Kwara State to host inaugural Beach Volleyball Tourney in December

 

The first Kwara Beach Volleyball Tournament is set for December 27-28, 2024, at WaterView Park in Ilorin, Kwara State. 

Announced by Dare Kuti, Media Assistant to Nigeria Volleyball Federation President Engr Musa Nimrod, the event aims to promote the sport and discover new talent.

"This tournament will provide a vital platform for athletes to showcase their skills and passion," Kuti stated at a press conference on November 4, 2024. 

The competition welcomes participants from military and paramilitary organizations, as well as students from tertiary institutions, fostering camaraderie among diverse groups.

Key collaborations include the Kwara State Volleyball Association, Nigeria Volleyball Referees Association (Kwara State), University of Ilorin, Kwara State Sports Commission, and the Ministry of Youth Development. 

Kuti emphasized the need for partnerships with investors to enhance the tournament and promote beach volleyball in Nigeria.

He also encouraged the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Kwara to help publicize the event and raise community awareness. 

Additionally, Kuti congratulated Engineer Musa Nimrod on his recent appointment as President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, highlighting its significance for the Nigerian sports community.

NLO top brass meets Bayelsa government officials over grassroots football development

 

Chief Operating Officer Olushola Ogunnowo and League Manager Tayo Egbaiyelo (MON) during the week had a productive meeting with the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. 

The meeting in Yenegoa also had House Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Tare Porri, Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS), Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Mrs. Alagoa-Aigbiniode Grace in attendance.

Chief Operating Officer (COO), Olushola Ogunnowo, told NLO Media Channel. 

"We had a robust and successful deliberations with His Excellency, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and other key government officials in Bayelsa's sports sector, on how the state can inculcate one of NLO's major activities into its football programmes. 

"Governor Douye Diri deserves all the accolades he has been getting as his 'Prosperity Administration’ has impacted meaningfully on the youths via football and other sports. 

"Being a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Governor Diri's unparalleled commitment to sports is unmatched, as he has prioritised the development of sports as a tool to positively engage the youths in the state.

"No wonder Bayelsa is now ascribed as the Mecca of sports in Nigeria and home of grassroots football with the Prosperity Cup. 

"As the apex body coordinating grassroot football in the country and the largest teams and academies in Africa, the recent Afriskaut NLO Cup partnership has become one the most prestigious sporting events, showcasing our best talents to top clubs in Europe and of course, a global audience."

"Hosting one of NLO's major events at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenegoa will complement Governor Diri's agenda on grassroot football development," he said. 

TCC League Cup: Samuel Umor inspires Dino SC to stroll over Iganmu Tigers

 

Dino Sporting Club recorded a gritty win over Iganmu Tigers in Wednesday's TCC League Cup clash, emerging victorious with a 2-0 scoreline after a tightly contested match.

Coach Godwin Gibson's squad entered the game with just one win from their last three outings across all competitions, hoping to regain momentum. 

The first half saw both teams battle defensively in a cagey stalemate, but Dino SC stepped up their game in the second half. Their increased dominance on the field paid off with two decisive goals, securing the win.

This is Dino SC’s second victory across all competitions this season, continuing their solid record against the Iganmu Tigers.

Star player Samuel Umor was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance, further underscoring Dino SC's determination and tactical execution.

The win provides a much-needed boost for Dino SC as they aim to build consistency moving forward in the season.

Europe Tour: Simon Cletus to lead Mavlon FC against Villarreal

Barring any last minute changes, Golden Eaglets' captain, Simon Cletus is expected to lead his club, Mavlon FC against Spanish side, Villarreal in a friendly game on Thursday, reports www.totorinews.com 

Mavlon Fc are currently in Spain on a training tour where they will be exposed to world -class football education under the tutelage of Juan Manuel Pavon Dominquez, a renowned Spanish youth coach and Juan Maria Cruz Arias, the highly experienced goalkeeper coach from Man City group.

The modest Nigerian club side defeated Villaviciosa 2-0 in a friendly game played last week and it is expected that the game against Villarreal will be tougher judging by the pedigree of the club according to what Cletus told Totori News in an exclusive chat.

"It is a great privilege for Mavlon Fc to be in Europe on a training tour and I sincerely thank the management of club. Our game against Villarreal will be tough, tougher than Villaviciosa, I think," Cletus said.

"Villarreal is a very strong club, with rich football tradition and philosophy. So, we know that the game will not be easy, but we will give our best on the pitch to get a favourable result.

He noted that despite the change of weather in Europe, him and his teammates have adapted strongly to the atmosphere and he hopes that Mavlon will give a good account of themselves," he concluded.

NSC Boss, Shehu Dikko leads sports community to University of Ibadan to brainstorm on sports infrastructure

By Olaoluwa Aro 

Newly appointed Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko will on Tuesday 29th October, lead the Sports Community into the Premises of University of Ibadan, Nigeria's Premier University, to listen to a Personality Guest Lecture on the Challenges of Sports Infrastructure in the country. 

The Lecture which is being organised by the Faculty of Education, will be delivered by former President of the Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick. 

Mallam Shehu will lead a crew that includes President of the NFF Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary, Dr Muhammed Sanusi, NFF Director of Communications Dr Ademola Olajire and other notable personalities, in what will be his first outing since his appointment as Chairman of the National Sports Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 23rd of October. 

While there, Mallam Shehu Dikko will use the opportunity to brainstorm with scholars and stakeholders from the academic community on the many ways in which sports can be revived and elevated in Nigeria.

As a product of the Ahmadu Bello University, Mallam Dikko appreciates the contribution of the University of Ibadan to improving the state of the Nigerian economy, by constantly producing distinctive individuals, researchers and platforms such as this.

Wrestling: Nigeria Army rules 1st CGC Military/Paramilitary Championship

... declares readiness for African Military Games 2024

Nigeria Army emerged champions of the 1st Comptroller General of Customs Military and Para Military National Wrestling Championship in Abuja.

The three-day tournament had host Customs, Nigeria Air Force, NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Navy, FRSC and Nigeria Correctional Service compete in Greco-Roman, Men’s Freestyle, and Women’s Freestyle Wrestling at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

Nigeria Army won 14 medals, 9 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze, to assert its dominance in the wrestling event amongst Military and Paramilitary Organisations.

The Acting Director of Physical Training, Nigeria Army, Brigadier General Abdulraheem Bello, applauded the wrestlers for their sterling performance at the championship.

Brig Gen Bello said the win strongly indicates that the Nigeria Army wrestling team is ready to make the nation proud at the forthcoming African Military Games (AMGA) 2024.

He added that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has provided the enabling environment and logistics for sports especially combat sports to thrive.

Bello said, “I want to applaud the wrestlers for putting up a good show by emerging first position at the just concluded 1st Comptroller General of Customs Military and Para Military National Wrestling Championship. 

Before the championship, the mandate of the wrestlers was to win convincingly and use the championship as preparation ahead of the African Military Games.   

“Most of the wrestlers who won gold medals are in the national team and have won laurels for the country. 

Hannah Reuben is an African Champion, Commonwealth Games medallist, and two-time Olympian; Tochukwu Okeke and Julius Adekunle are wrestlers who have dominated their various categories in the Greco-Roman. 

The Nigerian Army desires to continue making the country proud at International Championships.     

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has given the Department of Physical Training the mandate to win every available championship in the country and has provided the necessary support as well as logistics to excel. 

We plan to recruit athletes to fill the vacuum created by some of our elite athletes becoming coaches/referees.

“Our next point of action is to immediately return to camp and train hard for the African Military Games next November”, he added.

Ahmed Kawu hails President Tinubu over Shehu Dikko's appointment as NSC Boss

 

Former chairman of Nigeria Nationwide League One, Alhaji Ahmad Kawu is full of praises for President Bola Tinubu for given sports sector what he calls the right appointment at the right time. 

The presidency unveiled a new blueprint for Nigeria sports sector on Wednesday, 23rd October, with the re-enactment of National Sports Commission and appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko as the chairman. In a statement signed by Alhaji Ahmad Kawu, he noted that Mallam Shehu Dikko is an astute administrator capable of moving sports to the next level.

"Mr. President has given sports the right blueprint, right appointment and right person at the right time. We the stakeholders have always emphasised the need to bring back the national sports commission and what Mr. President has done with Mallam Shehu Dikko appointment to head this critical sector has renewed our hope. 

"Because honestly speaking Shehu Dikko is a brilliant young administrator who comes up with innovative ideas to improve the standards at every given assignment he embarks on," he affirmed. 

Alhaji Kawu, a former board member of the Nigeria Football Federation further emphasis the importance of this set by President Tinubu. 

"Shehu Dikko knows sports like the back of his hands. He is a sports technocrat in every sense of it. He has always worked to create opportunities for the youths to excel through sports. 

"We all saw what he did in the past. Using his office to positively impact the lives of everyone in and around the sports sector and this yielded results for Nigeria. I'm confident in him and we'll support him to succeed Insha Allah. 

"I thank President Bola Tinubu for this wonderful decisions. Nigeria will succeed Insha Allah," Alhaji Kawu postulated.

Alhaji Ahmad Kawu thus congratulates Mallam Shehu Dikko on this appointment. Wishing him good luck with the assurances of his cooperation to move Nigeria sports sector forward. 

Signed:

Alhaji Ahmad Kawu

Sports Stakeholder

Mahanaim FC felicitates with Mallam Shehu Dikko over NSC appointment

 

The management and staff of Mahanaim FC congratulate the new sports supremo in Nigeria, Mallam Shehu Dikko on his appointment as the Chairman National Sports Commission. 

Mallam Dikko's appointment to chair the NSC by President Bola Tinubu is a worthy one that illustrates his wealth of experience in a sector he has nurtured for more than 20-years.

Mallam Dikko is a well grounded professional in our sports sector. He is someone whose expertise traverse every component that make up a working system needed for a functional sports sector. Working closely with him, one can see that his dedication to achieving results is second to none.

We believe Mallam Shehu Dikko's appointment will open up a new era that will stimulate the ecosystem and this simply means, all sectors within sports will benefit greatly.

Everyone at Mahanaim FC warmly congratulate Mallam Shehu Dikko and wish him all the best on this new task. 

Prior to this latest appointment as head of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko had chaired the Nigeria Professional Football League board for eight years with remarkable achievements. 

Dikko was also the 2nd Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation,(NFF) between 2014 and 2022. He is a member of the FIFA football stakeholders committee, a senior match commissioner of the Confederation of African Football,(CAF). 

Shehu Dikko started out as a sports consultant many years ago. He was the Nigerian manager of the FIFA goal project and was previously instrumental in bringing top European football clubs for Preseason tours into our dear country, Nigeria. 

We believe his experiences in this sector have more than prepared him for a successful stint as headship of sports in Nigeria. 

e-Signed:

Director of Communications- Mahanaim FC 

Olaoluwa Aro

International Sports Strategist Shodunnke Invited to Nairobi for Africa Football Business Summit

 

Shogo Shodunnke, a renowned international sports business strategist and social sports entrepreneur, has been invited as distinguished speaker to the African Football Business Summit.

The prestigious event will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 24 to 25, 2024.

The invitation was extended by Brian Wasaala, founder of the Football Foundation Africa (FFA), who praised Shodunnke's exceptional work in youth empowerment and grassroots development.

Shodunnke's achievements align perfectly with FFA's vision, making him one of the ideal distinguished guest speakers. 

As conveyed by Wasaala, Shodunnke's contributions to African sports development, particularly through the AMAPRO Football Championship and AMA-PRO Africa Development Programme, have significantly impacted youth and sports across Africa.

Shodunnke's leadership at Phreestyle Sport Limited and the H4 Foundation embodies the Summit's theme: "Unlocking Africa's Youth Potential - Sports and Social Innovation at Play."

According to Wasaala, the Summit is aimed to leverage sports for broader social goals and empower the next generation of African leaders.

"Shodunnke's participation will provide valuable insights and opportunities to connect with key stakeholders in African football.

"He will share expertise, explore potential collaborations, and further the goals of the AMA-PRO Africa Development Programme," he said.

Dino SC President stops by in Belgium, checks on former player, Ogonna Hyacinth at Westerlo

 

Chief Samuel Columbus, a prominent figure in Nigerian football and President of Dino SC, recently visited Belgian Jupiler Pro League side Westerlo Football Club. 

The purpose of his trip was to check on former Dino Sporting Club player, Ogonna Hyacinth, who joined Westerlo during the summer transfer window.

Columbus, who is the founder of the well-regarded Dino Sporting Club, also held discussions with Westerlo's coaching staff and management to further strengthen the partnership between the two entities. 

This collaboration focuses on the development and progress of players who have transitioned from his academy to European clubs.

Known for nurturing young talents, Dino Sporting Club has facilitated the transfer of several promising Nigerian players abroad, including Stephen Ende, Timilehin Adekunle, and Blessing Edet.

The academy is widely regarded as one of the top football development centers in Nigeria, producing a steady stream of talent for both domestic and international clubs.

Columbus remains committed to ensuring the growth and success of the players who have graduated from his academy to pursue their professional careers in Europe.

FC Basira set up First Bank clash in 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup final

 

FC Basira and First Bank FC have set their sight to be crowned 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup champions as the final holds on Friday in Abuja. 

Both teams are expected to bring excitement to Bwari Stadium in Abuja after remaining unbeaten in the Northern and Southern Conferences, earning their spots in the final stage of the Afriskaut NLO Cup.

First Bank FC and FC Basira overcame tough play-off finals to get within reach of the ultimate prize after 13 days of intense football at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium and Bwari Stadium.

First Bank FC secured their spot in the final through a thrilling penalty shootout against a 10-man Ahudiyannem FC, who managed to draw 1-1 with the last kick of the ball in 90+6 minutes.

Meanwhile, FC Basira secured their place in the final by scoring the only goal against Jnr Danburan FC on Wednesday.

The Afriskaut NLO Cup was organized for champions - teams that gained promotion in the regular Division One and U19 Youth League seasons.

A total of twenty-five top teams from the nation's third-tier football league participated in the 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup edition, which began on October 5th.

The 2024 campaign marked the 2nd edition of the NLO Cup, the first under Afriskaut, which utilized its cutting-edge expertise in data-driven football scouting and player analytics.

Kogi Government calls for help as flood ravages state

 

The Kogi State Government has again called on the Federal Government and international donor agencies to come to the aid of the State as flood sacks over 200 communities. 

Addressing newsmen at Kotonkarfe, Kogi Local Government, Monday, the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo said a major "humanitarian crisis is brewing in the state as close to two million people are currently homeless". 

He said the "National Emergency Management Agency cannot afford to wait any longer" as the State is already "overwhelmed". 

"We are in a dire emergency situation at the moment and this is sad. The flood disaster here is devastating and over 200 communities have already been submerged and close to two million people displaced. 

"As we speak, nine of the 21 Local Government Areas in the state are affected which is almost 50% of the number of Local Government Areas. We have opened about 68 IDP camps but they can't hold that massive population. Schools, hospitals and other infrastructure have been destroyed completely. 

"Seeing the aged and little children in this kind of distress is a horrible sight. We did not lose any life because we activated the early warning and enlightenment plan. We are expending huge resources daily but it is inadequate. We call on the Federal Government, International Donor Agencies, NGOs and philanthropists to come to our aid," he said. 

Fanwo said the State Government had earlier set up a Flood Disaster Response Team under the leadership of the Deputy Governor of the State, assuring the victims of Government's support in the face of the natural disaster. 

Kogi, Lokoja, Adavi, Ofu, Ajaokuta, Idah, Ibaji are some of the affected Local Government Areas.

Funsho Peters thumbs up productive partnership between GreenLock FC, Gulf United

 

As GreenLock FC continues to strive for excellence and arguably become one of the best football academies in Nigeria in terms of bringing young players to an international level, the Abuja-based side says its partnership with Gulf United is yielding a lot of results. 

The official agreement signed in 2023 signaled a multi-year relationship that trains and further develops both clubs through information sharing, workshops, and player deals.

With the astonishing move of quintuplets Ashiru Ibrahim, Daniel Odumu, Hamed Traore, Taofiq Yekini and Opeyemi Falade to the Eagles, Funsho Clifton Peters, Executive Vice Chairman of GreenLock FC, who is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) talks more about the partnership. 

"We're very pleased with the partnership, as it aligns with GreenLock FC's long-term goals.

"It also reaffirms GreenLock FC's commitment to being the career pathway to stardom for players, as we certainly look forward to developing more programs to help professionalise the football industry in Nigeria moving forward.

“Both clubs aim to continue to share knowledge and experience, as well as build the relationship in terms of exposing our talented players to the UAE football market.

Mo Jarad - Director of Gulf United said: "The aim is to support the growth of GreenLock FC's expansion within Nigerian football into becoming the leading developer of youth talent in the region.

"There are strong synergies between Green Lock and Gulf United. At the heart of

both clubs, there is a strong sense of purpose, and hunger to provide opportunities for young players in places which they traditionally may have not been found.

"We also find strong parallels between the growth and trajectory of UAE football and Nigerian football, as well as the abundance of talent that exists there. 

"We look forward to working together in a strategic and organized way and to have a real impact along the way."

TCC Cup: Coach Gibson hails Dino SC despite draw against Real Sapphire

 

Dino Sporting Club kicked off their Creative Championship League Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Real Sapphire in a Group A clash on Sunday.

The match ended in a stalemate after 90 minutes, marking the second draw between the two teams this season.

After a goalless first half, Dino took the lead three minutes before the hour mark when Stephen Shedrack opened his account with a well-placed low shot just inside the box. 

However, the lead was short-lived, as Real Sapphire equalized five minutes later.

Dino Sporting Club Head Coach, Godwin Gibson, spoke positively about his team’s performance despite the draw, noting that the players are still learning and improving.

"It was a very good game. The players are still developing, and we showed improvement from last week when we faced the same team. The performance today is closer to what we expect," Gibson said.

He also emphasized the need for focus after scoring. "It happens even at the highest level. We always tell the players to stay composed after scoring. Unfortunately, we had a poor reaction after the goalkeeper parried the ball, allowing the rebound due to a lack of concentration."

This result means Dino Sporting Club has now drawn all three of their matches across all competitions this season.

Mavlon's Sunday Oche claims Golden Boot award at Olea Cup

 

Sunday Oche, the lethal weapon of Mavlon FC has won the golden boot award after scoring six goals in Olea Cup tournament in Croatia, reports www.totorinews.com.

Oche, who has been described as the new 'Osimhen' due to his similar style of play with the Super Eagles striker, showed his class at Olea Cup when he scored two consecutive hat tricks to send strong messages to European clubs that another great goal poacher from Mavlon FC is around the corner waiting to embrace European club football.

It was not just his two hat tricks that endeared Oche to the organisers of Olea Cup and scouts from some top European clubs, but the manner in which the goals were sublimely dispatched into the net.

The striker at 16 years old, is very proficient with both legs as witnessed by the goals he scored in the tournament. He scored a spectacular bicycle- kick goal against GNK Dinamo. 

He is also good aerially. He dribbles effortlessly to create space for himself to score and also create assist. He is endowed with skills, strength and speed needed to flourish as a striker.

The goalkeepers of FK DAC and GNK Dinano will never forget in a hurry the way Oche condemned them into picking balls from the net in the tournament.

Mavlon FC came third in the tournament. The team did not win the tournament, but one that is definitely sure is the fact that their young U17 players on display were delight to watch, from the goalkeeper to defenders, midfielders and attackers.

All these points to the fact that Mavlon FC is a bedrock of young talented footballers in Nigeria and the club will continue to discover and nurture talents in the round leather game.

Oche has shown great potential in Olea Cup in Croatia scoring six goals in the tournament and it will not be a surprise if some European clubs begin to jostle for his signature counting down to when he will clock 18 years.