FCT SWAN election hots up, as Odogwu led SWANECO releases electoral guidelines

All is set for the Unified Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT Chapter election, as Sales of nomination forms has began in the capital city.

Confirming this in Abuja, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu) said the revalidation of membership has been completed, and the response and cooperation received was tremendous and overwhelming. He said that sales of form began on Monday, 1st April, and the enthusiasm of contestants are second to none. He said that forms are expected to be returned on or before 14th of April.

It would be uncalled that the appointment of the former Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu) as SWANECO Chairman was announced by the National President of SWAN , Isaiah Benjamin earlier in March at a Congress attended by members of the Association. Other members of the Electoral body include:

Edwin Akwue

Mike Ndidi

Akin Bolarinwa

Modupe Oyewale

While Aniete Patrick will serve as Secretary

The President had said that the appointment of Odogwu will give him the opportunity to serve the Association in line with the responsibilities of the office as indicated in the SWAN Statute. He said that with his experience as a journalist and sports administrator, he expects him to organize a credible election that will unite the sports writers in FCT.

The President enjoined the appointees to justify the confidence reposed on them by the SWAN by contributing their quota to the growth of the Association. Odogwu has served as a member of past SWANECO.

The Committee has since released the time table electoral time table and guidelines which is as thus:

SWAN FCT ELECTORAL GUIDELINES 2024

1. Revalidation/Registration of FCT SWAN Members (4-30 March 2024)

2. Sales of Nomination Forms (1st April)

3. Closing of Sales of Forms (14th April)

4. Online Display of list of interested candidates (15th April)

5. Screening of Interested candidates(16th April)

6. Display of Successful Candidates List (16th April)

7. Claims and Objections (18th April)

8) Hearing of Appeals (21st April)

9) Final Display of List of Candidates (21st April)

10. Presentation of Manifesto (25th April)

11. Election/Declaration of Successful Candidates (26th April)

12. Swearing In and Handing over (26th April)

Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu) who is the CEO of Exclusivenews Newspaper was the former Sporting Director of Abia Warriors of Umuahia.

By: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)

17 teams converge on Abuja as Paul E U17 tourney kicks off on Friday

 

All is now set for the commencement of the Paul E U17 Cup which holds in Abuja from 14 to 24 April 2023. 

According to the fixtures made available by the Organizers,  Paul E Academy will be taking on Jazzy Stars Feeders in the opening match slated for the 14th of April, 2023 at Area 10 Old Parade Ground Garki Abuja. 

Group A  of the tournament will comprise of Successful Pillars, Derby FA, Like Minds FA, Flight FA and Jay 1 FA.

Group B will include

Olympic Hybrid FA, Daniel FA, Youth Arise FA and Turf Arena FA.

Clubs like: Virtual FC, Gamji Sports, HB Academy, and Peculiar FA will battle it out in Group C.

While the quartet of Paul E Academy, Jazzy Stars Feeders, Crown Tee FA and Shield City FA will slug it out for the quarter final ticket in Group D. Two teams are expected to emerge from each of the groups for the quarter finals. 

The winner of tournament is expected to return home with one thousand dollars, with other prizes and gifts.

According to the Organizing Committee Chairman, Patrick Ngwaogu the general screening and Accreditation of players will hold on Thursday at Area 10 Old Parade Ground, while the Refereeing Seminar will take place at Novare Hotel, Wuse Zone 5 Abuja same day by 2pm. 

17 teams drawn from the six geo-political zones are taking part in the 8 days tournament.

El Roi Property Holdings Support Paul E U17 Cup tourney

 

The organizers of the Paul E U17 Cup has announced that a Texas, USA based company, El Roi Property Holdings has identified with the tournament holding in Abuja from 14th to 24th April, 2023.

Revealing this in a statement, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee Patrick Ngwaogu said   El Roi Property Holdings made its intention known through the Chief Executive Officer Dr. Afunrhe Oghre-Ikanone, confirming there readiness to support the organizers of the Paul E U17 Cup in ensuring that the youths in the country are given the platform to exhibit their talents.

The Chairman was full of praises to the Proprietor of Paul E Football Club Mr Sotomtochukwu Chidiebebe for his passion in the development of the youths in the country and ensuring that he provide a platform for them to excel.

Orbit Brothers Communication team up with Organizers to promote Paul E U17 Cup

 

An indigenous communication outfit, Orbit Brothers Communication has identified with the forthcoming Paul E U17 cup holding in Abuja.

Disclosing this in Abuja on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Paul E U17 Cup, Patrick Ngwaogu expressed delight on the relationship with the topmost communication outfit, saying that this will further boost the tournament which is expected to be the flagship in the country.

Ngwaogu who was the former Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association said the company  offers  comfort with technology, and concentrated specifically in providing alternate power solutions, and internet service. 

He said the organization will make its services available to participants during the tournament.

The Paul E U17 cup will hold  in Abuja from 14 to 24 April, with 16 teams from the six geo- political zones participating.

Organizers announce ITV as partners of Paul E U17 Cup

Independent Television Abuja has agreed to partner the organizers of the Paul E U17 Cup to bring the best of Youth tournaments in the country.

Revealing this in Abuja, the Organizing Committee Chairman of the tournament Patrick Ngwaogu said the media house has agreed to partner in various aspects of broadcasting during the tournament.

He said this will be a boost to the youths and their football careers, and also serve a way of further projecting the tournament to the outside world.

Confirming this, the Head of Sports, ITV Abuja Tolulope Oguntimeyin said the relationship is aimed at taking grassroots football in the country to the outside world. He said ITV will record all the matches, and make live streaming of them during programs. He promised a good relationship with the organizers of the tournament.

The Paul E U17 Cup is expected to hold in Abuja 14th to 23rd April 2023 with 16 Teams all over the country participating.

16 teams converge on Abuja for Paul E football tourney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ex-footballers hold UNIBADAN to a still with 7th Reunion celebrations

 

... Rewards Edith Agoye, Patrick Ngwaogu, Abiodun Salami Others

The community of the Premier University in the country, University of Ibadan was agog at the weekend when the Ex-Footballers of the citadel of learning held their 7th World Reunion.

The event started with a visit to the Vice Chancellor of the institution Professor Kayode Adebowale in his office. 

However, the University's Director of Public Communications Oladejo Olatunji was on ground to receive the Ex-Footballers many of who represented the University and country in various competitions. The University appreciated the ex-students for their efforts in ensuring that they reunite after years of graduation, while appreciating the efforts in their steps towards their almamater. 

Earlier, the President of the Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association Edwin Ebvie had narrated the concept of the Association to the Vice-Chancellor's representative, and appreciated them for giving them an enabling environment to reunite, moreover  giving out the highly revered Trenchard Hall to the Association for their get together. 

The Ex-Footballers later took to the pitch of the Obafemi Awolowo Students pitch in the University to play a tournament between Team Mutiu Adepoju and Team Rotimi Alli, which ended in penalty shootouts. 

When a winner could not emerge, it was decided that the trophy be presented to Coach Abiodun Salami, the outgoing Director of Sports in the University who is retiring from the University after attaining the mandatory years in service. 

The occasion was climax with a reunion dinner held at the Trenchard Hall of the University, various awards were given to some members of the Association among whom are two former Internationals, 3SC Head Coach Edith Olumide Agoye and Dr Abiodun Salami outgoing University of Ibadan Director of Sports, Patrick Ngwaogu former Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director, Prof Oluwasegun Adekunle, Chairman  Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association Board of Trustees, the President of Association Edwin Evbie. Others are Tunde Ojo (Answer), Olawale Taoheed Raji.

Ex University of Ibadan Footballers Storm Ibadan For 7th World Reunion

The Premier University in country, the University of Ibadan will on Saturday,  18th day of December, 2021, play host to the Ex-Footballers of the citadel of learning at the 7th Annual Reunion of the Association. 

In a statement signed by the Association's Public Relations Officer, Henry Duru, he said that all is now set for the annual Reunion of the  Association, which will among other things include a Football tournament among the ex-players in the morning at the University of Ibadan New stadium. There will also be  a Get-together Dinner Party in the evening at the Trenchard Hall of the University. 

The image maker further stated that the Vice-Chancellor of the Premier University Professor Kayode Adebowale will perform the ceremonial kick off of the mini Football tournament. 

He said that the Reunion event will also be used to Honour the retiring Director of Sports of the University, Dr Abiodun Salami, who has been a father figure to most of the Footballers that passed through the institution. Other individuals will also be given awards at the dinner.

Meanwhile, both the Team Manager and Chief Coach of the Shooting Stars Sports Club, Dimeji Lawal and Edith Agoye have  regretted their inability to attend the Réunion program  which they are an integral part. 

The two former Ex-internationals said the Reunion coincides with the Match Day 1 of the 2021 /2022 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season. 3SC are already in Gombe to battle Gombe United.  

In a message to the Association, the duo said "In as much as we should have loved to be a part of the Reunion event, we also owe it a duty to pilot the affairs of 3SC in the Premiership in far away Gombe. We are totally with our mates in spirit and also seek for their prayers for 3SC in the new season" they concluded.

Uni Ibadan VC to declare Ex-UI Footballers Reunion Open

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale will declare open the 7th World University of Ibadan Ex-Footballers reunion holding on 18th December 2021 at the University of Ibadan Sports Complex.

Announcing this at the weekend, the President of the Association Edwin Evbie said the Vice Chancellor will be accompanied to the event by the Association's Board of Trustees Chairman Professor (Mogaji) Oluwasegun Adekunle.

Quoting his words, the President said "this 7th edition is going to be unique. We are starting at exactly 8am at the Obafemi Awolowo playing pitch in the University, where all the ex-footballers that represented the premier institution in the past are expected to display the skills that made them the cynosure of all in the past. We would also have a get together party later in the evening within the  University. The unique thing about this edition is that some individuals that have contributed immensely to the establishment of this Association will be recognized with awards. There will also be a special event for the Director of Sports of the University, Dr Abiodun Salami who will be retiring from the services of the University after serving as a student, footballer, coach, lecturer and administrator. It will be a fun packed event " the boss rounded up.

The University of Ibadan has produced a number of athletes and footballers of repute including but not limited to ex Super Eagles stars Mutiu Adepoju and Dimeji Lawal, current 3SC Coach Edith Agoye, ex junior international goal keeper Christian Obi, Adebayo Gbadebo (Thailand based coach), Victor Uzoho (Finland based coach), Dr. Robinson Okosun (Super Eagles Psychologist), Prof. Adekunle (BOT Chairman), Festus Adegoju (Chairman, Nigerian Coaches Association,  Oyo State chapter), Barr.Rotimi Alli and Ex Abia Warriors FC Technical Director - Patrick Ngwaogu, amongst others.

Maxisports CEO appreciates Dikko, Fresh, Bosso, others for gracing Unity Cup final

Secretary of this year's organizing committee of the just concluded Unity Preseason Cup competition in Abuja Olaoluwa Aro has expressed gratitude to their sponsors and special guests, who took out time to attend the maiden edition of the tournament; whilst also praising them for their support for a successful ending of the week-long tourney. 

Speaking to the press to show his gratitude to the guests, CEO of a Renowned Sports agency, MaxisSports International  Olaoluwa Aro who was equally elated, personally took out time to thank the dignitaries who graced the occasion. 

"I want to humbly thank all our sponsors and partners for the successful hosting of this competition and we are glad we were able to unite the clubs around the North cause the event was a way of fostering UNITY on and off the field whilst also giving the fans in Abuja something to cheer about. 

" I also want to appreciate the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC)  Mallam Shehu Dikko who compressed his tight schedule to honour the final, not also forgetting Alhaji Ahmed Fresh the leader of the North Central Football fraternity who was ever-present all through the competition;  and also the Chairman of the Club Owners Association, Issac Danladi and the Secretary of the association,  Alloy Chukwuemeka respectively. 

"My appreciation also goes to the president of Nigerian Football Coaches Association, in the person of Ladan Bosso, and of course,  the Deputy Director- Technical and Scouting of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Former Flying Eagles Coach Paul Aigbogun,  while also recognizing the presence of

the Chairman of Bauchi State Football Association,  Patrick Pascal (MON).

" Lastly, I also want to thank Robert Akpenpuun Chairman VLGFC, and ex-International Garba Lawal(MON), not also forgetting Mr Phemmy Adetunla, Spokesperson of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, and a renowned journalist, as well as all members of the Press, for their relentless support and effort."

Plateau United were crowned champions of the maiden edition after they piped Nasarawa United 1-0 in the final.

Unity Preseason Tournament : Cool/Nigeria Info /Wazobia FM To Take Matches Live

 

One of Nigeria's vibrant radio stations, Cool/Nigeria Info /Wazobia FM has agreed to take some live matches in the on going Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja.

In a message to the organizers of the tournament, the prominent Radio station said they are happy to be associated with the organizers of the tournament which eventually is the first in region.

Quoting their words, they said "we are glad to let you know know that we will provide content discussions around the Unity Preseason Tournament, using Abuja major Football show, Football Republik on 99.5FM on Wazobia FM. We will also take matches live if it falls with in the shows. It's our believe that the Unity Preseason Tournament will raise the bar and put Abuja back on the map of football nationally" the letter was signed by the Head of Sports, Abuja, Olubunmi Haruna.

Responding to the gesture, the Coordinator of the tournament Patrick Ngwaogu was full of appreciation to the management of the Radio station for believing in the organizers of the tournament, moreover, been the first edition. He said that tournament has come to stay, and will continue to get better on yearly base until it becomes the pride of the Capital city.

Mr Ngwaogu who was the former First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association also used the opportunity to thank residents of FCT and North Central for the acceptability and promised not to disappoint them.

The tournament which entered the fourth on Tuesday, will see Mavlon FC trying to redeem themselves against 2021 AITEO cup finalists Nasarawa United, while former NPFL Champions Plateau United will settle scores with Sokoto United, Wikki Tourists and NYSC FC tackle each other. The final match of the day will be between the toast of Abuja fans Fosla FC and Cynosure FC of Abakaliki.

Katsina United, Cynosure FC, EFCC FC confirms Unity Preseason tournament participation

 

Premier League top flyers Katsina United FC has confirmed their participation in the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November.

Confirming this in a message to the organizers, the Team Manager of team Abdulganiu Adeleke said the tournament came at the right to enable the Coaches assess the readiness of the team ahead of the 2021 /2022 NPFL season.

He was full of appreciation to the organizers of tournament for putting together the program for teams, and believed that the aims will be achieved at the end of the day.

Also two Nigeria National League teams EFCC FC and Cynosure FC confirmed their participation in the tournament. In their separate messages, the teams said they are ready to give all the elite clubs a run for their money in the tournament.

CONE Sports identify with organizers to boost Unity Preseason Tournament

 

A leading sports ware company in the country, CONE SPORTS has reached agreement with the  organizers of the Unity Preseason Tournament (Unity Cup) to be the official kit partners of the tournament. The tournament holds in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November. 

Revealing this in Abuja at the weekend, the Coordinator of the tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu expressed happiness on the milestone achieved in the agreement. 

According to him,  the company has agreed to kit the two finalists, kit the official of the teams, kit the Organizing  officials and provide the match balls. He was full of praises for the Chief Executive officer of Cone Sports, Mr. Cletus Okojie for his commitment to the development of sports in country. 

Ngwaogu who was the immediate past First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association also revealed that the Organizers have reached agreement with some hoteliers in the capital city to provide accommodate to the teams at a subsidized rate. He said the broadcast partners of tournament will also be revealed within the week. 

Teams participating in the tournament are Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars, Kwara United, and Niger Tornadoes. The NNL clubs will include ABS, Kogi United, EFCC FC, NAF FC and FRSC FC.

Ex University of Ibadan footballers set for 7th World Reunion

All is set for the 7th edition of the Ex University of Ibadan Footballers Association (EXUIFA) reunion.  The event is scheduled for 18th December, 2021 at University campus. 

According to the Association's Public Relations Officer, Henry Duru, the 2021 edition of the event promises to be the best Reunion so far, considering the programs that have been  in place. 

He said the Reunion will involve a football match in  at the University of Ibadan New Sports Center, to be followed by a Get-together party  later on the same day. 

Expected to grace the occasion are footballers that have passed through the Premier University among whom are on the day are  Dr Abiodun Salami, the outgoing Director of Sports, University of Ibadan, Professor Oluwasegun Adekunle, the Chairman of the Association's Board of Trustees, Mr Edwin Evbie, the Association's President, Dr Robinson Okosun, of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Rotimi Alli, the Chairman of the Ibadan Football Association (IFA), DCP Kunle Olusokan (Zagalo), Coaches Adebayo Gbadebo, Head Coach of Suphanburi FC in the Thailand Premier League,  Christian Obi, Heartland FC Owerri, Edith Agoye, 3SC FC, Ibadan, Patrick Ngwaogu, former Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director, Iyiola Ogundele. Ex Internationals like Mutiu Adepoju, Dimeji Lawal, Andrew Uwe, Folorunsho Okenla among others. 

Those in the diaspora will include Barrister Kolade Oladokun (Canada), Benjamin Gopaldresg, Tunde Ojo, Deji Tony Mobility(US), Musa Omokhabi (France), Kola Okolo, Vitanus Okwara,(UK) among others

Nigerian Coaches President Drums Support for Unity Preseason Tournament

The President of Nigerian Football Coaches Association (NFCA) Isah Ladan Bosso has supported the initiative of  organizing the Unity Preseason Tournament (Unity Cup) in the Federal Capital Territory.

Bosso, who is the Head coach of the National U. 20 Male team (Flying Eagles) said the idea is well conceived and should be embraced by all invited clubs especially those in the North Central zone.

Quoting his words, the Coaches Boss said "the concept is a welcomed development which must be embraced by every club in the North Central zone to among other things assess their new acquisitions, prepare adequately, interact and share ideas with officials of other teams. I wholeheartedly support the concept and we would be ready to make the program a success " he concluded in a message to the organizers. 

The Unity Preseason Tournament will hold in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November. According to the Chairman of the Organizing committee Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) about 10 teams in the North Central are expected to take part in the tournament. The teams will include Kwara United, Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars, and Niger Tornadoes. Other NNL clubs like EFCC FC, NAF FC, Kogi United have all signified interest to be part of the tournament.

Moukthar pledges FCT FA support for Unity Preseason Tournament

The Chairman of FCT Football Association Abba Mourtar Mohammed has given his approval to the hosting of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November 2021.

Revealing this in Abuja, the Organizing Committee Chairman, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) said the Chairman was so excited of the program, and has agreed to donate the main trophy and medals of the tournament. He further confirmed that the Chairman has promised to make the presentation of the trophy soon.

According to him "the Chairman welcomed the idea, and said that the tournament will not only give all the participating teams the opportunity to assess their new acquisitions, but it will also provide an opportunity to the teams within the zone to interact and exchange positive ideas that will help them in the new season. He commended the initiators of the tournament and promised to be there for them all through ".

The Unity Preseason Cup is expected to be played among all the NPFL clubs in the North Central zone and the NNL clubs.

Teams expected at the tournament are Kwara United, Plateau United, Lobi Stars, Niger Tornadoes, Nasarawa United, Oyah FC, NAF FC, FRSC FC, EFCC FC, ABS FC and Kogi United.

Mr Ngwaogu further said that the clubs have started confirming their interest to participate in the tournament which will be the first in the zone.

Unity Preseason Tournament debuts in Abuja

The maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament will be held in the Federal Capital Territory for all the Premiership and National League clubs in the North Central zone of the country.

According to the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) the tournament is meant to prepare the teams in the zone for the 2021/2022 Football season.

Ngwaogu said the tournament is aimed at unifying the teams in the zone, prepare them adequately for new season and give them the opportunity to assess all their new recruits for the season.

The former Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director said the teams expected for the tournament will include Kwara United, Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Niger Tornadoes, and Lobi Stars. He said the NNL clubs expected will include Kogi United, ABS FC, EFCC FC, FRSC FC, NAF FC and Oyah Sports FC.

He said that 30 October to 5 November 2021 has been proposed for the tournament.

FCT FA sets 2018 Football Agenda

The Board of the FCT Football Association has approved the creation of an elite Football League in the Territory to be known as the FCT SUPER LEAGUE, with only 12 teams participating in the inaugural edition.