AFCON 2023: Osun FA appeals to Governor Adeleke to honour Super Eagles' Ajayi, Baruwa

 

Following Nigeria's African Cup of Nations exploits at the 34th edition in Ivory Coast, the Osun State Government has been urged to honour Super Eagles rock-solid defender Semi Ajayi (MON) and Goalkeeper Trainer Tunji Baruwa (MON).

The Osun State born duo helped Nigeria to claim the silver medal after losing 2-1 to host Ivory Coast in the AFCON final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on February 11.

Sola Fanawopo, Osun State Football Association egg-head made the passionate appeal to the State number one Sports Fan- Governor His Excellency Senator Ademola Adeleke, who passion for football and reward for sporting excellence knows no bounds.

"Congratulations to both Ajayi and Baruwa for making Nigerians and indeed indigenes of Osun State proud, and not forgetting the state community (Ejigbo) in Abidjan. 

"Amazing for the duo who also received national awards (Member of the Order of Niger- MON) from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, plus other goodies.

"The Osun State football family is calling on our Governor to extend it's kind gesture by celebrating both Ajayi and Baruwa.

"Ajayi was rock-solid, partnering Troost-Ekong in Nigeria's defence and scored a superb goal against Cameroon, which ended up been ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). That effort galvanized the team and at the end the Super Eagles brushed aside the Indomitable Lions 2-0.

"Also, as Nigerians celebrated Stanley Nwabali, who was arguably one of Super Eagles best players enroute the final, credit must go to his trainer, Baruwa whose daily goalkeeping routine with him (Nwabali), had the Chippa United shot stopper bring out his best during Super Eagles matches with good composure and breath taking saves, which kept fans on the edge of their seats at the stadium, viewing centers and living rooms.

"Baruwa's halftime pep talks with Nwabali, spurred him to win the Man of the Match award in Nigeria's victory over South Africa in the semi-final of the  AFCON after saving two penalties to send the Super Eagles into the final.

"Just as Governor Adeleke celebrated Super Falcons' duo of Rasheedat Ajibade and Rofiat Imuran after Nigeria's brilliant outing in the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and D'Tigress star Olawuyi Adenike Olayemi for making Nigeria proud as part of the team that won the 2023 FIBA Women's Afrobasket title, we at the Osun FA are appealing to His Excellency to honour the Super Eagles duo.

"The Osun FA is also appealing to the State Deputy Governor-cum-Commisaioner for Sports and Youth Development Kola Olawusi to use his good office to persuade Governor Adeleke in this regard."

Osun FA revitalizes football ecosystem with new identity

 

Osun Football Association have unveiled a new crest. The new design amongst others incorporates the motto of the association, "Fairplay and Harmony".

The new design, seen above, will be seen by the public beginning with signage, publications and merchandise for the upcoming State Football League.

The new logo ties in the history of the of the state cum associations while providing a modern look. 

“The goal of redesigning our logo is to create a look that stays true to the roots of the territory and the association, while reaching out to all and sundry,” said Mayor Sola Fanawopo the association supremo.

“The new logo captures the energy and excitement in our domain and that of our organization, we hope that it will inspire more people to join us as we revitalise the ecosystem with sustainable developments".

Here are what the symbols and features of the Osun FA Crest represent.

The Motto: Fairplay and Harmony

The official motto of Osun FA is “Fairplay and Harmony.” Fairplay represents the importance of treating every stakeholder fairly and without bias, while “Harmony” signifies the integration of diverse ideas.

The background

The whitish background expresses our neutrality in politics and religious beliefs.

Two Horses

Two horses on either Ori Olokun symbolize our endurance, confidence, triumph, heroism, and competition.

Ori Olokun

The Serpent represents death and the mask represents life. The full moon is the symbol of fertility, and the half-moon represents happiness. The sun represents power and the wheel is the symbol of guidance. The oars represent the impulse to get to port and the good and evil we do in life.

Green Colour

The green colour on our crest speaks to our desire to foster understanding and acceptance among our diverse stakeholders and see each person and party's potential value and goodness.

Yellow Colour

The yellow colour signifies our idealism, imagination, hope, and dreams.

Black Colour

The black shade on our crest represents our strong will and determination to go after what we want.

Red Colour

The red colour shows our desire to attract attention to our activities.

Osun FA signs pact with Blackdrum 360 on streaming services

 

In its bid to drive successful grassroot programs with latest technologies, Osun State Football Associations have partnered with broadcast technology company Blackdrum 360 Ltd., to help power the streaming service that will be available for fans and scouts for the upcoming grassroots competitions.

With its head office in Lagos and operating beyond the shores of Africa, Blackdrum 360 is a full service production company, designing, producing, and broadcasting live content for global brand leaders will help promote and broadcast Osun FA grassroot matches and its proposed league to fans and stakeholders.

Technically, Osun FA has been adamant that in the upcoming season, watching games for fans will be easier than ever. Blackdrum 360 a company that specializes in producing and distributing content to audiences, has experience in this realm having worked on various projects that are visible online.

According to Osun FA supremo, Sola Fanawopo, bringing Blackdrum 360 into the fold to sign a multi year partnership with us is a good development that we have been working on.

"The technology company will expose our league in a pleasing and robust format to fans, scouts and relevant stakeholders and will further engage fans with visible streaming contents. We are pleased to work with Blackdrum 360, they are renowned for quality streaming services and we are hopeful our various leagues will be promoted by their platform." Informed Fanawopo.

Dr. Emmanuel Odole who is the CEO of Blackdrum 360 said "grassroot competitions are arguably some of the best platforms that showcase raw talents and it is necessary to make these exploits accessible to fans through connected devices. 

"Our partnership with Osun FA is timely and will chart a new direction for sports streaming in Nigeria and Africa. Blackdrum 360 believe we have the right tools and experience to satisfy fans thirst for real-time access to live matches and updates." He concluded.

Osun FA who recently partnered 'Thread And Us' for dynamic and commanding outlook and Data Management Expert 'Ixdore' have lined up activities such as State Youth League, Apex League, Osun Women Football League and Osun FA Intercollege Football League among others in its calendar year.

NLO I: Osun FA parley with clubs, urge all to play by the rules

Osun State Football Association have met with participating clubs of the Nationwide League One Division One for 2023 season and dialogged on the need to have an indefectible league season.

The representatives of the seven clubs gathered at Late Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Football House in Osogbo where Osun FA board members had a heart to heart conversations with assurance of hitch free proceedings before, during and after the season.

Osun FA supremo Otunba Rasaq lshola Mustapha RIM., congratulated the three teams representing the state at the ongoing Federations Cup for their victory in the last round, he noted that, arrangements have been concluded for teams to have hitch free proceedings cum worthwhile season. He equally harped on discipline and downplayed any act of favouritism by match officials.

" I want each team to shun any act that can bring the game to disrepute, we won't condone any trouble at match venue. As such, there will be strict sanctions on any teams that cause troubles through club officials, players and supporters.

" Our board don't have favourites in this process. All of us must comply with the interpreters of the laws of the game.

All club belongs to FA . Each club will be given free and fair platform to execute their games." The British trained lawyer explained.

Following the agonising lamentations of private club owners, as regards the late introduction of participation fees of two hundred thousand naira by the secretariat of the Nationwide League, Ajiroba has facilitated from government and provided each team a sum of one hundred and fifty thousand naira as bailouts, participating clubs to sort out the remaining. This gestures from the FA was tagged unprecedented by the visibly joyous clubs representatives.

Meanwhile, the President of Hammola FC, Muhydeen Odeyemi has been unanimously picked by NLO Club Owners to represent Nationwide League One clubs during the forthcoming Osun FA elections billed to hold on June 13th 2023.

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.

Osun Apex League: NSCDC records first point, Olansile FC, HMK set to bounce back

 

Actions resume across six centres as the much publicized maiden edition of Osun Apex League enters week nine.

Os NSCDC ended its pointless streak as Bamikefa Olufemi tutored side rues a die minutes equalizer by their host, Victory Police FC. The security outfit preserved Ahmed's lone strike for the most part of the duel but Victory Police rallied to share the spoils, recall that Victory Police are victorious in the reverse encounter which ended 4-1.

The Civil Defense team who had no point throughout the first stanza of the league now have a point to their credit as they maintain same position on the log.

Olansile FC and H. M. K FC will like to bounce back from their disappointment away from home and seek redemptions. H. M. K FC who tasted defeats for the first time in Okuku  as second round kicks off would bank on their scoring winger Qudus and gangling striker Azeez  while hosting Victory Police FC. Ayedire Utd will have their hands full while engaging Omo Mummy Boys in far away Ileogbo.  

The league top scorer Habeeb Olanrewaju who inspired Hammola FC to come back and secured a draw against resurgent Akoment FC will like to sustain his scoring form while playing as a guest to Osun NSCDC. 

The likes of Otin Babes, Timi Giants and Fehinty FC are capable of causing upset as they all play away from home this weekend. Despite picking draws in their last games, the ldo Osun based outfits Hammola FC and Fehinty FC are still topping their respective groups.

The top two teams in each group would eventually qualify for Super 4 to determine the actual league winner.

Osun Apex League is packaged and financed by Osun FA under the distinguished sports financier Alhaji Rasaq lshola Mustapha RIM. The Grand Prize of 120, 000 and 100, 000 have been earmarked for the eventual winner and runner’s up. There are countless exciting gifts also for participating teams and individual awards are also in the offing. The second stanza will kick start again by Wednesday, 20th October 2021.

Osun Apex League

Week 9 Fixtures 

Wednesday 27-10-2021

Os NSCDC Vs Hammola FC 1pm

Akoment Vs Otin Babes 3pm

H. M. K. FC Vs Victory Police FC 3pm

Saturday 30-10-2021

Ayedire Utd Vs Olansile FC  1pm

Orolu Vs Timi Giants  3pm

Hadji Hammed Vs Fehinty FC  3pm

Osun Apex League: Ajiroba Wants Momentum Sustained As Second Round Returns

The second stanza of the ongoing Osun Apex League finally kicks off on Wednesday after a mandatory mid-season break. 

Thirty six numbers of games were played in first stanza and over 100 goals scored. The first stanza which is laced with several talking points had Hammola FC and Fehinty FC topping in their respective groups.

Significantly, the tourney is so blessed and hots up with prolific frontmen, four players across four teams are having their eyes set on the top scorer's award. The said players are tied on 4 goals each.

Arising from the stakeholders meeting to review the happenings in the first round, Osun FA supremo lauded the participating teams and want more sportsmanship spirit to be sustained.

"The league is living to its hype, we are well pleased with the happenings surrounding the contest week in week out. 

"We still want the participating teams to keep respecting the rule book, I want everyone to keep showing sportsmanship spirit at all time. We should follow right channels to lodge our complaints and never to take laws into our hands.

"Any teams found guilty or trying to bring the game into disrepute will not be spared. Each team should go back and orientate its component, we should all be proud of what we are doing at this stage because hard work will be rewarded at the end of the season," Elder Adelowo Adewumi who stood in for Otunba Rasaq lshola Mustapha concluded.

The top two teams in each group would eventually qualify for Super 4 to determine the actual league winner.

Osun Apex League is packaged and financed by Osun FA under the distinguished sports financier Alhaji Rasaq lshola Mustapha RIM. The Grand Prize of 120, 000 and 100, 000 have been earmarked for the eventual winner and runner’s up. There are countless exciting gifts also for participating teams and individual awards are also in the offing. The second stanza will kick start again by Wednesday, 20th October 2021.

Osun Apex League

Week 8⃣ Fixtures 

Wednesday, 20th October 2021

Otin Babes FC vs H. M. K FC 3pm

Victory Police vs Os NSCDC 1pm

Hammola FC vs Akoment FC 3pm

Saturday, 23rd October 2021

Timi Giants vs Olansile FC 3pm

Fehinty FC vs Orolu LG FC 1pm

 AUD AS Vs Hadji Hammed 3pm

Femodino FC Wins Maiden Ogunjobi Cup

Femodino Football Club of Ilesha, on Sunday won the maiden edition of Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi Cup played at Methodist High School, Ilesha.