Betiku's achievement with Sunshine Stars speaks volumes

 

The name Seun Betiku rings a bell. Grown from being a former player, a shot-stopper to be precise in the domestic league to Team Manager, having learned from past result-oriented administrators who have managed Ondo football at the top level, Betiku ranks among the top team managers in the Nigeria Premier Football League. 

Changing the narrative at Sunshine Stars by maintaining professional standards at all times would naturally attract criticism, and it's challenging to say positive things about Betiku, as his criticisms are often opinion-based and come from a fraction of people who thrive on a 'Bring-him-down' syndrome. Football is not just football for Betiku, but adds player management to it, leading numerous players to fulfill their full potential at both Sunshine Stars and the women's team Sunshine Queens. Filled with energy and positive vibes, Betiku is a goal-getter, very articulate, an assertive communicator, and full of excitement, and nothing beats him than ensuring players' welfare is paramount. 

For critics to digest and have a know of Betiku, who started his football sojourn with Kogi United in 2006 while a student at the Kogi State University. It was Coach Raymond Ogosi of blessed memory who discovered and encouraged him to join the University team where he was noticed and asked to join Kogi United. He became a professional footballer after completing his education and joined Rising Stars FC in 2009. 

He made history in the 2014/15 football season by playing for three clubs in a single season due to his qualities. He started the season with Sunshine Stars and by Week 9, he joined Remo Stars when Bode Awakan was in charge. 

He then joined C.O.D FC by mid-season. 

While a professional footballer, Betiku was also learning football administration due to his closeness and the wonderful working relationships he has with the leadership of the clubs he played for. 

After his sojourn outside his state, Betiku returned to Akure in 2016 to play for Sunshine Stars. It was there he was exposed to proper football management, even as a player. 

He had the opportunity to work closely with veterans like Akin Akinbobola, Mike Idoko, and Chief Segun Adagunodo. 

He was able to study how these administrators managed club football, the affairs of players, and preparing the team for matches and was inspired by that. 

He decided from them, to toe the same path. It will be recalled that Sunshine Stars were so formidable that they qualified for continental football for two seasons, and reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. Then they had Akin Akinbobola and it was under him Sunshine Stars missed the league title by a point on the final day. Betiku retired from active football in 2017 due to a terrible shoulder injury.

He was lucky to get instant exposure to football administration with his appointment as Team Manager of Rising Stars FC for the 2017/2018 NLO season. 

He tinkered with the team to reach the promotion playoffs in Makurdi where they lost to Kwara Football Academy. The team reached another playoff the following season and they lost the chance to be promoted to the NNL to Ajiroba Ooni FC on goal difference. Having done tremendously well with Rising Stars, the young Betiku was drafted to Sunshine Queens the following season.

He was able to make a significant impact on Sunshine Queens with the experience he gathered as a player and from his previous assignment at Rising Stars. His style of administration was all-inclusive with transparency and honesty. It was easy for Betiku to identify the need for players to read their minds and know what they wanted at the right time the same route as a player. 

He prioritized the welfare of his players and made sure they were in good mental and physical condition at all times. He sees the players as soldiers and tools needed to succeed as an administrator.  That has helped him so well to achieve tremendous success.

He worked with Coach Mathew Wemimo as Technical Adviser of Sunshine Queens in the 2020/2021 NWFL season and the team qualified for the championship Super Six playoffs for the first time in 15 years. With his administrative acumen, Betiku was able to inspire Sunshine Queens to turn the surprise package of playoffs from being tagged as an underdog ahead of the playoffs ending the playoffs with just two points behind eventual winners, Rivers Angels. 

It was then he caught the attention of Governor Aiyedatiwa who was then the Deputy Governor of Ondo State. 

According to Betiku, Governor Aiyedatiwa has been a passionate lover of sports and Betiku ensured the NWFL board invited the then deputy Governor for the finals and honoured him with an award. It was Betiku's exploits with the Queens that convinced the State Government to appoint him as Team Manager of Sunshine Stars. 

As Team Manager of the Owena Whales under Hon. Aiyedatiwa who was the chairman of the Interim Management Committee of Sunshine Stars under the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the club ended the 2021/2022 season 11th haven lost the final day fixture to Remo Stars. The following season was another significant one for Sunshine Stars under Betiku. The team participated in an abridged league where they were paired with the big boys in the league. 

With his expertise and support from the then Commissioner for Sports, Honorable Bamidele Ologun, Sunshine Stars finished third in that group and qualified for the championship playoffs in Lagos. He introduced the club's anthem which was admired by all and sundry and has become the club's identity to date.

Just as he did with Sunshine Queens, Betiku changed the narratives with Sunshine Stars at the playoffs by finishing fourth ahead of Insurance FC and Lobi Stars who were rated as favourites to win the playoffs. They missed the chance to seal a place in the continent no thanks to their heavy 3-0 defeat to eventual champions, Enyimba. 

It is noteworthy that Betiku deserves his flowers as one of the youngest and best sports administrators who has managed various cadres of football and made a significant impact at various levels. 

He will also be remembered for his laudable imprints and unwavering commitment to making sure Sunshine Stars remain one of the most celebrated and recognized clubs in Nigeria club football.

Sunshine Stars, Ijebu United to kickoff Optima Energy Gold Cup Tourney

Former champions Sunshine Stars will battle debutant Ijebu United in a southwest derby as the Optima Energy Gold Cup 11th edition kicks off 3pm on Friday, at the electrifying Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne - Ogun State.

Optima Energy Gold Cup, the nation's prestigious pre-season tourney avail clubs in the three tiers of the domestics League- Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League and Nationwide League One the platform to prepare their squad going into the new season.

Sunshine Stars, Beyond Limits FA, Ijebu United and Hammola FC make up the teams in Group A and will have their matches in Ikenne.

Seventh edition champion in Ilorin, Niger Tornadoes and back-to-back finalist Shooting Stars will be having their hands full in Group B, as they tackle 'giant killers' FC Ebedei and Tradesafe FC at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu.

General Coordinator of the tourney, Tunde Shamsudeen says anxious Optima Energy Gold Cup fans should expect the best from the teams, who are poised to keep them on their edge of their seats at stadiums and where ever they are live streaming the matches from, with quality football artistry and sublime goals.

"The Optima Energy Gold Cup has over the years proven to be the best platform for clubs to take shape going into the season, and we are proud that we have written history with many clubs, who have gone to becoming NPFL champions, qualified for the CAF Champions League/ Confederation Cup and secured promotion.

"The tourney without bias, give teams in Nigeria's three-tier leagues equal opportunities to be part of its yearly event, and this year's edition will be no exception, as we have balanced groupings, with each consisting of teams in the NPFL, NNL and NLO.

"We expect a thriller in the opening game, as it's a southwest derby between Sunshine Stars and Ijebu United at the Remo Stars International Stadium."

Sunshine Stars, Yobo FC through to Ottasolo Preseason Tourney semifinals

 

Sunshine Stars of Akure continued to show the form that helped them scale through the relegation hurdles towards the latter stage of the 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League season with their performance at the ongoing Ottasolo Pre-season tournament in Lagos.

The Owena Whales remain the only team without blemish as they have won their two matches, scoring two goals in the process without conceding any to scale through to the semifinal stage of the competition.

In their first match of the pre-season, Sunshine defeated Smart City 1-0 before dishing out same scoreline against Remo Stars on Thursday.

They will however wrap up their Group B games with a top of the bill encounter against another NPFL side, MFM of Lagos by 3pm on Friday.

Lagos-based Yobo FC also secured their place in the final four after securing four points in three matches while host team, Ottasolo Int. FC was dumped out of the competition as they could only secured three points from three matches albeit not losing any game against three opponents.

Meanwhile, the remaining group stage matches at the pre-season would be taking place today with 36 Lions playing against Lobi Stars by 9am.

With just one point, 36 Lions still have an outside chance of qualifying for the final four, but they will have to get a good win against Lobi Stars who currently top Group A with four points from two games.

The second match of the day will be between Sunshine Stars and MFM by 3pm with both matches taking place at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Ottasolo Preseason Tourney: Ajagbe inspires Sunshine Stars to outsmart Smart City on Day One

 

Substitute Azeez Ajagbe netted a late goal as Sunshine Stars defeated Smart City 1-0, while 36 Lion and Ottasolo FC drew 0-0 on the opening day of the 2021 Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament at Legacy Pitch on Monday.

Sunshine Stars have a much-changed squad for the tournament but managed to seal a narrow victory in a game of few chances in Group B.

Hadi Mohammed criminally missed a begging opportunity for Stars late in the first stanza.

Smart City also threatened, but it was Owena Whales who took the lead few minutes from time.

Ajagbe managed to get his strike beyond the Smart City keeper in the 85th minute.

Meanwhile, Ottasolo FC and 36 Lion played out a 0-0 draw earlier in the day.

Ottasolo were reduced to 10 men when Hammed Egbedeyi received a deserved red card.

But 36 Lion didn't make their numerical supremacy count as both sides shared the spoils. 

Action continues on Tuesday when the first games in Group B are played.

Lobi Stars are up against Yobo FC in the first clash (9am) and both sides will be eager to make a winning start in what could be a tight group.

The second game will see in-form Remo Stars face MFM FC at 3pm. 

The top two teams in each of the groups advance to the semifinals.

Ottasolo Preseason: MFM, Remo, Sunshine in 'Group of Death' as 36 Lion open tourney with Ottasolo FC

 

It will be a battle between the host team of the maiden edition of the Ottasolo Pre-season tournament,  Ottasolo Int. FC and Lagos-based Football Club, 36 Lion, as the championship kickoff on Monday at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium,  Surulere, Lagos.

In a draw conducted at the Havannah Hotel, Egbeda on Sunday, Ottasolo Int. FC seeded in Group A was joined by 36 Lion, Lobi Stars and Yobo FC.

The opening game is scheduled to take place by 9am as the teams prepare to be the maiden winner of the championship. 

Group B is arguably the Group of Death with Lagos-based Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, MFM FC seeded in the group alongside newly promoted side, Remo Stars, Sunshine Stars and Smart City.

Coming from winning the first recognised Pre-season tournament in the country, the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, Remo Stars already showed that they are ready for the season and they will be the team to beat in the group.

Two games will be played on Monday with Sunshine Stars taking on Smart City by 3pm at the same venue.

Speaking during the draws ceremony witnessed by top administrators, the Coordinator of the Pre-season, Bashir Badawiy, appreciated all the clubs that made it to Lagos while also assuring them of a level playing ground and a good time in Lagos.

Present at the draws were the CEO of the host team and the sponsor of the competition,  Otunba Gabriel Davies, Football Director of ABS, Ilorin, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, CEO of 36 Lion, Alhaji Liameed Gafar, Coach Henry Makinwa, among others.

The Pre-season is taking place at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, from November 1 to 7.

Ottasolo Preseason Tourney: Sunshine, Lobi confirm arrival date

Two of the 10 teams expected to take part at the maiden edition of the Ottasolo Pre-season championships, Sunshine Stars of Akure and Lobi Stars of Makurdi, have both confirmed their arrival date for the tournament.

The coordinator of the tournament, Bashir Badawiy, stated that all the teams have already confirmed their participation and they will be arriving Lagos as from Friday, October 29.

“Sunshine Stars was the first to confirmed their arrival date through their chairman, Akin Akinbobola, who confirmed to me that the team will be in Lagos on Saturday, October 30,” he told Ottasolo Media.

“On Wednesday, the management of Lobi Stars also said they will be in Lagos on Friday, so we are happy that everything is going according to plan.

“Like we all know, some of the other clubs are already in Ogun State, so it won’t take them long to get to Lagos. The likes of Kwara United, Shooting Stars and Niger Tornadoes are in Ogun State participating in another pre-season.

“Also, we have some teams based in Lagos coming for the tournament, MFM, Smart City and the host team, Ottasolo Int FC.

“I can assure you that it is going to be a good time out for all the teams and they will be able to see how far they have gone in preparation for the new Nigeria Professional Football League season.”

The Ottasolo pre-season tournament is scheduled for November 1st to 7th at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament: Kola Daniel Promises Memorable Tournament

 

The 2021 Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament is seven days away and organizers stated that everything is in place to make the tournament a memorable experience for clubs. 

The Tournament is scheduled to hold from the 1st to 7th of November in Lagos and a total of 10 ten teams will take part.

Ottasolo International Football Club will be joined by Kwara United, Abia Warriors, Lobi Stars, Gombe United, and Niger Tornadoes. 

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) new boys, Shooting Stars, MFM, and Sunshine Stars, and Smart City are also expected to be in action. 

Meanwhile, partner of Ottasolo Pre-season, Kola Daniel confirmed that clubs are expected to arrive the venue of the tournament, between 29 and 30th of October.

Matches will be played at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium Arena, Lagos. 

Teams will will use the tournament to intensity their preparations for the 2021/22 season.

Lobi Stars swell star studded NPFL line up for Ottasolo Pre Season Competition

 

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Lobi Stars, is the latest club to show interest in the fast approaching Ottasolo pre-season tournament scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 1 to 7.

Making this declaration was the coordinator of the tournament, Mallam Badawiy Bashir, who revealed that the organisers are making concrete arrangements towards a successful championship.

According to the General Manager of Kwara United, the likes of Remo Stars, Abia Warriors, Niger Tornadoes, Gombe United and Sunshine Stars will all be in Lagos for the prestigious pre-season event.

"Remo Stars, Abia Warriors, Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United, Gombe United and Sunshine Stars are the teams who already confirmed their readiness to be part of the Ottasolo pre season  tournament," he mused.

"The target is to have 10 teams and we are already in talks with other top sides who are just trying to look at their schedule before confirming their availability.

"The NPFL outfits will join the host team, Ottasolo International for the seven-day football competition in Lagos.

"Everything have been put in place for an explosive Tournament," he added.

#DapoAbidounCup21: Gateway United share points with 3SC as Sunshine wins the battle of Stars against Remo

Gateway United put up a spirited performance to hold defending champions, Shooting Stars to a 1-1 draw in the first game of Matchday Two.

Ayo Adejubu opened the scoring in the second minute of the game with a fine strike from a tight angle. Gateway United came back into the game, after Seyi Okeowo’s pass met Emmanuel Orji inside the area, and the tall striker calmly slotted the ball home.

Kwara United bounced back from their defeat in the first game to Shooting Stars, as they claimed a 1-0 win over Ijebu United. 

A first half goal from Kabir Balogun in the 34th minute was enough to give Kwara United their first win of the tournament. 

Sunshine Stars started their campaign on a winning note, after claiming a hard fought 1-0 win against Remo Stars. 

First half ended without a goal after both teams missed several chances to score. Hadi Mohammed broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute after putting the ball past James Faith in goal. 

Two second half goals from Ndubusi Pascal and Dennis Obasi ensured MFM FC get their first win of the tournament. 

First half ended in stalemate, until Ndubusi Pascal benefited from a through pass to beat Shodipo Korede in goal. Dayo Alabi’s shot inside the area was saved by Korede before a rebound from Dennis Obasi made it 2-0 to the Olukoya boys. 

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: 

Sunshine Stars coach, Deji Ayeni spoke about the importance of the tournament. 

"This is a good opportunity to blend our new and old players before the new season. The victory is good for the team.

“We knew Remo Stars has got a good squad and they also have a coach with a rich history, it was a good test for our team and the victory will motivate our work”. Deji Ayeni said. 

The tournament sponsored by Bet9ja and Value Jet is an initiative of Otunba Tade Azeez, President Nigeria Referees Association.

Sunshine Stars, Queens lay off Ball Boys, Laundry Boys, 10 other staff

The Management of Ondo State Football Agency has terminated the appointments of three ball boys, two laundry boys and ten others from the club.

According to a circular letter dated 29th September 2021, the ball boys are Oria Sola, Ayodele Ademola, and Adeyemi Samson. While the laundry boys are Dosumu Taiwo and Amoka Adedamola.

The team manager of the club Akinyelure Tokunbo, Secretary Kehinde Odogun and Media Officer Okunnuwa Chris were not spared.

Others are Team Doctor Dr Akinbunu Babatunde, Massuer Adetula Jenyo, Welfare officer Abdulsallam Abdulraham, Kits Officer Wahab Abdul, Camp Commandant Abe Ayodeji, and his assistant Oshodi Tala.

The club’s International Relations officer Henry Afolabi was not spared.

The dissolution affected both the Sunshine stars and Sunshine Queens

Source: Exclusive News

Alimi wants more NPFL VAT Wonder Goal prize to support charity

Sikiru Alimi has the typical build of an active athlete and spots the scraggly beards that is trendy amongst contemporary youths globally. But his appearances does not give a hint of his push and drive on the pitch, a monstrous chase that covers almost every blade of grass on the field in pursuit or possession of the ball.

Rangers deepen Sunshine's woes in Akure

It was a much improved performance for the former NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C in the Match Day 11 fixture against host’s, Sunshine Stars inside Akure Township stadium as they were forced to a 1-1 draw.

Enyimba survives Sunshine scare in Calabar

As the rain came teeming down in Calabar, Enyimba produced an effervescent performance to dispatch Sunshine Stars on Sunday.

Achiv helps Nasarawa achieve first NPFL victory

By Wale Mustapha 

Creative midfielder, Douglas Achiv was the star man for Nasarawa United on Sunday as the Solid Miners ended their winless run to the new NPFL season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Sunshine Stars.

Ayodele stars as Sunshine hold off Heartland in Owerri

Henry Ayodele proved decisive as Sunshine Stars FC shared the spoils With Heartland FC in one of the match day one fixtures of the 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in Owerri on Sunday.

Olorundare gets over niggling injury challenge

Former Sunshine Stars forward, Dele Olorundare has declared he would soon be back on the pitch and scoring goals after finally finding a lasting solution to his persistent injury. 

Bala remains coy over Tornadoes' Chance of winning Aiteo Cup

Technical Adviser of Aiteo Cup finalist, Niger Tornadoes, Abubakar Bala has talked down his side's chances of beating Akwa United in the final on Sunday.

AITEO Cup Semi Final 1st Leg Results

WOMEN

* Ibom Angels Vs Confluence Queens did not hold as Abia Angels appealed their disqualification and the AITEO Cup Organizing Committee will meet and take a decision on this matter on Tuesday, 3^rdOctober 2017

Sunshine Stars engages Akwa United in a quest for Aiteo Cup final ticket

 Two of the Nigeria Professional Football League's finest will begin the battle for a place in the 2017 AITEO Cup final this weekend, when Sunshine Stars host 2015 Champions, Akwa United at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode.

AITEO Cup: Fierce battles in Ijebu-Ode, Benin City

Edo Queens defied all predictions to hold champions Rivers United to a 0-0 draw in their first leg, quarter final match at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Wednesday and look forward with high expectations to Saturday’s return in Benin City.