Kogi State hosts FOSLA U-13 Scholarship Football Tournament

 

The 12th edition of the FOSLA U-13 football tournament will hold on Saturday January 1st in Idah, Kogi state. 

The tournament which is sponsored by the former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi is aimed at picking players who are naturally endowed in the 9 local government areas of Kogi East and Lokoja. 

According to the organizers of the tournament, ,the 9 local governments and Fuji academy from Lokoja who are participating in the tournament are to arrive  Idah on the 31st of December 2021 for Screening and draws at 7am prompt

They said the tournament will starts immediately after the screening and draws at the Federal Polytechnic Sports Complex by 9am. 

Explaining further on the modalities of the tournament, the Team Manager of Fosla Academy, Malam Ibrahim Lawal said the four semi finalists in the last edition will be seeded to the quarter finals, while two others will play to join them, with another two selected on lots. He named the teams that will seeded to include Dekina LGA, Omala LGA, Ankpa LGA and the defending champions, Idah LGA. 

He said accommodation has been arranged for participating teams at the popular FOSLA hotel close to The Federal polytechnic Idah.

This year's tournament is a Special Edition in honour of the newly crowned and installed paramount ruler of Igala Kingdom *His Royal Majesty Dr Matthew Alaji Opaluwa.* 

In another development, the Board Secretary of Fosla Academy Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) has reminded the participanting teams that the tournament is aimed at aimed at supporting the indigent students who are eager to combine academics with football. He said only players  who are within the age limit of 13 years is eligible to participate. "That's children born not later than December 31, 2008 and in Primary six". 

" Fosla Scholarship program is specifically for children who are naturally endowed in the game of football but whose parents can not afford the luxury of supporting them to combine it with education. Selected players will enjoy the academic scholarship up to the University level " the former FCT FA Vice Chairman concluded.

Ex NFF President, Sani Lulu hails IHS over donatiin of Boarding Materials to Fosla Academy

 

Former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi has appreciated the management of IHS (Towers and Strength), a non governmental organization for donating boarding materials worth over N3 million to his pet project, Fosla Academy Abuja. 

An excited Lulu said the donation which is the first to the Academy since its inception 10 years ago, will serve as a motivation for him to continue to support the indigent students who are naturally endowed in the game of football to combine their career with education. 

He said that the Academy which is the first privately owned football college in Nigeria, has remained committed in sponsoring the indigent students from secondary school to University level. 

He further revealed that Fosla Academy have over 80 percent of its students on scholarship, with over 40 students studying various academic programs at the Nasarawa State University Keffi.

Lulu said the donation from IHS will go a long way in supporting the students in achieving their life ambitions.

Speaking on behalf of the donors, the Chief Operating Officer of the organization, Engineer Bala Halsey said the donation is to assist Fosla Academy in its quest in ensuring that the indigent students have the opportunities to better their lives in their chosen careers. 

He commended Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi for his selfless services to humanity, promosing that his efforts will surely be well appreciated in future.  

He finally advised the students not to take the opportunity given to them by Fosla Academy for granted, as such is always hard to come by.

Items donated to the Academy includes 100 six inches mattress, 20 dinning tables, 20 dinning chairs and 63 inches LG coloured television.

Fosla Academy to honour Nasir E-Rufai, Ogunjobi, Sarki Karshi, others at 10th Anniversary

 

Fosla Academy, the Premier Football College in Nigeria will honour Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir E-Rufai at the 10th year anniversary and graduation ceremony holding on 11th December 2021.

Announcing this in Abuja, the Secretary of the Fosla Academy Board, Patrick Ngwaogu said the honour bestowed on the Kaduna state Governor will be in recognition of his efforts in ensuring that the dreams of establishing the Academy came into fruition while he was the FCT Minister in 2006.

Ngwaogu said that the success stories of the Academy can not be written without a mention of the then FCT Minister who gave approval for the establishment of the premier football college in the capital city, which has gradually turned out to become a reservoir of talented football players in the country.

"we have to recognize the former Minister who is today the Governor of Kaduna State, because he helped in laying the foundation of what  we are celebrating today " the scribe said.

Continuing, Ngwaogu who also combines as the Director of Fosla Football Club said other important personalities that will recognized at the event will include former NFA Secretary General Late Taiwo Ogunjobi who was a Board member of Academy before his death, the Emir of Karshi Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, who incidentally is the Fosla Academy Board Chairman, Late Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, a former Director of the Academy, NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, FCT FA Chairman, Murthar Muhammed among others.

Fosla Academy was established by the former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi to provide opportunities for players who are naturally endowed to combine football with their academics. The Academy since inception has won the FCT Principals Cup from 2015 to date, won the National Principals Cup, won the silver medals of the NNPC /Shell All Nigerian Secondary Schools Football Competition, won silver and bronze medals of both Copa Coca-Cola and Etisalat U. 15 competitions among others.

The Academy has over 40 of her scholarship students running various Undergraduate programs at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, all of whom are members of the Fosla Football Club that plays in the Nigeria League One (Division 1).

FOSLA captain sees Unity Preseason Tourney as platform to sprout

 

Captain of Nationwide League One, NLO side, Fosla Football Club of Abuja, Peter Shedrack Brahimo has  described the preseason as a nice tournament, and one that will give his youthful team the needed experience to excel in the round leather game. 

Speaking after putting up exceptional performance in their second match against Cynosure FC at the on going Unity Preseason Tournament, the 300 level student of Nasarawa University Keffi, "We the young ones who are yet to play professional football, it is a good avenue to develop our talents.”

He further disclosed that his team has a lot of respect for all the especially the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side, but, they fear none. He however said they are ready to learn from the big players and move hard to attain their levels immediately they finished their academic pursuit. 

On their last group match against Nasarawa United, the Edo state born goalkeeper said “We are not afraid of them (Nasarawa United). There is no reason for us to get jittery. We will come out, work and pray; God will give us the victory.

“For sure, if we make use of our chances, we will be victorious,” the Nasarawa State University undergraduate said.

On his excellent performance against Cynosure FC, he said he only did his best while God took charge of the rest.

“It is God Almighty. I did the best I can and God did the rest,” he said.

He noted that the draw was not the result the team planned for but added that the they will work on their lapses as they face Nasarawa United

“It was not a bad result. We came to win but at the same time, we did not lose the match. It was good, though that was not the result we wanted but we still have one match left against a bigger side.

“We will go back, check on our lapses and improve.”

Unity Preseason Tourney: Wikki Tourists, Fosla FC record first win

 

... As Simonben FC inch closer to semifinals 

Wikki Tourists and FOSLA Academy on Monday won their first matches in the ongoing Unity Cup Preseason Tournament after they overpowered Capital City FC and Mavlon FC respectively.

Kabiru Adeniji got the curtain raiser for Wikki Tourist in the 34th minute when his well anticipated shot from a  build up with  Taye Muritala beat the opponent goalkeeper hands down.

 Anas Yusuf made it two for the Wikki boys in the 81st minutes and completed his brace three minutes later

A visibly excited Dogo challenged his lads to do better in the remaining games and he revealed that the games at the pre-season tourney would help his team prepare adequately for the new season.

Earlier in the first match of the day, Nationwide League side Fosla FC took early charge in group A of the Tournament as defeated another Nationwide League side Mavlon FC by 1-0 win. 

The encounter saw both sides playing brilliantly with Fosla been more forceful. 

The goal that separated the two teams came from a beautifully taken free kick from Fosla's  winger Mohammed Abdullahi (Kekere) was tapped into the net by Abdulsallam Abdullahi after the goalkeeper dropped off the ball. Fosla FC in their characteristics paraded all Undergraduate students of Nasarawa University Keffi. 

In the last match of the day, WACO FC surrendered their earlier lead to lose 2-1 to Simoniben FC of Kaduna. 

Hassan Abdullahi put WACO FC in the lead but Sadiq Abdullahi and Brooks Emmanuel netted one goal each in the second half to ensure the team owned by Nantes FC winger, Moses Simon earned maximum points from two games.

On Tuesday, Katsina United will test their might against NYSC Strikers in the sole match of the day.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Fosla Academy pips Mavlon FC to top Group A

 

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Nationwide League side Fosla Academy took early charge in group A of the Unity Preseason Tournament as they showed their superiority over another Nationwide League side Mavlon FC following a 1-0 win on Sunday afternoon. 

In what was the fourth game of the Preseason tournament in Abuja, both sides came into the encounter knowing that a win will put them in the driving seat following the earlier draw recorded on matchday one between Nasarawa United and Cynosure FC. 

Fosla were the better side from the blast of the whistle and almost made their dominance count in the 11th minute when a mix up in the defence line of Mavlon FC almost saw Agbo Isaac put through his own goal but the defender’s blushes were spared with the ball rolling out for a corner kick. 

Seven minutes later, Fosla took the lead, winger Mohammed Abdullahi fires in a promising freekick but a mistake from the goalkeeper saw him drop the ball with the ball falling into the calm feet of AbdulSalam Abdullahi who tapped home for 1-0. 

The goal brought out the best from Mavlon FC who twice came close to finding the equaliser halfway through the half but lanky striker Salim Fagbo failed to keep his shots down a blazed over the bar. 

The away side then continued to pressure for the equaliser before the break but a swift interchange between striker Fagbo and left-back Emmanuel failed to trouble the goalkeeper with the first half ending 1-0 in favour of Fosla Academy. 

The second 45 minutes then saw Mavlon FC make a double substitution as the duo of Elijah Entom and Aboje Omale were introduced with the away side in search of an equaliser. 

Not satisfied with the lone goal lead, the home side introduced Solomon Abraham as the striker almost had the dream entrance as he raced through on goal but his efforts flashed wide much to the relief of the Mavlon goalkeeper. 

Abraham then had yet another chance on the hour mark but he headed wide from a Mohammed Abdullahi corner with Fosla mounting on the pressure on Mavlon who were struggling to keep up with the fluidity of their opponents. 

Substitute Aboje Omale then entered the referees bad book following a reckless challenge on Onuche but the resulting freekick was blocked but a loose ball then fell to Allayi Haruna who hit a belter but the midfielders effort flew inches wide in goal. 

Abraham then had a chance to kill the game in the closing stages, but the strikers lack of composure in front of goal was his biggest undoing with Fosla holding on to seal a 1-0 win and move ahead of Nasarawa United and Cynosure in group A.

Nasarawa United, Plateau United, Wikki Tourists, others arrive Abuja for Unity Preseason Tournament

 

Nasarawa United on Friday became the first Premiership club to arrive Abuja for the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in the Capital city from 30th October to 5th November 

Speaking to the team before their departure on Friday, Nasarawa United Chairman, Barr. Isaac Danladi, stated that the Preseason tournament would give his team the opportunity to test their new recruits ahead of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League Season.

"Yes, the Preseason tourney is Kick-starting  on Saturday in Abuja, and it's a good preparation ground for us ahead of the new football season.

"The beauty of this tournament is the fact that it has in it top flight teams within the North Central Zone of the country, including former league champions, Plateau United FC.

"There are also Katsina United as well as Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi and other top second division clubs.

"Also, this tourney will offer us a serene atmosphere to work towards our programmes for next Season because at this time, we have to be far away from distractions."

Danladi who also heads the NPFL Club Owners' Association said the Club's participation at the preseason tournament is not all about winning it but to use it to fine-tune the team ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria Professional Football League Season. If we win, that's very good. If we don't win, it is good too. However we are going into the tournament with good vibes

Twelve teams split into three groups will participate in the one week-long competition.

Addressing his team before their departure, the General Manager of Plateau United Football Club of Jos Pius Henwan challenged his players to be good ambassadors as they participate in the Unity Pre-season Football Competition in Abuja.

Henwan reminded the players that they are representing Plateau State and as such , they should exhibit good conduct during the competition and do the state proud.

He explained that the team's continental aspirations start from now and challenged the players to work hard by winning the trophy at the end of the competition.

" Don't look at this Pre-season Tournament as mere friendly matches, but take it as competitive league matches because how well you do in this Competition will go a long way to determine our performance in league which kick off in few weeks .

He directed the head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu to drop any player who indulge in act of indiscipline stressing that there is no room for such players in the team this time around.

He reminded the team that management will not hesitate to drop any player who fails to live up to expectation stressing that there will no room for complacency in the team this season.

Technical Adviser of the team, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu thanked management for the opportunity to attend the competition and assured that the team will give a good account of itself in the tournament.

Other teams that have arrived for the week long tournament are Cynosure FC, Fosla FC, NYSC Strikers, Mavlon FC, Wikki Tourists and Sokoto United. 

Hostilities with begin on Saturday with Nasarawa United tackling Cynosure FC.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Mavlon Coach Agada talking tough ahead of Fosla Academy clash

 

Ahead of his side opening game at the Unity Preseason Competition, Head coach of Nationwide League One side Mavlon FC, Felix Agada has expressed his confidence in his side’s ability to pick up maximum points when they file out against Fosla FC on Sunday. 

 

Coach Agada who had been ensuring his wards are very much ready to give a good representation of themselves stated that an opening day win will put them in a very good position to progress from group A. 

 

The Abuja-based side has been intensifying their preparations with warm-up games against the likes of EFFC, Lucky Stars, and Dominion Hotspur, with coach Felix adamant that the games have helped his side prepare adequately for the tournament. 

 

“This is going to be a very big preseason tournament for us, a chance to prove that we are ready to compete and play against some of the best teams in the country and that is exactly what we plan to do with the tournament. 

 

“Our first game will be very important to how we perform and playing against a side like Fosla won’t be easy but I am confident in the ability of my boys to deliver the results come Sunday. We have played 6 games and have been unbeaten before now and we hope to continue with that form, coach Felix stated. 

 

Similarly the club’s director of Sports, Mr. Paul Ogunlaja has also promised that his side will give a good representation at the tournament and believes his side can progress from group A despite being handed a tough draw. 

 

Mavlon FC is in group A of the tournament alongside NPFL side Nasarawa United, NNL side Cynosure, and Fosla FC. They open their campaign with a clash against Fosla on Sunday before going up against Nasarawa United and Cynosure. 

 

A total of 12 teams are taking part in the week-long preseason tournament with the top three teams from each group progressing along with the best-placed second team to the semifinals of the tournament.

FCT FA partners Fosla Academy on Grassroots Football Development

Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA) chairman, Alhaji Abba Mouktar Mohammed has constituted a five man committee to work with Fosla Academy on the modalities for the development of grassroots football development in the Capital city. 

The FA boss made the pronouncement at the weekend when he received the Champions of the rejuvenated National Principals Cup, FOSLA Academy Karshi-Abuja in his office. 

Alhaji Mohammed who also announced a cash gift of 500,000 naira to the Academy, said the partnership will in the areas of infrastructural development, talent enhancements and exposure among others.

Alhaji Mohammed commended the academy for winning the tournament and placing the FCT in the world map adding that he would partner with the academy in discovering and nuturing future stars to stardom. 

“We at the FCT FA commended your efforts for winning the National Principal’s Cup and making the FCT proud, we would partner and support the academy in discovering,developing and promoting talents to stardom and also the coaches. 

“Our doors are always open to support the academy, we also appreciate the efforts of the former NFF President, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi for his role in developing grassroots talent in the nation’s capital”. 

Earlier, the founder of FOSLA Academy  Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, applauded the FCT FA Chairman, for his gesture and also reaffirmed the academy’s commitment in the development of football in FCT. 

Quoting his words, the former FCT Director of Sports said "On behalf of the management and students of FOSLA academy we appreciate the kind gestures of the leadership of the FCT FA, and we want to assure you  that we will support your giant strides in the discovery and development of Football in FCT and Nigeria in general. He said that the Academy is ever ready to partner with various organizations to empower the indigent students in football and other sports”. 

Fosla Academy is a foremost Academy in Nigeria where students combine education and football with many of them on scholarships to University level. Over 40 students from the Academy are studying various academic programs at the Nasarawa University, Keffi

Ahmed Fresh: My primary duty is to develop football

At the 2017 FCT Principal Cup Final, where Fosla Academy played GSS Kabusa, Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical and Development Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh declared that it’s his duty to develop football in Nigeria.

2016 FCT Principal Cup Kicks Off in Abuja

The 2016 edition of the FCT Prinicipals cup football competition will begin today in four different centres in the Federal Capital Territory.