Lagos agog as Supremacy Cup kicks off with 10 team battle for honor, glory

 

In a powerful demonstration of their steadfast dedication to developing football talent and empowering young athletes, the Lagos Supremacy Cup is poised for a spectacular return, heralding its 19th edition filled with excitement, celebration, and abundant opportunities for aspiring football stars.

Scheduled for November 27-30, the 19th edition of the Lagos Supremacy Cup will feature 10 exceptionally skilled teams eager to display their abilities and vie for the prestigious trophy.

Among the participating teams are the defending champions Dino SC, Ikorodu City, Broad City, and Real Saphire, alongside Beyond Limits Academy, Seamoriow FC, 36 Lion, Bethel FC, MS Success, and Charlesann FC.

The event has attracted the interest of 10 scouts from leading European football nations, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Turkey, England, Slovakia, Denmark, France, and Germany, all keen to identify and cultivate the next wave of football talent.

This remarkable platform has made the possibility of talented players transitioning to international opportunities a tangible reality.

The Lagos Supremacy Cup has long been recognized as a vital venue for discovering football talent.

European scouts are set to return, eager to uncover new talents for potential professional contracts overseas. The tournament's distinctive “No Offside” rule enhances the thrill, promoting dynamic and high-scoring matches.

Spectators can look forward to elite competition, as clubs vie for dominance in this thrilling event, which is celebrated for its contribution to youth development in football. As anticipation grows, all attention will be directed towards Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where the future stars of football will shine.

FC Nwosu claims inaugural Ex Internationals Cup title as LSFA appreciates NFF, Soname others

 

The maiden edition of the Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup 2024, organised by Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), was successfully concluded Sunday, as it ended in a blaze of glory at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

In the final match, FC Nwosu defeated FC Ekpo, in a nail-biting penalty kicks of 6-5 after playing out a goalless 90 minutes in regulation time, to emerge winners of the giant trophy and the princely sum of N2 million.

Once again, like he did in the quater-finals and semi-finals respectively, goalkeeper Samuel Oriola of FC Nwosu, was the hero for his side as he saved two penalty kicks to gift his team the trophy.

And in its unique and refreshing style, the organisers made a resounding and unprecedented statement by ensuring that the winners received their prize monies of N2m, N1m, N500,000 and N250,000, for the first to the fourth placed teams respectively, just few hours after the conclusion of the games, to the delight of the winners, who were pleasantly surprised, as they expressed untold gratitude and appreciation to the organisers.

An elated LSFA boss, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, was thankful to God and everyone who made the tournament a success. Gafar remarked gleefully, that the tournament has set an enviable benchmark for football organisation in the country, which is synonymous with the Lagos State, as the centre of excellence.

While acknowledging the supports and partnership of Bet9ja, Mavlon Football Club, Owu Sportswear, Brila Fm, Sola Akinlade of Sporting Lagos, Liigi League, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu.

He added that with the able supports of the LSFA board members, stakeholders, associates and potential partners, next year's edition shall be better and bigger.

Hon. Kunle Soname, CEO/ President of Bet9ja and Value jet, who was obviously impressed by the standard of play and the level of organisation of the tournament, promised to give better support to the tournament in the next edition.

The final of the tournament which was, exciting, entertaining, glitzy and glamorous, was witnessed by the creme de la creme of Nigeria football, included Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, 1st Vice-President of Nigeria Football Federation; Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, 2nd Vice-President of NFF;  George Aluo, Chairman of NNL; Alhaji Inuwa Ahlan, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Chairman Ogun State FA; Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Chairman Ondo State FA.

Others include Hon. Olalekan Fatodu, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Prince Dapo Ajibade, Mutiu Adepoju, Coach Ladan Bosso, as well as States FA Chairmen of Edo, Anambra, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kano, Abia, Enugu and Plateau, respectively.

Fouad Oki drags LSFA Board to Lagos State Police Command

 

Former Chairman of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Ogboni Fouad Oki in another futile attempt to stop football administration and its development, has dragged congress members of the LSFA to the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja, on several spurious allegations.

Chairman of LSFA, Hajji Gafar Liameed, Friday morning, led other congress members on invitation of the Lagos State Deputy Commissioner, Operations, DCP Fatai Tijani, to defend the petition written against the congress. 

Oki had alleged in his petition to the Police that he was physically attacked and severely injured by over 30 officers from the DSS, on the orders of the LSFA Chairman, Gafar.

However, the petitioner, Fouad Oki, refused to show up at the Police Command. 

It would be recalled that he (Oki) had earlier charged members of the congress to a civil court, which is contrary to the statutes governing the game globally. 

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

Lagos FA floats tournament to celebrate ex international footballers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smart City beat 36 Lion to retain Jagaban Cup title

After Nail Biting Final With 'Determined' 36 Lion, Smart City Are Champions Of Jagaban Cup Again 

Smart City Harvest Jagaban Cup For The Second Time In A Row

Smart City have emerged champions of Jagaban Cup Scouting Tournament after defeating 36 Lion 5-4 via penalties at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday morning.

The result meant Smart City retained the title, having also triumphed in 2022.

In the third place match played earlier in the day, Dino SC fought gallantly from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against The Charlesann at regulation time.

The penalty shootouts saw Dino SC winning 5-4.

Memuda Emmanuel delivered a sumptuous effort beyond goalkeeper Samuel Oriola to edge Smart City in front on 20 minutes. 

A beautiful strike from ex Nigeria international Wisdom Ubani came off the woodwork as 36 Lion searched for the equalizer.

36 Lion deservedly restored parity through Lawal Seun who scored on the hour mark.

The game ended 1-1 after 70 minutes at Onikan and it all went onto what would be an intense and entertaining penalty shootouts you could see.

Smart City prevailed 5-4, thus retained their title.

Meanwhile, the Exhibition game saw Team Yellow&Blue humbling Iwowo&Alasho 2-0.

Brain behind Jagaban Cup, Gafar Olawale Liameed expressed satisfaction on success of the scouting tournament. 

"We give praises to God for His mercies and protection upon us throughout this tournament," the Lagos State Football Association Chairman mused. 

Speaking on plans to make subsequent editions of the tournament better and bigger, the President of 36 Lion Investment promised to bring lots of unique and exciting features to the tournament. 

"This is the second edition. Beyond the facts that Jagaban Cup symbolises the virtues and socio-economic re-engineering ethos of President BolaTinubu, it's equally a testament to our desires to birth a progressive and beneficial football ecosystem in Lagos and Nigeria."

"Football is my life. I breath and live for the beautiful game. It is my destiny, and I shall continue to work and collaborate with other genuinely concerned football stakeholders and investors, to return the glorious days of Lagos and Nigeria football," he added.

36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management Limited, Lagos Enigma and IFMM are official partners of Jagaban Cup.

Jagaban Cup is a powerful tool for societal change

 

Football has consistently served as a powerful vehicle for societal change thanks to the recognition and embracement of shared experiences which build character, teamwork, perseverance, and community.  

The game provides opportunities to confront adversity with confidence.

Football is a great unifier in times of war and peace, it has broken several social barriers.

The round leather game can teach us the importance of effective communication and sound judgment.

Jagaban Cup is a youth engagement empowerment through football, it is for the youths to show case their talents and get employment with football clubs in Nigeria and abroad. 

The competition has seen people from the different parts of Nigeria show the resilient part to be successful. The Nigerian spirit is something that makes us strong.

Football is about joy for the winner and momentary despair for the loser.

Asiwaju’s life has gone full circle with too many despairs and some joys. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu loves football, he lives his life for the youths, he is our father, as good sons and citizens of Nigeria we would always make our father happy. 

Jagaban Cup is not a celebration in any form, it is total Youth Empowerment, the previous Jagaban Cup gave young boys football employment contracts in Czech Republic, Switzerland, Spain and various clubs in Nigeria. More than Five Thousand individuals will watch the final on Friday March 29th at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Stakeholders commend organisers of Jagaban Cup

 

It is few weeks to the kick-off of the second edition of the annual Jagaban Football Cup, organized by 36 Lion Investment Limited, and football stakeholders and enthusiasts of the game, have been salivating on the expected thrills and feels during the tournament. 

Speaking on the tournament, Coach Dominic Etim of Akwa Ibom based Stars Football Academy, said he is eagerly looking forward to the tournament, which would feature eight of the best grassroots football teams in Lagos State. 

"I witnessed the first edition and it was pure excitement for all football enthusiasts. And I can't wait for this year’s edition to begin. I also wish the organisers of the tournament can extend the invitation to other states, so we can also expose our players to such top quality tournaments," he added. 

A former footballer Samuel Ibeh, who once played for Nigerdock FC, in the Nigerian National league, commended the organizers of the Jagaban Football Cup, for giving opportunities to grassroots players to express themselves for better career opportunities. 

"I wasn't in town to watch the games of the first edition of this Jagaban Cup. But the reports and remarks from some of my friends and former colleagues were encouraging. 

"And as a former footballer and lover of grassroots football, I shall be around with some of my friends to enjoy the games and also encourage the organisers," Ibeh said. 

The eight teams invited to participate in the tournament include, Ikorodu City, Broad City, Smart City, 36 Lion, Mavlon FC, Dino SC, The Charlesann and Imperial FA. 

Meanwhile, the second edition of the Jagaban Cup, which is scheduled to hold March 26-29, 2024, at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, would witness the presence of top foreign football scouts and managers drawn from different European countries. 

By Akeem Busari 

Eight clubs to jostle for second Jagaban Cup trophy as European scouts invade Nigeria to fish our more talents

 

The 2nd edition of Jagaban Cup powered by 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management Limited, IFMM and Lagos Enigma Group will be held between March 26th and 29th, 2024. 

The tournament will host European scouts at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos for 3 days.

Eight teams would feature in an effort to showcase their skills to foreign scouts with their eye on being invited to Europe for trials.

The previous tournament which took place in Lagos was very successful with scouts from Belgium, Turkey, Slovakia, Azerbaijan and Czech Republic in attendance. 

The outcome was invitation of several players to trials abroad and signing of deals.

Sochi wing back Solomon Agbalaka played in the first edition of the tournament.

Chief Organizer, Hajj Gafar Liameed briefed the Media on Tuesday night: "The scouts were happy with the standard that they saw in 2022 and believe there are many untapped potentials in Nigeria."

"Clubs have expressed their readiness to play the competition because of the opportunities and exposure it will bring to the table. We have already mapped out plans to surpass the successes recorded in the first edition.

"Flying Eagles defender Solomon Agbalaka is a product of Jagaban Cup. The lad has excelled so far in his stint at Sochi and we are proud that he is a player who shone at the Jagaban Cup.

"The aim of Jagaban Cup is to provide opportunities for players to excel in their careers and take the next steps to success. We did well to mobilize the youths to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in the first edition. They are excited to be part of this year's event due to the trust they have in us.

"Football is a unifying factor for the Nigerian youths. The feedbacks we got from the first edition was massive. The fans want to enjoy the feeling of the Jagaban Cup and we are excited to ignite the good feeling," the Lagos State Football Association Vice President added.

Teams invited for this year's competition are Ikorodu City, Broad City, Smart City, 36 Lion, Mavlon, The Charlesann, Imperial FC and Dino SC.

Hull City picks eight special talents from 'A Minute in Lagos with Hull City Scouts' tourney

 

The 'A Minute in Lagos with Hull City Scouts' tourney lived up to its billing on Friday 26th January, 2024 at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium.

The scouting competition was sponsored by 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management, and H.E.K United Sports Management Limited.

36 Lion, Charlesann, Imperial, De Shack, Dino SC and Collins Edwin all took part in the scouting exercise as Hull City Scout Mustafa Yokes selected eight players.

Some of the chosen ones are Ogonna Okoro (Dino SC), Samuel Isife (36 Lion), Mamadi Cisse (36 Lion) and Malik Musa (Imperial FC).

Yokes who witnessed the scouting tournament was impressed with the wealth of talents on display.

According to Yokes, he has commenced an immediate action plan that will see the spotted talents move to England.

"We have commenced plans that will see the outstanding talents discovered from the Tournament move to the next level of their chosen career," he said.

In the first game of the day, 36 Lion drew 1-1 against Charlesann. Imperial and De Shack settled for a goalless draw.

Meanwhile, Dino SC conquered Collins Edwin 3-1.

President of 36 Lion Investment, Hajj Gafar Liameed congratulated the players who made the final list and urged the rest of the participants never to give up on their dreams.

"In scouting programmes not all the players will make the list. In this one also, I saw the enthusiasm all of you exhibited. For those who didn't make it this time, I urge you all not to be discouraged. Don't give up. Keep training so you can make it next time," he said.

In the same vein, he lauded the scouts for honouring the invitation and doing a thorough job of screening 90 players from 6 clubs in only one day.

"For the scouts from England, I am excited by your professionalism. It was an amazing performance," he added.

FIFA bans Banik Ostrava over breaches in transfer of 36 Lion's Tijani Muhammad

 

 

FIFA have sent the Czech Football Association a letter in which they slammed a transfer ban on Banik Ostrava as a result of outstanding dues to 36 Lion Football Club.

The ban will only be lifted when Banik pay the outstanding dues they owe the Lagos based club for the transfer of Tijani Muhamed on 1st July 2023.

The letter received didn’t specify the number of transfer windows that Banik will be banned from, but only clarified that it is due to the former Flying Eagles striker deal with the Czech Republic top flight team.

Muhamed, 23, is a product of 36 Lion. He joined Slavia Praha from Banik during last summer's transfer window for €1.26m according to Transfermkt.com.

The transfer fee should have been paid over several installments; however, Banik failed to meet the deadlines as regards the fee meant for 36 Lion. 

Muhamed started his professional career at Banik after joining from 36 Lion ahead of the 2018/19 season.

He enjoyed loan spells at Trnava, Fotbal Trinec and MAS Taborsko.

Since joining Slavia Praha, he has struck four goals in all competitions.

Dino Sporting Club edge Mavlon to win 2023 Lagos Supremacy Cup

Dino SC Football Club of Abeokuta, Ogun State have emerged as new champions of Lagos Supremacy Cup.

In the final held Friday morning at the FIFA legacy pitch of National Stadium Surulere, Lagos, Dino SC defeated Mavlon 4-3 on penalties after barren draw at the regulation time.

In their semi final match played earlier today, Dino SC also defeated former champions, 36 Lion 5-3 on penalties after one goal apiece at the regulation time.

It was a tough final as Mavlon and Dino SC entertained fans with their football artistry. Both teams created some scary moments but failed to convert their chances which led to the penalty shootout.

Dino SC Coach, Godwin Gibson Zakka said they came to the tournament with determination and commended his boys for their commitment and doggedness especially in the semi final against 36 Lion.

“Of course, nobody gave us chance, but we have shamed our critics and proved the bookmakers wrong. Our tactics worked for us, and we deserved to be crowned as new champions,” he said.

While the Dino SC Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Omamofe Samuel expressed gratitude to God for the victory saying that it was a well deserved victory.

“We came, saw and conquered. I am happy that we achieved our target. Alhough we lost to Mavlon in our group opening match when we were not settled down. After the defeat, we were able to rise to the occasion and show football fans we are formidable team.

“I thank the coaching crew, players for their commitment and the management would continue to support the team in subsequent engagements,”he said.

Mavlon coach, Abdulraham Kayode Sulaiman said he was not disappointed with the defeat and congratulated his opponents for hard fought victory.

“We were unlucky at the penalty shootout. My boys did well but the better side won the game. It was a tournament that exposed my players and i thank the organisers for this initiative,”he said.

In his own comment, Tournament Coordinator, Liameed Olawale Gafar thanked the participants for their commitment and support to make this year’s edition a memorable one saying that the competition had recommended huge success.

Lagos Supremacy Cup gets November 14 kickoff date as 12 teams set to battle for star prize

 

All is now set for the 18th edition of the Lagos Supremacy Cup, a tournament which has been a proven avenue to unearth talents and to give youths hope through football. 

Talents like Olaitan Ishola (Troyes), Tijani Muhamed (Slavia Prague), Samson Akinyoola (Zamalek), Ade Oguns (Caracas), Yira Sor (Genk), Moses Usor (LASK), Azeez Oseni (Spartak Trnava), Solomon Agbalaka (Sochi), Quadri Liameed (Lleida Esportiu), Uchenna Aririerisim (Banik Ostrava), Joseph Ede (Mas Tarbosko) and a host of others have been discovered from this great tournament. 

It is tagged "No Offside! 

Operation Mark Your Man!"

12 teams have been selected to take part in the competition which begins on November 14th-17th at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. Registration is free.  

Speaking to the media at the weekend, Vice Chairman of the Lagos State FA and Proprietor of 36 Lion FC, Gafar Liameed shed light about the tournament. 

"We have seen over 50 clubs in Lagos, we painstakingly chose those 12 teams based on talent for talent, age for age and growth per growth of each selected teams."

"Scouts from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France and Germany would be on ground to move players abroad as usual," he confirmed.

Organisers of the competition say their goal is to find more talents from the country and give them hope through foreign deals and better welfare packages. 

These players will join a pool of other talents who were discovered in previous editions of the competition.

Four young players picked, as OB 12 Global wins 36 Lion Cup in Ibadan

It was a reward for hard work for four (4) talented youngsters who made the final cut, as OB 12 Global Football Academy were crowned champions of the 36 Lion Cup in Ibadan at the weekend.

OB 12 Global were unbeaten in the 4-Team football Tourney held at the University of Ibadan Pitch and Awo Stadium, as they defeated Pacers Football Academy on Matchday One and needed the lotteries of penalty to edge Jay Oxlade 2-1 after the full time result was  1-1.

36 Lion Investment, Demmysport Agency and Wabzeem Sports put together the Lions Southwest Cup -Fantastic Four, which had eventual champions OB 12 Global Football Academy, Jay Oxlade Football Academy, Pacers Football Academy and RFO Football Academy.

Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar, President of 36 Lion Investment said at the epic final: "The players selected,  Adebayo Solomon, Muftau Mubaarak, Shobiye Opeyemi and Mojeed Musa will be in Lagos and pass through a development programme and maybe a year, two or three hit the foreign market, all that depends on the growth of such players.

"A few will just spend six months with us before we transfer them. The players will be divided into three (3) grades of A, B and C. Among the players that were selected from the last edition, only one survived, because our football is not easy to play.

"Our coaching style is 'Go Army.Com'. If you can't be a soldier, you cannot play football. No matter how good your coach is, you must be able to be a warrior for you to play the game. One of the slogans of AS Roma of Italy, says 'Win or Die', while mine is 'If you're not willing to die for a job, you can't survive that job'. 

"Sesan Ayodele, was the player that made it and he is now in the UK, fully sponsored by this programme (36 Lion, OB 12 Global, Demmysport Agency and  Wabzeem Sports. 

"On our way to Ibadan, the youngster was invited to West Ham United to showcase his talent and the 15-year-old dazzled as he was the best player. He is also in the UK schooling and playing football, we believe he will end up becoming a top rated player in the UK when he's 18-years-old."

Speaking further, the Vice Chairman Lagos State Football Association (Lagos FA) gave a punchline, after he noted a drop in the quality of the main actors of football.

"Immediately after the programme, Coach Gullit and I have selected a player that can start making an impact in the Nigerian Premier Football League  (NPFL), from here he has earned an invite to Shooting Stars of Ibadan courtesy of the Oluyole Warriors Team Manager Dimeji Lawal.

"The quality of play all over the world is dropping, same goes with players as they think more of money than playing and I don't fault the trend looking at the different challenges. But I want to implore you as young players to keep working hard, and trust me when it rains, money will rain you up.

"Football is capital intensive, as it requires lots of funds, that's why critics think we waste money on football but we have the belief that we will recoup our investment with huge profits at the end of the day.

"OB 12 Global and Jay Oxlade, Pacers and RFO, ideally should be funded with a minimum of Five Million Naira (N5,000, 000) each per season by their Local Government, but we find ourselves in an unfortunate situation. We are doing a wonderful job in a very challenging platform, the platform is Nigeria and everyone will survive Nigeria.

"When I say we will survive Nigeria; the country will be here but we'll do good and revive our nation, because Nigeria needs a revival, and it's you all that will do it.

"When I said the quality of players dropping, normally I am supposed to select two young talents from the teams but I can only pick three players from the team that finished fourth. It's interesting as despite finishing 4th, we saw three best talents in the team.

"We'll invite the three of them to Lagos, the coach of the team has done a good job nurturing his lads, they fought a gallant fight in the tourney, while the players selected are rewarded for his hard work."

Hajj Gafar thumbs quality of LSFA Preseason tourney

Vice Chairman, Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Liameed Olawale Gafar, says he is satisfied with quality of games and organisation at the just concluded Pre-Season Tournament.  

The LSFA Technical Committee Chairman said it met expectations. 

"The LSFA Pre-Season lived up to expectations as participating teams built solid foundations for their fitness, agility and strength," Hajj Gafar told the Media.

"The whole concept was to discover talents capable of becoming household names in future. The talents on display really met expectations."

Tradesafe FC emerged champions after beating Ikorodu City in an entertaining final which was held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The game ended 2-2 in regulation time and Tradesafe won 11-10 in a marathon penalty shootout. 

An impressed Hajj  Gafar also spoke about the general performance of the teams and the quality of the tournament.

 "We noticed improvements in depths, technical ability, and optimum performances in a span of 5 days.

"The vision of the LSFA is to keep bringing on board innovations that promote and develop the grassroots. We are committed to fishing the stars of tomorrow.

"67 goals was scored and 5 clean sheets were recorded in 32 matches during the competition.  We are confident that favourable results shall be achieved in future competitions," Hajj Gafar added.

Meanwhile, in the third place match, Broad City defeated Spartans 6-5 on penalties after goalless  draw at the regulation  time.

Tradesafe received the sum of N500,000 with a giant trophy, while Ikorodu City got N100,000.

36 Lion wins inaugural Lagos City Cup

 

In a keenly contested final, 36 Lion defeated Prince Kazeem Eletu FC 1-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

At the end of the four-day intensive scouting featuring over 200 youngsters, 22 players were selected by the Barcelona and Athletic Sant Just scouts.

It was a clash of Philosophies as Prince Kazeem Eletu FC faced off against 36 Lion in the final of the Lagos City Cup.

The Lions set up in a deep block and hit Prince Kazeem Eletu FC on the counter and it was this approach that led to the early goal. 

Prince Kazeem Eletu FC got a lifeline when referee pointed to the spot following a hand ball in the Lion's box. The late penalty kick was missed.

36 Lion heaved a sigh of relief after winning another title in 2023, following the success of Lagos Supremacy Cup.

Lagos FA stakeholders allege being cajoled by Ex NFF Vice President

 

With the Lagos State Football Association election around the corner, immediate past 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi recently stepped down after 12 years on the hot seat.

Founder of 36 Lion Football Club, Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar believes Akinwunmi created a messy situation during his tenure in Office.

The Badagry born administrator dropped the bombshell via WhatsApp Platform, NSM on Saturday afternoon.

Hajj Gafar wrote: "BSA tricked us in Lagos and abandoned everyone when we needed him the most to remedy his many anomalies or, at the very least, partially repair the football ship he capsized, but alas! He ditched us in the middle of the lagoon."

"However, Lagos State Football Stakeholders won't perish; perhaps BSA forgot that the centre of Excellence comprises the Eguns, the Aworis, and the Ekos, all of whom are Great Swimmers. We will all survive this mess that BSA has forced onto us for more than 12 years. He would have done the same for Nigeria safe for the great delegates who voted wisely at Edo 2022 NFF Congress."

"BSA was supposed to be a friend and an elder brother to every single football family, as well as other football enthusiasts, but he limited the entire Lagos football system and even sat on an abnormal board for the last four years, cutting board members to six instead of nine. 

"The 2023 Lagos State Football Association election is just 19 days away, I hope this time we will all choose wisely," Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar remarked.

Several reactions followed the revelations by Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar.

Well respected football administrator and journalist, Wale Joseph enthused: "True Talk......Hope Lagos choose right this time around. The outgoing board has killed football in Lagos. All that was painstakingly worked for between 2011 to 2019 was destroy by BSA and his co-travellers who are bent on destroying it further. But God will shame them.

Canada based Arsenal supporter, Adewale Ajayi shared his opinion on the comments of Hajj Gafar.

"Lagos is too big a state for just a few men to take us for a ride. These men got their opportunity to change everything but they ended up changing nothing. 

  

"12 wasted years! The time for change is now. We are aware that the former chairman is not contesting but we are too intelligent to be deceived. We are saying NO to a weak stooge."

Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) election will hold on May 27.

Grassroot football enthusiasts laud organizers for excellent Lagos Supremacy Cup

 

Grassroots football stakeholders have commended the organisers of the Supremacy Football Cup, which ended today at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos. 

The keenly contested football scouting tournament tagged ‘No Offside’, featured 10 teams that included 36 Lion FC, Broad City FC, Spartan FC, Dino SC, SGFC, CATS, MS Success, TCCG, Lekki Jr and ASQ.

In the final match, 36 Lion FC defeated Spartan FC, 4-3 on penalties, after both sides ended the regulations time 1-1. Earlier in the third place game Broad City defeated Dino SC, 2-1.

Speaking at the end of the tournament which had local and foreign scouts waxing lyrical about the displays of the talented lads during the tournament, owner of Abuja based non-league side Royal United FC, Alhaji Kadiri Musa, praised the organisers for putting up a near-perfect tournament. He went ahead to admonish well placed individuals and corporate bodies to support and encourage the development of grassroots football in Nigeria. 

Chief Dipreiye Thompson, National Coordinator of Friends Of Nigeria Sports (FNS), was effusive in praises for Alhaji Gafar Olawale Liameed, the President of 36 Lion FC and major financier of the tournament. He described the renowned football administrator as a blessing to Nigeria.

“I have to commend the organisers of the Supremacy Cup, particularly, Hajj Gafar Liameed, for his ceaseless and selfless contributions to the development of football in Nigeria. I have keenly followed his activities, particularly at the grassroots level, and I must say, he deserves to be celebrated,” he added.

No Offside Scouting Tourney: Diamond Sports team up with Lagos Supremacy Cup

 

The Lagos Supremacy Cup Scouting Tournament will take place from March 25th to 28th at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Dino SC, SGFC, Broad City, TCCG, 36 Lion, CATS, ASQ, Lekki Junior Strikers, Spartan and MS Success will participate at the tournament.

In Group A are Broad City, TCCG, Lekki Junior Strikers, Spartan and ASQ.

Dino SC, SGFC, 36 Lion, MS Success and CATS are in Group B.

Diamond Sports has thrown its weight behind the competition as it fits into the vision of growing domestic sport.

"Diamond Sports is supporting organizers with the logistics that they require to pull off the competition because we believe in creating opportunities for young people to show their talent and be discovered," said Diamond Sports CEO Cem Sagar.

"I see the need to invest in young Nigerian people and create an environment where they can thrive and excel like their counterparts in developed countries.''

Organizers have continued to reach out to corporate partners and encourage them to support such domestic and grassroot sports to ensure deliverables and proper running of the lofty project.

The Lagos Supremacy Cup Scouting Tournament is also supported by 36 Lion Investment.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu: 36 Lion congratulates Lagos State Governor over reelection victory

 

By Wale Mustapha 

36 Lion football club of Lagos, have joined thousands of well wishers, that have sent in their congratulatory messages to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, after his re-election as the executive Governor of Lagos state. 

Founder of the club, Hajji Liameed Gafar, in his congratulatory message, described Sanwo-Olu as a builder who spent his first term in office, erecting new structures, upgrading and improving old ones and creating institutions for a better Lagos. He says he is particularly happy, that Lagos state under the present administration, has attained more excellence and will become even better, before the expiration of Sanwo-Olu's second term in office as executive governor. 

36 Lion football Club is a full fledged football academy formed since year 2000.  It is a corporate organization registered to educate, develop and promote young footballers in Nigeria/Africa, with the center of excellence, Lagos State, serving as it's base.

Since year 2000 till date, 36 Lion FC have enjoyed the Cooperation and support of the Lagos state government and that of the good people of the State and will continue to work with the state in whatever way it can, to help improve the lives of our youths through football.