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.

Magic Stars to improve players performance through mentorship and periodic evaluations

Magic Stars FC President, Kayode Agboola aka Baba Kay says he intends to make football lifestyle a better one for any player picked from the tryouts, as the player should also have an idea of his goal and when he wants to achieve it, then the club will do its utmost best to achieve this goal together with the player. The Club culture will also suit the players. 

Magic Stars FC main goal is to help football players get the most out of their football careers. This will be achieved by means of monitors and mentorship. Each of their player will receive periodic evaluations within his supervision, so that, they can closely monitor developments of players and give advice.​

Agboola also stated that, they are looking for the right mix of players that can benefit the team to reach their targets and achieve success.

In his words," The players must be sound technically at least 60%. Techniques is an overall attribute in football, which includes your touches and fitness, passing, shooting abilities, dribbling and one-on-one skills plus many more; the way you deal with the ball is a huge factor in the game of football. 

" We are planning to play in the Nationwide League One (NLO) come this season, players coming for the tryouts have to prove to us that they are ready for the challenges ahead with their abilities and performance on the field of play, being at the right place at the right time to receive and make passes. Show to us his techniques, tactical awareness, physical attributes, competitiveness and good behaviour, because these are the attributes that can take the longest for you to learn.

" We are absolutely looking for the long term future of our club and the team, so we need to make sure that we get the best legs good enough now to make the cut but also, improve and be good enough in the future. Learning how the game works for any players should be of a high priority.

" You have to desire it, you have to show us that the fire to become an intelligent footballer is in you, make us see things like character, effort, presence, abilities to overcome bad situations and many more, We know every player want to sign with a Pro club, so show it now as the opportunity beckons."

ANFPU President, Abdul Sule says its time to rebuild, reboot players' union

 

President of the newly established All Nigerian Football Players Union (ANFPU) Abdul Sule has urged all present and retired footballers to demonstrate core values that would help them remain relevant during and after playing the game of soccer. 

Sule who was a former Super Eagles player was appointed as President of the body, in a well organised ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday, which was attended by ex- footballers, and top NFF Officials, including the Second-Vice President of the NFF, Shehu Dikko.

"It is time to rebuild and reboot the players union association in our country. It requires vision, trust, knowledge and courage. ANFPU is a players-led organisation, which demonstrates the values of ensuring better life for the present and retired footballers in Nigeria.' Sule Said. 

"As a former player, who have played both in the local league, the national team and also abroad. I believe I have the deep understanding of the players position within the game and will contribute significantly to the growth of the organization.

"This historic initiative will provide courage for all footballers in the country. Their voices will be heard and together, we can think of ways to develop, and protect players rights, both male and female.

"The association also aims at inspiring the younger players for more achievements and restore hope to the retired footballers. 

"Generally, we are looking at galvanizing the football playing community, through a strategic support system that would bring a new life into the Nigerian Football environment. 

"We have so many opportunities, partnerships wit the club owners and also with the Football Federation, as we are affiliated with them and have all it takes to be a union. 

"We have started work and are willing to accept players who are eligible to join the association. We are really poised at helping the current and ex players achieve their dreams. This is the main motive behind the association.

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.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Its an all NPFL semifinals

 

Wikki Tourists FC and Katsina United on Thursday picked the remaining two slots to make it an all NPFL teams semi finals at the ongoing Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja. 

The tournament which Started with 12 teams has seen the elite division clubs showing their class, despite initial set backs to the lower division teams, to emerge at the last four. Thereby, separating the men from the boys. 

The last match of the Group C which was played between Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and Katsina United lived up to expectations, and watched by capacity crowd which included the Chairman of NFF Technical Committee Alhaji Ahmed Fresh, NFF Technical Department members Paul Aigbogun, and Garba Lawal, Nigeria Football Coaches Association Chairman and National U. 20 coach, Ladan Bosso, Super Eagles Coordinator Patrick Pascal, former National team Coach James Peters among others, saw both teams  qualifying for the Semi Final of the Unity Pre Season tournament in style after settling for a goalless draw. 

Wikki Tourists garnered 7points and +7goals advantage to top group C, while Katsina United finished as best losers with same points with lesser goals advantage. 

Wikki Tourists will now take on Plateau United in one of the Semi Finals  tomorrow Friday 5/11/2021

by 4pm at the Area 3 playing ground, while the first Semi Final by 2pm  same day will be between Nasarawa United and Katsina United. 

The final of the tournament has been slated for Sunday 7th November 2021 at the Area 3 playing pitch.

32 young writers battle for prizes in ANSA World Cup

By Stephen Adeleye

A total of 32 contestants have made the final shortlist for this year's World Cup competition of the Association of Nigerian Student Authors (2021 ANSA World Cup).

A statement signed by Israel Onoruoiza, the ANSA Secretary, and made available to journalists in Lokoja, described ANSA world cup ''as a unique literary annual competition for young aspiring writers from local, national and international.''

He said that the tournament which would kick start on Friday, November 5, 2021, would last for about two months.

According to Onoruoiza, the group stage of the round-ribbon literary tournament will commence tomorrow Nov. 5, while the final would take place on Dec. 24, 2021. 

''All events shall be held online due to travel restrictions in some countries. The competition will culminate in a spectacular awards ceremony scheduled for Friday, December 31st, 2021.

''The rave-making, revolutionary international literary contest takes the format of the FIFA World Cup, hence its name. It is the first of its kind in the world; a purely innovative concept'', he said.

He stressed that the ANSA World Cup offered a ray of hope to young aspiring writers in a fast-changing world. 

''It is intended to inspire young writers and promote the spirit of healthy academic rivalry among them, to encourage young writers to pick up their pens and start writing again. 

''To help young writers discover the fun in writing, to encourage young writers to come out of their shells and tell the world their stories,'' he said

He explained that the contest idea was originally conceived to celebrate the birthday of ANSA's founder and multiple award-winning Nigerian author, Dr. Kennedy Obohwemu. 

He added: ''Writers are pitted against one another in a head-to-head multi-stage literary combat. 

''They are made to produce original and creative pieces of literature (poetry, prose, play, etc) on diverse genres within a limited time.''

He noted that the 2021 ANSA world cup would feature last year’s winner, Maymunah Kadiri, and a host of other budding writers from Africa and other parts of the globe.

According to him, the prizes to be won  are: N100,000 in cash prizes, Publicity packages for winning authors, Link to publishing deals, 10 copies of Salamatu Sule’s latest poetry collection, Orchestra of Her Last Rites;

''Other prizes are Award plaques, customised ANSA label pins, certificates and special bonuses for social media engagement.

''Members of the judging panel would include notable writers like Odoh Diego Okenyodo, Salamatu Sule, Funmi Ilori, Awele Ilusanmi and the man himself, Dr. Kennedy O. Obohwemu, among others.

''With the ANSA world cup, the entire cosmos can look forward to a spectacular celebration of the genius that today’s young writers have to offer,'' he said.

He described ANSA as ''the brainchild of multiple international award-winning Nigerian author Dr. Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu. Established in 2007.

''ANSA is dedicated to instilling the culture of reading & writing among children, teenagers & younger adults.

''It provides the platform for this vulnerable population to contribute their quota to the promotion of Africa’s rich literary enterprise.'' 

End

Ottasolo's Oluwaseyi eager for players' rejig after early exit

 

Ottasolo FC coach, Olufemi Olawaseyi has stated that the Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament has helped his team to see the level of their preparedness for the start of the Nigeria National League season which has been tentatively fixed for December 3rd.

Before the start of the ongoing tournament in Lagos, Ottasolo FC had taken part in two pre-season tournaments including the NLO Super 8 which was used to determine the placement of the teams ahead of last season.

But Oluwaseyi noted that the team needs to be beefed up before the commencement of the NNL season judging by how they have performed in the three tournaments.

The coach lamented his players' wastefulness in front of goal despite the ample time he devoted to coaching them on how to improve their predatory instinct in the goal area, before the start of the tournament.

"We are making up for our pre-season games. We used the tournament to see where our lapses are," Oluwaseyi told Ottasolo Pre-season Media.

"We had a lot of chances but my strikers need to do more to take the chances they are creating. We are not a bad team but it is just unfortunate that we didn't qualify. 

"Our failure to convert scoring chances is giving me a headache because we had a lot of practices before the game. We now know what to do to make a success of our upcoming games. 

"We need more good players to beef up the team before the start of the season so that we can readjust and get balanced."

Ottasolo FC drew all three games they played in the tournament and they are out of the race to finish in the top two with Lobi Stars and Yobo FC already with four points.

'Ottasolo Pre-season has given us more exposure,' Says Yobo's Ohioze

 

Head coach Yobo FC, Harry Ohioze has thumbed up the organisers of the Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament who have provided games with which to give his boys the needed exposure ahead of the Nigeria Nationwide League season.

Yobo FC put themselves in the best position to qualify for the semi-final of the tournament after a battling 1-1 draw against Ottasolo FC and Ohioze told Ottasolo Pre-season Media that his boys played to instructions and didn't lose concentration throughout the game.

"Football is all about total concentration. In the first 15 minutes, we dominated and had chances to kill off the game but in the last 15 minutes, we were out of the game and they were about scoring us," Ohioze told Ottasolo Pre-season Media.

"It was the same thing in the second half. They dominated the proceedings but I thank God for the concentration of our boys. They were able to sustain the pressure. 

"This is a better development for us because most of our boys need exposure and they need to mature in their game. Playing in the Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament brought them out and gave them the needed exposure."

Yobo FC are currently second in the group with four points and 0 goals difference having scored three goals and conceded the same number of goals and when asked the team they would like to meet in the semi-final if they manage to qualify, the coach affirmed that his boys would be open to meeting any team that emerges from Group B.

"We are ready for any team. We are not afraid of any team. I know the boys will continue to progress from game to game. 

"We will take advantage of any opportunity that comes. We will hold it and it will give us victory."

Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament is sponsored by Otunba Gabriel Davies who is the owner of Ottasolo FC.

Ottasolo Pre-season: Ottasolo FC stumble out despite draw with Yobo FC

 

Host, Ottasolo FC are the first team to be officially eliminated from the ongoing Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament after they could only secure a 1-1 draw against Yobo FC on Thursday at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Ottasolo FC that had earlier drawn with both 36 Lion and Lobi Stars needed an outright victory against Yobo FC to seal a semi-final place even before the start of the final Group A game between 36 Lion and Lobi Stars slated for Friday.

But it was Yobo FC who were with three points before the commencement of hostilities that began the game impressively. With only 11 minutes gone, Chinedu Okafor dribbled three Ottasolo FC players and fired a shot that beat the hosts' goalkeeper but the effort crashed the upright and returned back to play. 

Yobo FC made their early domination count with the opening goal of the game in the 24th minute when Shedrack Kaye nodded home an inviting cross from Chukwuma Ugbo.

Ottasolo FC woke up from their slumber almost immediately when they were behind but they were unable to get the equaliser until the end of the first half.

Ottasolo coach introduced Ugo Samson in the 50th minute to beef up the attack and barely 18 minutes later the super sub found the equalising goal from a good cross from Tosin Adelosi in the 68th minute. 

The game ended 1-1 despite Ottasolo FC's late desperate efforts to score the winning goal.

Despite only playing two games, Lobi Stars are on top of the Group A log with 4 points and plus one goal difference while Yobo FC are second with four points also but they have completed their three games. 

Ottasolo FC are currently third with 3 points from three games but they are out of the tournament.

While 36 Lion, Yobo FC, and Lobi Stars are all the race for the two tickets to the semi-final. 36 Lion versus Lobi Stars tie billed for Friday will unravel the mystery behind those that will qualify from Group A.

Okoli upbeat of Al Mokawloon revival

 

Striker John Okoli is optimistic that Al Mokawloon will recover from their unlucky loss to ENPPI in the last round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Their last outing ended in a 3-2 defeat at Petrosport Stadium (al-Qāhirah (Cairo)) and the forward feels his team will reverse the situation on Thursday.

While disclosing that his team will keep working hard to reverse their form, he is upbeat that Al Mokawloon can get things ticking again.

"The main thing is that we are aware of what we are going through and what our situation is. We have three points and can perform better," Okoli told the Media.

"Al Mokawloon is an intense team, which fits in goals and especially strong defensively. We have been working every day to win always.

"We all know what we have to contribute, we are totally confident, we are all a pineapple. 

"We have to win the game [against Tala'ea El Gaish]. It is not even a matter of choice or the team we are playing but we have to win on Thursday.

"We came close to picking a point against ENPPI. However, I believe we will get our second win over Tala'ea El Gaish [since] the whole team want a win. The fans deserve a win and we will go all out to get the win for them," he added.

The Egyptian Premier League week three tie between Al Mokawloon and Tala'ea El Gaish will take place Arab Contractors Stadium (Osman Ahmed Osman Stadium) (al-Qāhirah (Cairo)) on Thursday. Kickoff is 4:30pm.

Kogi Govt. begins closure of illegal schools

 

Stephen Adeleye

 The Kogi State Government on Wednesday began the closure of sub-standard and illegal schools operating in the state.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the exercise in Lokoja, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Wemi Jones, said the ministry had been empowered by law to close down any illegal school in the state.

Jones, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Pastor Emmanuel Idenyi, said Kogi State Education Law came into effect in 2020 which empowered the ministry to close down sub-standard and illegal schools.

”We are surprised that these kind of schools are still in existence in Kogi, this is an eyesore

”Our team of directors were here yesterday to officially serve the school the letter of closure, but the proprietress refused to collect the letter.

”This is not acceptable, we cannot allow our children to be kept under this harsh condition all in the name of learning.

”We have put a seal of closure on the school and it remains sealed and closed until the owner of the school comes to the ministry to do the needful.”

He stressed that until the affected schools fulfilled the ministry’s conditions for operations in the state, they  would remain closed.

According to him, there is a taskforce already set up by the ministry that is going round, adding that the exercise would continue until set goals were achieved.

He, therefore, advised owners of other sub-standard schools in the state to be ready for the same exercise.

”Any school operating illegally in the state should get itself closed down or do the needful before we get to them.”

He said that government could not continue to allow the children to be learning under bad conditions, saying, ‘it is unfair and wickedness on the part of school owners; it is not acceptable.”

Among the closed schools were: Abundant Life Academy Nursery and Primary Schoool, Felele and Knowledge Academy, Zango.

NAN reports that the proprietors of some other schools were advised to report at ministry on Thursday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Ottasolo Preseason Day 3 Wrap: Smart City put Remo Stars on the brink; Lobi close in on semi-final ticket

 

Remo Stars will now depend heavily on the results of other matches if they are to qualify for the semi-final round of the on-going Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament after they lost their second consecutive game to Smart City on Wednesday at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos.

The Sky Blue Stars had lost to MFM on Tuesday and were hoping to stage a comeback in the tournament but Lagos based Smart City had other ideas as they plan how to negotiate their qualification to the next round, too.

Smart City narrowly lost to Sunshine Stars in their first game on Monday but they stormed back to life with a 1-0 win over NPFL new entrants, Remo Stars. Habeeb Olaitan converted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after he slotted the ball beyond the reach of Remo Stars goalkeeper, Timi Adeyoriju in the 15th minute.

After many failed attempts by both teams, Remo Stars were reduced to 10 when substitute goalie, Salami Kelvin was penalised for a foul on Amos Okoro in the 86th minute in the 18 yard box. Smart City's Toheeb Sunkanmi missed the resultant spot kick a minute later. 

There was no chance for Gbenga Ogunbote's men to get a face saving draw and have been booted out of the tourney with no points from two games.

Earlier, the host team of the on-going Ottasolo Pre-season tournament, Ottasolo International FC forced their more illustrious opponent, Lobi Stars, to a 1-1 draw at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, in the first game of the MatchDay 3.

Ottasolo drew their first game with 36 Lions while Lobi secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Yobo FC on Tuesday. Both teams were looking for a win that will move them closer to the semifinal stage of the maiden edition of the tournament.

Both teams came out smoking as they continue to look for the opening goal but failed to come until the 23rd minute when Ottasolo FC's Jelili Moshood put the ball beyond the reach of his goalkeeper, Korede Shodipo in his attempt to clear out  Lobi's goal-bound effort. 

The newly promoted Nigeria National League side didn’t allow the goal to weigh them down as they continued to pile on the pressure which paid off just three minutes later as Ogunjimi Samuel headed Ottasolo back into the game after he connected a lovely cross from Issah Mohammed.

While in another game also decided on Wednesday, Yobo FC put themselves in a better position to qualify for the semi-final of the pre-season tourney after a 2-1 win over 36 Lion.

Godwin Arewa put Yobo FC in the ascendancy with the opening goal of the game in the 23rd minute. It was their first goal in the tournament. Gift Nwokeke increased the goals tally in the 60th minute for Yobo FC but Raji Olamuyiwa reduced the goals deficit in the 70th minute to make for a frenetic final 20 minutes at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos.

On Thursday, Yobo FC and Ottasolo FC will slug it out in their final Group A game with both teams needing positive result to progress. The host, Ottasolo FC with two drawn games are under compulsion to beat Yobo FC to progress to the semi-final while Yobo FC with three points must also secure the maximum points to be certain of qualification irrespective of the result of Lobi Stars vs 36 Lion on Friday.

Smart City will also on Thursday face MFM in their third and final Group B tie. Both teams are on three points but Smart City have played a game more. Both are Lagos based clubs but Smart City will be eager to pick the maximum points that should be sufficient for a place in the semi-finals while the Olukoya Boys can't afford to lose knowing that their final group game comes up on Friday against tough Sunshine Stars.

Remo Stars with two losses are close to being bundled out of the tournament but they will trade tackles with Sunshine Stars also tomorrow with the sole aim of fighting until the end of the group stage if they could get an outside chance to qualify.

The Ottasolo pre-season tournament is in its debut edition with the owner of Ottasolo FC, Gabriel Davies as sponsor.

Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament:

Results

Ottasolo FC 0-0 36 Lion

Lobi Stars 1-0 Yobo FC

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Smart City

MFM 1-0 Remo Stars

Ottasolo FC 1-1 Lobi Stars

36 Lion 1-2 Yobo FC

Smart City 1-0 Remo Stars

Day Four (November 4) Fixtures

Yobo FC vs Ottasolo FC 9.00 am

Smart City vs MFM  2.00 pm

Remo Stars vs Sunshine Stars 4.00 pm

Sunday Dare and his many landmark achievements in Nigeria Youth and Sports Development

He is a man that will be remembered for his many legacies even while in office. He starts what others never thought of. In just under 3 years of his administration, Sports minister Sunday Dare has broken records and has given stakeholders too many to remember. 

His staff call him Mr Record Breaker, his admirers call him Mr Achiever, his colleagues call him the pacesetter, his bosses call him the silent achiever and some others just love to call him the BRAINBOX. 

Welcome to the World of Sunday Akin Dare. A man who has continued to thrive where others failed. 

Today, this reporter has taken time to highlight FIVE of Sunday Dare's outstanding achievements. These are five of the best. The very best. Read along. 

1. THE NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

For the very first time in the history of Nigeria youth and sports Ministry, there came a minister who has decided to create a platform for Nigeria youths to air their views, state their grievances and be heard by their leaders. On Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria's vice president Yemi Osinbajo was special guest of honor as youths and delegates from all parts of the country converged on Abuja. The Vice president, used the ocassion of the conference to appeal to Nigeria youths to channel their energies into meaningful ventures and desist from negative vices like kidnapping, armed robbery, drug abuse and terrorism. He advised them to always see dialogue as a means of settling whatever grievances they have with government instead of indulging in violence. 

2. THE NATIONAL YOUTH INVESTMENT FUND

For the very first time in the history of the youth and sports Ministry, the federal government of Nigeria approved 75billon naira for the National Youth Investment Fund. That too, is one of the landmark achievements of Chief Sunday Dare. On assumption of office in 2019, Dare said his priority us to improve the lives of Nigeria youths and he took the bold step by coming up with an initiative that allows Nigeria youths to bring up creative ideas that government will support with small loans. That way, many have started doing small businesses instead of waiting for white collar jobs.

3. NYSC SALARY INCREMENT

Yes it happened after a proposal submitted by Sunday Dare got express approval from the presidency. Before his appointment as Nigerua sports minister, Youth corpers in the country were on a monthly take home of 19,800 naira but Sunday Dare came and changed their story. Presently, the take home pay for Nigeria youth corpers is 33,000 naira monthly. 

4. NIGERIA MADE HISTORY AT WORLD ATHLETICS UNDER 20 CHAMPIONSHIP

Nigeria’s U-20 track and field athletes made history at the biennial World Athletics U20 championships after finishing third on the overall medals table with an unprecedented haul of four gold and three bronze medals.

The best Nigeria had achieved on the medals table prior to the Kenya event, was her seventh-placed finish at the third edition of the championship in 1990 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, where they won two gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

The four gold medals won at the championships in Nairobi, Kenya is the highest Nigeria has won, two more than the country has ever won in any edition of the championships.

Nigeria’s 4x400m mixed relay team began the unprecedented haul with its historic, championships record-setting performance (3:19.70CR) on the opening day of the championships.

5. INTRODUCTION OF THE ADOPT A SPORT OR AN ATHLETE INITIATIVE

4. The Sports Ministry under the leadership of Sunday Dare developed and implemented a Private Public Partnership model for sports, under the 'Adopt an Athlete' initiative about 20 athletes were adopted with some getting $10,000 and others $20,000.

Also about Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars($230,000) was raised for the men and women basketball teams under this initiative, the Ministry was also able to secure direct financial support for about 22 Nigerian athletes towards their training for the Olympics and the under 20 World championship. 

These are just a few of the many brilliant achievements of the ministry under Sunday Dare. Remember that it was under this administration that the National stadium Abuja and Lagos that were left moribund for years, came back to life. Dare got the private sector to begin work and as at last week, the Moshood Abiola stadium in Abuja is almost 96% completed and that of Lagos is undergoing steady progress. He also introduced  a special trust fund to help retired Nigeria sports men and women. 

In the years to come, the story of Nigeria youth and sports development when told, will not be complete without a mention of this Oyo state born administrator who came, saw and has conquered where his predecessors failed.

Kwara United FC rejects Biffo's resignation, awaits his resumption

 

The management of Kwara United Football Club has rejected the resignation of it's Technical Adviser/Head Coach, Abdullahi Usman Biffo, urging him to return back to his position after recuperating from surgery.

Coach Biffo had, in a letter dated October 29th, 2021, and addressed to the Chairman of the Club, Kumbi Titiloye, resigned from his job, picking November 30th, 2021 as his last day of employment.

 

"Please accept this letter of resignation from my position as Technical Adviser/Head Coach of Kwara United Football Club. My last day of employment will be November 30th, 2021", the letter read in part.

He said that he received a letter of query from the Kwara State Sports Commission, claiming that the act breached the terms of his contract, as he is not directly employed by the Commission.

"I received a letter of query from the Kwara State Sports Commission, and as a professional football coach, I value working ethics and well organized working environment.

"I am no longer comfortable working for the club any more", he averred.

But in a.message by the Chairman, the Board rejected the resignation, reminding him that he signed a three year contract which needs to be completed.

"The management of Kwara United Football Club has received your resignation letter, and subsequently, have rejected same because it negates the terms and conditions in the three years contract you signed with the club.

"You are therefore, expected to resume after recuperating from the successful eye surgery you had, to ensure a smooth preparation of the club for the forthcoming 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

"As a professional football club, we also value working ethics, and club has provided the coaches a well organized working environment in the first and second of the three years of their reign, and believed that this will be sustained, irrespective of the circumstances", the statement added.

The statement also added that Kwara United FC will strive to build on the successes of last season, commending the State Government for it's unalloyed support to the club.

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.