Top football scouts to harness talents at 19th Lagos Supremacy Cup

 

Ten international scouts have received visas to attend the 19th edition of the Lagos Supremacy Cup.

Cem Sagar, the coordinator for expatriates and head of Diamond Sports Management, will be accompanied by nine additional scouts to Lagos for this esteemed tournament.

Among those confirmed for the event are Dan Smejkal, Tomas Syrovatka, Pape Cissokho, Toni Bilandzic, Dennys Dilettosso, Nenad Sarcevic, Zdenek Mikyska, Jan Prosek, and Florin Biba.

The tournament is set to take place from November 27th to 30th at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Organizers have indicated that the scouting tournament will feature some of the top grassroots teams.

Cem emphasized that the purpose of the program is to identify talent at the grassroots level and provide them with opportunities to play internationally.

He stated, "Our goal is to discover talent and promote them to European markets."

"This is why nine additional scouts have been confirmed for the event."

Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Chairman, Hajji Olawale Liameed Gafar, who is the Chief Convener of the highly anticipated tournament, shared that each match will consist of two halves lasting 30 minutes each. Notably, there will be no offside calls during the games, which is expected to minimize unnecessary stoppages and increase both playtime and scoring opportunities.

In discussing the significance of the tournament for the advancement of football in Nigeria, he emphasized that only 69 youth players can represent the national U15, U17, and U20 teams in any given generation.

"Our primary goal is to create more opportunities for youth footballers in Nigeria. We have only three youth national teams: U-15, U-17, and U-20. Each of these teams can only feature 23 players per tournament per generation. What happens to the remaining one million active semi-professional players?"

"The solution lies in the Lagos Supremacy Cup. While the 10 teams participating in this tournament do not encompass the entirety of Nigeria's youth football landscape, they have been carefully selected based on their track records in identifying and nurturing top talent," he added.

The tournament will include defending champions Dino FC, Ikorodu City FC, Broad City FC, and Real Saphire FC, along with Beyond Limits FC, Seamoriow FC, 36 Lion, Bethel FC, MS Success FC, and Charlesann FC.

TCC League: Unauthorised VAR drama costs Dino Sporting crucial win in Ikenne

 

Dino Sporting Club was held to a controversial draw by Beyond Limits on matchday eight of the TCC League on Saturday.

Coming into the game, Dino Sporting was eager to end a four-game winless streak. Despite struggling since the start of October with just one win in their last six matches, the team displayed a revitalized performance against the league leaders in Ikenne.

Godwin Gibson's side dominated proceedings and deservedly took the lead just before halftime. 

They maintained their advantage throughout the second half and were seconds away from a hard-fought victory when the referee handed the hosts a lifeline by awarding a penalty in the 97th minute.

The penalty decision came after claims that a Dino Sporting defender handled the ball in the box. 

The referees controversially consulted an unauthorized VAR before making their call, sparking protests from the visiting team. 

Despite their objections, the penalty was awarded and converted, denying Dino Sporting a well-earned three points.

DG NSC: Olopade's appointment, big win for Nigerian sports sector - Tomiwa Lawal

 

A sports enthusiast, brand and packaging expert, Tomiwa Lawal has described the appointment of Honourable Bukola Olopade as the Director General of National Sports Commission, NSC as accurate and timely for Nigerian sports. 

Olopade was announced as the Director General of the newly reformed commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday. 

The veteran sports technocrat will see to the day to day running of the commission which require urgent intervention to restore its glory days. 

Lawal who is also the Field Sales Manager with the world's largest food and beverage company, Nestle Nigeria Plc in Kogi State believed strongly that Olopade's appointment was an indication of President Tinubu's interest to make sports as a veritable tool to nation building and source of revenue to the country's GDP. 

He however charged his old friend and associate dated back to their days at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta to justify his appointment by making positive impact on the sector as he's always known for his transformative initiative in sportd business. 

"Congratulations to my dear friend and big brother , Honourable Bukola Olopade on his well-deserved appointment as the Director General of National Sports Commission. 

"This achievement is a testament to his vast experience and dedication to the sports industry.

"Olopade's journey to this milestone is inspiring, his passion for sports, coupled with his business acumen, has earned him recognition and respect within the industry.

"As Director General, Olopade will undoubtedly bring his expertise to bear, fostering growth and success for Nigeria's sports programs.

"His appointment is a victory for Nigeria's sports and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact he'll make.

"I wish him all the best in his new role and look forward to witnessing the transformative changes he'll bring to Nigeria's sports landscape," he said.

Olopade was one time Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Ogun State. 

He spare headed the successful hosting of National Sports Festival in 2006 held in Ogun State. 

Olopade has organized quite a number of successful sports tournaments in Nigeria in athletics, football, wheelchair basketball among others through his sports firm, Nilayo Sports Management Limited.

NLO sends Ogunnowo, others to sports business refresher course

 

In its quest to make the Nationwide League One a more valuable asset and attract corporate sponsors/partners, top management staff of the NLO will be seeking academic knowledge and skills to pursue global business. 

They will, on Tuesday, November 12, through Friday, November 14, attend a 3-day Refreshers course in Sports Business Administration. 

Attending the course are the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Olushola Ogunnowo, Temitayo Egbayelo (League Manager), and Tunde Shamsudeen, the NLO's Media Director. 

The course curriculum includes administration and operations, digital branding and corporate communications, stakeholder management, and sports marketing and sponsorship. 

Ogunnowo, who spoke with the NLO Media Channel, said: "Sports business is a thriving multi-million dollar industry that is set to grow exponentially in Africa. At the NLO, we are poised to seeing clubs make good returns from their investments. 

"Unfortunately, with more than 300 clubs, football academies, and overwhelming talents, the NLO remains the biggest league in Africa, yet the business part of the sport is untapped. 

"Looking at the growing number of the clubs and academies, the NLO I would say is in its exciting stages of its development, so we don't want to leave nothing to chance to ensure.

"One of the essence of this refresher training courses is to take us back to basics so we can review fundamentals we may have forgotten or upskill on new information we may be unaware of. 

"It will help increase efficiency, knowledge retention, and our awareness of new football business trends."

Ochedikwu's goal not enough to give Uljanik match points

 

Caleb Ochedikwu's 49th minute goal for Uljanik failed to seal the victory for his club against visiting Kustosija, reports www.totorinews.com.

Nigerian midfielder, Ochedikwu was in the thick of the action in the thrilling encounter where Kustosija scored six minutes before the end of regulation time to earn a draw.

The former Mavlon midfielder has featured six times for the modest Croatian side and he registered his maiden goal in this tie.

Uljanik are not well placed on the Dugla NL as they are in the red zone (14th) haven garnered 11 points from 12 games. 

Greenlock FC: Turkish experts arrive Nigeria for football talents, coaches development

 

Greenlock FC Turkish Sporting Director Ahmet Arslan, along with renowned Coach Tayfun Sirin, have arrived in Abuja to oversee a series of intra-team matches and a high-profile friendly match at the Bwari Township Stadium. 

Their visit to Nigeria is part of an initiative aimed at enhancing the development of Nigerian football talent at Greenlock FC, with a particular focus on easing the players’ transition to European football clubs.

This initiative aims to refine player skills, optimize training schedules, and provide targeted development programs that will elevate athletes’ potential and prepare them for professional opportunities abroad.

During their stay, Coach Sirin will lead a comprehensive player development program designed to help players build the necessary technical, tactical, and physical qualities that will make them attractive prospects for European clubs. 

Training sessions will occur twice daily over the next eight days, concentrating on improving individual skills, team strategies, and match fitness.

In addition to intensive training, players will participate in recovery protocols to minimize injury risks and maintain peak physical conditions throughout the program. The coaching staff is committed to creating an optimal training schedule that incorporates rest and recovery, which are crucial for player longevity and performance.

"We are here to assist in the development of these young talents and prepare them for the challenges of professional football," said Arslan.

"Our goal is to help them transition from local football to the European football system while showcasing their skills, discipline, and mental resilience."

As part of the coaching program, Greenlock FC will hold intra-team matches to simulate competitive conditions and further assess player strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, a friendly match will be organized, providing an excellent opportunity for players to demonstrate their abilities in a real-game scenario.

These matches are significant as they serve as evaluation tools for the coaches and provide vital exposure for the players, giving them a chance to showcase their skills in front of local and international scouts.

At the end of the eight-day training period, the coaching staff plans to analyze the outcomes of the friendly match and intra-team games to identify specific areas that need further attention.

 "The friendly match and intra-team scrimmages will give us a clearer picture of each player’s development. We will be able to finalize the training programs based on these observations," Coach Sirin explained.

Subsequently, the coaches will adjust the training schedules to address any weaknesses while continuing to refine players’ strengths, with the ultimate goal of making them more competitive on the European stage.

The arrival of Sporting Director Ahmet Arslan and Coach Sirin marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of Nigerian football. With their experience and international expertise, they are providing valuable insights into how local talent can be better prepared for the rigours of top-tier European football. 

This program is expected to open doors for many of these players, helping them transition smoothly into professional football careers abroad.

"We believe in the talent here in Nigeria," concluded Ahmet Arslan. "With the right development and exposure, these players will have the chance to thrive at the highest levels of the sport."

This initiative is part of a larger vision to not only enhance the skills of individual players but also to foster a stronger connection between Greenlock FC and other European clubs, potentially creating more pathways for young talents to succeed internationally.

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.