Alansmith delivers FIFA 2-star pitch for Imperial Football Academy

 

Alansmith Nigeria Limited has once again delivered a world-class sports facility to one of its clients, Imperial Football Academy, located in Odogbolu, Ogun State. 

This achievement reinforces its status as a leading player in the construction of sports facilities in West Africa.

Joshua Adamu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Alansmith Nigeria Limited, shared insights into the project, which was completed in record time. 

"The Imperial Football Academy sports facility boasts a 9,200 sqm pitch made of 60mm double-colour monofilament grass with a shock pad, rated FIFA 2-star," Adamu informed. 

"This makes it one of the largest privately owned pitches of this standard, as Alansmith Nigeria Limited is dedicated to sports development."

Adamu, a seasoned construction expert who has successfully established Alansmith Nigeria Limited as a prominent brand in sports facility construction, further remarked. 

"I remember when the project began; the site was in a remote location. We planned, budgeted, designed, and executed the entire project from start to finish, thus strengthening our reputation as the one-stop shop for a sports construction firm."

FUBF felicitates with Oliseh, FC Ebedei on Onuachu's FIFA award nomination

 

Barrister Churchill Oliseh and his club, FC Ebedei one of Nigeria's premier professionally-run football academies have received commendations from Family United By Football (FUBF) following the nomination of Super Eagles forward Ebere Paul Onuachu MON for the FIFA Puskás Award, which honors the year's best goal.

Last week, FIFA released a video showcasing the goals of all the nominees for the 2024 Puskás Award, and among them was the talented player from FC Ebedei.

Onuachu's remarkable acrobatic backheel finish during a match against Konyaspor last season, which contributed to Trabzonspor's 2-1 victory in the Turkish Super Lig, has made it to the list of 11 stunning goals competing for the prestigious prize.

FUBF, a vibrant sports advocacy group on WhatsApp, expressed their accolades while highlighting Barrister Oliseh and FC Ebedei's contributions to grassroots football development in Nigeria and beyond.

FC Ebedei is notable not only for being the only football academy and team in Nigeria to have three of its graduates—Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika—selected for the Super Eagles' silver-winning squad in the recent AFCON held in Ivory Coast, but also for being the first club in sub-Saharan Africa to have a player nominated for this FIFA accolade named after the legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás, celebrated for his remarkable individual goals.

As one of Africa's most respected football teams, FC Ebedei consistently produces top-quality players and stands out as one of Nigeria's best-managed football academies.

Through FC Ebedei, Barrister Churchill Oliseh has been instrumental in the careers of five Members of the Order of the Niger (MON): Sunday Oliseh, Dosu Joseph, Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika.

Barrister Oliseh’s success stories with Nigerian players are extensive, including his pivotal roles in the careers of Super Eagles legends Dosu Joseph and Sunday Oliseh. He provided the career pathway for Sunday Oliseh when he signed him to his first football team, JAMB FC, and helped Dosu transition to Europe from Julius Berger.

Before the 1996 Atalanta Olympics, Barrister Oliseh arranged for Dosu to join the Dream Team by purchasing a flight ticket from Italy, a cost he covered, which remains unpaid to this day.

Joshua Adamu: Expanding Alansmith frontiers to other African domestic leagues

 

Joshua Adamu, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of FIFA and CAF-certified synthetic pitch installation firm, Alansmith Nigeria Limited has given the main reason why they are the one-stop shop for stadium facilities.

Adamu in a chat with the press, expressed his delight as his work at the FC Ebedei Stadium is earning praises and that, about eight players have moved to Denmark to improve on their professional careers.

It two years and the FC Ebedei Stadium pitch is looking new, it says a lot about the job done and the quality of turf installed on the pitch, can you tell us more about it?

A-First of all I like to credit the team for always looking for the best, like I always say "a good product sells itself" Alansmith Nigeria LTD would give quality products, professional services and excellent after-sales service for maintenance in the long run.

During these two years, FC Ebedei has had about eight (8) of its players move to Denmark to further their football career, credit to the facility installed by Alansmith Nigeria LTD as it's part of the club's success story, so how delighted are you? 

I'm very intrigued that we have been able to bring European standards to Nigeria where there is no difference between playing abroad and on our turf which allows a smooth transition to where ever they find themselves because of the world-class facility they trained on while at home.

Teams have poured praises on your work, so how can teams in Nigeria's domestic league benefit from it?

We are accessible, we can be reached via Instagram and our website, and our motto is integrity and professionalism so teams in Nigeria who don't compromise standards and want quality jobs can rest assured that we are their one-stop shop.

Any plans to extend your work beyond the shores of Nigeria?

Yes of course, as we speak we are consulting for projects in African countries and with the COVID pandemic travel restrictions, we've been able to work with foreign partners on their projects here in Africa because we have the equipment and technical experience.

During the live streaming of matches at the FC Ebedei Stadium, comments are always made about the team and facility, how impressed are you?

I'm very impressed, the team is doing a fantastic job because the astroturf is giving the players a platform to showcase their talents and abilities and a good camera view.

Naija Ratels FC hails NFF, NWFL over FIFA’s COVID-19 Palliative

 

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC President, Barrister Paul Edeh yesterday commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) for the release of the FIFA COVID-19 Relief funds to Championship and Nationwide clubs. 

The astute Football Administrator lauded the Amaju Pinnick led NFF and NWFL supremo Aisha Falode for fulfilling the promise made on the relief funds. The Legal Luminary also noted that the FIFA funds came just in time for the club which is now engaged in the ongoing NWFL Premiership 2022 Season.

The Abuja based NWFL Premiership club in a statement through its Media Officer Amarachi Mira Emereonye acknowledged the receipt of funds from the NFF by the club on Wednesday. 

According to the statement, the club will ensure that the COVID-19 Palliative is well utilized for it’s main purpose. 

“Without exception, the spread of the coronavirus seriously affected football around the world, leading to suspension of leagues, postponement or cancelation. 

“It is no doubt that the fund is recieved as a major boost in Women’s football in Nigeria and would equally encourage more development in women’s football at the grassroot level. 

“It is on this notion that we truly want to appreciate the NFF and NWFL for this massive boost to clubs in the Championship and Nationwide. This would go a long way in helping all the benefitting clubs  Nationwide in continuation and further preparation for the League Season.

“Naija Ratels FC strongly identifies with the transparent manner in which the NFF and the NWFL distributed the funds to the various clubs in the second and third tiers of the League. 

“We will judiciously utilize the funds, by using it for it’s main purpose and urge other clubs to do the same too.”

In a spirit of unity, solidarity and mutual understanding, FIFA released funds to various Football Associations in the world to distribute across to football clubs and other related bodies in their federation, mainly to cushion the effect the virus had on football.

Heartland players drag club to FIFA over 8 months unpaid salaries

 

Ahead of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season scheduled to kick off next week, the players of Heartland FC of Owerri, have threatened to take the Naze Millionaire,  to World Football governing body, FIFA over eight months unpaid salaries.

Prior to the end of last NPFL season, the management of the Owerri-based side, promised the team, that all their financial entitlement including, the eight months backlog of salaries will be paid, but according to the players nothing has been paid.

With less than a week to start another season, in the Nigerian topflight, Heartland player who pleaded to be anonymous, claimed that the weak League Management Company (LMC) has failed them hence, they have vowed to take the club to FIFA as they seek for justice.

“It’s sad that we are here talking about our unpaid salaries of about eight months, after we involved the League Management Company who appear to be very weak and toothless.

“Some of us are family men, breadwinners of our families, we don’t have other profession than football, but it’s sad that after you worked tirelessly for a season, you still have to beg and cry for what is rightfully yours.

“We are highly disappointed with the LMC, because by now they ought to have sanctioned Heartland and place an embargo on them, but here we are, Heartland are preparing to start the new season, having completed half of the registration process with the same LMC.

“Since, it appears the League body can not help us, then we have decided to report the case to FIFA and see maybe we will get the desired justice.”

Opinion: Of Gernot Rohr’s Safety and NFF Shenanigan by Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello

Just before the Coach Scout - Gernot Rohr's exit from Nigerian Football....... 

The quote below was parts of a statement attributed to the NFF and circulated across social media some days ago. I am prompted to pen this opinion piece after waiting for the NFF for a rebuttal....it never came. 

“We told him that based on the conditions on ground, we can no longer guarantee his safety. We have given him a choice to take. Are you ready to work under such hostile environment or you want to walk away?” 

How unethical, a blatant dereliction of duty by the NFF. How unethical! ...a downright threat to human life....

Basically putting a gun to his head so to speak. Has Nigeria now gotten so bad that insecurity is what you should be using as factor to discuss a football contract? Subtle Threats? 

I am not a fan of Gernot Rohr, a stand that I have made known since his resumption, based on his poor records and dislike for home based footballers. 

In Nigeria, we have better indigenous coaches with better records and experiences. Rohr as we know is too inexperienced to coach the Super Eagles, he only got lucky, though he might have done well as coach for the Flying Eagles or Dream Team.

That said, how could the NFF say they cannot guarantee his safety? Such an unfair thoughts to process, or even say.

With this statement, they are exposing Rohr to imminent dangers. It means Rohr, 'you are on your own' whatever happens to you, deal with it!

While we impatiently await the sacking of Gernot Rohr as Super Eagles Coach, nothing must happen to Rohr. His absolute safety in Nigeria is NFF's responsibility and by all means necessary, they must ensure that he is safe while the contract lasts. No evil must befall Gernot Rohr. 

_As a matter of fact, if Rohr wants to play dirty, he could sue the NFF for that statement_

Is the atmosphere not hostile already? You guys are now throwing him to the lions, to be devoured? What if he was physically attacked by his perceived enemies or those that have been unhappy with his results as Super Eagles Coach, following your statements?

Whatever dealings you are having with the coach, he is representing our great Nation and, we must be honorable enough to ensure his safety. 

If the coach abides by the contract rules and he hasn't defaulted, the honorable thing to do is go back to the contract, pay him off, let him go, and not threaten him with insecurity. So insensitive! 

If you do not have money for now, both parties could sit at the table, make an offer, and negotiate. Hey Rohr, we only have 50% for now, we will pay at a later date. Very gentlemanly. 

This is the right time to employ someone you believe in. It is that straightforward, stop already with the play of insecurity cards. 

 

You cannot run away from your duties because there is a contract in place, Rohr has not breached it but Nigerians want him out! I want him out of the Super Eagles as well! 

I ask again, what is so special about Rohr, why does he seem so untouchable? If Rohr was an indigenous coach, would he have lasted this long? As we all know, he would have been disgraced and sacked long ago.

I will conclude by saying there is yet another crisis brewing and on the horizon for the NFF and if they want to make good plans ahead of the Nations/World Cup campaign, this is the time to fix it!!!

NFF, wake up!

_Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello is an award-winning Nigerian Journalist. Author. Gender Advocate and Sports Governance analyst. She writes from Abuja, Nigeria._

Aderonkeogunleye@gmail.com

ABC: "Lagos State Government are a strong pillar of support for Nigerian football" - Sunday Dare

The Lagos State Government has been commended for the successes recorded so far at the ongoing Aisha Buhari invitational tournament also  called the Aisha Buhari Cup.

The Governor Babajide Sanwoolu led administration has also been applauded for its support for football evidenced by their hosting of the men's senior national football team- the Super Eagles.

Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare remarked on Thursday that a lot of the successes recorded by the football teams in recent times would not have happened if not for the support of the Centre of Excellence- Lagos.

"Lagos State Government are a strong pillar of support for Nigerian football," Dare disclosed in his speech during the visit of the delegation from the world soccer governing body, FIFA, to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.

"Governor Babajide Sanwoolu and his team left no stones unturned. They have been a rock of support for our national teams - Super Eagles, Super Falcons and all the positive news about the ongoing Aisha Buhari Cup would not have been without them.

"It is important that we appreciate them for what they are doing now as well as praise and encourage them for the laudable plans in place for the future."

Governor Sanwoolu had revealed at the special dinner organised by the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) for the delegation of FIFA led by its President Gianni Infantino that the nine mini stadia would be built across the State soon.

He said these stadia would help in talent discovery, exposure and management in Lagos State.

NFF Boss, Amaju Pinnick sees Infantino, Motsepe’s visit as a boost for girl-child advocacy

 

President of the Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick says that the presence of President of world –governing body FIFA, Mr Gianni Infantino and CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe at the opening ceremony of the maiden Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament in Lagos on Wednesday is a huge fillip to the push for more interest and attention to the challenges confronting the girl-child all over the African continent.

 

“I feel very happy that Mr Infantino and Dr Motsepe were able to grace the opening ceremony of this special tournament. It is a bonus and a boost for the girl-child advocacy. It shows there is genuine desire and keen interest of football leaders to not only improve the standard and visibility of the women’s game, but to also scale up the lot of the girl-player economically and ensure she can earn as well as the boy-player.

 

“Already, we can see that desire and interest manifest with the increase in the participating teams at the FIFA Women’s World Cup to 32 – the same number as the men’s finals – as from the next competition in 2023. On the African front, the Confederation of African Football has put in place a CAF Women Champions League which finals will hold in November. All these are key building blocks to improving the lot of the girl-player.”

 

Infantino and billionaire businessman Motsepe who took reins of the African football –ruling body six months ago landed in the City of Lagos on Wednesday, hours before the commencement of a tournament staged in honour of the name and Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Buhari and with the instrumental theme, Playing for Good. It also dovetails with the key objectives of the First Lady’s Future Assured Programme (under the Aisha Buhari Foundation), which is concerned with the health, education and economic empowerment of women and the girl-child.

 

The two prominent figures in the global game shared the presidential box of the remodeled Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island with top –ranking political figures such as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, his wife Ibijoke, Youth and Sports Development Minister Sunday Dare and the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.

 

There were also FA presidents from other African nations, including Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku (who is also president of the WAFU B) and the president of Mali FA, Mamoutou Toure.

 

Infantino and Motsepe were then treated to a blue-riband dinner at the Sky Lounge of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, where they mingled with the best of Nigeria corporates that included billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote, Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and chief executive officers of NFF’s partner and sponsor-companies.

 

On Thursday morning, both eminent men flew to the nation’s Federal Capital, Abuja where they met with President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR at the Presidential Villa.

SESC Boss, Okumagba lauds Aisha Buhari Cup, celebrates Super Falcons bright start

President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club Prince Vincent Okumagba has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria for beginning the Aisha Buhari Cup on a good note after they defeated Mali 2 nil at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos. 

Prince Okumagba, speaking immediately after the match praised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), organizing committee for putting up this massive project. 

" It was indeed a nice atmosphere today, the last time we had something like this in Africa was the African Women Cup of Nations in Ghana, 2018. 

Once again, the NFF has shown how passionate they are for the development of Women Football in Nigeria, this will indeed go a long way in preparing the Super Falcons for the AWCON Qualifiers next month". 

The astute administrator lauded Chief Executive Officer, Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Limited, Ebi Egbe for his top notch job on the Mobolaji Johnson pitch.  

"The pitch is lovely, you can see how the ball move freely on it. 

I want to commend Ebi Egbe, aka Monimichelle for showcasing Lagos and Nigeria at large to the world. 

 I hope the Lagos State Government will ensure it is maintained regularly". 

Prince Okumagba hinted that there will be continuous support from the Super Eagles Supporters Club until the end of the event. 

Meanwhile, matches continue tomorrow at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium as Cameroon takes on Morroco by 4pm.

Thuraya charges Eagles to go for victory against Cape Verde

Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Malam Idris Musa Abdullahi has described the Super Eagles of Nigeria Clash with Cape Verde in their second group game of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifier as a trickish encounter.

 Ahead of the clash against the blue sharks, he has called on the players and technical crew to maintain focus and be wary of the threat the cape verdians might pose.

Thuraya, who was a key figure at the Teslim Balogun stadium On friday where Leicester's City Forward, Kelechi Ihenachos first half brace set Nigeria to the path of the 2-0 win Against Liberia, said:

" We have to be very discipline for this type of games, the cape verdians are no longer a pushover when you consider how they've rose in football for the past few years".

" Some of the players have departed back to their base in Europe meaning the technical crew has a lot to do in terms of getting the best leg out on the pitch and  there has to be a sort of improve performances from the Liberia game if we're to get any positive results from this game" He Said.

In another development, the Head of Media and Publicity of the FA, Bolaji Lawal confirmed that Secretary of the Association, Kashim Agaka was among the NIgeria Football Federation Delegates that departed Muritala International Airport for Cape Verde aboard Air Peace around 2am for match billed for the Aderito Sena Stadium in the Island of Mindelo.

Osimhen's story to greatness inspire me and my son into football

By Abdul Momoh

Azeez Olatunji; remember the name? It is expected that not many will recollect the name that early, but few soccer fans, especially Super Eagles' faithful will.

Olatunji was a die hard fan of Super Eagles' forward Victor Osimhen who jumped 30 feet down into the pitch celebrate with the Napoli forward when he scored for Eagles against Lesotho in an Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualifying match in Lagos.

In this exclusive interview with Abdul Momoh in Lagos on Thursday, the father of one who is also a grassroot football coach disclosed that Osimhen is his favorite player in Super Eagles and has inspired him and son to venture into the business of round leather game. 

The Iseyin born football enthusiast was arrested for his act on that day but didn't regret any moment of his actions even as he suffered a minor spinal disorder from the incident. 

"I love Victor Osimhen and I'm inspired about him and his story from grass to grace, he's really a motivation for me, my son and my young boys.

"So when he scored against Lesotho, I was so excited so I jumped 30 feet to rush to the field and celebrate with him.

I had spinal pain after and my family took me to hospital when I got home. I realize all is not well with me when I started urinating blood. I'm actually getting better but I'm still feeling a sharp back pain small small now. 

"I wasn't really care about being arrested for what I did because I satisfy my mind and wish. They took me inside Black Maria but when they saw my son crying seriously, they released me."

Azeez further added that he met the Napoli striker at his father's burial and was so happy to take a picture with and his son but looking forward to have a conversation with Osimhen.

I'm rooting for Osimhen to score two or more goals tomorrow.

"I was really happy to see him at his father's burial and it gave me joy that he agreed to take a picture with me and my son. I can't wait to meet him again and have a word with him.

"I'm a football coach my team is Ade Football Academy and I want to help young footballers like my son who I want him to be great in football like Osimhen.

I wish Nigeria win their match here and I'm rooting for Osimhen to score two or more goals tomorrow (against Liberia)."

Poland 2019: Aigbogun set to unleash Makanjuola to get Success against Ukraine

Head Coach of Nigeria's U20 national team, Flying Eagles, Paul Aigbogun is expected to ring his team ahead of today's make or break final group stage match against Ukraine.

Poland 2019: Makanjuola anticipates good runs for Flying Eagles

Flying Eagles' attacking winger, Success Makanjuola is relishing his first ever U20 World Cup with Nigeria expecting an historic outing from his team.

NFF announces TVS as official Motorcycle and Tricycle Partner of Super Eagles

As part of its efforts to actively drive engagement and promotion of Nigerian Football at the grassroots, the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday in Abuja signed an agreement with the Simba Group, to make TVS the Official Motorcycle and Tricycle Partner of the Super Eagles.

Dikko inducted into FIFA Committee

NFF 2^nd Vice President/LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko has been inducted into the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee, after attending his first meeting of the panel at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland on Wednesday, 28 February.

Mustapha, Adamu become latest Nigerians in CAF

The positive ripple effects of NFF President Amaju Melvin Pinnick’s election into the CAF Executive Committee 10 months ago continued on Friday with further key appointments of Nigerians into CAF.

Super Eagles sweat past Sudan to reach CHAN final

Nigeria overcame a number of adversities to reach the Final of the African Nations Championship for the first time after beating Sudan 1-0 in Marrakech on Wednesday.

Super Eagles will not underrate Sudan - Salisu

Head Coach Salisu Yusuf says his wards will come to the party with their iron gloves when Nigeria confront Sudan in the second semi final of the 5^th African Nations Championship in Marrakech on Wednesday.

NFF unveils Falcons coach, Dennerby

The record –breaking feats of the Amaju Pinnick –led Nigeria Football Federation continued in sleek fashion on Tuesday with the unveiling in Abuja of Mr. Thomas Dennerby, a former Coach of the Women’s National Team of Sweden, as Head Coach of the Super Falcons.

CHAN Eagles is a team of character - Ogbeide

Technical Adviser of Lobi Stars, Solomon Ogbeide has talked up the quality of Super Eagles B team at the African Nations Championship, CHAN which has earned them semi final ticket.