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."

TCC League: Dino SC ends winless run with smart win over Imperial FC

 

Dino Sporting Club snapped their streak of disappointing results in the Creative Championship, TCC League with a 2-1 victory over Imperial Football Club in a Matchday 11 showdown at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode on Saturday.

The tightly contested game saw few chances in the first half, with both teams heading into the break deadlocked. 

Dino SC, however, stepped up in the second half, scoring two brilliant goals to take control of the match. 

Despite Imperial FC pulling one back late on, the Lions held firm to secure a much-needed win.

The victory comes as a relief for Dino SC, lifting spirits ahead of the festive season and boosting their position in the league standings.

Smart City, 36 Lion record big wins as Dino SC fall to Imperial in Jagaban Cup Day 2

 

Game Day 2 of Jagaban Cup was filled with surprises. Smart City humiliated Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Imperial secured massive three points against highly fancied Dino SC, The Charlesann overpowered Mavlon and 36 Lion showed no mercy to Broad City. 

The day began with Nigeria National League derby.  

Hammed Adepoju's first blood was cancelled out by Adelani Shola as the first half ended all square.

Smart pierced a sharp dagger in the heart of Oga Boys during the home stretch.

Monday Emmanuel and Ibrahim Fuad delivered crushing blows, as Chibuike Prestige was unlucky to bag an own goal in an unforgettable game for his team.

Broad City faced another tough challenge in a ding dong battle with 36 Lion. Bangoura Mohammed opened the scoring just after three minutes. Badmus Ahmed equalized 26 minutes later. In the 44th minute, Oluwafemi Opeyemi tapped in from close range. Broad City stayed in the fight but Bangoura extinguished their hopes with the "Insurance Goal" for 36 Lion.

A beautiful solo goal from Emmanuel Stephen of Malvon distabilized The Charlesann in the third match of the day.

But The Charlesann dusted themselves and fought like Warriors. They got their victory thanks to goals from Egeonu Collins and Emma Chukwu.

10-man Imperial needed to make a statement after disappointment in their opener with 36 Lion. 

Dino never really got out the blocks. They had good possession and missed two penalty kicks.

Chidera and Musa Malik showed efficiency to give Imperial a two-goal cushion. James Okpe accounted for the consolatory strike in a dramatic end to the game.

Day 2 Results:

Ikorodu City 1-4 Smart City 

 Broad City 1-3 36 Lion

The Charlesann 2-1 Mavlon 

Imperial 2-1 Dino SC 

Day 3: March 28th:

Smart City Vs Mavlon 7am

36 Lion Vs Dino SC 8am

The Charlesann Vs Ikorodu City 9am

Imperial Vs Broad City 10am

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.

Eight hidden gems to keep your eyes on at Lagos Supremacy Cup

 

Whether you're looking for some insight or amusement, take a look at our picks for the players to keep an eye on in the Lagos Supremacy Cup.

NB: This is the concluding part of the series......

Wasiu Jato [Corinthians]

Technically proficient with both feet, Jato can operate comfortably as an attacking midfielder, can beat defenders with pace or trickery, is excellent at pulling away from defenders to make himself available for a pass.

Egbedokun Samson [Mavlon]

A technically proficient midfielder, who's displayed a decent eye for a pass, Samson usually plays in a "number six" role as a deep-lying playmaker in a three-man midfield. 

However, he can use his talents in a more advanced midfield role, or as part of a double-pivot in a two-man midfield. He featured at the 2023 ViaRaggio Cup in Italy.

Ezeno Chidera [Imperial]

An all-round forward in the mould of Thierry Henry, the youngster is comfortable across the entire forward line, has great technique and crucially possesses the all-important goalscoring instinct. 

Quick, mobile and hard-working, Chidera uses his body well and has a good aerial game.

Stephen Tambari [SGFC Athletics]

A versatile defensive player, Tambari has been used at right-back and holding midfield, but is best suited to a centre-back role. Comfortable in possession, rather physically imposing and able to bring the ball out from the back. Tambari possesses the attributes to suit a centre-back role in the modern game.

Amos Mata [Dino SC]

Able to operate as the main striker, a second striker or an inside-forward, Amos Mata is the goal bomber of Dino SC. He is usually seen popping up across the pitch, usually in the half spaces. The lad is considered one of the best young talents in the TCC League.

Oyedokun Tosin [Ikorodu City]

Normally a "number ten", Tosin can also drift in from the right and has even played as an out-and-out striker at times.

 

Skilful, well-balanced, excellent at turning away from pressure, and capable of picking up dangerous positions, Tosin's vision is his most impressive attribute. He is superb at picking out reverse passes which can split defences and play in teammates running in-behind the opposing back-line. 

Ugochukwu Iwuala [DN10]

Iwuala is a fantastic goal poacher, who can shoot with both feet and knows where to be to sniff out the chances around the six yard box. He always presses the centre-half's not giving them time on the ball to pick a pass out. 

A big thing from his game that he has a fantastic first touch which is so important in a poacher's game if they want to be deadly in and around the box. Iwuala is also quite versatile in terms of playing on his own or in a pair upfront playing in numerous systems.

Kehinde Ibrahim [36 Lion]

Kehinde was part of the Nigeria squad that reached quarter final at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup. He featured in some games for the team. One of Kenny's main weapons is his electric burst of speed and frightening turn of pace.  

Raw and unrefined, there is a frenetic, almost roadrunner style, about the way he tears up and down the flank and is part of what makes him both so enjoyable to watch and so difficult to defend against.

Typically hugging the touchline and giving 36 Lion plenty of width, Kenny's fleet of foot helps stretch the opposition by either isolating the full back or getting in behind the defence.

Dino SC creates new TCC League record with fourth consecutive victories

 

Dino Sporting Club has made history in The Creative Championship, TCC League on Saturday becoming the first team to win their first four games. 

Under the guidance of coach Godwin Gibson, they secured a 2-0 victory against Imperial FC at Otunba Dipo Dina's Stadium in the Matchday Four of new season.

In a goalless first half, Dino Sporting Club shifted into high gear and scored twice during the second 45 minutes.

Ogonna Hyacinth, their star player, opened the scoring with his fifth goal of the season, while Chidubem Diji sealed the historic win with his first goal of the campaign. 

With this achievement, Dino Sporting Club maintains its perfect 100% record, leading the league table after four games.

Club presidents you want to meet at Lagos Supremacy Cup (Part 1)

Teams have been preparing so hard for the upcoming Lagos Supremacy Cup and well respected individuals have been working behind the scenes to ensure their teams are ready.

Who are the Club Presidents? Find out in our latest series.....

5. Engineer Samuel Olatunji Okuku [Tripple 44]

Engineer Samuel Olatunji Okuku created Tripple 44 for talent development. The team encourages development in football skills, while understanding the need for continued education. 

Tripple 44 has watered the lives of players like Peter Olawale, Emmanuel Adeyemo, Abel Ogwuche, David Habila and Ozor Okeke.

Tripple 44 have been able to create an enabling environment that promotes learning and enhances football performances, ensuring that all players and coaches enrolling in their programs will improve their skills and increase the chances of reaching professional football.

4. Samuel Omamofe Columbus [Dino SC]

The ambitious outfit was established by Samuel Omamofe Columbus.

Mr Columbus founded the club in order to be relevant and also continue to a contribute his quota to the development of youth football in Nigeria and Africa. Despite being a very young club, the Lions' Den have won laurels on the local scene.

Dino operate a unique, age-appropriate programme and provide their players with experiences that will help them to understand the values of football, to grow and succeed in life, and to play professional football at the highest level. To do that, the club employ experts with a wide range of skills both on and off the pitch.

Seun Egbewole, Timilehin Oluwaseun Adekunle and Blessing Essien Edet are alumnus of the club have taken their talents abroad.

3. Dickson Kabu Nwakaeme [DN10]

The club was established to build innate potentials, discover raw talents in kids and bring the best out of them. It is the project of Dickson Kabu Nwakaeme. The humble Kabu featured for Halmstad BK, KuPS, Aalborg BK, SLNA, Kelantan, Pahang FA, Angers SCO and Daejeon Korail FC in the past.

Coaches at the DN10 prioritise development of a player's physical attributes and ball-handling skills.

This institution places great deal of emphasis on footballing skill, which is why its graduates are making moves abroad.

Prosper Nwachukwu and Abuchi Onuoha are graduates of the team who are playing abroad.

2. Seyi Olofinjana and Bankole Atiba [Imperial FC]

Founded on 1st August 2009, Imperial was borne out of the careful introspection and desire of the visionary founders Seyi George Olofinjana and Bankole Atiba to give back to society.

The club, through its motto, Be the Best, looks to use football as a medium to make people better. Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is a graduate of the team.

The club offers something different and something unique by developing players both on and off the pitch, educating them through experiences that will shape their progression into young adults and giving them skills that can be used throughout their lives. 

It will interest you to know that Mr Olofinjana played for some finest clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hull City, Stoke City and Cardiff City in his glittering career. He was capped 48 times by Nigeria.

1. Dosu Jospeh MON [Dosu Joseph Football Club]

The quest to create a successful football entity that will last for generations necessitated formation of Dosu Joseph Football Club.

The objective of the team is to help groom the next generation of Nigeria’s football talent. The club is owned by former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dosu Joseph MON. The Atlanta 1996 Olympic games Gold medallist was on the books of Julius Berger and Reggiana in the past.

The goal of Dosu Joseph is to develop the entire potentials of footballers, national and international, soccer players in an unbeatable atmosphere that helps them discover and achieve their maximum level. 

Ifegwu Ojukwu a footballer plying his trade in Asia is a product of Dosu Joseph Football Club.

Organizers unveil 12 teams for 2023 Lagos Supremacy Cup

 

Twelve (12) clubs would participate at the 18th edition of Lagos Supremacy Cup, Organizers have revealed.

Lagos Supremacy Cup participants was revealed via the Official WhatsApp Group of the tournament on Tuesday morning.

The grassroot competition will hold from November 14th to 17th at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

36 Lion, Ikorodu City, DN10, Corinthians, SGFC and FC Bethel have been included in the tourney.

Others are Dosu Joseph Football Club, Imperial FC, Broad City, Dino SC, Tripple 44 and Mavlon FC.

The 18th edition of Lagos Supremacy Cup is supported by 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management and IFMM. 

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. 

The competition is tagged "No Offside! 

Operation Mark Your Man!"

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

The goal is to find more talents from the country, 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.

Dino SC claims derby bragging rights against Imperial

Two first half goals from Ilechukwu Friday and Pascal Chukwudi gave Dino Sporting Club a bragging right against their city rivals Imperial FC in the Matchday 15 of The Creative Championship, TCC League on Saturday.

The encounter played at the famous Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode was one of the early fixtures in the Matchday 15 which Dino won deservedly. 

Friday gave the Columbus Boys the lead in the quarter of an hour following a perfect team build up and put the host in a comfortable stead. 

Dino doubled their lead with just four minutes after the half hour mark with cool finish from their creative player Chukwudi given them full control of the first.

Imperial tried to stage a comeback in the second half but the hosts had taken care of the business in the first half and did well to protect the two goal cushions. 

The result has however moved Dino to second with 30 points ahead of Gbagada FC who will be playing tomorrow. 

Dino will next be taking on Iganmu FC in Lagos on Wednesday.