Ogunjobi Gold Cup salutes Remo Stars, Sporting Lagos, Beyond Limits for CAF, NPFL, NNL feats

 

Organizers of the prestigious preseason tourney for domestic league clubs in Nigeria, Ogunjobi Gold Cup have given salutes to the management and technical staff of Remo Stars, Beyond Limits, and Sporting Lagos following feats they recorded at the football season-ending playoffs.

Remo Stars, the Optima Energy Gold Cup defending champion, made history in June at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena after they picked a ticket to feature in the prestigious CAF Champions League in the 2023/24 season, just a year after playing in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The club had recorded significant success after its academy team, Beyond Limits gained promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) following a 4-1 playoff victory over First Bank.

Sporting Lagos, against the odds, made a bold statement on Monday as they became the first Southern Conference team to earn a promotion ticket to the Nigeria Premier League with a game to spare at the playoffs in Asaba.

Coach Paul Offor guided his team to back-to-back wins against FC One Rocket and Abeokuta Stormers, to stay top of the group after Matchday 2 on 6 points.

Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator of the tourney, "Congratulations to the Remo Stars, Sporting Lagos, and Beyond Limits for the successes recorded in the 2022/23 season. 

"We are delighted to be part of their success story as the Ogunjobi Gold Cup/ Optima Energy Gold Cup was the platform they used to get in shape for the football season that's almost ending.

"The interesting aspect of it all is the three clubs are privately owned, so the feat is a reward for the huge investments. The trio clubs are now a model and reference point for intending football investors to follow. 

"I want to charge the management of the teams not to relent in its drive to make their teams a top brand in Nigeria's domestic football by aiming for more successes, good luck for the future."

Ogunjobi Gold Cup celebrates Sports philanthropist, Hon. Soname at 57

 

Organizers of the nation's prestigious pre-season club football tourney, Ogunjobi Gold Cup has felicitated with Honourable Kunle Soname on his 57th birthday celebration.

General Coordinator of the tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen on Thursday poured encomiums on the Ikenne-born businessman.

"I join family, the Nigerian football circle and indeed the many lives he has touched to celebrate Soname, a rear gem, perfect gentleman, business mogul, and philanthropist, whose generosity knows no bounds.

"A man who has set standards, that only a few who share the same life ideologies with him can match, as he has written his name on marble in many things he has laid his hands on from business, football and human development.

"In our sector, football, Soname represents hope for the youths as he is the biggest private investor in the beautiful game, with his multi-million naira investment on Remo Stars and Beyond Limits.

"It gives the Ogunjobi Gold Cup brand prestige to be associated with the Remo Stars President in the last 10 years, as we also celebrate him on his special day.

"Blessed with the riches of life, what I pray almighty Allah (God) for, is more years of sound health for Honourable Soname and the wisdom."

Ogunjobi Gold Cup bags Oduduwa University Sports Award

 

Its another milestone for the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament as it will receive a Sports Award from the Oduduwa University Institute of Sports.

This will be a 5th award for the Ogunjobi Gold Cup organizers who hosted its 9th edition in Ikenne and Sagamu last month. Recall Remo Stars were crowned champions after they defeated Shooting Stars 4-0 in the final.

General Coordinator of Nigeria's First Pre-Season Tourney, Tunde Shamsudeen will receive the award on November 26th at the Ipetumodu campus of the University in Osun State.

According to the varsity Director of Sports, Adewunmi Michael Oluwatosin, the Ogunjobi Gold Cup was considered on merit for the award going by its track record.

"The Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney which concluded its 9th edition is one tourney that is consistently managed by Shamsudeen and his team. 

"When you look at the status of teams that participate in it yearly, shows its importance, as the tourney is the best platform where teams prepare for the upcoming football season.

"The Ogunjobi Gold Cup is also another avenue for our domestic players who are seeking new deals to express themselves to both clubs and managers.

"It's an award truly deserving to Shamsudeen, as the Ogunjobi Gold Cup have impacted the lives of our youths and the development of the game of football which unifies us all as Nigerians."

Shamsudeen expressed his delight as he thanked the Institute of Sports, Oduduwa University for yet another laudable award.

Top personalities to receive award at the citadel of knowledge is the Osun State, Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Honourable Yemi Lawal, and Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede. 

Others includes HRE Dr Ramon Adegoke Atobatele Adedoyin Maye Yoruba Land ( Chief Host), and Prof. Benjamin Segun Aribisala, Chancellor (Host).

Lanre Ogunjobi aims to surpass Late father's records in football administration

Lanre Ogunjobi has revealed that his goal is to better his late dad Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi in football administration cum marketing.

Speaking before the final of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, a pre-season tournament in honour of the late Nigeria Football Association(NFA) Secretary-General, Lanre expressed delight that his dad is still been recognized. 

"My dad left a good legacy as one of the best football administrators in Nigerian. I also want to follow that part as I work in the Marketing Department of League Management Company (LMC).

"Am still learning the ropes but obviously, as I grow in the job I know I will achieve my dreams as am also very passionate about Nigerian football.

"Late Ogunjobi was astute with his administrative and management skills but for me, my focus is more on the business side of football.

"We all know the beautiful game is capital intensive and requires a lot of funds, so my job as one who has marketing skills is to convince our corporate Nigeria clients to put their monies in our football."

Lanre, scored the organisation of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup high as he also thanked Nigerians that have been of the successes the tourney has recorded.

"The pre-season tourney which started nine years ago keeps improving and raising the bar as the best in Nigeria.

" We family members of late Ogunjobi, are thankful to everyone who has supported the tournament and the General Coordinator Tunde Shamsudeen and his team. 

"I saw the semi-final game between Remo Stars and Tornadoes, it was a cracker. Remo Stars also showed class winning the final against Shooting Stars. From what I have seen, my family and I are looking forward to the 10th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.'

The country's first pre-Season tournament was proudly sponsored by Optima Energy, and funded by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Club and ITS Football Management.

Organizers praise Optima Energy, clubs, others over Ogunjobi Gold Cup success

 

Organizers of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup have expressed their sincere thanks to its proud sponsor, Optima Energy, after a successful hosting of the nation's premium class pre-season tournament.

Remo Stars defeated their Southwest derby rival Shooting Stars 4-0 to become champions of the 9th edition of the tourney which was co-hosted at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen who expressed his delight said, "The success recorded during the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in Ikenne and Sagamu can not be overemphasized, but this could not have been achieved without the huge support from Honourable Kunle Soname, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, President FC Ebedei and a top brand like Optima Energy.

Family members of late Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Secretary-General, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi and other VIPs that attended the final.

"FIFA and CAF certified synthetic pitch installation firm, Alansmith Nigeria Limited for a good job done on the FC Ebedei Stadium which hosted some matches.

"Our other partners, European Football Scouting Platform based in Finland, Afripro and the duo Nigeria indigenous sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear who were also part of our success story.

"Not forgetting also, the participating clubs and their coaches, 2017 champion Niger Tornadoes, MFM FC, FC Ebedei, FC Yobo and Beyond Limits, who used the platform to showcase the football talents we have in the three tiers of our domestic leagues and prepare their teams for the new Nigerian football season.

"We also want to thank the board of Ogun State Football Association lead by Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi for giving the Ogunjobi Gold Cup brand the enabling environment to thrive.

"Also the beautiful game of football can not be complete without match officials, we want to thank as they were professional in their duties all through the tournament.

"Furthermore, I want to thank members of the Sporting media in Nigeria for professionalism and delivery of contents of the pre-season tournament."

The country's first pre-season tournament is also proudly supported by Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Club, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Club Owners scribe hails Remo Stars Stadium as huge investment to boost football development in Nigeria

 

The ongoing construction of a multi- billion naira Remo Stars international stadium in Ikenne Ogun State South-west Nigeria has been described as a major boost to the growth and development of football in Nigeria. 

Speaking with Sports Writers on arrival at the stadium project in Ikenne Saturday,  Executive Secretary of the NPFL Club Owners Association Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka described the state of the art facility as a massive investment in the football industry.

Chukwuemeka who was a guest at the final of the Ogunjobi Goldcup preseason tournament took a guided tour of the facility through many standard pitches and commended the Owner of Remo Stars FC for adding value to football and youths development in the country. 

According to him " Critical infrastructure development remains key to rapid growth of football, this facility is massive and a huge investment to develop football, he said.

" Iam very sure that if governments at all levels can replicate such a structure in the 774 local governments areas in Nigeria, then we are good to go, so we must commend Hon. Kunle Soname for this huge investment coming from the private sector to boost football ",he concluded.

Remo Stars maul Shooting Stars to lift Ogunjobi Gold Cup

 

Remo Stars have been crowned champions of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup after they defeated their Southwest derby rivals 4-0 in the final hosted on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium Stadium in Ikenne.

A hat-trick from unsung hero Andy Okpe and one from former Oluyole Warrior striker David Ojukwu was enough for the Sky Blues Stars to humiliate 3SC and win the nation's premium class pre-season tournament after breaking their seventh-time semi-final jinx.

Shooting Stars goalie Detan Ogundare gifted Remo Stars an easy chance to score three out of the four goals the team conceded within 15 minutes owing to his carelessness with his passes to his defensive line.

At the half-hour mark of the game, Remo Stars were the better side in the contest, as they kept the pressuring on Shooting Stars for an opener.

The first chance at goal came in the 26th minute after Tolulope Ojo low drive shoot at Detan Ogundare went off target.

Then, the real chance came in the 42nd minute after Andy Okpe capitalize on Detan's poor clearance pass to his teammate to poke into the net the first goal of the game.

Five minutes into the second half, Ojukwu punished his former team as he made it 2-0 for Remo Stars.

Mercurial midfielder Dayo Ojo take advantage of Detan's poor pass again, to give Ojukwu a pass and the striker made no mistake than to shoot the ball into the net.

Okpe, in the 57th minute then bagged his brace putting the icing on the cake for the Sky Blues Stars nodding in the empty net from Tolulope Ojo's cross to make it 3-0.

As the game near 10 minutes to end the derby, Okpe then scored a brilliant goal with his head to bagge his hat-trick, as he made it 4-0 for the Sky Blues Stars to put the game beyond the reach of the Oluyole Warriors, and took home the match ball.

Victorious Remo Stars then took home the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000) while 3SC got Three hundred thousand Naira (N300, 000) as runners-up.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ogunbote wants Ogunjobi Gold Cup title to boost Remo Stars' pedigree

Gbenga Ogunbote says he has no special plans for Shooting Stars in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup final, that he could name an unchanged team as the aim is win the trophy on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium.

The Oracle who won the tourney as Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt gaffer said, "That we have defeated a former defending champion of the pre-season, Tornadoes is gain saying that Remo Stars deserve to be champions too.

"However, meeting Shooting Stars in the final makes it a difficult one but Remo Stars will go into the the game like it has done in the other games it has played."

Asked if he would name a different team against the Oluyole Warriors, like he did against Tornadoes.

"I have made use of 28 players in the tournament, I may decide to or not to rotate my starting team against 3SC."

Regarding his team's hard fought victory over Tornadoes in Thursday's semi-final, "Forget about our result against Tornadoes, they were a worthy opponents against us in the semi-finals.

"Am looking at the strength of my team, so we played against an NPFL side and you can see the quality they gave to Remo Stars. It's a good one for my players and it's going to boost their confidence level as we go into the new domestic league season.

"We are not going to be carried away by the victories he have recorded in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, the loop holes we noticed in the course of our matches, I want to assure that we will also proffer solutions to them."

Recall ABS FC of Ilorin are the defending champions after they stung Gombe United 3-2 at the last edition in Ilorin.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Detan Ogundare trusts Shooting Stars credentials to win Ogunjobi Gold Cup

The Oluyole Warriors host their Southwest derby rivals Remo Stars in the climax of the 9th edition of the prestigious pre-season tournament at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Detan, a former Flying Eagles shot stopper said after his saves in the penalty shoot-out against MFM FC propelled Shooting Stars to their first Ogunjobi Gold Cup final.

"'It's another final game for us, and a tough one as both teams are rivals and want to win the Ogunjobi Gold Cup for pride and for fans.

"For any team can win but 3SC has the edge going into Saturday's final. Recall Remo Stars forced us to a draw in the NNL Super 8 Promotion play-off in Enugu and we did beat them recently via penalties in one of the pre-season games. This time around, they can't escape it will be Shooting Stars at the end of 90 minutes." 

His thoughts after he replaced his goalkeeping partner Charles Tembe on the dot of 90 minutes after scores stood at 0-0.

"Not much of a feeling as I knew it was my turn to make an impact in the game and I had the confidence that my team would steal the evening.

"I was so delighted that my coaches believed in me after they introduced me into the game against MFM FC for the penalty shoot-out. 

"They know it's one of my specialty and glad I didn't disappoint after I stopped two of MFM spot kicks."

ABS FC of Ilorin is the defending champions after they stung Gombe United in a 5-goal thriller at the last edition in Ilorin.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ogunjobi's family, Optima Energy Rep, Osun FA Boss, NPFL Club Owners Scribe for Ogunjobi Gold Cup Final

 

Family members of late Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Secretary-General, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, representative of Optima Energy, Chairman Osun FA and some big-wigs in Nigeria's football circle will be guests at the final of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup on Saturday.

Shooting Stars of Ibadan host its Southwest derby rivals Remo Stars in a clash of stars at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

According to the General Coordinator of the nation's premium class pre-season tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen the widow of the late astute football administrator, Chief Mrs Oluwabukola Ogunjobi in the company of her son, Lanre and younger brother of late Ogunjobi, Rotimi Michael will be at the final slated for 3pm.

Expected too is CFO Optima Energy, Mr Lanre Sotunde who are proud sponsors of the 2021 Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament.

Chairman Osun Football Association, 

Otunba Rasaq Ishola Mustapha, Secretary Osun FA Amoo Abayomi and other members of the board will also storm Ikenne to honour the late legend, who was one-time chairman of the state FA.

Secretary of the Club Owners Association of Nigeria (NPFL), Alloy Chukwuemeka is also among the VIP guest that will watch the epic grand finale.

Astute administrators Tony Rafua, Mojeed Adegbindin, Lekan Kelani, Tunde Fabiyi and host of others have also confirmed to me that they will be in attendance at the final match.

Recall thrice the Ogunjobi Gold Cup was hosted in Ilorin, Chukwuemeka played an important role in ensuring a hitch-free hosting of the tournament.

Apart from the Director of Football providing the needed logistics, his club ABS FC of Ilorin are the defending champions after they stung Gombe United 3-2  at the last edition in Ilorin.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Shooting Stars set up Ogunjobi Gold Cup final clash with Remo Stars

Shooting Stars will go head-to-head with Remo Stars in the final of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, after they defeated MFM FC 3-2 on penalties in the second semi-final match of the preseason tournament at the FC Ebedei Stadium, Sagamu.

3SC two goalkeepers, Tambe Charles and Detan Ogundare were the unsung heroes in regulation time and during the spot kicks, as their brilliant saves shot the Oluyole Warriors to their first ever final at first attempt.

It was drab first half as both teams failed to create any clear cut chances as the first 45 minutes ended 0-0.

The game got to life in the second half, as in the 63rd minute Alabi Oladayo's shot at goal from a free kick from 30 yards was punched away by Tambe to keep a clean sheet.

Shooting Stars had the chance to win the game from the first touch of substitute Elijah Okigbo, but the midfielder put his striker from Gafar Olafimihan's pass up the woodwork for a goal kick to MFM FC.

The Cameroon shot stopper was called to the rescue again late in the game to deny the Olukoya Boys what could have been the winning goal.

As the clock got to 90 minutes, and with spots kicks to decide the team that will meet Remo Stars in the final, Shooting Stars coach then introduced their penalty specialist goalkeeper Detan Ogundare into the game.

Detan, a former Flying Eagles shot stopper made no mistake in the shoot out as he stopped two MFM FC penalties to send 3SC to the final.

The Southwest Derby battle of stars will ignite the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on fire on Saturday.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Remo Stars donate, Wheelchair, cash gift to die hard fan

It's a day not to forget in a hurry for Ilorin based die-hard fan of Remo Stars, Inuoluwa Heritage after he was given a new wheelchair and cash by management of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) team.

Heritage, a person living with disabilities is a passionate follower of the domestic league and travelled to Ikenne to support the Sky Blues Stars.

Presenting the gift to Inuoluwa at half time of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup semi-final game between Tornadoes and Remo Stars, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sky Blues Stars Ogungbefun Lukmon said it was a way to reward his passion.

"The gesture is just to show our appreciation to him (Inuolawa) who has been a supporter Remo Stars. I also learnt that he is based in Ilorin, so the wheelchair will help ease his movement 

"I wouldn't want to disclose the value of the cash that was given to him, the token is just to take care of his accommodation and feeding here in Ikenne."

A delightful Inuoluwa thanked the club President, Kunle Soname for his kind gesture as prayed that in the near future, the club will win the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and make its debut in the CAF Champions League.

"I want to say a big thank you to Soname and everyone in Remo Stars. When the President(Soname) saw me supporting the Sky Blues Stars in one of the matches at the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, I sent someone to call me and after meeting with him, he told me he liked my passion for football and he has a gift for me.

"I never expected that it would a wheelchair to help ease my movement and cash to pay for my accommodation as I came from Ilorin to support Remo Stars."

Meanwhile, the Sky Blues Stars come from behind to beat Tornadoes 2-1 to advance to the finals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

Remo Stars break seven year jinx, secure Ogunjobi Gold Cup final slot

Remo Stars broke their seven years jinx in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in style as they are through to their first finals after they defeated Niger Tornadoes in one of the semi-final games of the pre-season tournament at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

It was an action packed encounter that saw two super strikes from free-kicks as the Sky Blues Stars coming behind to win the game 2-1 at half-time.

Tornadoes, a former champion of the tournament drew first blood as they took the lead in the 8th minute.

Goalkeeper Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars was left helpless after Abubakar Ansaru scored from a sublime free-kick at the edge of  the box to increase his goal tally in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup to two.

Six minutes later, the Sky Blues Stars brought even the scoreline after captain fantastic 

Nduka Junior scored a beauty from a set-piece. It was Nduka's second goal from free-kick as he scored in same fashion against MFM FC.

 In the 23rd minute, Tornadoes had goalkeeper George Michael to thank after he forced off a save from Dayo Ojo's rocket from 25yards to keep the score at 1-1.

Tornadoes were then punished for their sloppy defending in the 38th minute and gifted Tolu Ojo his second goal in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

The attacking midfielder quickly made the most of the error to shoot into the net Remo Stars second goal. 

Coach Gbenga Ogunbote who won the Ogunjobi Gold Cup with Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt will be hoping to lead Remo Stars to their first triumph in the tournament as they could go head-to-head with either of Shooting Stars or MFM FC in the final billed for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Omololu talks up Shootings Stars chances to win Ogunjobi Gold Cup

After helping Shooting Stars to advance to the semifinals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, Waheed Omololu said the team's focus presently is to win the Nigeria's first pre-season tournament.

The 3SC captain said after the game against Tornadoes, "It was a good game, I feel the Oluyole Warriors were more determined to win the tie to ease off the pain we felt after losing to them in the Nigerian National League (NNL) Super 8 play-off final in Enugu.

"We were a bit lackadaisical against them in Enugu, but our attitude in last Saturday's game was that of seriousness, as we fired all cylinders against them.

"The team is gradually taking shape and growing from strength to strength as the games come.

"Now that we have sealed a semi-final spot and perhaps not needing the last game to qualify, the focus will be to get to the finals and at the end add the Ogunjobi Gold Cup title to our trophy cabinet by winning it.

Speaking ahead of Thursday semifinal contest against MFM FC at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu he noted; "It won't come easy either but with the level, we are now the onus is on Shooting Stars to win it. We are poised to now give our hundred and fifty per cent in the next matches."

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ogunjobi Gold Cup: Ogunbote speaks on Remo Stars' plans ahead of Tornadoes clash

 

After defeating FC Yobo to qualify for Thursday's semi-finals, Gbenga Ogunbote says his Remo Stars will be at it's best against Niger Tornadoes.

The 'Oracle' of NPFL in his post-match media chat said, "For me, the semi-final game against Tornadoes is like the other games we have played as we are still building a team.

" The tourney has been of help to the team as things are taking shape gradually. Mistakes are bound to be made during matches and in between, we are equally training with a view of correcting blunders made by the players.

"The target of every coach in a pre-season tourney is to win matches and know the depth of his team. We know little about Tornadoes having defeated them a few weeks ago. 

"It's a game we want to win and also play in the finals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, so we should do our best just as we have done in the previous matches."

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Olalekan targets Shooting Stars' scalp with MFM in Ogunjobi Gold Cup semifinal

 

Olamilekan Gabriel says his MFM FC will go all out against Shooting Stars when they meet in the Southwest Derby semi-final clash in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup on Thursday at the FC Ebedei Stadium.

This will be the first meeting of both teams in the country's prestigious pre-season tournament for teams from the three tiers of the domestic leagues.

The Olukoya Boys who finished second in Group A behind Remo Stars set eyes on another final if they go past the Oluyole Warriors. 

Recall the first time they made it to the final in 2016, the Olukoya Boys lost 4-3 on spot-kicks to Lobi Stars at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

Speaking ahead of the game, "This is a semi-final and a few things are at stake. I except a different ball game against 3SC, as they will come out strong.

"Am optimistic that my lads will be clinical, as we have shown them the few mistakes they made in the game against Remo Stars. I expect nothing short of victory from them as the Oluyole Warriors are not invincible."

As regards the loss to Remo Stars, "It was a match we could have taken a point from, we should have won it in the first half of the lads had taken the half-chances that came their way. 

"Mind you, Remo Stars were not the better side in the meeting of the two Southwest Derby teams. It's a lesson learnt and that will help the coaching crew fine-tune the squad as we are still going to lock horns against them when the season kicks off."

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Tornadoes new import, Ashadi eyes Ogunjobi Gold Cup title

 

One of the poster boys of the Nigerian Professional Football League(NPFL) Destiny Ashadi has vowed to rediscover his good form and win the Ogunjobi Gold Cup with Niger Tornadoes.

Ashadi, 26, no doubt is one of the most gifted attacking midfielders in the domestic league, as he is a delight to watch on the pitch owing to his dazzling skills and leadership qualities too.

The CHAN Eagle star who was among the squad that lost 3-2 to Spanish LaLiga heavyweight Atletico Madrid in a friendly at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in 2018, has had a fair share of injury of late, which slowed his game and made him not to hit form at Rivers United last season.

Now with the Ikon Allah Boys, at the Ogunjobi Gold Cup a delightful Ashadi said: "Glad to be with Tornadoes playing and gradually am finding back my form with the matches I have played in this tourney.

"I left Rivers United by mutual consent, not for any other thing, injury slowed me down at Rivers United. When I recovered I was not convinced with the play time I was getting, so I had a private meeting with Coach Stanley Eguma and he agreed that I can get my release papers and go to a team where I would much playing time.

"Am having a splendid time with Tornadoes, the atmosphere at the club is good as we are a family and have mutual respect for one another."

"My partnership with Daniel Edeh in the  midfield has been good as we have a better understanding of ourselves as we speak same dialect, so communication has been the key to our impressive play.

"It's going to be a different ball at the semi-finals as we will approach the game against Remo Stars with the zeal to win. We won't be complacent."

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ogunjobi Gold Cup: Bala expects fireworks as Tornadoes plan to dim Remo Stars in Ikenne

Niger Tornadoes and Remo Stars will rekindle their healthy rivalry when they go head-to-head in the first semi-final match of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup on Thursday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Recall when both teams locked horns at the last edition of Nigeria's prestigious pre-season tourney in Ilorin, Tornadoes who were defending champions crashed out after failing to qualify to the semi-finals following a 2-2 draw with Remo Stars.

The Ikon Allah Boys needed to beat the Sky Blue Stars convincingly by 3-0, but it was not to be as they twice came from behind to share the spoils.

Bala, whose objective is to steer the Ikon Allah Boys to a second Ogunjobi Gold Cup title win and see that his squad improve in all departments as the 20 NPFL teams countdown to the new season commencement, hinted that Thursday will be another good time to tackle the Sky Blues Stars.

"It is going to be a tough game against Remo Stars as we have a healthy rivalry against them in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup," said Bala after Tornadoes trounce FC Ebedei 3-1.

"I expect a lot of fireworks in the match as both teams recently got promoted to the NPFL.

"My lads will be seeking a redemption against them having lost to them some weeks ago, irrespective of that, I have much confidence my players will come out strong despite the fact that the encounter is been played at their backyard and in front of their fans."

Remo Stars set up semifinal clash with Tornadoes in Ogunjobi Gold Cup

 

Remo Stars have set-up a tough semi-final clash with Niger Tornadoes in the ongoing Ogunjobi Gold Cup holding in Ikenne and Sagamu.

It's the 7th time the Sky Blues Stars were making it to the last four stage in the nation's first pre-season tournament. The clash of the two gladiators will be staged at the Remo Stars Stadium on Thursday morning (8am).

Remo Stars who became the only team to win all its Group B did so comfortably after they piped MFM FC by a lone goal and put two goals past FC Yobo.

In their last game against the Nationwide League One (NLO) team, the first real chance came to the Sky Blues Stars in the 21st minute after Qudus Akani was hacked down by an FC Yobo defender less than an inch away from the box. 

It was a close shave for goalkeeper Stanley Ihebueme, as Nduka Junior's effort from the free-kick went wide from the side goalpost.

Six minutes later, Remo Stars should have been one-goal up with another big chance for Nduka but his flicks with his head from a free-kick go off the woodwork.

At the half-hour mark, FC Yobo could have taken the lead but goalkeeper Bankole Kayode made a sharp reflex save via a free-kick from Ibrahim Abideen.

Remo Stars then got the reward for their hard work in the 43rd minute following a delight  flick from Michael Osoata inside FC Yobo's box.

The Sky Blues Stars earned much of the ball possession in the second half and in the 66th minute got their second goal.

FC Yobo defence was punished for its schoolboy defending in the box after Tolulope Ojo got past his marker to nod in Remo Stars winning goal.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Shamsudeen inspires Tornadoes to secure Ogunjobi Gold Cup semifinal spot

 

Never say die spirit of Shamsudeen Hashim was the inspiration Niger Tornadoes needed as they advanced to the semifinals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup after they saw off FC Ebedie 3-1 in their Group B game.

The game at the FC Ebedei Stadium was won within 17 minutes of the first half and the experience and work rate of the Ikon Allah Boys played a key role as they bounced off from the defeat to Shooting Stars to secure their second three points in the pre-season tournament.

FC Ebedei took the fight to the NPFL side, and in the 12th minute, they shocked Tornadoes scoring the first goal of the game through Isa Musa.

The lanky striker pounced on a loose ball from Tornadoes sloppy defending to tap into the net for the Oliseh Boys.

In the 16th minute, Wakilu Abudulahi thought he had drawn even for Tornadoes with a half volley from Nojeem Olayinka's cross inside the FC Ebedei box, only for the match official to rule his goal out as off-side.

Four minutes later, Shamsudeen Hashim powered past FC Ebedei's the backline to make it 1-1 with his ferocious low drive shot that found the bottom right corner of Mark Ugboh's goal.

Martins Usule then doubled the lead for Tornadoes 13 minutes later scoring via a clinical assist from Hasim.

FC Ebedei were then punished for not defending well in their box as Ahmadu Liman put the game beyond their reach scoring Tornadoes third goal in the 37th minute.

The second half was more or less as child's play for Tornadoes as they took the 45 minutes to school players of FC Ebedei.

Tornadoes could meet any of MFM FC, Remo Stars or FC Yobo in a semi-final game billed for Thursday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.