Suleiman Bogoro Peace and Unity Cup: Opportunity to unearth talents in Bauchi state - Patrick Pascal

Football is one of the major tools that brings the existence of peace and unity amongst us in this climate called Nigeria and by extension, the Global community at large. 

Bauchi state football association under Patrick Pascal, a member of Order of Niger (MON) has been witnessing total transformation gradually but in systematical ways since he assumed the stead of leadership.  

Pascal is one of the major grassroots developers in Bauchi and has contributed a lot to the development of football because, the state also availed him enough opportunities to play the game to the highest level, and now, as an administrator,  MON, as he is fondly called by his admirers, leaped towards making sure that Bauchi state stands tall, not just in terms of football development but also as a state that Promotes peace and unity across its spectrum of the 20 local government.

The Bauchi state FA chairman in his wisdom believes such a project on peaceful coexistence amongst his people needs to be piggybacked on a man of peace, known as Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, the current Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in Nigeria.  

Many football lovers in the state of  Pearl of tourism accepted the choice of man of honor, Suleiman Bogoro for his name symbolizes Peace and research however shown that, he has been contributing to youths development even before he became who he is today; hence, Patrick Pascal (MON) and his team of like- minds ( Board Members) decided to inscribed Professor Suleiman Bogoro’s name as the title sponsor. 

The tournament will cut across the 3 zones, namely; Katagum, Central zone, and Bauchi zone.

 According to the Chairman of Bauchi state football association cum Super Eagles coordinator Patrick Pascal:

‘’ It is a new era of football development in Bauchi state and Professor Suliman Elias Bogoro’s competition is just a launchpad amongst other talent identification programs we have in our transformational football books.

The decision on Bogoro’s peace and unity cup in Bauchi state came as a result of his immense contribution  to people's lives  in our state, indiscriminately; in term of Education and other areas that guarantee the survival of mankind’’ he stated enthusiastically

 

Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro's peace and unity football competition involves 40 teams in Katagum/ Central zone from group A to H; meaning 5 teams in each of the 8 groups and it would be the same format in the Bauchi zone as well. 

This will be unprecedented Peace and Unity Football Competition in Bauchi state with 80 grassroots teams jostling to position themselves for the Diadem in the state of Pearl of tourism.

LiveScores donates customized kits to Abraysports to strengthen ties

 

The club has received a donation of jerseys from the popular sports update website, Livescores.

Livescores donated the jersey to the club to test run a relationship that might yield more possible benefits in the future.

The colour of the jersey is black with an orange stripe at the neck which represents the colour of the website. The black and yellow colour represents the identity of the club.

Speaking on the gesture from Livescores, Abdullahi Yusuf, the Chairman of Abraysports commends the website and believes this will be the beginning of more collaboration between both parties.

"Actually, this is the first step to create a relationship between the club and the website.

"However, I must commend the website for the jerseys and the trust they have with the club. As a club, we believe both parties will benefit from future collaboration. 

Abraysports is an NLO side that compete in the Amateur 1. They narrowly missed out on the qualification playoffs on goal difference at Fed Poly Ekiti in Ekiti center.

The youth side of the team are currently third on the Kwara Youth League table and will play against ZA'AJ FA on Saturday 15, 2021.

Tokyo 2020: Sunday Dare raising the bar with special attention on Team Nigeria

It is not by coincidence that President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Mr Sunday Akin Dare as the Minister of Youth Sports in his second term administration.

The President may have seen what we didn't see and its now manifesting with how the minister has been taking care of happenings that concern youth and sports in Nigeria. 

Sunday Dare's immense focus, attention and support to the Team Nigeria that will be hoisting the country's flag in Tokyo, Japan for the Olympics is another first of its kind. 

The minister did not only provided the needed logistics for the Team Nigeria, he made himself available to inspire the athletes and officials.

He will be seen around the team at the training grounds, preparatory tourneys as well as well adopting many of them to his 'adopt an athlete' initiative.

The Minister having a breakfast with Nigerian athletes preparing to go to Tokyo 2020 Olympics is another of his passion for sports and zeal to achieve greatness with the Team Nigeria.

It is a also a prove that Mr Sunday is a Minister with vigour, zeal, passion and one with the interest of the gladiators at heart.

It is no doubt that, with the kind of motivation, moral and financial supports he's made available to the Team Nigeria, the country is bound to record more success in Tokyo.

Aiteo Cup: Olowookere hopes to create more great moments

Naija Ratels Manager, Bankole Olowookere is Keen on experiencing great moment in the AITEO Cup, as they face Edo Queens in the second round of the oldest Football Competition on Thursday at the Lokoja Township Stadium. 

The 'Ratels' won Tin City Queens 5-1 on Sunday in the first round of the Competition and will now face a more experienced side, Edo Queens and surely wants to come out victorious. 

The Federation Cup (AITEO Cup) is Nigerian oldest tournament with a huge history to its name and the Nigeria Women U-17 Coach wants to make history in the competition with Naija Ratels.

"It's something we want to do, we are looking forward to a great match with a very good team" Olowookere said. 

"Edo Queens have quality players and am sure they would give their all against us. It is true that we as a team wants to make history, it has to do with alot of hardwork and dedication on the pitch.

"For us, it's process and we will keep pushing for greatness as a United team, we know we would have to do more than ordinary to defeat Edo Queens on thursday and I think we are mentally and psychologically ready for that." He concluded. 

Naija Ratels were recently crowned Champions of the NWFL Championship and will face Edo Queens this thursday for the first time since meeting them last year November at the Flying Officers Cup.

 

Two Igala United players join NNL side Oyah Sports on Loan

 

The duo of Salifu Abdullahi and Nuhu Shaibu have joined the Nigeria National League, NNL side from Igala United. 

Abdullahi and Shaibu who are one of the top players of newly established Igala United will be playing for the Abuja based NNL outfit after signing the dotted lines for a loan deals.

According to the Technical Director of Igala United, Abubakar Kamar, the movement of the duo was part of their developmental process and believe the duo would come good for Oyah Sports.

Kamar added that their movement would also give rooms to showcase more talents in Igala United just as he hailed the enabling support provided by the club president, Dr Victor Alewo Adoji. 

Abdullahi who is a striker and Shaibu, a midfield trojan have since make their debut appearances for Oyah Sports in their penultimate NNL game against NAF FC in Abuja. 

Salifu Abdullahi emerged top corer in the just concluded NLO Division 3 Playoffs at the Akure center. He had registered a goal and assist for Oyah Sports in a friendly encounter.

Both Abdullahi and Shaibu were also in the team billed to take on FC Taraba in the continuation of the league before the unfortunate road accident suffered by the club which left many of the team members with series of injuries.

Amaju Pinnick sees positives from Super Eagles defeat to Mexico

 

The NFF President and as well  Fifa Council member Amaju Pinnick have reacted immediately after the Nigeria match versus Mexico that ended 4 - 0 in favour of Mexico

The NFF supremo revealed that, he is not disappointed by the result rather, he's more impressed by the performance of the boys as there are many positives to take from the match

While reacting to the loss, Pinnick said:  

"I am not disappointed at all with the result, rather I am more impressed by the dexterity of the boys, their resilience and the 'never say die' spirit of the Nigeria displayed by the boys. 

"the stringing of their passes were sublime, exuded an appreciable level of confidence and that is the positives from the match. He posited. 

"The exposure the boys got from a match of that magnitude cannot be undermined.

The stadium was 90% filled by the Mexicans and this is the first time the boys will be playing a high profile match like that and irrespective of the result. Inspite of the fact that the Mexican team is ranked 11th in the World , time difference and the Super Eagles just trained twice and playing together for the first time, they held their own and made us proud  , they were able to play good football."

The astute sports administrator continued by assuring Nigerians that the boys will be given more friendly matches in the nearest future.

"The boys will play more friendly matches by October, to give them more exposure, by then their confidence level will be higher and they will be able to know what it takes to play high profile matches like that. We are not going to dissolve the team, the boys will be kept together and I'm waiting for the technical report from the technical team and from there we take it further."

"The Essence of this match is to give the home based players exposure and I want to reiterate that the NPFL teams are not bad with the level they played against the Mexicans, the Mexicans Captain plays in Athletico Madrid, they have player from Napoli and other top teams in the world and they are CONCACAF defending champions preparing to play another tournament. Our boys were assembled in two weeks and they were able to hold their own on the pitch against Mexico, we must commend them and give them credit for what they've done."

"I got calls from colleagues from different part of the world commending the boys asking if they are my Team A. I told them they are home based players and praises were showered on them. This is an affirmation to how well they played."

"This is not time to condemn the team but to support these boys and give them more exposures. One to three of these boys will make it to the Super Eagles in the nearest future."

The FIFA Council member also shed more light on the Female team, the Super Falcons. 

"The Super Falcons will be camping in Austria for 10 Days, and return to partake in the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament. This is because continuity speaks volume. They will be going back to the US to play more friendly matches. Part of our clear mandate is to give the National team quality friendlies and we will not stop doing so."

"I want to use this medium to thank the Ministry who gave the support, the club owners who allowed their players to be part of this friendly and as well the LMC who oversees the league. Everyone of them played  a pivotal role to ensure the success of this friendly and we will not be discouraged by side comments but rather we will keep doing the needful."

"to me, many positives must be taken from this friendly" Amaju concluded.

Elite U-20 Football Tourney: Plug Sports target new Onyekuru, Oshoala

 

One of the leading Management companies for current musician and footballers in the country, Plug Sports, has explained the reasons behind organising a one day Elite U-20 Football Championships at the Agege Township Stadium on Tuesday, June 29.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Head of Plug Sports, Lanre Vigo, said they are looking forward to unearting new football stars who can make it in the game.

According to Vigo, the company currently managed Super Eagles striker, Henry Onyekuru and Super Falcons captain, Asisat Oshoala.

He revealed that organizing the one day event was to further create awareness for their brand after their launch late 2020.

“We realized that the players who are the real actors doesn’t get the needed support they should be getting compared to their counterpart all over the world,” he said.

“We are here to get the new Onyekuru, Oshoala and the like and that’s the reason why it was just U-20. We are trying to come up with a different angle from the type of competitions we are used to.

“We really want to make sure all the players are taken care of and when they eventually made it to Europe or other places, they are prepared as we are going to give them the necessary tools to prepare them for the future.

Vigo added that the two players under their watch at the moment have really propelled the name of the organization in good light with their performance in the just concluded season and for the national teams.

Also speaking, the Head of Marketing at Plug Sports, Sayo Osinbowale, said with sports returning across the world, people are now getting to know what they are all about.

Osinbowale said despite the fact that they came when during COVID-19 Pandemic, they have been able to stamp their authority in the country.

Shea added that Nigerians should expect more from them as they continue to turn around the management aspect of sports as they did in entertainment.

Oasis Ladies beat Royaltoms to emerge winners of EkoFootball Queens Championship

 

Oasis Ladies Football Club today emerged the champion of the first ever EkoFootball Queens Championship, when they defeated Royaltoms Queens 5-4 (PK) in the grand finale played at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

It was 1-1 at the end of regulation to time, and the game went to penalty shoot-out, where the winner was decided. It ended 5-4 in favour of Oasis Ladies.

Earlier on today, Prince Kazeem Eletu FC won the third place following a 1-0 victory  over Papa Soccer Academy. Kazeem Eletu only goal of the match was scored by Peace Ikeduba.

The EkoFootball Queens Championship 2021 started three weeks ago with 24 amateur clubs in and around Lagos State. We had a team from Edo state, Fortress Queens, but they crashed out in the group stages.

The Lagos FA Chairman, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi in his remarks after the final match, praised players and coaches of all the 24 teams for helping to create a profile for women's Football in Lagos State.

"The EkoFootball Queens Championship has tremendously enabled  the technical department to identify budding talents across all the clubs that can go all the way to represent the state at any national competition and the country if properly nurtured especially at a time the standard of the women's football league is rising higher and higher by the day. "We promise to continue to improve the championship year in and out and make a stable and consistent platform to build and develop young talents who want to play serious football."

*EkoFootball Media.* 

61 Athletes to fly Team Nigeria Flag in Tokyo

Team Nigeria will depart for the Tokyo  2020 Olympics  in two batches with 61 athletes flying the country's flag, says Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare.

The  Minister  made this  disclosure on Monday while  addressing the plenary meeting with National Sports Federations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

According to the Minister,
"The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020  affected the organisational structures of both the Olympic and Paralympic  Games. This consequently pushed International Federations (IFs) to review their international sporting calendar and qualification pathway for athletes in their quest to participate at the Games.

These challenges, no doubt were difficult to overcome, but could not stop us as a great nation in ensuring that our athletes are strongly supported and motivated to achieve this milestone.

"I must sincerely commend each and every one of you for your commitment and for standing together in this journey. Specifically, I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his immense support in approving and ensuring that funds were released to enable our athletes attend series of
qualification tournaments.

As at today, Nigeria has qualified 61 athletes across 9 Sports for the
Olympics, and 22 athletes in 4 Sports for the Paralympic Games, which are: Athletics-22, Badminton-3,  Basketball-24, Canoe sprint-1, Gymnastic-1, Rowing-1, Taekwondo-1, TableTennis-1,  Wrestling-1 which sums up to 61 and for Paralympic Games we have;
Para Athletics-5, Para Powerlifting-10, power rowing-1, Para Table Tennis-6 summing up to 22."

The Minister further  said "The recent qualification of Nigeria for the Women’s 4x100m, Women’s 4x400m and 4x400m Mixed Relays was a significant achievement for the country, while still awaiting the World Athletics (WA) to ratify the slots in a  few days.

The Ministry in collaboration with the Nigerian Olympic Committee has
scheduled a 14-day Pre-Games Training Camp (PGTC) for the athletes in
Kisarazu , Japan. This move is to further expose the athletes to adequate
preparations ahead of their events as well as to give them ample time to adjust to the Japanese time zone. It is also strategic to meet with COVID-19
regulations. For the Olympic Games, the first batch of the athletes are scheduled to depart for Kisarazu on 6th July, 2021 while the second batch depart on 13th July, 2021. The paralympic Teams will depart in one batch on 8th August, 2021.

The Minister said  in order to ensure a hitch-free participation  in Tokyo, the Ministry had engaged four (4) Travel Agencies to handle flight tickets of Team Nigeria Contingents.

"As the Games are gradually approaching, I feel it would be necessary for us to finalize on our strategies towards ensuring podium success at both the Olympics and the  Paralympic Games",the Minister concluded.

Signed

*Media office of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development*

Pinnick Amaju inaugurates Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament Committee

The Quest to host a successful Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament in Lagos  began with the Inauguration of the committee by NFF President/FIFA Council member; Amaju Pinnick. 

The virtual  meeting started at exactly 11am with all Local Organising Members were in attendance to show readiness to stage a tournament of repute. 

According to the the FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick "Everyone here is selected based on merit for this  national call and I'm confident that you will deliver with utmost efficiency. Aisha Buhari name stands for Integrity and the tournament must live up to that integrity."

Pinnick expects periodic reports before the tournament starts and to interface with Lagos state government as the host. 

The tournament will be yearly and the 

LOC  is expected to organise a befiting tournament that can stand the test of time sustainably. 

Bar. Seyi Akinwunmi who is the Chairman of the committee will Inaugurate different sub-committee that will ensure smooth execution of the tournament.

According to the Chairman of the committee, he appreciated the FIFA Council member for the confidence imposed on the Committee and assured him of leading the team right in unity and as A TEAM. 

"I understand your expectation as the FIFA Council member and we will deliver Accordingly" he concluded.

The Committee members include:

Seyi Akinwunmi - Chairman

LASG Nominee -  Vice chairman

Ibrahim Gusau - member

Aisha Falode - Director of Organisation

Amina Daura - Deputy Director of Organisation

Margaret Icheen - Member

Ayo Omidiran -  Member

Umar Baba - Member

Chisom Ezeoke - Member

Kemi Areola - Member

Ademola Olajire - Member

Ufuoma McDermott - Member

Ese Okpomo - Member

Yinka Olagbemiro - Member

Kola Daniel - Member

Ruth David Secretary

Kamal Mohammed - Member.

Poland 2019: Aigbogun set to unleash Makanjuola to get Success against Ukraine

Head Coach of Nigeria's U20 national team, Flying Eagles, Paul Aigbogun is expected to ring his team ahead of today's make or break final group stage match against Ukraine.

Magate targets match points against Juvenile FC - Yema

Head Coach of Magate FC, Yemi Olanrewaju 'Yema' has confirmed his team's readiness to claim their first three points of the new Nationwide League One, NLO season on Sunday. 

Poland 2019: Makanjuola anticipates good runs for Flying Eagles

Flying Eagles' attacking winger, Success Makanjuola is relishing his first ever U20 World Cup with Nigeria expecting an historic outing from his team.

Chinedu Sunday: A defender with a class

Kwara United's Chinedu Sunday Chukwu from Nkanu, Nkanu East of Enugu State is blessed with good physique-1.9m tall, which naturally makes him physically imposing and imperious in the air.

NNL Preview: John Jerome targets full points against Mighty Jets

Kogi United will be guests to Mighty Jets in Jos for one of the Matchday Two encounters of the 2017/2018 Nigeria National League, NNL season on Saturday.