PDP's loss in Kwara poll, signs of nemesis - APC chieftain

 

A chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC), Kwara chapter, Alhaji Kayode Adams fondly called Cooler has said nemesis is catching up with Kwara PDP as it is evident that a greater percentage of the Kwara electorates are tired of the Saraki political egemony as displayed during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections, where their candidates were randomly and resoundingly defeated by the APC. 

 In this interview with our Editor, the Ebodaniyan born politician said re-electing Mall.  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would consolidate the numerous achievements witnesses in the last four years, saying the governor has the capacity and track record to do more. 

Adams added that there is no basis for comparism between AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's led government with the 16 years prodigy and arrogant reign of Bukola Saraki's administration in kwara,  alluding to the fact that the governor has brought back the lost glory of kwara schools that were left shattered by the immediate past administration. Exercpts:

How was growing up as a child looks like? 

I hail from Ilorin here. My mother is from Ile-koto compound very close to Ode-AfaNda. My parents are from the same compound. 

I attended Karumon Primary School and later to Ilorin Grammar School between 1974 -79. I had a certificate in Marketing from Kwara Tech. Along the lines,  I left Nigeria to overseas where I interfaces with different nationalities.

I voyaged into politics during the 1983 elections.  I was one of the pioneer founder of Alanamu club with the likes of Sa'adu Koroagba,  Ibrahim and Muyi Ikolaba. From there we priducded a councillor then called Alege amongst  others in 1983.

In 2002, I joined the administration of late Alabi Lawal, but I later opted out of his government as a result of persistent violence that marred his administration. When Bukola Saraki came,  I was part of the people that midwived him to power. 

Our thought then was that with his high sense of exposure,  he would bring speedy development to Kwara State,  but he failed us. His father,  the late Dr.  Olusola Saraki was a good person.  In fact he was a good friend to my late father. It was the father of this present governor,  late AGF that brought Dr.  Olusola Saraki to Ilorin in 1962.

I know this because my father was a personal assistant to AGF then alongside late Babatunde Alanamu.  Late Dr.  Saraki did well throughout his political reigns.  Our thoughts over Bukola was that he would do more than what his Dad did. We all supported him wholeheartedly,  but he was too self-centered. He is too rude and disrespectful. He has no regards for the elderly. Bukola Saraki turned most of our youths into thug.  

As a grassroots politician,  how would you rate the present administration relatively to the past administration in kwara state? 

There absolutely nothing to compare.  The four years in the helms of affair of Mall.  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq with the 16 years of the immediate past administration is pole part to each others. Those capital projects they errousneously laid claim on are federal government interventions.

There was no any indigenous schools that felt their impacts. We had bad roads across the state.  Their government lacks inclusivity. They rotated appointment within their cycles and clusters on like this present administration that always  sought for best brains.  

There is no any local governments area today in kwara that you will not see the impacts of Gov.  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led government.  He has brought back the lost glory of kwara schools that were left shattered by the previous government. It was under this present administration that a student won an award for the state from Canada. This is so as a result of his giant stride in educational section. 

Mall.  AbdulRahman AbulRazaq is a benevolent par excellence.  He came up with lots of credits facility intervention for kwara traders. He has impacted positively all kwara marketers.  Go to Ipata markets. Go to Gbugbu market you will see his marks. 

The governor at no time exercises a dominearing leadership style over the people of kwara,  rather he see himself as a servant. But the immediate past government in kwara almost equate themselves with God. They are grossly prodigal and arrogant. They will awards contract without cash backing. 

Look at the Aviation College, the aircraft they procure during their time was resold to one person called Atunwa,  who was a one time taxi driver in London. He refurbished it and sold it back to the same government. They are too fraudulent. They amputated civil servants salaries throughout their period. 

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq paid salary of workers as at when due.  It is sadedned to hear the past prodigal government saying 'Otisuwa'.  If they are tired of this government, they should commit suicide. 

How ready are the people of this your community(Lao) to re-elect Gov.  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq? 

I bought this land since 1989 and I met the community not well organised. They made me their leader and the community has witnessed speedy growth as you can see by yourself. I brought a polling unit to the community and that is why in the presidential elections they voted massively for Tinubu and APC. 

I have brought lots of incentive packages for the community that cuts across widows,  artisan and the less privileged ones under the auspies of this government. 

Myself and the governor are from the same family and he has not disappointed us.  And that is why I am supporting him. 

The last elections saw Kwara PDP lost woefully at the poll.  Is this a pointer to final exit of the party in kwara? 

Yes.  I want to belives that nemesis has caught up with kwara PDP.  All these are happening as a result of the continuation of progressive style of leadership of late AGF to which the governor imbibes. 

Our core job in Ilorin before now was weeving and the late AGF in his futuristic minded set established Government Secondary school,  Adeta. The governor also took after his late father in term of living a lasting legacy for future generations. It was on this his track record that led to the collapse of kwara PDP in the presidential and National Assembly elections. 

The people of kwara state have seen the changes. They have seen that PDP have no good plans for them. You can see how our tradition rulers unanimously support the governor.  Our traditional rulers in their wisdom advised Bukola Saraki to let the incubent governor has his share of two terms,  he revolted. 

He went around saying he would alter  the hierarchy of the age-longed norms of our traditional institutions.  He is most he do politics.  He should leave kwarans alone and go back to his medical callings. So the fits of Kwara APC at the last polls was as a result of exponential achievements of Mall.  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. 

We noticed that many opposition parties in the state  are decamping to APC,  what is the secrete? 

There is no any secrets about it at all.  I think they have all learnt from their mistakes. They have know the truth and the truth has begun to set them free.  They have decided to go back to their vomit after seeing that their bigotry tendency against the governor has failed them. 

It is the pure heartiness of Mall.  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq that makes them to come back.  God has vindicated the governor. 

Tell us some of Gov.  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's achievements in the state

Tsaragi township road I did it.  Guanara road along Laina road.  The Governor has constructed over 127 roads across the state. He did over 500 interlocking roads. All schools across the state have been refurbished. 

All basic heath centre got equipments . Over 165 hospitals have been refurbished.  Boreholes just to mention but few.  All our traditional rulers are happy with the governor. 

If you look back down the line how God has led you through the journey of life,  are you fulfilled? 

Yes,  I am fulfilled! Allah has been so magnanimous to me.  I'm not over ambitious, am contented with what God has done for me. 

What is your appeal to the people of Kwara on the need for them to troop out next Saturday to vote Mall.  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and APC. 

 Kwarans have known the truth and they will never go back to Egypt. They shouldn't vote for the opposition.  They have nothing for them. The people of Kwara state should in the same manner they did at the presidential poll vote massively for Mall.  AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and all the APC candidates.

Tornadoes Get Governor Bello's #1Million Largesse For Win Against Dakkada

 

It was ecstasy in the camp of Niger Tornadoes after the club Chairman Honourable Adamu Aliyu who doubles as the Principal Private Secretary to Nigeria State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, redeemed the One Million naira pledge made by His Excellency to the team for beating Dakkada.

Recall, the Ikon Allah Boys eased past stubborn Dakkada via a David Okoromi strike in a Matchday 9 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.  

After three consecutive draws in their adopted home ground, the needed 3 points spurred Tornadoes on, as they finished the first half of the season 5th on the Group B log with 12 points, and kept their hunt for a Super 6 play-off ticket alive.

Coach Bala Abubakar who shared the news with the media, thanked Governor Abubakar Sani Bello for his kind gesture and commitment towards the club.

"I feel we should show appreciation to our Governor for doing well this time as regards motivation, which has been lacking for a long time.

"For us, this is the tonic needed to galvanise the team going forward as it has been a tough first stanza, as its never easy playing home matches away from home.

"Despite the hurdles, we are still on track to finish the season on a high. Not forgetting our amiable Chairman, Honourable Aliyu, credit to him for his hard work and support towards the team." 

Meanwhile, as weeks turn into days to the season's second-half kick-off, Bala has assured fans and critics to watch out for a better Tornadoes. 

"We have used the election break to drill and reinforced the team with quality legs as we are working tirelessly on the team's weak areas we had identified in the first round.

" I don't want to make any promises but I want to assure everyone that Tornadoes will get it right in the second stanza of the season."

36 Lion, Dino SC, Spartans, seven others set for Lagos Supremacy Cup scouting tourney

 

By Wale Mustapha 

Top football scouts from Belgium, Czech Republic, Norway, Denmark and Spain are expected in Nigeria for a 4-day Lagos Supremacy Cup 'No Offside' Scouting Tournament.

The tournament organized by 36 Lion in conjunction with Diamond Sports will be held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena from March 25th to 28th.

According to event facilitator, Hajj Liameed Olawale Gafar, the tournament will be graced by a team of experienced scouts from Belgium, Czech Republic, Norway, Denmark and Spain.

A statement released on Friday, Hajj Gafar said the tournament will be an intense 4-day of football matches.

The statement further said that the Scouting program is for 10 teams. Registration is free.

36 Lion, Spartans, ASQ FC, Lekki Junior Strikers and SGFC have confirmed their participation at the competition.

Others are TCCG, Dino FC, CAT FC, Broad City and MS Success.

Bauchi FA congress impeaches Vice Chairman, three others

The Congress of the Bauchi State Football Association has passed a vote of no confidence on its Vice Chairman, Mallam Adamu Madaci and three other members of the board. 

Rising from an emergency congress held on Wednesday and attended by all the congress members comprising of the 20 Local Football Councils, the congress resolved to impeach Mallam Madaci along with three members who are Kabiru Yusuf, Abdullahi Abdulaziz and Usman Abass Shehu.

According to communique released by the Congress, the Board members were accused of actions that were detrimental to the development of the game in the state.

"The congress acted in accordance with the provisions of Articles 14 of the statutes which gave the congress the power to pass a vote of no confidence on any member found engaging in activities retarding the progress of football in the state". 

Confirming the development to OnwardNews24, Chairman of Bauchi State Football Association Patrick Pascal said the congress members accused the Board members of deliberately refusing to attend the activities of the FA, insubordination to present leadership of FA among other salient issues capable of bringing the name of the association to disrepute. 

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.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘂 𝗢𝗴𝗯𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮t𝗲s

 

As we reflect on the just concluded elections, it is important to highlight the critical role played by Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman. Dr. Ogbo's leadership and impact on his community has been nothing short of remarkable. He is a man who truly embodies the values of good governance, empathy, and service to the people.

When Dr. Ogbo campaigned tirelessly for the re-election bid of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, his message was simple: Governor Bello listens to us, and if we work for his re-election, we will be in a position to demand a role in governance. Dr. Ogbo promised to create job opportunities for the people of Ankpa, and he has kept his word.

Since then, Dr. Ogbo has continued to serve as a champion for the people of Ankpa and Kogi State at large. His sterling performance, unending attribution of his successes to the governor and all those who helped him throughout his life (which shows how grateful he is), facilitating employment opportunities for youths, and philanthropy have endeared him to the people and brought many closer to government.

Dr. Ogbo's leadership skills and inclusive approach to governance have been critical to his success. He understands that leadership is not about dictating from above, but about listening to the people and working together to achieve common goals. By being closer to the people, humble, good, kind, and performing excellently, he has gained the trust and respect of the people in Ankpa and beyond.

In the just concluded elections, Dr. Ogbo's influence was felt more than ever before. Though he was not on the ballot, he played a crucial role in gathering support for the candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ankpa and beyond. He rallied his community behind the APC, and his efforts paid off as the party recorded significant gains in the area.

Dr. Ogbo's impact on the elections is a testament to the power of good governance and effective leadership. By prioritizing the needs of the people and working tirelessly to meet them, he has earned their trust and become a beacon of hope for many. His achievements in Kogi State Polytechnic serve as a model for other leaders to emulate, and we can only hope that his legacy will inspire many more like him to serve the people with dedication and humility.

~ Hamis Ahmed 

Writer | Lecturer | Creative Digital Strategist

Ebedei/ FC Midtjylland Invitational Tourney kicks off today in Sagamu

 

The 2nd edition of the FC Ebedei/ FC Midtjylland Invitational Tournament kicks off today at the FC Ebedei Stadium, Apele-Sagamu with blockbuster fixtures.

Five interesting teams are drawn from the Nigeria National League and Nationwide League One, Joy Cometh, Lagos (NNL), Hammola FC, Ido- Osun (NLO Div 1), Adanimogo FC, Akure (NLO Div 1), M&N FC, Ibadan (NLO Div 2) and host FC Ebedei (NNL) are to showcase their best talents in the scouting tourney.

The groupings A and B made available by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the tourney informed that FC Ebedei, Hammola and Joy Cometh are in Group A while the trio of Adanimogo FC, FC Ebedei and M&N FC make up Group B.

It will be an action-packed Matchday 1 with the opening fixture between NNL big-wigs FC Ebedei and Joy Cometh at 3 pm.

An hour later Joy Cometh will lock in against Hammola FC in a tricky tie as the last match of the day is between Hammola and FC Ebedei by 5 pm.

Action resumes on Matchday 2 (Friday) with a 3 pm fixture involving FC Ebedei and M&N FC.

At 4 pm, M&N FC will take on Adanimogo while the last fixture for the day fixed at 5 pm will be between Adanimogo and FC Ebedei.

According to the LOC, all matches will be streamed live on FC Ebedei tv.

Recall Shooting Stars were crowned winners of the inaugural edition after finishing on a plus two goals difference ahead of Cornerstone FC despite both teams finishing level on 6 points each.

Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman: A quintessential leader who cares enough to put others first

 

The good  people of Ankpa recently witnessed an outstanding story of selflessness and service to the community, and it revolved around Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, who recently gave his best and put himself in a position to benefit his people in the area.

Dr. Usman is an exemplary leader, who has done considerable work in the community and is respected for his commitment to give back to the society. 

He recently delivered the four polling units around his community for the All Progress Congress (APC). This move was lauded for its positive impact in the community and showed his dedication to ensuring a better future for everyone living in Kogi State.

The work Dr. Usman did to make sure his people voted for the APC in the election is commendable. He worked day and night to ensure that he was able to gain the trust of the people and earn their votes. 

He organized meetings, participated in debates and had rallies to discuss the importance of voting. 

The OmaOja Ata Igala also took charge of the ‘get-out-the vote’ drive, where he juggled his resources and skills to ensure that all the eligible voters in his community go out and cast their votes in the election.

Dr. Usman's work indicates that leaders should not just be focused on personal gains but should also keep in mind the interest of the people they serve. 

His story is a lesson to both leaders and the general public that when given the platform to serve the people, people should always give the best of themselves. It is important to always serve the people in order to be served when needed.

His story also serves as an example of what happens when someone cares enough to put others first. 

We need more leaders just like Dr. Usman - kind-hearted and God-fearing human beings - in the political arena in Kogi State. 

When you do good, you don't need to struggle for good in return. God bless sir. Kooloo!

By: Rock Ezekiel Adeiza 

 

Meet Top 5 talent developers in Nigerian football

The business of football comes with daily transactions on and off the pitch. 

While the key actors, that is, the footballers battle day and night for fame and wealth, the clubs, do their own business in the background, looking for sponsors or negotiating the next big transfers.

Most transfers comes after months or even years of scouting and there is always a third party in most cases who stands in for the players at the negotiation stage. 

In years gone by, one of the most respected football agents to come out of Nigeria, is a certain John Ola Shittu, who took the football world by storm with the sale of John Obi Mikel to Manchester United and later Chelsea within a spate of a few weeks

Shittu made megabucks from that singular business, a deal that esterblished him as one of Africa's best talent spotter. 

After Shittu, a few other Nigerians have made headlines in their own right with the sale of emerging and esterblished football stars to top European, African, Asian and South American clubsides.

We will attempt to highlight the top five football intermediaries in Nigeria based on pedigree, performance and results in the last 3 years. 

1. Hajji Liameed Gafar

This Badagry born chairman and finacier of Lagos based 36LION football club, stands out amongst his contemporaries as the shinning light in today's football business. 

Renowned for the role he played in the sale of Nigerian internationals like Ezekiel Imoh, Junior Ajayi, Peter Olayinka and the rest to top European and African clubsides, Gafar is more than a football intermediary. His international connect is second to none. 

No wonder, he played a bit part role in the deal that took Victor Osimhen from Lille Metropol of France to Napoli of Italy and Sunusi Mohammed from Nasarawa United of Lafia to Montreal impact football club of Canada. 

      From January 2022 and now, Gafar has been directly or indirectly involved in the sale of over 20 footballers within and outside Africa and is not looking like stopping anytime soon. 

2. Churchill Oliseh

After setting up his pet project the FC Ebedei academy, which later metamorphosed into an amateur clubside renowned for identifying budding Nigeria talents and exporting them abroad for cash. 

FC Ebedei came into limelight in 1998, but the actual events that led to its formation came as far back as 1993. The president and founder of the club, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, had ventured into players’ representation as a legal practitioner and an astute sports businessman, one of the few successful ones in in Nigeria as at then. 

He succeeded in having a very strong link in Denmark, especially FC Midtjylland, a top Danish club, reputed for snapping up intelligent Nigerian footballers at very young age, before selling them to top European clubsides.  

Two of his biggest transactions till date were recorded in the sale of Nigeria internationals, Paul Onuachu who is now with Southampton and Frank Onyeka who plies his trade at Brentford football club of England 

3. Nureni Makanjuola

Nureni Makanjuala popularly called MK by his admirers is the owner and finacier of Water FC Academy, an academy notorious for discovering most of Abuja's finest football talents. 

Mk has been in this business for over one decades but got his first major breakthrough with the sale of Babatunde Michael, a player who shone like a million stars at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Micheal got injured at some point in that competition but his exploits in Brazil helped facilitate a big money move to Raja Casablanca of Morocco.

Apart from Michael, another Super Eagles invitee, Okechukwu Gabriel also once played for Wydad Casablanca of Morocco. 

The likes of Emeka Chinonso and Oladoye Adewale who only recently joined Gent, a first division clubside in Belgium, are also products of Water FC Academy

4. GBS Academy Jos, Plateau State

Coach Bros, owner and financier of the famous GBS Academy in Jos Plateau state,  is unaguably one of the best football agents in the land today. He's calm, cool and always calculated. He goes about his job with the intelligence of Jorge Mendez and the meekness of the late Mino Raiola. 

He has combed the city of Jos and environs for the best football talents available and today, he has over 50 talented footballers scattered across Europe and Asia. The GBS Academy in Bukuru, Jos, is the breeding ground for talents. Current Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa was discovered by coach Bros and in appreciation of his impact in his life, Musa only recently named his child after the man who is worshipped in Plateau state and rose to position of technical director at Plateau United.

5. Ayi Mohammed (Ikon Allah)

Ali Mohammed, the chief executive officer of Ikon Allah Academy, is a man with Eagle eyes, he has a reputation for discovering Super talents, many of whom have moved on from their humble beginning to stardom in Europe, North and South America and even here on the continent of Africa 

Super Eagles winger, Chidera Ejuke who is gradually becoming a household name in the National team, was first discovered by the owner of Ikon Allah Academy, from where he made his inroads into European football. 

Like Ejuke, over 20 players of Ikon Allah Academy have found their way into Europe and North Africa in the last three years. Just three weeks ago, the club sold four more players outside the shores of Nigeria while six more have been penciled down for Summer tranfers. 

Ikon Allah Academy has a rich reputation, as one of the best football academies in Northern Nigeria. The organizational and administrative framework of this club, is second to none. Their players rank amongst the very best in football academies in Nigeria, no wonder, National team coaches are always running Cap in Hands to this Academy, in search of the next big talent in Nigeria football.

Ladegbuwa, Mavlon, Kakawa get tricky draws at 73rd Viareggio Cup in Italy

 

The draws for the 73rd Viareggio Cup has been held in the representation room of the Municipality of Viareggio in Italy.

Nigeria trio of Ladegbuwa, Mavlon and Kawawa got their group opponents in the tricky draws.

Kakawa will battle with Fiorentina, FA Euro New York and Monterosi in Group B.

Group G should be easily navigated by Mavlon who have Bologna, Atromitos and Jovenes Promesas to battle with.

In Group G, Lagos based Ladegbuwa will slug it out with the likes of Rappresentiva Serie D, Sport Recite and Imolese.

The draws was met with reactions from many, but Ladegbuwa Sporting Director Mr Wale Joseph described the draws as ‘fair’.   

“It is a fair draw,” Mr Wale Joseph said to the Media on Saturday.

“You can’t ask for less, you can’t ask for more. It is a competition of 32 and you take whatever comes.

“We have played a couple of friendlies to keep our boys in shape and will keep improving ahead of the tournament,” he added.

Mavlon will also be using the tournament to expose their young players having toured two European countries in 2022.

The 32-team competition will hold from March 20 to April 3 2023.

Solomon Agbalaka: Developing into a decent, modern day full back

 

Saturday’s showing against Mozambique was another classy performance by the defender, and the full back has the potential to become one of the best of his generation. He was named man of the match for the second time in three days.

To the casual football fan, it may have come as little surprise that the Flying Eagles were able to overcome Mozambique in Saturday's final group game to seal their quarter-final place at the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Solomon Agbalaka popped up with the winner against Egypt and provided an assist in the 2-0 win over Mozambique.

Agbalaka ticks the fundamentals for a fullback in this era: good on the ball, can play under pressure and can affect the game higher up the field. The utility footballer has played in possession based sides in his career, which has shaped his understanding in the game. In teams like Broad City, MFM FC and 36 Lion, the fullbacks are constantly moving on the pitch: either keeping width near the touchline or drifting into central areas to create space.

He excels at these; he has very good feet and is a skilled dribbler; and is very good at retaining the ball and receiving passes. He’s a technically gifted player, the ball sticks to his feet anytime he receives it. 

Though the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament is just one-week-old, it seems as though Agbalaka has improved greatly over the course of just three games.

The defender who has received quality football education from Broad City and 36 Lion still has time on his side to improve on this, and add to an already very promising set of skills.

With the World Cup ticket still on the radar of the Flying Eagles, they have shown that the future is indeed bright for Nigeria.

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.

Osun United unveils Seye Ajayi new gaffer

The Osun State Government has unveiled the newly appointed Head Coach, Seye Ajayi, for the state owned football club, Osun United FC.

The new coach was presented to newsmen by the head of management, Rotimi Dunmoye, the General Manager, Osun State Sports Council alongside,  other members of the management in Osogbo on Monday.

Dunmoye said, the government is ready and serious about sports development in the state this time around. There's a need for the stakeholders to rally and return the team to where it belongs. We are glad to have this versatile coach in the fold, he will make his experience count no doubt. The mandate before him is to give us promotion ticket and see how it goes afterwards.

Having paid his dues in the land and outside the shores of Nigeria, Seye Ajayi, a cool headed and thinker of work situations, a workaholic goal poacher, have once been on the roaster of Shooting Stars and Julius Berger FC before jetting out and starred for Al Seeb Club, DPMM FC, BRUNEI FC among other foreign clubs.

According to the new Head Coach, who was a CAF Cup winner with 3SC in 1992 as a player, his ambition is to work with the government in achieving the set targets. He promised to give young and enterprising players enough chance as his assignment begins.

Seye Ajayi, a distinguished game teacher with exceptional man-management skills, is a graduate of NIS. He bagged his 'CAF C' license in 2015 and has attended series of coaching seminars both home and abroad. He has a unique coaching concept which saw him mentored successful players. He has worked with Jofac FC Lagos, Rising Stars Abuja, Ascend FC Abuja, Amadin and Premier FC Abuja based sides.

Meanwhile, players and officials have proceeded on mandatory election-break, after weeks of rigorous screening exercise, the team will recongregate on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023.

 

36 Lion Boss, Hajj Gaffar collaborates with Ebuoluwa Morenikeji to drum support Bola Tinubu Presidential ambition

36 Lion President, Hajj Liameed Olawale Gafar has declared his stewardship for Presidential candidate of All Progressive Party Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming Nigerian Presidential Election.

The highly rated administrator did this alongside eight-year-old Joshua Ebunoluwa Morenikeji.

It was great to young Ebunoluwa and Hajj Gafar joining hands to show support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The youngster was accompanied to Lagos by his parents.

Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co22-rMNPrM/?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ=

Mr Olawale Gafar has promised to use his reservoir, contacts and resources, to make sure that the Tinubu/Shetimma Presidential dream is actualized.

The ‘Honk your Horn’ let’s follow Jagaban promotional billboards erected on major roads in the heart of Lagos state, is the first of many projects that Mr Olawale Gafar is embarking on, as part of his political evangelism for the All Progressive Congress.

The chairman and financier of 36Lion football club of Lagos, sees sports, especially football as the ideal tool to mobilize Nigerian youths.

No wonder, towards the end of 2022, he was able to get over 7,000 Nigerian youths to take part in the inaugural edition of the Jagaban Cup, a competition that brought all diehard APC members with their PVCs to the Onikan stadium, where they pledged their commitment to the party goals and aspirations.

Gafar is the Sports Coordinator, National Youth Mobilization for the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

TCC League: Temilehin Adekunle stars as Dino SC halt Dannaz unbeaten run on final day

Dino Sporting Club put behind miserable week that saw them relinquished their Creative Championship League Cup with a win against Dannaz FC at the Otunba Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode.

The Coach Godwin Gibson's side went into the Matchweek 17 encounter knowing a top three finish is out of the reach, but finishing the campaign on high remain the objective.

Both sides came into game on the back contrasting TCC Cup results from the week. 

The hosts, on one hand, will not be defending the trophy they won last year as they were ousted by Gbagada FC. On the other hand, the visitors secured their semi-final ticket with a win over Atlantic Business.

The match was closely contested, and Dino find it difficult to play its free flowing football given Dannaz’s recent run of form.

Dino however dug deep to secure the three points at stake, with winning the goal from Temilehin Adekunle three minutes after hour mark.

The defeat brought an end to Coach Fatai’s seven games unbeaten run in all competition.