NLO top brass meets Bayelsa government officials over grassroots football development

 

Chief Operating Officer Olushola Ogunnowo and League Manager Tayo Egbaiyelo (MON) during the week had a productive meeting with the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. 

The meeting in Yenegoa also had House Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Tare Porri, Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS), Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Mrs. Alagoa-Aigbiniode Grace in attendance.

Chief Operating Officer (COO), Olushola Ogunnowo, told NLO Media Channel. 

"We had a robust and successful deliberations with His Excellency, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and other key government officials in Bayelsa's sports sector, on how the state can inculcate one of NLO's major activities into its football programmes. 

"Governor Douye Diri deserves all the accolades he has been getting as his 'Prosperity Administration’ has impacted meaningfully on the youths via football and other sports. 

"Being a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Governor Diri's unparalleled commitment to sports is unmatched, as he has prioritised the development of sports as a tool to positively engage the youths in the state.

"No wonder Bayelsa is now ascribed as the Mecca of sports in Nigeria and home of grassroots football with the Prosperity Cup. 

"As the apex body coordinating grassroot football in the country and the largest teams and academies in Africa, the recent Afriskaut NLO Cup partnership has become one the most prestigious sporting events, showcasing our best talents to top clubs in Europe and of course, a global audience."

"Hosting one of NLO's major events at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenegoa will complement Governor Diri's agenda on grassroot football development," he said. 

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".

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.

Bendel Insurance vs El Kanemi: How Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu, Faith Irabor standstill in honour of Robert Akpenpuun

 

Chairman of the Chairmen of Benue State football council, Robert Akpenpuun was on over the weekend ceremonially " honoured" by Edo State government, and  Former Bendel Insurance striker now Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu for his consistent "moral uprightness" in the Nigeria football industry as he commissioned his last NPFL fixture before proceeding on Diplomatic journey, anytime soon. 

It was indeed a memorable day for the chairman of Vandeikya football council, Robert Akpenpuun seeing the new Head of  Nigeria Referees Appointment Committee of NFF, Faith Irabor  who equally joined the Sports- loving Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu as a mark of respect while 

players of both teams, Bendel Insurance and El Kanemi Warriors created an atmosphere best described as " Military Guard of Honour" to celebrate the highly "valor" Benue State football administrator,  Akpenpuun whilst passing through the aisle. 

Comrade Phillip Shaibu and Faith Iraboh in their remarks, spoke glowingly of the seasoned Match Commissioner, Robert Terlumun Akpenpuun publicly;

" I have known Robert Akpenpuun for years and he has always demonstrated uncompromising attitude whenever his duty calls in this industry. He is very diligent, focused, and ever ready  to give his best as a football administrator; and I am using this opportunity to bid him farewell on his journey out of Nigeria as a career diplomat. " Shaibu remarked with verve

Meanwhile, according to Faith Irabor;

" Robert Akpenpuun is not just one of the rare personalities with good track records in our football system but a brother, who exude qualities of a good leader; one of the major reasons he is wearing different caps aside from being a responsible 

Commissioner. When I got the hints about his promotion, I was very elated knowing that, it is a genuine sign of hard work and Grace; because he is moving on with his career paths and I believe the sky would be the starting point for him." Irabor enthused

Robert Akpenpuun as a senior figure amongst the Nigeria football federation (NFF) Protocol committee members had seamlessly ushered in major Drivers of football globally into the country, ie; FIFA President, Giovanni Vincenzo "Gianni" Infantino,

, Former CAF president, Ahmad Ahmad and Atletico Madrid Head Coach, Diego Simone amongst other international personalities in the football circle. He is also highly ranked with ( Star badges) as a staff of Nigerian Immigration Service.

Ladegbuwa, Mavlon, Kakawa get tricky draws at 73rd Viareggio Cup in Italy

 

The draws for the 73rd Viareggio Cup has been held in the representation room of the Municipality of Viareggio in Italy.

Nigeria trio of Ladegbuwa, Mavlon and Kawawa got their group opponents in the tricky draws.

Kakawa will battle with Fiorentina, FA Euro New York and Monterosi in Group B.

Group G should be easily navigated by Mavlon who have Bologna, Atromitos and Jovenes Promesas to battle with.

In Group G, Lagos based Ladegbuwa will slug it out with the likes of Rappresentiva Serie D, Sport Recite and Imolese.

The draws was met with reactions from many, but Ladegbuwa Sporting Director Mr Wale Joseph described the draws as ‘fair’.   

“It is a fair draw,” Mr Wale Joseph said to the Media on Saturday.

“You can’t ask for less, you can’t ask for more. It is a competition of 32 and you take whatever comes.

“We have played a couple of friendlies to keep our boys in shape and will keep improving ahead of the tournament,” he added.

Mavlon will also be using the tournament to expose their young players having toured two European countries in 2022.

The 32-team competition will hold from March 20 to April 3 2023.

16 teams converge on Abuja for Paul E football tourney

The stage is set for Abuja to host the Paul E Football U-17 Football Tournament to be competed for by 16 teams.

The tournament is scheduled to hold between April 14 and 23 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

According to the chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Patrick Ngwaogu, the tournament is for players born on or before 2006.

“The tournament is for Nigerians who were born on or before 2006. It is a U-17 tournament aimed at discovering new talents for Nigeria. We have abundant talents here and this tournament will play a huge role in unearthing these talents who can grow to be superstars in the future,” he said.

He further said the 16 teams were chosen out of 31 teams that applied to participate in the tournament.

“We had 31 teams from across the country that indicated interest in participating in the tournament. They applied and we screened all of them to get the 16 teams that we have now,” he stated.

Out of the 16 clubs, 10 are from Abuja, while Plateau, Niger, Lagos, Ekiti, Delta and Benue states have a club each.

Fortunate Cup '23: 16 Teams Set To Battle For Big Price

By Wale Mustapha

The organisers of Fortunate Cup have released the Grouping of the prestigious Fortunate Cup U-16 Championship.

The tournament in its third edition will see 16 teams battle for supremacy and over 300 players jostle for individual awards.

The tournament which is the brain child of ace entrepreneur, Alhaji Wasiu Adejumo who is the CEO of Fortunate Bread in Osun will take off from the preliminary stage. The opening game will feature perennial rivals Excel FC and Golden Boys on  Tuesday by 4pm at the main bowl of Osogbo Township Stadium. Kolawole FC will then trade tackle with Light Star FC in the second match, of the tourney the following day.

The tournament is aimed at discovering young talents and provide exposures for upcoming footballers in the state.

Defunct Olansile FC made history last time as they won it back to back. The tournament is powered by Fortunate Bread and endorsed by Osun FA. Fortunate Bread are producing quality products such as Jumbo, Sardine, Fortubite, Premium, Cluster, Fruitbite, Bamba , Tyson, and King loaves under a well controlled hygienic environment.

GROUPINGS

GROUP A

EXCEL FC

GOLDEN BOYS

KOLAWOLE FC

LIGHT STAR

GROUP B

YSF WARRIORS

GOLDEN STARS

YOUNG KINGS FC

NET BREAKERS FC

GROUP C

TSO FC

SHARP STRIKER

ZAKARIYAU FC

FORTUNATE FC

GROUP D

HADJI HAMMED FC

KAMAL FC

CITY ROLLER FC

LATONA FC

Full fixtures soon..

Ogba pays tribute to father of football in Mid-West, Late Etemike

 

The Vice-President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Solomon Ogba over the weekend paid glowing tribute to the father of football in Mid-Western state, and one of the fathers of football in Nigeria late Godwin Etemike who died recently.

“The Mid-West, indeed Nigeria has lost a genuine lover of football who gave his all for the beautiful. He was selfless, patriotic and empathic. As a Super Eagles star, he was ready to die for the jersey on the field of play, as one of the coaches that ensure we won the Afcon in 1980 the late Etemike endured sleepless nights to ensure we succeeded, we have lost a great Nigerian” said Ogba.  

He recalled that it was Etemike assembled the team that gave Nigeria her first continental title in 1980.

“It was Etemike that took Christian Chukwu and others to Brazil a few months to the 1980 Afcon before Otto Glory was appointed to take over of the team.”

Ogba recalled Etemike playing career in the colours of Stationery Stores FC of Lagos and then WNDC which later changed to IICC Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan, now 3SC and Plateau X1, and his days in the Super Eagles alongside greats like Eto Amaechina, Amusa Shittu, and Thunder Balogun. 

“He was one of our best and he played alongside the best players in Nigeria in his days. If he had been playing today he would have played for the best clubs in the world.”

His coaching career was no less illustrious according to Ogba.

He was the first Chief Coach of Mid-West Director of Sports, he led Bendel Insurance FC as chief coach to win the 1972 FA Cup against Mighty Jets of Jos with great players like Sebastian Broderick, Tony Ottah, Sam Ikeji, Victor Oduah, Peter Egharevba.”

Others clubs he coached are NNPC Warri, Sharks of Port Harcourt, Asaba Textiles Ethiope FC, Ika Rangers and NNB FC.

“Nigeria has lost a great man, his death is a huge blow to the Mid-West and indeed the sports family in Nigeria,” said Ogba

Olanlenge tasks Ekiti SWAN to prioritize promoting Ekiti FA activities

 

The need to use the media space to attract sponsors for the development of football in Ekiti State was the fulcrum of the roundtable talk between the egg-heads of the Ekiti State Football Association and State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

In a parley held on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, Bayo Olanlege, the Ekiti FA boss while affirming that his board will improve on the existing relationship it has with SWAN, did charge men and women of the fourth estate of the realm to disregard competitions that are not endorsed by the football body in the quest to promote association over street football in the new dispensation of bringing positive changes to the Ekiti State Football Ecosystem.

In his opening address, the passionate administrator had identified Ekiti SWAN as key stakeholders in effecting improvements on the running of football in the State in a way that can rub off gains on other components of the game and sectors of the state, which can also be emulated by other states.

To back this claim, he cited the Bet9ja Leagues holding in several states, an idea which was visibly promoted by Ekiti State FA.

Hence, he solicited the support of Ekiti SWAN to achieve the lofty goal of developing youths in Ekiti by enhanced football administration, through the sustained promotion of Ekiti FA activities, projects, products and spotlighting grey areas for corrections, this, he said will ensure proper visibility that will attract more sponsors to football.

Reacting to this, Chairman, Ekiti State SWAN, Alhaji Qozeem Oladapo promised a more professional dealing in their approach as supporters of progressive strides in sports, urging the FA for inclusivity in media relations for a better union.

Other comments from former chairmen of SWAN in Ekiti State, Mr Bayo Babalola and Ayodeji Ogunsakin, corroborated the importance of a cordial relationship and promotion of local content.

Present at the parley includes board member of the EKSFA, Mr Adegboyega Afolabi together with a large contingent of Ekiti SWAN members.

NNL: Ijaga in Jos with NAF Rockets to crash Mighty Jets

 

By Adams Jesse Odoba

Sensational striker Isreal Ijaga has disclosed that he is battle ready to crash highflying Mighty Jets at the new Jos Stadium in Jos when they face his side, NAF FC of Abuja  in one of the concluding fixtures of the on going Nigerian  National League (NNL).

Isreal Ijaga made this known during an exclusive interview with Adams Jesse as he said he is battle ready to lead his side to crush the Jos based side in front of their fans on Saturday.

"Yes, i am very optimistic that we will get a decent result when we travel to Jos against Jets, he said".

" The game is of most important as we need to avoid defeat of any kind to remain in the league".

On if he fancies his chances against the solid Jets side,  

"Surely, if given the nod to play against Mighty Jets then i have all it takes to wreck them and i believe we will get the job done, he conclude".

Ijaga Isreal joined NAF FC of Abuja from Amateur side Family Worship Center (FWC) FC where he scored 10 goals from 12 games to make the big move to the second tier of the Nigerian League.

Ijaga is one of the few young strikers that is fast, skillful and uses both feet to perfection with  scoring from tight situations his biggest asset.

Pinnick charges other zones to emulate South West

.... Insists Western Nigerian Forum will compel healthy competition

Amid pomp and glitz, but with a full appreciation of the task at hand, leaders of the South West zone of Nigerian Football on Friday in Ibadan launched the Western Nigerian Football Forum, and in the process unveiled the logos for both the Forum and the fulcrum, the Odua Football Leagues.

Ahlan: Football is my Passion

A love of football has been a constant in Alhaji Sheriff Inuwah Ahlan's  life, and a way to deal with challenges associated with the game is to give back in "cash and kind" to the game he so much loved.

JAMB football tourney: Elelu charges JAMB to embrace other sports

The Rector of Kwara State Polytechnics, Alhaji Mas’ud Elelu has praised the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for initiating a football competition among tertiary institutions in the country, even as he urged the body to expand it to a multi-sports event.

Open Letter to the FCT Minister, as Cows take Over Football Field in Abuja – by Aderonke Bello

I am writing you this letter with utter disgust and disappointment in the way your administration is handling the issues of herdsman in the capital city of Nigeria especially with recent residency of cows at the Area 10 old parade ground.

Ikeja City Mall hosts Freestyle Football Sunday

The first National Freestyle Football Championship in Nigeria organized by Feet ‘n’ Tricks Limited takes centre stage at the Car Park of the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos on Sunday.

On Friday, the Chief Executive Officer of Feet n Tricks, Odyke Nzewi, said all plans have been concluded to stage a memorable event that Lagosians would remember for a long time.

Nzewi said: “The concept is new here in the country but truth is the talents are here in abundance. We want to showcase those we have picked as finalists.

“Our team has been able to put in so much hard work in all areas of logistics to make the participants and fans enjoy the final on Sunday. We have some surprises too for various range of people on the day. We are excited and optimistic of a fantastic event.”

The event is being sponsored by GAC Motors, a product of Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company Limited and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The President and Founder of the World Federation of Freestyle Football, Daniel Wood will be in attendance for the final of the first ever National Freestyle Football Championship.

Nzewi added: “Wood has confirmed to be here because many people are excited that Nigeria is joining the big league of countries that have embraced freestyle football. 

“There are other top officials of the world body coming for the event and so we have doubled our efforts to stage a great Grand Finale come Sunday in Lagos.” 

A former Super Eagles skipper Nwankwo Kanu, is among the three judges to officiate the final of the first ever National Freestyle Football Championship.

A former European Champion, Daniel Mikolaj, who has consistently positioned himself as one of the Top 8 freestyle football athletes in the world in the past five years, is the head of the judges.

Joel Asare, who is a two-time Ghanaian champion, will also be one of the judges. Asare represented Ghana in Tokyo, Japan at the Red Bull Street world finals 2013. Another football legend, Moses Amata, has been named to join the judges team for the forthcoming National Freestyle Football Competition.

Thousands of entries were received via the designated registration platform where participants uploaded a 30 seconds video of themselves in freestyling.  

These video entries were subjected to a screening process by professional judges after which 16 male and eight female freestyle footballers have emerged for the July 23 finals.

Winner of the event will represent Nigeria at the Super Ball competition in Prague, in August 2017

#Rio2016: Siasia to Rest Stars as Nigeria U23 Arrive in Sao Paulo

Glory –chasing Nigeria U23 team has arrived in Sao Paulo ahead of Wednesday’s Group B final game against Colombia at the Arena dos Corinthians.

NFF Confirms Gernot Rohr as Super Eagles Gaffer

The Nigeria Football Federation and Mr. Gernot Rohr have signed a two –year contract that will see the former Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso coach work as Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles.

The simple ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja saw NFF President Amaju Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi signing on behalf of the Nigeria federation, in-between Mr. Rohr’s own signature.

Pinnick told thenff.com that the agreement is for two years, with the former German defender, who also coached top French club Girondins Bordeaux and elite Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel, handed a target of qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

“We are happy that this has been sealed and we can now focus on other arrangements for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in October,” said Pinnick.

Rohr, clad in a simple shirt and jean trouser and wearing a smile, said: “I am enthusiastic to get to work. This is a big challenge because Nigeria has big players everywhere and has the ability to do well internationally.

“I have a German heart – the heart of a winner. I have confidence that with the right atmosphere and the right support, the Super Eagles have the capacity not only to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, but get to the latter stages of the competition.”

Rohr, 63, will step out with the Super Eagles for the first time when Nigeria host Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Port Harcourt in a few weeks. Although the match is a dead rubber as both teams are out of the running for the tournament, it serves as a test game for the Eagles ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier away to Zambia on 3rd October. Nigeria will also play Cameroon and Algeria in the qualifying race.

Officials confirmed to thenff.com that Coach Rohr is scheduled to embark on VIP scouting immediately, which includes flying to Spain to watch the NPFL All-Stars play against Atletico Madrid and Malaga in Cadiz on Friday, in the Trofoe Carranza tournament.

The NFF