Chairman House Committee on Sports celebrates godfather, Soname at 58

The Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th Assembly, Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams has joined family and millions of Nigerians in pouring glowing tribute on entrepreneur, philanthropist and sports enthusiast Honourable Kunle Soname as he celebrates his 58th birthday. 

Ekene, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, didn't hide his delight as he said. 

“I celebrate my 'God Father', Honourable Soname an energetic, vibrant and inspirational leader, whose philanthropic gesture towards humanity knows no bounds. 

"No doubt, Honourable Soname at 58, has contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s economy as well as youth development via the football platforms he has provided Remo Stars and Beyond Limit. 

"On this special day, I pray God to grant him good health, happiness, and continued success in all his endeavours. Cheers to a living lege

Lagos FA hold draws for Ex-Internationals Cup

 

Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), the organisers of the maiden Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup, Friday, at its Surulere office, held a press conference to unveil the tournament and the draws for the matches, slated for June 1st to 30th, across different centres in Lagos. 

At the well-attended event of the epochal tournament which was witnessed by several ex-Nigeria international players and the media, Chairman of LSFA, Hajji Gafar Liameed told the excited audience, the reasons behind organising the tournament. 

"Football belongs to footballers. They are the custodians of the beautiful game," Gafar began. 

"For so long a time, our retired football stars have been kept in the shadows. Now, it's time for them to return and enjoy the limelight, once again," he stated.

"This tournament is essentially, aimed at bringing our ex-international players, back to the beautiful game. However, this time, they are coming as Coach- Mentor," the highly-regarded football administrator added. 

Speaking further on the tournament, Vice-Chairman of Lagos FA, Adedotun Coker, explained that the tournament which is expected to feature 32 teams, would be played on a home and away knockout basis, from the preliminaries to the quater-finals, that would be played at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. 

Chairman of the tournament organising committee, Engr. Waidi Akanni, disclosed that the 32 ex-international players listed to participate are expected to form or adopt a team in their locality, and play the roles of the team's coach. 

Akanni, a former Lagos FA boss and Chief Executive Officer of Match International Limited, went ahead to disclose to the obviously delighted ex-international players that plans are ongoing to make the tournament, a most memorable one for everyone, even as all the teams and officials, shall be fully kitted by one of Nigeria's foremost sportswear companies.

Some of the ex-international players in attendance include, Peter Rufai, Franklin Howard, Friday Elahor, Taiwo Oloyede, Jide Oguntuase and Taiwo Enegwa.

Others are Friday Elahor, Edema Benson, Peter Nieketein, Loveday Omoruyi, Monday Kanu and Festus Odini.

Round Of 32 Fixtures

FC Victor Agali Vs FC Yakubu Aiyegbeni

FC Jide Oguntuase Vs FC Dosu Joseph

FC Alloy Agu Vs FC Yusuf Ayila

FC Loveday Omoruyi Vs FC Abiodun Obafemi 

FC Taiwo Enegwa Vs FC Edema Benson

FC Waidi Akanni Vs FC Friday Ekpo

FC Friday Elahor Vs FC Ifeanyi Udeze

FC Godwin Okpara Vs FC Peter Rufai

FC Clement Temile Vs FC Mba Agbai

FC Taribo West Vs FC Taiwo Oloyede 

FC Victor Ikpeba Vs FC Festus Odinni

FC Bode Babington Vs FC Wasiu Ipaye

FC Fatai Amoo Vs FC Ifeanyi Emeghara 

FC Tajudeen Disu Vs FC Henry Nwosu

FC Nduka Ugbade Vs FC Peter Nieketen

FC Joseph Yobo Vs FC Michael Dominic

Buruj FC's Spanish partners to arrive Nigeria for top football talents in May

Nigeria's top sports management company,Buruj Sports Management Nigeria has confirmed the coming of their partners from Spain to scout for talented players in Nigeria.

This piece of information was contained In a statement made public by Buruj Sports management on Wednesday.

"We are pleased to announce that our Spanish partners will be in Nigeria in the month of May" the statement said. 

" They are specialists in the scouting of talented top players with proven track records of connecting them to top European clubs".

" The Spanish based Sports talent management agency will be here in Nigeria to scout and select players with the basic skill sets to join a top club in Spain and other Europe top leagues. 

According to the CEO of Buruj FC, Dr Waheed Salaudeen, " the Spain based agency are excited about the endless possibilities of the project and they are already looking forward to a great time working with us to unearth the next big star in world football right here in Nigeria".

LSFA Boss, Hajj Gafar Liameed hails initiative of Dozy Mmobuosi's initiative with Tingo Energy Drinks

 

If Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Chairman, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed was a man of many words, he would have described the latest project of Dozy Mmobuosi - in the most colourful superlatives of adjectives. 

Some of the projects: Tingo Mobile to provide mobile technology and Fintech solutions to rural communities in Nigeria. Tingo Inc., a publicly traded company on the OTC Markets Group and Nwassa, a digital Agri-Marketplace that is Africa’s first agricultural technology and digital platform.

Following launch of Tingo Cola, Ojaja Bitters and Tingo Electric Energy Drinks in Victoria Island on Tuesday, an elated Hajji Gafar subtly described Dozy Mmobuosi as a true investor.

"Mr Dozy Mmobuosi is an example of a real investor and we should all commend him for his contribution to the society at large," the impressed and excited Hajji Gafar said to LSFA Media.

"I strongly believe that the projects launched today are great contributions to the national development of Nigeria. And that's what the administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands for.

Brimming with optimism, Hajji Gafar believes that the projects will secure future prosperity, pointing out that more investments by well meaning individuals would strengthen the social and physical infrastructure base of Nigeria.

It would be recalled that Dozy Mmbousi Foundation sponsored the NPFL/Dozy Mmobuosi Super 4 and Tingo Super 8 Cup in the past. The two tournaments were deemed successful by football stakeholders in Nigeria.

Hajji Gafar reiterated the LSFA's desire to be a partner of Tingo.

"At LSFA we are partners in progress. This invitation by Tingo is a special feeling for us and we would like to take this relationship to the next level; as we line up numerous football programs for Lagosians," he added.

Grinning with delight, Hajj Gafar, dignitaries like Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) and some eminent men of the society were present at the colourful event.

NWFL: Ifeoma, Whyte sure of Rivers Angels' win over Bayelsa Queens

 

Rivers Angels Football Club will on Wednesday lock horns with their perennial rivals, Bayelsa Queens in Port Harcourt. 

The Jewel of Rivers, who currently lead Group B standing, with 24 points, two points above the Restoration Ladies will be hoping to maintain the lead after this mid-week encounter which automatically seals the team's ticket to the Super Six finals.

A win over the Restoration Girls will ensure the Jewel Of Rivers go five-point clear at the summit of Group B and the Jewels of Rivers assistant captain, Polinus Ifeoma, believes it is achievable.

"We are prepared for the match, we know it's a big game on Wednesday," she started. "We played draw with them in the first stanza, and we know they're coming here with full force, but myself and my girls are ready for Bayelsa Queens."

Polinus also dismissed the issue of pressure in their camp but maintained that the team will give their best to ensure they seal the NWFL Premiership Super Six ticket on Wednesday. 

"There is no pressure at all, I'm sure of victory at the end on Wednesday. It's a big derby in the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership, I can't predict the scoreline, but at the end, we are coming out victorious."

Midfielder Edward Tejiri echoed her teammates' sentiments, stating: "We are ready for the game on Wednesday, we believe with love and unity in our team, we would conquer on Wednesday.

"There is no pressure. We just have to motivate ourselves and play on Wednesday. It's a big game, I can't predict, but I know with God, we would conquer."

Having won the Rivers State FA Cup recently, Coach Whyte Ogbonda believes the match was a good preparatory match for his girls ahead of the big showdown against the 2022 champions. 

Whyte further said that he expects a tough match against Bayelsa Queens, but his team is ready to nick the win.

"We are playing Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday. This is the second to the last match in the regular season before the Super Six. I will say that Rivers Angels is well prepared," he said.

"The match will go a long way to help the team qualify for the Super Six, we played FA Cup match during the weekend and I will say the match was part of our preparation for the match on Wednesday.

"We are expecting a very strong and good fight from Bayelsa Queens on Wednesday. They forced us to a 1-1 draw in Yenagoa in the first stanza, I think they will come out to ensure it doesn't repeat again but we are prepared to ensure we get the victory over them."

The last time both sides met during the first stanza in Yenagoa, it ended 1- 1, with Motunrayo Ezekiel the scorer for Rivers Angels.

Lagos FA Boss hails Manu Garba's appointment as Golden Eaglets' coach

Lagos State Football Association Chairman, Hajji Liameed Olawale Gafar, has congratulated Manu Garba, on his appointment as the new head coach of the Nigeria U17 national football team, the Golden Eaglets. 

Manu Garba's first tenure as Eaglets Manager saw him handling footballers such as Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success, Francis Uzoho, Chidiebere Nwakali and Musa Muhammed to victory at the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup.

 

According to Hajji Gafar, he believes that this experience makes Manu Garba the ideal candidate to lead the Golden Eaglets to new heights.

The coach who returns for his third stint with the team has been saddled with the responsibility of leading the current crop of players to next month's WAFU B U17 Championship which serves as qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) recently appointed the former Flying Eagles manager as the Golden Eaglets' head coach.

Hajji Gafar harped on the need to make talents discovered at the NFF/NPFL U17 Youth League a priority by the gaffer. 

"I would like to congratulate you (Manu Garba) on your appointment as the new head coach of the Golden Eaglets," said Hajji Gafar, NFF/NPFL Youth Development Coordinator (Southwest Zone).

"I strongly believe your rich experience in coaching young talents will propel our development football brand, the Golden Eaglets, to the pedestal we have always desired it to be."

"I urge you to strive for nothing but excellence, be open to constructive criticisms and be your own man.

"The leadership of NFF has set the ball rolling through NPFL before appointing Manu Garba so the screening exercise for players should be a walk in the park. 

"I appeal that the new U17 team should be built around NPFL Youth League players across Nigeria. 

"The 17 top talents from the Southwest zone include Abiodun Olawoye (Shooting Stars), Oguniran Mujeeb Tomiwa (Shooting Stars), Samad Adekunle (Shooting Stars), Taofeek Afolabi Samad (Shooting Stars), Aribo Faith (Remo Stars), Olasunkanmi Abass (Remo Stars), Adejimi Peter (Remo Stars), Olatunji Olamilekan (Remo Stars) and Olaniyo Precious (Remo Stars)." 

"Others are Yusuf Abdullahi (Sporting Lagos), Oluwaseun Akanji (Sporting Lagos), Edward Ochigbo (Sporting Lagos), Naziru Yusuf (Sporting Lagos), Michael Awelewa (Sporting Lagos), Samuel Ita Umoh (Sporting Lagos), Afolabi Omobolaji Oluwasegun (Sunshine Stars) and Kehinde Oluwole (Sunshine Stars)."

"This should enable NFF/NPFL clubs and coaches of these young prodigies benefit fully from where they've been sowing," Hajji Gafar concluded.

Game Changer Football Agency appoints Olawale as Head of Operations in Africa

 

The Project strategist of Evolution Cup and General Manager SGFC Athletics Sports Club, Olawale Olatoye has been appointed the Head of Operations Game Changer Football Agency Africa.

According to his appointment letter; his choice as the Africa representative of the agency is in view of his experience and exceptional qualities in football management, development, marketing and also on the heels of the thriving Evolution Cup.

Olawale is reputed for developing the idea of Evolution Cup, an annual football tournament which serves as preseason engagement for NLO teams in Nigeria. 

The Appointment Letter Reads 👇👇

Game Changer FA

Dear Mr., Olatoye Olawale

07/04/24

RE: Letter of Engagement - Promoting Game Changer Football Agency to an Exciting African Audience

We hope this letter finds you in good health. It is with great pleasure that we extend this letter of engagement to formally invite you to promote our company, Game Changer Football Agency, to the vibrant and enthusiastic African audience.

Having witnessed your exceptional work with the Evolution Cup in Lagos, Nigeria, and recognising your influential connections to clubs across Nigeria and the wider regions, we believe that our partnership will play a pivotal role in elevating the presence and reputation of our Agency within the African football community.

At Game Changer we have a shared vision of revolutionising the football industry by nurturing and empowering talent. With this engagement, we aim to leverage your expertise and extensive network to effectively convey our message of transformative opportunities for

aspiring African footballers.

Through your promotional efforts, we envision reaching new heights in terms of brand

awareness and engagement throughout the African continent. By highlighting our

commitment to providing comprehensive support, including player pathways, coaching, and mentoring programs, and legal assistance, we aim to inspire African footballers to dream big and pursue their professional careers in Europe and around the world.

Your esteemed reputation and influence within the African football landscape make you the

ideal Ambassador to promote Game Changer Football Agency. We are confident that your

strategic approach and strong communication skills will captivate the African audience,

generating excitement and interest in our Agency's mission.

We are committed to providing you with all the necessary resources and support to ensure

the success of this engagement. Together, we can work towards unlocking the

immense potential of African football talent and shaping a brighter future for the game on

the global stage.

We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and embark on this exciting journey together.

Olatoye Olawale reacting to the development, expressed his excitement and readiness get started.

"Sincerely, it's a welcome idea, I am so excited that our work and effort is being noticed by football stakeholders globally and this is like a challenge for us to do more now because being the head of operations in Africa comes with a lot of challenges but we will never relent we will never give up we will keep doing our best and make sure we meet the target of the agency as well because the agency have a strong vision which aligns with our own vision and work ethics and that is why the collaboration a sweet and interesting one so we will really try our best to fish out top talent in Nigeria and Africa at large and showcase them to the world.

We are not going to work with ordinary talent but we will make sure we work with extraordinary talent and letting the World know that Africa is blessed and Nigeria is a great country that would produce great players in the near future, so watch out for Game Changer Football Agency Africa, thank you" Olatoye opined.

Seyi Johnson sees Wheelchair Basketball League as springboard for Northern players

 

The President of Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Seyi Johnson revealed that the much anticipated BetKing Wheelchair Basketball League will expose more players in the Northern Region.

The 1st BetKing Wheelchair Basketball Savannah Conference League will take place at the indoor sports hall of Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofar Mata, Kano City from 14th to 16th April, 2024.

Johnson said wheelchair basketball is on the verge of becoming one of the biggest para sports in Northern Nigeria behind para soccer.

He charged the players to see the league as an opportunity to break into the different cadre of the national teams and ultimately get foreign clubs.

The astute sports administrator said, “A unique opportunity has presented itself for teams based in the North to expose themselves. In recent times, championships always take place in the Southern part of the country but this current board deemed it fit to take the Savannah Conference to the ancient city of Kano State.

“I am aware that the most popular para sports in the North is para soccer; I want to inform you that wheelchair basketball is ready to give para soccer a big fight. This is going to be the beginning of greater things for wheelchair basketball in Northern Nigeria.

“This league is also an opportunity for some of these players to get selected for the National Teams because the Technical Director of the Federation, Tunde Popoola and other technical officials are on ground to monitor the league”.

He charged players and coaches to exhibit a high sense of professionalism during the league.

Johnson said, “I want to wish all the teams, players, officials and board members a successful championship; do not forget that the league is not a do or die affair. We want the players to be of good behaviour and respect the decisions of the officiating officials during the games”.

NTA Sports, Blend TV to beam New Year Mega Lottery NLO season opening game

 

The Secretariat of the nation's third-tier league has informed that Africa's largest television network, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), via its sports channel and Blend TV will show the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One season-opening game. 

The Ahmadu Bello Stadium is billed to host the Kaduna Centre Match 1 fixture between  Kaduna United and Yoca Crocodiles FC at 3 pm on Saturday. 

Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo told NLO Media Channel of the development. 

 “We are delighted to be able to showcase the best of the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One football live "To our million viewers across Nigeria and beyond."

"The opening new season match between Kaduna United and Yoca Crocodiles FC will be broadcast live on NLO TV and Blend TV. 

"The live broadcast on NTA Sports will be delayed owing to a advertorial, while it will go live on Blend TV. 

"With the season hitting the ground running with live broadcast of our official first match, we intend to show Nigerians the quality of its grassroot football, and to the globe the abundant potential in it, in terms of raw talents. 

"However, besides Saturday's opening season match, selected 2024 NLO matches from other centres as of the 20th will be on live stream, so am urging fans to subscribe to our TV Channels on YouTube via Nationwide League One TV and NLO TV 001.

Lagos FA floats tournament to celebrate ex international footballers

The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) has concluded plans to organize a big tournament involving Nigeria ex internationals.

This was revealed by LSFA Chairman Hajj Gafar Olawale Liameed on Thursday morning.

"We believe in our ex players. LSFA is determined to carry along ex internationals and drive the game forward at every level," LSFA Chairman Hajj Gafar began.

"The tournament will see former Nigeria internationals based in Lagos adopt teams. For instance if an ex international is based in the area of Dino SC he can adopt them. 

"The competition tagged 'The Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup'  would see teams play on home and away basis in the first phase before we proceed to the knockout stage.

"We want to have a clear identity and organize lots of programs. This is one of our innovations and we hope to take blessings from the Lagos State Government and Nigeria Football Federation," the football technocrat enthused.

Hajj Gafar also reiterated LSFA's commitments to proper development of football in the centre of excellence.

"We're determined to lead that development at every level and have created a robust plan for doing so using all our resources and knowledge."

Meanwhile, former Nigeria internationals like Joseph Yobo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Wasiu Ipaye have already thrown their weight behind the innovation by the LSFA.

Kaduna derby to light up New Year Mega Lottery NLO season

 

After weeks of break, the wait is finally over as the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One (NLO) 2024 Division One season opener will be a Kaduna Derby game between Kaduna United FC and Yoca Crocodiles FC. The match will be held at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Saturday, April 13th, 2024.

Football enthusiasts residing in Kaduna and surrounding areas are welcome to witness the exciting grassroots football. The game is scheduled to start at 3 pm.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the league body, Olushola Ogunnowo states that the 2024 league season in NLO promises to be a very interesting showpiece of football at the grassroot in Nigeria and the league opener in Kaduna will give a glimpse of what to expect in the entire season in the third tier league in Nigeria.

“NLO season kicks off on Saturday, April 13, in Kaduna. Kaduna United will host Yoca Crocodiles FC. This is the league opening game and the board and secretariat of the NLO hope to see very interesting football in Kaduna.” Ogunnowo said.

“We also expect to see more organized and better football games from the clubs participating in the 2024 season. The NLO clubs have done well in the past season, but they can also do better this season to continue to ensure a smooth flow of football at the league venues, devoid of any rancour or acts that can bring the administration of the game to disrepute,” he added.

Back with a Bang: Ogonna returns from injury to help Dino Sporting Club make more history in TCC League

 

Ogonna Hyacinth stole the spotlight as he secured the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in Dino Sporting Club's record-breaking win over Dannaz FC.

The talented forward, who had been sidelined due to injury following his return from the Viareggio Cup in Italy, made a triumphant return to the field.

Hyacinth's absence was keenly felt by Dino Sporting Club during his recovery period, missing out on key domestic matches. 

However, his comeback was nothing short of spectacular, as he showcased his exceptional skills by netting an impressive four goals in Dino's emphatic 7-1 victory against Dannaz FC.

This remarkable performance not only secured the victory for Dino Sporting Club but also earned Hyacinth the prestigious MVP title for his outstanding contributions on the field.

As one of Nigeria's brightest football prospects, Hyacinth's stellar display reaffirms his status as a rising star in the footballing world, promising a bright future ahead for both himself and Dino Sporting Club.

Top European scout storms Nigeria for AMAPRO Soccer Market

A renowned football scout, Harry Varley has stormed Kwara State, Nigeria for the maiden edition of AMAPRO Soccer Market where exceptional football talents will be showcased and exposed to a bigger prospects. 

The brain behind Amapro Soccer Market, Shogo Shodunnke on Sunday announced the kickoff date, venue and teams expected to showcase their players in the 2-day scouting tournament in Ilorin. 

“This scouting tournament was created to showcase talented players and put them in the path of greatness. 

“Harry Varley is the head scout for Belgian side KAA Gent in the Africa zone and we have established a partnership with him to create a platform for young talented players to showcase themselves and move up to foreign leagues” Shodunnke said on Sunday. 

Shodunnke also revealed that 12 teams will compete in the 2024 AMAPRO Soccer Market  at the Kwara State Stadium Complex.

“The scouting tournament will have 12 teams, HMK FC, AMAPRO SSA, Kwara Football Academy, Laycon FA, Abraysports FC, Young Antlers, ABS FC, Na Royal FC, Dickalo FA, DollyP FA and Watered Plants FA competing against one another in the 2-day tourney.” Shodunnke said. 

KAA Gent scout, Harry Varley said he is happy with the prospect of discovering talented players from the tournament and process their progress to greatness. 

“I’m always happy to be in Nigeria. I just want the teams to play their best players and see how we can identify the best among these players in the 2-day tournament.” Varley said.

NPFL: Micheal Ibe dedicates Katsina United's win over Enugu Rangers to fans

 

Katsina United's mercurial midfielder, Michael Ibe has dedicated his team's 4-3 win against Enugu Rangers to the fans. 

Ibe's two goals and an assist against his former club played a key role as the Changi Boys held on to snap Rangers' 10-match unbeaten run in the Middle 29 of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL encounter decided at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina. 

The former Aiteo Cup winner said; "Today's is one of my best games this season, playing against my former club, table toppers and scoring two goals in the process is massive, so I want to dedicate this win to the supporters, fans of Katsina United. 

"They have been consistent with their motivation, encouragement and support for us which have never gone unnoticed, God willing, we will continue to make them proud wirh solid performances like this that will be enough to end the season well for us," Michael Ibe told Nigeriafootball.ng after the match. 

The former Akwa United player has so far scored six goals and has provided same number of assists for the Changi Boys in this current campaign. 

Katsina United are currently sixth on the log with 44 points from 28 matches. 

They will be guest to Bayelsa United in their next match. 

By Favour Itua

Behold! The unsung heroes reshaping Gateway United's fate

 

In the unpredictable realm of football, fortunes can change as swiftly as the wind. Such is the narrative of Gateway United, a stalwart of the Nigerian National League (NNL) whose journey through the league has been akin to a rollercoaster ride. 

For the past 12 years, Gateway United, owned by Ogun state government, are akin to a patron lingering too long in a barbershop and inevitably getting their hair done. Yet, despite the near misses and tumultuous seasons, the team, under the stewardship of Samson Omiponle, has displayed resilience, epitomized by their 7 games unbeaten run. 

However, the current season didn't commence with the desired vigor for Gateway United. Hindered by registration issues leading to delayed start, the team faced early setbacks. However, the Gateway boys have mounted a formidable resurgence in the latter half of the season. A commendable seven-game unbeaten streak has bolstered their campaign, albeit with the ultimate goal remaining promotion to the topflight league.

While Osun United presently leads the pack, their position appears precarious, akin to an elephant perched precariously on a tree branch, destined to adhere to the law of gravity. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City, the second-placed team, grapples with a squad riddled with injury woes.

Amidst this resurgence, three unsung heroes have emerged within Gateway United's ranks: Sulaimon Ogunleye, Segun Simon, and Jamiu Hamzat. Ogunleye, a diminutive yet dynamic right-back, has blossomed into a linchpin since joining in 2020, showcasing proficiency in pace, precision passing, tenacious tackling, and composure under pressure.

 Likewise, Jamiu Amzat, a formidable left-back akin to Marcelo, dazzles with his dribbling prowess, complementing Ogunleye's defensive solidity.

 Completing this defensive trident is Segun Simon, a cerebral central defender adept at marshaling the backline, orchestrating play from deep, and launching incisive passes to ignite attacking forays. Segun Simon, former Warri Wolves' player was an integral player in the Sporting Lagos squad that ensured their promotion last season. 

As Gateway United's resurgence gathers momentum, propelled by the contributions of these unsung heroes, the prospect of, at least, NNL playoff beckons tantalizingly, marking a potential watershed moment in the club's storied history.