Mavlon Consults CEO Kenneth Agadagba, praises ASMA for grassroots investment awareness

The Chief Executive Officer or Mavlon Consults, Barrister Kenneth Agadagba has hailed the leadership of the African Sports Management Association for highlighting the usefulness of "grassroots sports investment"as  its theme for this year's Conference. 

ASMA is a renowned African forum for the promotion of educational and professional sports management, as well as in the management of sport-related disciplines within Africa and beyond.

Barrister Agadagba who was in Banjul Gambia for the 5th Biannual Conference stated that, his company has always focused on the development of football at the grassroots level and would continue to give provide platforms for the youths, to help them further reach their  career Goals. 

The Youth enthusiast who picked up an award on behalf of Captain Matthew Ijachi further added that, the lessons from the Conference would be well utilized when he returns home to Nigeria. 

“ASMA is a blessing to Africa, I must say. The theme "investing in grassroots sports is the surest way to achieving success" and could not have come at a better time than now. Several things ordinarily un- envisaged about sports were unraveled at this conference, all thanks to the content-rich resources persons who came up with this Thema

at the conference. 

“We at MAVLON group are very much enlightened and, we shall go back home with renewed vigor to investing in grassroots football, for the overall development of sports in the continent,’ Mr. Agadagba concluded. 

The Mavlon Consults CEO will now shifts his focus to the ongoing Mavlon U-19 Championship in Lagos, as his team continues their preparation for the 2022 Nigeria Nationwide League.

M

36 Lion product Collins Sor nets brace in Slavia Prague Europa Conference League win

It was Collins Sor third game since joining Slavia Praha from Banik Ostrava and he made it count by scoring a brace in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

The game ended 3-2 in favour of the reigning Czech Republic top flight champions at Sinobo Stadium (Praha).

The forward struck two clean goals that were enough to give the hosts a 6-4 aggregate win in their round of 16 encounter against Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Both goals were assisted by Ibrahim Traore and Tomas Holes, first in the 27th minute and then on 63 minutes. The 21-year-old was substituted on 83 minutes and replaced by Stanislav Tecl.

Sor was a rumoured target of top clubs in Europe during the January transfer window and could get new suitors after this impressive showing in Praha.

He has scored three goals in all competitions since pitching tent with Slavia Praha this season.

Another 36 Lion product Peter Olayinka also featured in the game while Bright Osayi-Samuel provided an assist for Fenerbahce.

Dino, Gbagada share spoils in six goal thriller

Dino Sporting Club failed to hold on to their incredible comeback against Gbagada as both sides settled for a draw in the final Matchday 10 fixtures of the Creative Championship League encounter played at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday. 

Dino SC who are still unbeaten in the last eight games needed a perfect response to clear a two early goals conceded in the first half. 

Gbagada who went into the the fixture with the mindset of revenge following their 0-2 home defeat in the reverse fixtures were two goal up within half an hour of the game through Semiu Fagbayi and Ademola Akibu, but Dino responded late on before the end of the opening half as both Elijah Adekunle and Hyacinth Ogonna make sure they head into dug out with even scoreline. 

Dino started the second half with more vigor and purpose and they went ahead for the first time in the game Ikechukwu Friday's 63rd minute strike. 

Just when the hosts were already settling for yet another win, Gbagada put their hope in shambles with an 86th minute goal from Rilwan Gbadamosi to end the game in three all. 

The result did not however do more damage to Dino's position on the log as they remain second with 20 points but more points separating them with leaders Beyond Limits. 

President of Dino SC who commended the players for their performance noted that he expected such response from Gbagada describing the result as fair one.

"I want to commend the boys, its a fair result as you know that Gbagada had lost two nil to Dino on Sunday, the return leg was supposed to have been played by Wednesday but moved to Thursday. 

"We also had a game against Giant Brillars from Enugu on Tuesday, so I commend the boys I think a bit of fatigue had set in, not withstanding the boys did well," he said. 

Ogunlaja bags special invitation for ASMA Conference in Banjul

 

Highly rated scout and player's intermediary, Paul Olayemi Ogunlaja has again been recognized as one of the best player's agents in Africa as he's been invited as a delegate for the ongoing African Sports Management Association, ASMA Conference taking place in Banjul, Gambia.

The young Paul Olayemi Ogunlaja is moving fast across the African continent, being recognized as one of the forefront in grassroots and youth development across Nigeria, with notable young stars he has discovered playing in the shores of Europe and in his country.

Ogunlaja who started out as a games prefect back in St Gregory’s College Ikoyi, Sports Director of his department and later in his faculty at the prestigious Lagos State University, Ojo.

He’s a member of the International Professional Scouting Organization, United Kingdom (IPSO) and a licensed Intermediary under the Nigerian Football Federation and FIFA.   

The CEO of Kiddos Recreational Activities and partners with OSIO and Tee Football Agency in Russia.

Ogunlaja Olayemi Paul is also known for organizer of the famous Mavlon U-19s Tournament in Nigeria with his partners Mavlon consults CEO Kenneth AGADAGBA and kidsport CEO Bukola Edem. 

The 5th Biennial Conference have notable delegates and high profiled Sports management personnel like Professor Oluwaseun Omotayo: ASMA Vice President and sports psychologist. 

1. Barr. Oluseyi Akinwunmi (1st Vice President, Nigeria Football Federation) Awardee

2. Alh. Mohammed Alkali (Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee Member) 

Chairman Nationwide League One.

3. Barr. Kenneth Agadagba CEO MAVLON CONSULTS (Rep. Capt. Matthew Ijachi, Awardee)

4. Mr Olushola Ogunnowo (Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Nationwide League One)

5. Mr. Paul Ogunlaja (FIFA Intermediary)

6. Alh. Abdul Zakari Team Manager Mavlon football club).

The African Sports Management Association, ASMA Conference taking place in Banjul, Gambia have since commenced on 22nd of February and will end on 25th of February, 2022.

Paulina Ali wants total focus from Naija Ratels as NWPL resumes for final phase

 

Naija Ratels begin a crucial month for the season with the visit of Seven time NWFL Premiership Champions Pelican Stars to the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja on Wednesday.

The 'One Day At A Time' Ladies lost narrowly to the 'Ayade' Ladies in Calabar three weeks ago, through a late penalty kick scored by Bella Obioma.

Clearly, still reeling from that 1-0 defeat in Calabar, Naija Ratels are keen on returning to winning ways as they host the team from Calabar in what promises to be a  mouth-watering encounter.

Start striker Olamide Adugbe, who missed the last game, should be ready for this game, while the duo of Bunmi Oladeji and Motunrayo Ezekiel, who have already missed a chunk of fixtures due to national team assignment are in line to come back to the squad for Wednesday's game. 

Olowookeere's side have eight points and are third on the log of Group A, while their closest rival on the table is Confluence Queens, who would be facing table toppers Nasarawa Amazons in Lokoja at the same time.

Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Nigeria National U-20 Women Defender and Captain of the side Paulina Ali feels her team will triumph if they play their own game. 

"If we stay focused, confident and play our own game, then we can get the result we want." Ali told www.naijaratels.com

"This is our first season in the Premiership and usually there is this kind of pressure on us, but we have gone past that. We want to keep winning games and playing like an unbreakable team. We have to keep pulling out good performances week in week out as we have gotten to the final stage of season. 

"We are focused and more determined now. Its just what we have been working hard for." She Concluded.

TCC League Preview: Dino SC aims to complete double against Gbagada

The reverse fixture of Matchday 9 in the ongoing TCC League sees Dino SC play host to Gbagada at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.

In this match, the Blue Eagles will try to bring an end to Dino’s unbeaten run while the host will also target to complete double against their guests.

Since their losses in their first two games in the league, Coach Godwin Gibson’s lads have not looked behind, recording a seven-game unbeaten run since, including a 2-0 win over Coach Akinyelu’s Gbagada.

With four different goalscorers in their last two games, including two clean sheets during that run, Gbagada will have their hands full, yet again.

FORM

Dino: WDWW

Gbagada: WWWL

STAT ATTACK

The last two league meetings between these two sides has seen six goals scored, with Dino scoring five of those goals.

MAN TO WATCH

Elijah Adekunle (Dino)

He has scored a third of Dino’s goals in their last three games. No doubt, he’s one to look out for as Dino seeks to continue their unbeaten run.

Evolution Cup: Magic Stars skipper upbeats ahead of Right2Win clash

 

Magic Stars FC Captain, Uzoka Uzochukwu has said that his team will come out good in their next game against Right2Win in the ongoing Evolution Cup at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

The Lagos based Nationwide League One team, who were involved in a car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway enroute Ikenne few days ago, lost 6-4 to Beyond Limits in their first game on Tuesday.

Udoka in his post-match chat said, "It was a good game and tough. Tough in the sense that we lost some 'starters' to injuries sustained from the car crash".

"The scoreline was not a true reflection of our play as we could have taken a point from the game. Nonetheless, our few misses from the spot kick, and not been able to make the most of the two clear cut chances that came our way in the last 10 minutes of the game actually cost us the result ". He reflected.

"That's football, we take the positives from the game and plan for the other matches as they come".

"I am glad few of my teammates have recovered well on time for our next game against Right2Win. That, has lifted the team spirit and we hope to put in our best in the game. I am aware  that our opponents have got 6points from their last two matches and that wouldn't discourage us".

The midfield maestro who, despite their defeat stood out in the middle of the pack received the 'man of the match award' at the end of the game.

Hosted to help NLO teams have adequate preparations ahead of the new season, Evolution Cup is sponsored by Alphakay International Sport and packaged by Sportsflames Communication.

Prof. Akinwunmi commences second year as FUL VC in grand style, receives two vehicles, fire fighting machine

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi has received two 18 seater buses and a fire tender as his second year commenced in a grand style.

The vehicles are to management in the movement of staff, students and to fight fire emergencies.

The two 18 seater buses and a fire fighter machine was donated by a public spirited individual.

Prof. Akinwunmi used the occasion to call on other public spirited individuals within and outside the state to assist in the development of the FUL, disclosing that the Federal Government cannot do it alone.

He described the funding of Education as a collective responsibility, said the Institution would from next week start visiting some indigenes of the State for assistance.

While pointing out that the task of making the FUL a world class institution requires the collaborative efforts of all, thanked the donor for the gesture.

In her remarks, the Registrar of the University, Mrs Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, commended the leadership of Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, described the buses and fire fighting machine as sign of greater things to come through partnership.

The Registrar explained that the success and failure of any organization rest on the leadership, described Prof. Akinwunmi's efforts thus far as commendable.

Earlier in an opening remarks, Mallam Umar Ibrahim, Transport Officer, FUL, said the donation of the buses and fire fighting machine was the  first of its kind since the establishment of the Transport Unit in October 2011.

He attributed the success to the leadership of Prof. Akinwunmi, pointing out that it will help ease the movement of staff and students.

Highlights of the ceremony was the official cutting of tape and test running of the vehicles by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi.

Match Report: Dino SC stretches unbeaten run to seven with famous win at Gbagada

Two second half goals from Ikechukwu Friday and Seun Egbewole earned Dino Sporting Club a famous 2-0 away win Gbagada FC in the Matchday 8 of The Creative Championship, TCC League on Sunday.

The encounter played at the Legacy Pitch in Lagos had victory written on it for Gbagada FC but the Samuel Columbus Boys as Dino SC are fondly called proved the doubters wrong with yet another incredible performance.

Both sides marched each other with strengths and tactics in the first half as they couldn't feel the rustling of the nets at both ends. 

Dino held on to thwart all threats posed by their hosts and head into the dug with relief.

The resumption saw a new approach and intent Dino side as they came out smoking and showed more purpose.

The tactics would then paid for Dino as they took the lead in the 56th minutes when Friday finish off a brilliant team build up. 

Just as Gbagada were trying to find a late equalizer following series of attack, Dino got what would the seal the memorable win as Egbewole scored following a swift counter attack.

With the win, Dino have now won six of their last seven games - playing draw in the other one and moved to second on the log, one point behind the leaders, Beyond Limit. 

Agbadagba sees 2022 Mavlon U-19 Championship as foundation for talent identification

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo 

Chief Executive Officer, of Mavlon Consult Mr. Agbadagba Kenneth Odobi, has revealed that the second edition of the Mavlon U-19 Championship would be a bigger success than the first as the tournament would offer young stars a chance to stardom  

Speaking during the start of the Championship which commenced today in Lagos, Mr. Agbadagba who is a preacher of getting players at a very young age stated that his company would always work with the grassroots to ensure they give the right opportunity to deserved young stars. 

“This year's tournament would be a foundation for talent identification and discovery, we have worked hard to always ensure young players get the right exposure and this year's tournament won't be any different. 

He further explained “I am very happy with the level of competition on display in terms of players and participating teams and I am very confident that come the end of the championship, top players would have emerged from here. 

The tournament has already given opportunities to players who now play their football abroad with the likes of Olubi Adams of Fk Zalgiris, Jamiu Arowolo of Samgurali Fc, Gabriel Dibowei of Minsk, and the top scorer who is currently in Portugal with FC Vizela all benefited from the championship. 

The Championship which kick starts today would feature 8 teams, with all the games taking place at the Legacy Pitch, in Lagos from the 20th of February till the 12th of June 2022.

Match day 1 results:

Mavlon  3 Vs 0 Surulere Warriors 

Kingspor 4 Vs 0 Springsoca 

Kidsport 1 Vs 1  Ablaze

Aremu returns to action in St. Pauli defeat to Hannover

 

St. Pauli midfielder Afeez Aremu made a return from injury against Hannover as they returned to German Bundesliga 2 action on Sunday. 

Before today's action, the Super Eagles' prospect missed St. Pauli's last seven games due to injury.

Aremu picked up harmstring injury which ruled him out for several weeks. 

The injury prevented him from playing for his team in matches against FC Schalke 04, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Holstein Kiel, Erzgebirge Aue, Hamburger SV, Paderborn and Jahn Regensburg.

The former Akwa United midfielder recovered and was handed his 14th league game of the season against Hannover at Millerntor-Stadion (Hamburg).

He replaced Eric Anders Smith after the hour mark as the match ended 3-0 in favour of Hannover.

St. Pauli won just three games without their star midfielder when he was nursing the injury.

Afeez Aremu's return to fitness will be a relief to coach Timo Schultz whose dream of leading the Neighbourhood Kickers to German top flight is still intact.

Amotekun's charm failed, Fire Service run out of water as maiden Ogun SWAN/Security & Safety Cup enters semifinal

The ongoing SWAN/Security and Safety Cup among security agencies in Ogun State has reached semi-final.

Four teams progressed to the Semi-final from Group A and B.

Nigeria Police finished top of Group A with 7points alongside second placed TRACE with 4points, while Amotekun and Fire Service crashed out of the competition.

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) qualified to the Semi-final with 7 points as leader of Group B alongside Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) with 5points.

The football team of Ogun state Police command will take on their counterpart from the Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, in the first semi final.

The encounter slated for the main bowl of MKO International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta will kick off by 2pm on February 28.

In the second semi finals, TRACE will battle NSCDC by 4pm at same venue.

According the Chairman, Main Organizing Committee, Mr. Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji, the final match of the competition will come up on Wednesday, 2nd March, 2022.

He said Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun will be the Special Guest of Honour, the Speaker, Ogun state House of Assembly, Prince Olakunle Oluomo is the Guest of Honour while the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Olumide Osoba is the Chairman of the occasion.

Ogunsiji added that the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde is the Chief host, the Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye is the royal father of the day.

E-SIGNED

SWAN SECRETARY

PAAU wallops UniAbuja 5-1 to pick NUGA 2022 football ticket

The Prince Abubakar University football team has qualified for the finals of the Nigerian University Games (NUGA) scheduled for University of Lagos in March this year.

The team came from behind to trash their UNIABUJA counterpart 5-1 to pick the Zone H ticket for the football event.

The team had earlier defeated their FUTMINNA and IBBU Lapai counterparts 1-0 and 2-0 respectively before taking on UNIABUJA.

UNIABUJA on the other hands, had played 1-1 draw with IBBU Lapai and defeated FUTMINNA 2-1to set a stage for a must-win final game with PAAU.

The match was watched by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Dr Daniel F. Atidoga, the Bursar, Mrs Aminat Anuhi, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, senior members of staff of the University, students and others too numerous to mention.

Apart from football, PAAU also qualified to compete for honours in Volleyball (female), 400 meters, 800 meters 1500 meters race, long jump and badminton events.

TCC League Preview: Dino's unbeaten streak faces real threat as they face Gbagada

League leaders Gbagada FC will welcome fellow top three side Dino SC to Lagos for a massive showdown at the top of the TCC log on Sunday.

 

The Blue Eagles secured a narrow win at Valiant last matchweek, while Dino claimed a comfortable win over rivals Atlantic Business in Ijebu Ode on Wednesday.

Both sides met in the TCC league last term. The first leg ended goalless while the last meeting on the final day of last season ending in a 3-1 win for Gbagada, a result that denied the Lions the title. In fact, this game is the biggest of matchweek nine.

 

Both teams are in rich vein of form and that makes this game a blockbuster for the neutrals to see while the top seeds do the battle on the turf on Sunday.

 

FORM

Gbagada: LLWWW

Dino: WWWDW

 

STAT ATTACK

5 – Dino are unbeaten in their past five TCC League games. 

Form:

Hosts, Gbagada leads the TCC_League table with 18 points from 8, while Dino are third with just two points adrift the leaders.

A win in Lagos could take take Dino to the top of the table for the first time this season.

Victor Ogunwusi: Nigerian born British citizen takes over as new Crockenhill Manager

... Takes Sam Sodge as assistant

A former Charlton Athletic creative midfielder and Nigerian born British citizen Victor Ogunwusi has been named the new manager of England's Kent County Football League side, Crockenhill FC. 

The 32 year old certified football coach has being in the coaching department of the team since 2016 before his latest appointment. 

Ogunwusi's first game as the new manager of Crockenhill will be against K Sports Reserves on Saturday at the NRG 24HR Gym.

Crockenhill is currently placed 16th on the Kent County Football League after 21 games and the Nigerian born player who is elated with the new role has however vowed to bring the winning days back to the Crocks.

“Have been a player at this club for over four years” have seen players come and go from my first game and have watched the club declined. 

"We have had one of the worst season in our history. Our struggled started with the club house been broken into just before the start of the season, few key players left just at the start of our campaign which let us going into games with our reserve side. Have accepted the offer to take this position simply because of my love for football and this club."

Ogunwusi who has beefed up the team with experienced players including former Super Eagles' defender Sam Sodje who will also serve as trainer believed Crockenhill will retain life in the Kent top flight division. 

"After playing over 70 games for Crockenhill and been to every single away grounds in the League, I have a good understanding of what it takes to defeat teams. I have brought in a few new players, I have brought in experience at the back with an ex professional defender Sam Sodje to coach and play with the boys. He has a good understanding of what it takes to play at the premier level so we are pleased to learn from him. 

Ogunwusi who has also played for Hampton and Richmond FC paid growing tribute to the Crockenhill chairman Steve Cullen for his leadership support and commitment to elevate the standard of the club just as he promised to make him proud. 

"Our Chairman Mr. Steve Cullen plays a vital and important role at the club, he makes sure the pitch is kept to standard, he makes sure the club house and bar are fully operational during games. Kits and refreshments for players are also taken care by him. 

"Cullen is the reason why I'm so passionate to remain at this club and help the club out. Big thank you to him for given me this opportunity. 

"We would like our fans to come down and show some support to this new crafted Ssquad and hope for a victory."

2023: We will buy Nomination/Intent form for Gov. Nyesome Wike, Says DG Wike4Nigeria Support Group

 

A Group, Wike4Nigeria Support Group has made money available for the purchase of Nomination and Intent Form for Gov. Nyesome Wike ahead the 2023 Presidential Election.

The Director General of Wike4Nigeria Support Group, Hon. Olumeyan Oluwafemi made the disclosure while speaking with Newsmen after inaugurating the Kogi State Chapter of The Wike4Nigeria Support Group.

The Director General said the Group clamour for Gov. Nyesome Wike of Rivers State is to enable him replicate the outstanding feat he has achieved in Rivers State for the Country.

The Group's Director General disclosed that having beamed their searchlights amongst the 2023 Presidential contenders in the Peoples Democratic Party, arrived at the conclusion that Gov. Wike has the capacity to unite and secure the country in view of his accomplishments in Rivers State.

The DG described Gov. Wike as a man of vision, a transformer, described him as a man who can unify the country and ensure growth and prosperity, reason why the Group's plan to buy him the nomination and intent forms.

The DG disclosed that aside the ongoing efforts to inaugurate all State Chapters of Wike4Nigeria Support Group, the Group will begin a nation wide advocacy to drum support for Gov. Nyesome Wike before the PDP Primaries.

The Wike4Nigeria Support Group with headquarters in Abuja, described the forthcoming 2023 general election as one that is a defining moment, reason why a credible and person with capacity should be encouraged and allowed to lead the country from the woods to prosperity.

The Director General called on all PDP stakeholders, youths, women and people living with disabilities to massively throw support for Gov. Nyesome Wike, pointing out that he has all it takes to lead the country.

2022 Mavlon U-19 Championship gets February 20 kick-off date

 By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

The 2022 Mavlon U-19 Football Championship would kick-off on Sunday, 20th February with host and defending Champions Mavlon FC headlining the participating teams at this year's edition of the Tournament which offers youngsters a lot of chances to greater career in Football. 

 

The Championship  will feature 8 teams from two states ( Lagos and Benue), would be an upgrade from the inaugural edition of the championship with this year's tournament lasting for 17 weeks as against 10 weeks, in the previous edition. 

 

Defending Champions Mavlon FC OF Otukpo, would have their hands full against 7 other teams with only the top 4 teams, after a home and away league format advancing to the final playoffs to determine the winner of the Championship. 

 

Speaking ahead of the competition's first fixtures, CEO of Kiddos Recreational and Head Organizer of the tournament, Mr. Paul Olayemi Ogunlaja stated that this year's edition promises to be more exciting with more assurance of opportunities for  the Talented players. 

 

“The tournament is a great opportunity for rare talents aged 19 and under to showcase their Football ability. it's also a perfect competition to help them develop and become great players in the future because, players from this tournament have gone ahead to excel outside the shores of the country" he revealed

 

He further explained that, "Last year we had players who played and have moved like Olubi Adams of Fk Zalgiris, Jamiu Arowolo of Samgurali Fc, Gabriel Dibowei of Minsk, and the top scorer who is currently in Portugal with FC Vizela. 

 

Domestically teams from the NNL and the NPFL also come in and scout for players, so it's a tournament that brighten up the future stars and we have maintained that the event is strictly for only U-19 players ,’ Mr. Paul concluded. 

 

A total of 8 teams will competitively show what they are up to in a league format from the 20th of February till the 12th of June, and all games will be played at the Legacy Pitch; Lagos with the top four advancing to the final Playoffs round. 

 

 

Participating Team's 

 

Mavlon Academy: Otukpo Benue 

 

KIDSPORT FC: Lagos 

 

Kingspor: Lagos

 

Surulere warriors: Lagos

 

96 champions: Lagos 

 

Ablaze Fc: Ijede Lagos 

 

Spring soca: Lagos 

 

Schmit Fc Lagos

St Pauli midfielder Afeez Aremu anticipates Eguavoen's call to Super Eagles

The hard tackling player is one of the highly-rated defensive midfielders in the German Bundesliga 2 and according to him, it will be a dream come true if he is invited into the team.

"You know that every player wants to play for his country and for me, I have been playing active football in Europe for the past four seasons moving Norway to Germany. I am waiting for a call-up to serve my nation so if the opportunity comes why not, I will gladly welcome it," Aremu said.

"I am a very disciplined player so if I get the needed call up, I will be able to mastermind the midfield for years to come. It will be a dream come true.

Aremu expressed optimism on the Super Eagles' hopes of qualifying for the World Cup at the expense of Ghana.

"We have a quality squad capable of beating Ghana at the playoffs," he mused.

"The coaches also have what it takes to help the Super Eagles overcome the hurdle."

The former Akwa United enforcer has now played 13 times for St Pauli this season and is a regular for his side.

He has impressed greatly for Hamburg based side in their bid to gain promotion to the German top flight.

Afeez Aremu who has missed his team's last seven games due to hamstring injury is expected to play against Hannover 96 on February 20th.

St. Pauli are first on the Bundesliga 2 ladder with 41 points from 22 games.

Olamide Adugbe: A teenager at the forefront of Nigeria women football

Olamide Adugbe has proven to be one of the best players of her age, and is already compared with some of the best Nigerian women footballers. 

The young forward broke into the scene earlier this season, scoring important goals for NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels. The Edo-born striker scored one of the best goal in the league on Matchday two against Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. A special goal that earned her side a precious point in Benin, wowing everyone at the Stadium. 

The former Nigeria Women National U-17, Flamingos Star, has scored four goals in just five matches in the top Women Football League in Nigeria (NWFL Premiership). She primarily plays as a striker and sometimes plays from the wing and has proven to be highly effective from both wings. 

She likes to dribble past defenders, has got a tremendous pace and takes great long shot. She gets involved in link-up play as well with fellow teammates Aminat Bello, Blessing Sunday and Motunrayo Ezekiel. 

The 18 year Old special talent also gets into good positions in attack, in order to receive threatening passes from her teammates, lays off defenders and cuts inside with short passes linking up with other attacking players.

Meanwhile, Adugbe has attributed her phenomena skill to Bayern Munich and Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski, who she described as her role model in the world of football. 

Lewandowski is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, and is even considered by many to be one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time. An accurate and efficient finisher with his head and both feet, Lewandowski is a prolific goalscorer and Olamide feels she just want to be like him. 

The young forward also noted that her parents gave her the full supports, from childhood, especially her dad, who was always gifting her soccer balls to play with right inside their living room.

"I started playing football right from when I was a kid." She said.  

"My Dad played a huge role in my career, from when I started kicking the ball. He always gifts me the soccer ball and played it with me. It was kind of weird for some people, because in Africa, the girl-child isn't expected to play football. 

"Then when I started growing up, I started watching Robert Lewandowski. Learnt alot from him, his aura for goals and the way he positions himself on the pitch of play. One day I hope to be as popular as he is." 

Adugbe also hailed her present team Naija Ratels and the Club's President, Barrister Paul Edeh, who have been so supportive since she arrived at the Abuja based club. 

"He (Edeh) has been a  father figure to me and all the players in the team. He regards us as his daughters and that says alot. It is one of the reasons we always put all our efforts whenever we wear the yellow and green shirt of the Ratels."

Adugbe is no doubt, one of the most sought out players in the NWFL Premiership and surely do have a bright future ahead of her.

Amobi breaks silence on how Rangers won NPFL title in 2016

Former Team Manager of Rangers International F.C of Enugu, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku has attributed the success recorded by the Flying Antelopes in 2016, as a conceited efforts of the Enugu State government. 

Ezeaku who spoke as a Guest to the FCT SPORTS UPDATE Personality Interview Segment said the he State Government in 2016 had the deep desire to lift the trophy and break the 32 years jinx.

" In a bid to do so people were asked to apply for the positions they felt they were capable of working in. That singular act to me started that journey to glory. I recall the Governor particularly telling me he wanted international best practices". 

"In 2016 when I got to Rangers, we made frantic efforts to get the players to hold us in trust and to hold us accountable. We first found that most of the players didn’t have copies of their contracts and we had to start from there. The structure at Rangers then was good. All we did was to get a psychologist and a physio on board. And of course with the sound technical crew we were good to go".

Continuing, Amobi said "In a nutshell I would say that once the players trust the Manager/Management the work becomes easier". 

 

On his recent course overseas, the former school boy player said "For my UEFA Certificate in Football management Course, I had always believed in improving myself, but when I served at the NFF in 2013 and the trio of Barr. Musa Amadu, Okey Obi and Dr. Emeruwa drummed those sermons about personal improvement as an avenue to generating values to the society.

"I knew it was worth it. Coming from very experienced seniors and achievers, you could bet I was not going to relent on that. Of course everyone prays to grow, so it would be correct to say I look forward to greater opportunities for the future".