond Limits, who became the second team to make a back-to-back final, will battle Shooting Stars for the off season's biggest accolade on Saturday at the Remo Stars International Stadium, with 3pm as kick-off time.

"Our objective is always to compete", Beyond Limits coach speak ahead of Optima Energy Gold Cup final

 

Head Coach of Beyond Limits Academy, Ajibolade Olumide has said that retaining the Optima Energy Gold Cup against Shooting Stars in the final will be a bonus to his side, as his lads are ready to to learn, compete against the best.

Both teams clash in Saturday's finale of the 12th edition of the nation's off-season football tournament billed for the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. 

His thoughts ahead of the tantalizing clash after Beyond Limits edged FC Ebedei in the first semis on Thursday. 

"The objective is to learn and compete, Shooting Stars should give us a good game for the boys to take the lessons. We're happy. 

"I've never gone to a tournament thinking I have to win, it's never in the back of my mind, and of course people say that's a lie because we win everything. 

"Our objective is always to compete, and if we win, it's a bonus. We have to ensure the lads play well and improve, and if we win again on Saturday, it's just another trophy, and we're happy for that."

On the tough and close game against FC Ebedei, "I don't think our semi-final game was difficult just because we won with a one goal margin, however the opposition was very physical, a lot duels and intensity pressing, organization with bodies behind the ball. 

"And off course, we expected that when we know, as no team wants us to have space behind, so we keep probing trying to find the options to play around them and eventually we get a break through. 

"By and large I think the organization from FC Ebedei was good but we were not just able to have in our one by one, may be it's preseason, so we have a lot to work on. 

"Nothing different from what we actually do, it's preseason so we would then compete and hopefully we'll be able to field a lot more players, so they can get the needed minutes as they prepare for other competitions that's ahead of us. So nothing special, just our normal approach of excellence."

Nigerian midfielder, Ochedikwu joins Croatian club side

Talented Nigerian midfielder, Caleb Ochedikwu has increased number of Nigerian players who made a switch to abroad this summer following his move to Croatian side, NK Uljanik Pula of Croatia, www.totorinews.com reports.

Ochedikwu agreed to sign a three year deal with NK Uljanik Pula after a successful trial that saw him impressed both the technical and management of the club. 

The 19 year old midfielder was discovered and nurtured by Mavlon FC of Lagos, a modest Nigerian club side that is gradually becoming the hub of football talents for European clubs with the latest acquisition of Ochedikwu.

With a playing style similar to that of Rodri of Manchester City and Spanish international, it was therefore not a surprise that he was handed three years contract.

The talented midfielder is known for winning the ball to thwart the threat of opponents, initiating attack right from the deep. 

He is also richly endowed with great shooting ability and visionary passes that can split open the opposition in a jiffy, setting up his attacking teammates for onslaught in search of goals.

The midfielder was a member of Flying Eagles team that won the bronze medal at the AFCON U-20 tournament hosted by Egypt in 2023.

Kparobo inspires Beyond Limits to consecutive Optima Energy Gold Cup final

 

A dazzling performance from Ariehi Kparobo, as his superb half-volley shot Beyond Limits to a back-to-back Optima Energy Gold Cup final at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne. 

Both teams produced some fireworks in the opening 44 minutes to the delight of fans who came to catch a glimpse of the first semi-final. 

Being the only team that won all its group matches in the 12th edition of the nation's prestigious off-season tournament, Beyond Limits recorded much of the ball possessions, recording four shots at goal with one off target. 

Kparobo then stole the show in the 45th with a sublime strike from out of the blues to give his Beyond Limits the lead into the break and took his goal tally to three goals, as he chases hat-trick hero and Ikorodu City's Thankgod Chilaka for the top scorer's award. 

It was a balanced second half and all to play for FC Ebedei as they searched for an equalizer, but Beyond Limits' backline was up and defending well. 

Both teams brought fresh legs into the game to change the dynamics of play, but Beyond Limits held onto their one lead. 

The best moment came for FC Ebedei in the final minute of regular time to put the game into penalties, but the effort from Olaide Owoyemi found the side netting to leave Beyond Limits within a game of being crowned the 2024 Optima Energy Gold Cup champions.

Fredrick Oliseh wants FC Ebedei to tackle Beyond Limits with improved intensity

 

General Manager and Head Coach of FC Ebedei, Fredrick Oliseh says it is an incredible feeling breaking the 12-year jinx in the Optima Energy Gold Cup, as he assured that it will be the same intensity against Beyond Limits in Thursday's semi-final. 

Fredrick said: "It's incredible qualifying for the preseason semi-final; it's great working with a committed assistant; it all comes down to hard work, that's what it is, and never giving up and always adding up to the formula at FC Ebedei. 

"Great credit to the entire staff and the players. It's not just me as no man is an island. To our President Barrister Churchill Oliseh, who's the frontrunner and insightful in giving me this platform."

Ahead of the next clash against Beyond Limits, "The games in the group are done, and you are only as good as your next game.

"Intensity, the same as you have seen on FC Ebedei, our level will be intense, we will be on the front foot. We will obviously create chances and then capitalise on moments; that's what we are going to do."

On his team's performance against Ikorodu City whom they piped 1-0 and kept a clean sheet. 

"You didn't keep clean sheets without hardwork, it takes a lot, that's why I have to give credit to the players and coaches. We work incredibly hard on how we want to defend and what we do when we don't have the ball, and you see the results right there on the pitch."

On his lads scoring two out of the three goals they recorded in the group phase in the first half. 

"Football is a game of moments, and these moments fell to us in the first halves of the matches against Osun United and Ikorodu City, and we have taken them. 

"At FC Ebedei, we only chase excellence, and this is the position we want to be in, as we don't accept anything less and demand outright the best for ourselves in terms of performance performance. 

"To be able to do these against Osun United, Ikorodu City and Shooting Stars is a testament to our psyche and mentality at FC Ebedei."

Fatai Osho reveals ASVO FC plans ahead of Shooting Stars' clash at Optima Energy Gold Cup

 

Technical Adviser of Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC, Fatai Osho has assured that his side will give its best shots against Shooting Stars of Ibadan. 

Osho revealed his pre-match routine ahead of Thursday's Optima Energy Gold Cup semi-final against the Oluyole Warriors at the Remo Stars International Stadium, Ikenne by 3pm. 

"I'm impressed with the transition in my team, coming from an opening day defeat to a draw and a win in the final group game," he told Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament Media Channel. 

"But, we can't be ignorant of the fact that we still have a whole lot of work to do, to make the team better.  Having a contest with Shooting Stars in the semi-final will help us as a team, as the Oluyole Warriors will expose our weaknesses and strengths, and on our part, we'll be ambitious. 

"Once a team is in the semi-final of any tournament and has the chance to win it, then such a team must give its best shot. That ASVO FC will do, as we want to have another test with defending champions Beyond Limits in the final if both teams qualify. 

"We are looking forward to the Optima Energy Gold Cup final, as there's always a first time. In the last week of intense training and looking at the work rate of players in the matches we have played coming this far, I am highly encouraged. So playing in the final on Saturday will be an icing on the cake for us. 

"My assistants and I will prepare the team mentally for Shooting Stars and with a mindset that anything is quite possible."

On his team's progress in the preseason tournament, "It has been one with mixed emotions but a good one for the team, as finishing the final game against Kasam FA with a win and with 10-man, said a lot about the team. 

"In our first game against Beyond Limits, we started badly, the conditioning was not there, and we then had to work extra hard on the players, so that they could be able to compete, that's was has manifested in the team as they can now play better with the ball as a unit and execute my tactical instructions on the pitch. 

"The fitness level of my players is gradually coming up, as this is the only time we can overload them in training and still ask them to play. 

On his no-show in the dugout, " It is deliberate. It's a preseason tournament, and I want my assistants to do much of the job on the touchline while I watch calmly and jot on my notes the key things I see about my players during matches."

Osho, a former coach of Akwa United, has assured ASVO FC fans that they will see his 'Sugar Ball' when the Beninoise season kicks off. 

"No doubt about it, we are going to be good in that area, my free-flowing football. Practically, we have just two weeks to work as a unit, and to have a team, where you can have players that can pass the ball to each other with their eyes closed, would need time."

Beyond Limits, Shooting Stars, ASVO FC, FC Ebedei secure Optima Energy Gold Cup semi final berths

 

FC Ebedei broke a 12-year jinx in the Optima Energy Gold Cup, as they joined defending champions Beyond Limits, Shooting Stars and Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC of Benin in the semi-final of the preseason tournament 12th edition.

Beyond Limits sealed their spot after they trounced Ijebu United 4-2 in a thriller to stay top of Group A with 9 points.

After recording a loss on Matchday 1 and a draw on Matchday 2 against Ijebu United, ASVO FC gave themselves a huge boost as the Beninoise team defeated KASAM FA 2-1 to go second in the group with 4 points, while the duo of KASAM FA and Ijebu United waved goodbye to the championship, as they finished third and fourth on the log with 3 points and a point each. 

It was an interesting contest in Group B as the two semi-finalists had to decided on the final Matchday, as Shooting Stars 4points, FC Ebedei 4points, Osun United 1point and newly promoted Ikorodu City 1point, were all in contention for the available two slots. 

At the end of Group B Matchday, 3 fixtures, which were played simultaneously at the Remo Stars Stadium and FC Ebedei Stadium on Tuesday, produced some fireworks. 

It was a five-goal thriller at the Remo Stars Stadium as Ikorodu City missed the chance of making it to the semi-final despite beating Osun United 3-2.

At the FC Ebedei Stadium, the Oliseh Boys were top of their game as they came back from a goal down to share the spoils with Shooting Star, to book their first ever semi-final spot in Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament after 12 attempts. 

Shooting Stars and FC Ebedei became the third and fourth team to book a place in the knockout stage after they garnered 5points each.

Olafiranye Sports Foundation reactivates partnership with Optima Energy Gold Cup

 

The Most Valuable Player (MVP), Top Scorer, Best Refeere likewise the Best Behaved Player from the 12th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup will take home befitting awards courtesy the Olafiranye Sports Foundation. 

President of the Sports Foundation, Alhaji Olafiranye Olayiwola made this known to the Media Channel of the nation's prestigious pre-season tourney after the Osogbo, Osun State based organization renewed it's partnership with the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

The Remo Stars International Stadium, Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu are hosting the annual event which has reached Matchday 3, with defending champions Beyond Limits being the first team to reach the semi-finals with a match left, after respectively recording a 3-0 and 1-0 win against Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC and Kasam FA of Ilorin.

Olafiranye, a philanthropist, said: "Rewarding exceptional behavioral qualities, promoting positive attitudes and moral standards among our growing youths is part of our core values as a sports foundation. 

"Just as we did in the last edition, we will be rewarding the Best Behaved player, best referee, and Best Behaved team of the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

"The essence is to show support to these individuals and teams, as fans from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about the game can learn from the positive attitudes displayed by them during matches.

"Their exceptional behavioural qualities can be a tool for change as these players are role models, and their good display on the pitch sends positive messages to thousands of fans, regardless of the age bracket, watching the matches live or live streaming them online on their devices."

The grand finale of the 12th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup will take center stage at the Remo Stars International Stadium, Ikenne, on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

Optima Energy Gold Cup: FC Ebedei shocks Ikorodu City in Sagamu

 

FC Ebedei held on to a 1-0 win, as they handed newly-promoted Nigeria Premier Football League Ikorodu City a reality check in the ongoing Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament on Sunday in Sagamu. 

It was an exciting match, as both sides were on the back foot of each other for most of the match at the FC Ebedei Stadium. 

The Oliseh Boys took a deserved, rather an unexpected lead after Ikechukwu Ologun deflected shot beats Ikorodu City goalkeeper in the 13th minute. 

Ten minutes later, the Oga Boys almost leveled the game but was denied by the wood work, as a Tosin Oyedokun long shot after taking on his maker, he rattled the goal for a goal kick. 

The second 45 minutes saw Ikorodu City throwing their arsenals in the game in search of an equalizing goal. They almost did in the 57 minute. 

Solomon Emmanuel took on his maker to set Adebayo Adewale up with pass, but the right back sent his inviting low cross to Tosin Oyedokun, whose final effort went wide.

Both goalkeepers were outstanding in the final two minutes of the game, providing some top class saves, as the Oliseh Boys defence held on to the lead cutting out the strike force of Ikorodu City from doing any damage. 

FC Ebedei will next face Shooting Stars in the Group B top of the clash for a spot in the Optima Energy Gold Cup semi-final.

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Shooting Stars confirm supremacy over Osun United

 

Osun United were no match for Shooting Stars, who claimed the South-West Derby bragging rights in the 12th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament. 

The Group B Matchday 2 fixture played on Sunday at the FC Ebedei Stadium, Sagamu, had Osun United being taught some football lessons, while a poor decision from Mutiu Ganiyu cost his team dearly. 

In a game of two halves, and with two quick second-half goals in the derby. it took the Oluyole Warriors to tear the defence line of Omolubi Giants apart in the sixth minute, and deservedly took the lead after Yaya Idris shot his team in front with a cool finish from close range.

The Omolubi Giants put behind their sloppy play and got energized, as former Shooting Stars striker Ebenezer Odeyemi put the game level after slotting in the ball past Mustapha Lawal in the 13th minute.

It was all to play for in the second half, as both teams went into the break finding the back of goal. 

Shooting Stars put themselves in the driving seat in the second half, as it good play changes the dynamics of the game after being awarded a penalty following a foul by Mutiu Ganiyu on Malachi Ohawume in box, as the 3SC strike was about to convert the inviting cross and Abubakar Aliu made no mistake and scored from the spot to give Shooting Stars the lead.

Two minutes later, Victor Ehibe puts the game under locks and keys for Osun United, scoring the third goal, and sealed the first 3 points for 3SC.

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Defending champions Beyond Limits put three past ASVO FC

 

Defending champions Beyond Limits kicked off their Optima Energy Gold Cup campaign on a strong footing, as a brace from Kparobo Arierhi and one from Chukwudi Isaac nailed ASVO FC of Benin 3-0.

After some beautiful exchange of passes and quality attacking football from both teams, all seemed to be ending in a first-half draw, then Beyond Limits picked from where they left off in the 2023 final against Ijebu United. 

Kparobo Arierhi displayed his brilliance with his shooting skills as he put Beyond Limits in front with a superb solo strike that beat ASVO FC's shot-stopper to the bottom right corner of the goal for 1-0.

Six minutes later, Beyond Limits got a two-goal cushion and went into the break via a strike from Chukwudi Isaac, who made the better of a sublime assist from Kparobo Arierhi

As ASVO FC pressed hard for their debut goal in the Optima Energy Gold Cup at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, the Benin club got punished again in the 67th minute. 

Kparobo Arierhi put the icing on the cake for Beyond Limits, scoring his brace with a smooth finish from an assist from Taiwo Cole.

After Group A Matchday 1, Ikenne-based Beyond Limits stays top of the log with 3 points and a plus three goal difference, followed by KASAM with 3 points and a plus one goal difference. 

The duo of Ijebu United and ASVO FC are placed at the bottom of the log with no point each.

Debutant Kasam FA humbles Ijebu United in Optima Energy Gold Cup opening fixture

The opening game of the Optima Energy Gold Cup 12th edition at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, lived up to the hype as debutants Kasam FC of Ilorin defeated last year's runners-up Ijebu United 2-1.

It was an interesting first half for both teams, but Ijebu United will rue their misses and the unfortunate own goal that gifted Kasam FC the 3 points.

Obashina Rilwan put Ijebu United ahead, making good use of his physique, as he turned away from his marker to nod from a cross to the top left corner of the goal in the quarter of an hour. 

The lead only lasted for six minutes, as Ijebu United was punished for a needless foul inside the box. Kolawope Obalola made no mistake in converting the penalty to 1-1.

Kasam FC broke the camel's back in the 38th minute, taking the lead via a Charles Igwe strike that deflected off the heels of Ijebu United's Ejioke Michael for an own-goal

The second half saw much attacking play from both teams, but Ijebu United were left to rue their misses.