Ray of hope shines on Nasarawa state as new sports commissioner, Jafaru Ango promises rapid, unmatched development

 

By Dayo Awoniyi

"We will leave no stone unturned to ensure we restore sports lost glory in Nasarawa state" was an affirmative statement made by Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Nasarawa State, Hon Jafar Ango while answering questions from journalists shortly after the draws for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ango promised to deploy all the necessary human and material resources in actualising the dreams of rapid and unmatched sports development in the state.He said choosing a slogan "Creativity and excellence" was meticulously done because he will put machinery and mechanism on ground to achieve excellence in sports development in no distance time.

The commissioner who is just a week old in the office seek supports from all stakeholders in achieving his robust plans "In sports only one person can't do it, it's all about family affairs and we have to come together to ensure things are put together so that whatever that has gone wrong be fix to bring all sports activities to Nasarawa metropolis ".

He further expressed his disappointment that the state own club Nasarawa United was relegated last season but promise that by the grace of God all the necessary things will be done to ensure their quick come back to the elite league NPFL next season.

Ango said he visited Lafia Township Stadium on Monday and in the next three weeks,the  stadium is expected to wear new look as face lift is eminent and Nasarawa United can return to their home ground for better execution of their games.

Summer FC duels with Ave FC to get inaugural NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup underway

 

It will be football glitz and glamour in Uboma, Imo State as the inaugural Nationwide League One NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup kicks off on Wednesday September 6 with an opening fixture between Summer FC and Ave FC.

The NLO secretariat, who last week listed 18 teams, which included two wild cards, released the groupings, match fixtures, timing, and venues that will host the 10-day tournament.

The Uboma Secondary School Stadium Complex, in Ihitte/Uboma LGA, Imo State will host matches of the NLO Super League.

Six (6) groups A to F, have three teams each; as they will battle for pride in the group phase, for a winner from each group to qualify for the Second Round after 18 matches.

The top teams from the six (6) groups will square up against themselves in a Group A and Group B format made up of three (3) teams each, with only the two (2) best teams qualifying for the final of the NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup billed for Saturday, September 16.

Teams drawn in Group A are Ihitte Uboma-based Summer FC, Ave FC, and Golden Albium FC (Delta State). Group B has Buratai FC (Yobe State), Palm Syrup FC (Akwa-Ibom State), and Paul E FC (FCT), while JSC FC Suleja (Niger State), Divine Praise FC (Lagos State) and Kofar Soro FC from Katsina State make up Group C

Ikukuoma FC (Imo State), Ablegod FC (Ondo State) with Kano-based Hausawa United FC are in Group D, followed by Tudun Wada FC (Kano State), Zeal Minds FC (Benue State) and Vandrezzer  Academy (Akwa Ibom State) in Group E.

The trio of DOHZ FA (Kwara State), Discovery Academy (Kebbi State), and FC Ebedei JNR will slug things out in Group F.

Chief Operating Officer of the nation's third-tier league, Olushola Ogunnowo who spoke ahead of the kickoff.

"We know that Nigerians are passionate about football, so we want to make our grassroot football irresistibly appealing to them and the rest of the World.

“All is still in top gear for the inaugural NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup without hitches in terms of the logistics we have put in place,” said the NLO’s COO Olushola Ogunnowo.

The tournament which will be keenly contested will see invited foreign scouts, and eight Sporting Directors from different leagues across the world in attendance.

However, the NLO broadcasting department will be live-streaming all matches from the championship for fans all over the world to see.

Anthony Encho ready to go past Beyond Limits for second Optima Energy Gold Cup title

Anthony Encho has expressed confidence that Beyond Limits can't stop Ijebu United from becoming new champions of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, let alone twice teach him and his team football lessons.

The Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne host the grand finale of the 11th edition of the preseason tournament on Saturday at 3pm, with two Group A facing off again.

Biliaminu Abdullahi's sensational strike from 19 yards was all Beyond Limits needed to nail Ijebu United in a thriller that determined who go top of the group and bragging rights of the derby.

Cameroon-born Encho won the pre-season tournament with ABS FC of Ilorin during its 8th edition in Kwara State told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media Channel on his expectations ahead the game against Beyond Limits again and why his team deserved to go past 3SC in the final.

'I believed in my lads, trust what I have impacted in them and they have shown me their quality coming this far, as we're ready to go against Beyond Limits in the final.

"It's going to be a fantastic game as am ready to win the trophy again. Beyond Limits can't stop my team or deny me of that record, by defeating twice in group stage and final. So that's my mind set towards the match.

"I trust my players to give their very best as we are ready to take this piece of silverware back home."

On his team's semi-final win against a 10-man 3SC after coming behind to draw level at 1-1 with three minutes to end the game.

"We deserved to put Shooting Stars to the cleaners in the penalty shootout after coming back to level terms in the 87th minute.

"My lads were under pressure despite playing at their best, but kept fighting despite falling behind by a goal in the 1st half."

"Got themselves some confidence boost, took the game to Shooting Stars and made the most of the player advantage after the goal scorer saw a red card and behold, the reward for their highs pressing an equalizing goal."

Olumide Ajibolade talks up Beyond Limits' chances against Ijebu United at Optima Energy Gold Cup final

After watching his Beyond Limits go past Niger Tornadoes 3-1 for a place in the final, an ecstatic Olumide Ajibolade is sure his lads can beat Ijebu United for their first Optima Energy Gold Cup silverware.

All thanks to Coach Olumide's and his backroom staff, Beyond Limits who have been exceptional with their brilliant team play and eye-catching football are the only team yet to taste defeat in the 11th edition of the preseason tournament.

Olumide, a UEFA C licensed, MBP certified methodologist, who also holds an NIS Diploma and Coerver Youth Diploma, likes to be perfect with his job, uses effective tactics to overwhelm his rivals, teaches, and defines a clear direcion for his players during matches.

Speaking to Optima Energy Gold Cup Media Channel after reaching the final on third attempt, "We are in a very good reign of form at the moment and the boys have reached a level of maturity, that they were learning in previous editions.

"So what they have displayed coming this far is a sign of an evolution they have had in the past two editions of the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

"For Beyond Limits, it's going to be another game and final. I like finals because they bring about a different stimulus and puts a bit of pressure on the players, which is good for their development.

"We will compete for sure, but there's a lot of tiredness in the team now, as it's almost nine matches in 14 days and it's almost impossible to get the best out of the players.

"That's no excuse for Beyond Limits, as we're going to come out and looking forward to Ijebu United in the final as we're going to be ready."

Doping ban: House Committee on Sports invites NOC, NADO over WADA threat to ban Nigeria

 

The Federal House Committee on Sports has invited the leadership of Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) and National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) over World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) threat to ban all Nigerian from participating in all sports.

This follows Nigeria's inability to comply with international standard as laid down in the World Anti-Doping code.

After lifting ban on Nigeria in November 2018, WADA is furious that the country has not fulfill the promises made to comply with international Anti-Doping regulations. 

To this end, WADA has concluded plans to ban Nigeria from participating in all sports if nothing is done before the end of August, 2023. 

To save Nigeria from the international embarrassment, the Chairman, House Committee On Sports, Hon. Ekene Adams has invited the leadership of Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) as well leadership of National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) to a Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 22nd August, 2023. This is to put heads together and come up with plans to stop WADA from the imminent suspension capable of putting the country's image in bad light.

"Anti-doping has become very important in sports that athletes and countries alike can be banned  from participating in sports if they do not comply with international anti-doping regulations." Honourable Ekene said.

He added, "To save innocent athletes and Nigeria from the embarrassment, the House Committee On Sports has mapped out plans to stop the imminent suspension by inviting the leadership of NOC and NADO to appear before it.

"Due lack of time, we need to act as quickly as possible to forestall WADA ban pronouncement at the end of August. Sports is a very important tool for addressing youth restiveness and engaging youth for meaning achievement in life. 

"Nigeria has huge population of youth and the benefit this group gain from sports can not be overemphasized and must not be taken away from them. 

"If Nigeria is banned again, it is the innocent Nigerian athletes that will suffer from it. This Government does not need the distraction and embarrassment the issue of anti-doping will generate for the country nationally and internationally." He concluded. 

Hon. Ekene Adams felicitates with new Sports Minister

 

The Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, has congratulated the newly appointed Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, saying his vast experience will help the sector to grow. 

According to Hon. Ekene "Let me heartily  congratulate the new Sports Minister Senator  John Enoh, on his well deserved appointment by Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His trajectory as a foremost  lawmaker who had served in the the Senate will be a huge advantage  to the accomplishment  of his new assignment.  As a former lawmaker he understands the dynamics of every  sector, so I believe he will hit the ground  running."

The Member  Representing Chikun/ Kajuru Federal Constituency assured that his Committee  along with the Senate  counterparts will work in harmony with the new Minister to chart a new direction for Nigerian Sports.

"We are all stakeholders and partners in progress, we are ready to work together in the best interest of our great country. We shall  partner with the Minister  to ensure that Sports takes center stage in our nation's development history."

Enoh is Nigeria's 36th Sports Minister and succeeds Sunday Dare who served for four years under former President  Muhammadu Buhari.

Phillip, Gbenga set sights on breaking more Rope Skipping World Records

 

Having successfully broken the World Record for most skips on foot for 30 seconds and for one minute, Philip Solomon and Gbenga Ezekiel are ready to break more skipping world records.

Both skippers based in Akure, Ondo state, South West Nigeria are currently the world record holders for most skips on one foot in 30 seconds and 1 minute.

Gbenga and Philip both still in secondary school have now set eyes on breaking more records in rope skipping on the Friday, 18th August 2023.

Gbenga Ezekiel, who in February was declared the world record holder for most skips on one leg in one minute with 265 skips has requested to break his own record and also the record of most double under skips on one leg in one minute.

The current holder of the record is Indian, Himanshu Prajapathi with 132 skips.

Gbenga will also aim to break the record for most consecutive double under crossover currently held by United Kingdom’s Pete Thompson with 362 skips.

Philip Solomon who did 153 skips on one foot in 30 seconds to become the Guinness World Record holder for most skips on one foot in 30 seconds  will also be aiming to break thee current record on same day.

Philip will be attempting most skips in 30 seconds currently held by Japan’s Megumi Suzuki with 162 skips and most criss-cross skips on one leg in 30 seconds currently held by Indian’s Himanshu Prajapathi with 67 skips.

Philip will also attempt to break the most blindfolded crisscross skips on one leg in 30 seconds record also held by Indian Himanshu Prajapathi with 62 skips.

New trialist, Kenneth Godswill will attempt to break the most double under crossover in 1 minute. The current record holder is United Kingdom’s Peter Thompson with 127 skips.

Another new name on the block, Dunsin Dubem will join his colleagues to attempt breaking the record for most double under crossover in 30 seconds. A Phillipine, Ryan Eedion ONG Alonzo is the current holder of the record with 73 skips.

All attempts to break the different world records will be held at the Akure township stadium on Friday 18th August 2023 starting from 10am.

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Biliaminu's superb strike earn Beyond Limits bragging right over Ijebu United

 

Beyond Limits became the first team to record three wins out of three matches in the group phase of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, as Biliaminu Abdullahi's sensational effort from 19 yards nailed Ijebu United in a thriller at the Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne.

It was a top of the table clash between two Ogun State football teams, and it lived up to the hype in the final game of the group.

But it was Beyond Limits that claimed the bragging rights, to go top on the log of their group with 9points while Ijebu United settled for second with 6 points from two wins, as former champions Sunshine Stars got their first win beating Hammola FC by a lone goal to finish third and fourth respectively.

After a thrilling 85 minutes of quality football from both teams, the last five minutes was a soaked tensed but it was Biliaminu who made his Beyond Limits look unstoppable, after he made the most of a set-piece from his team's half to lash a wonder strike in between a helpless Ijebu United goalie for what could be the goal of the tourney in the 87th minute.

The strike sees Biliaminu lead the race for the Optima Energy Gold Cup golden boot with four goals and one better than Ijebu United's Ifeanyi Ihemekweele who bagged a hat-trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Hammola FC.

Beyond Limits will wait till Wednesday to know if they will take on Tradesafe FC, former champion Niger Tornadoes or FC Ebedei in the semi-final, while Shooting Stars who top Group B will host Ijebu United for a chance to make it into three consecutive Optima Energy Gold Cup final.

The trio of Tradesafe FC, Tornadoes and FC Ebedei need a win to join 3SC in the last four of the 11th edition of the nation's esteemed pre-season tourney.

House Committee on Sports assure Nigerians on finding lasting solution to recurring unpaid bonuses of national teams

 

... holds fruitful meeting with NFF 

The Meeting between the 10th Federal House Committee On Sports and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the National Assembly on Tuesday aimed at restoring peace in Nigeria football ended with resolutions to get the country's football back on track.

The Committee also charged the NFF to resolve the issues regarding the two affected State Football Associations (Plateau and Nasarawa) where Normalisation Committees were set up.

To this end, the Committee stated that the NFF should respect their statue.

"What we are simply saying following petitions received from the two State FAs is that the Federation should respect and go back to their statute to restore peace and order in Nigeria football," the Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams said.

Meanwhile, the President of the Federation, Ibrahim Gusau assured the House Committee that all the lingering issues regarding the State FAs elections will be resolved amicably within three weeks and would revert back to the House on the resolution.

The Committee and the Federation agreed to work together and find lasting solution to the recurring unpaid bonuses of all national teams.

When asked about the payment of the Super Falcons players, the Federation said it would be paid as soon as the money is received from FIFA.

As regards Awalu Baba Jara who was suspended following allegation of match fixing, the Federation has assured the House Committee on Sports to give the alleged offender fair hearing before final decision could be taken.

Volleyball: See who and who make Coach Ajayi's final list for 2023 African Women's Championship

 

The final 12 players that will represent Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship in Cameroon have been announced by Head Coach, Samuel Ajayi on Sunday. 

The African Senior Women's Volleyball Championship which is the 21st edition is scheduled for 14th to 29th August in Yaounde, Cameroon.

The list of 12 players was published on the Facebook page of the Nigerian Volleyball Federation (NVBF) on Sunday.

Superstar Opposite hitter, Albertina Francis (NSCDC), Ijeoma Ukpabi (COAS Spikers), captain Comfort Amonwu (NSCDC), setter Sharon Achi and Libero Jummai Bitrus are some of the regular players who made the cut.

New girls; Aliyat Usman (CNS Spikers), Venesa Okike (Benue Queens), Deborah Chukwu (COAS Spikers), Blessing Unkwe (NSCDC) and Kelechi Ndukauba (CNS Spikers) were also included in the squad.

Those dropped from the team include; Naomi Yaro (Kada Emeralds), Sarah Ali (COAS Spikers), Elizabeth Ilesanmi (CNS Spikers), Mariam Usman (CNS Spikers), Aisha Abdulraheem (CNS Spikers), Ifeoma Mordi (COAS Spikers), Charity Sylvester (COAS Spikers) and Dorathy Joseph (Kada Emeralds).

 

FULL LIST:

Achi Sharon (NSCDC), Aliyat Usman (CNS Spikers), Venesa Okike (Benue Queens), Comfort Amonwu (NSCDC), Ijeoma Ukpabi (COAS Spikers), Happy Wushilang (NSCDC), Deborah Chukwu (COAS Spikers), Sandra Ozabor (NSCDC), Blessing Unkwe (NSCDC), Kelechi Ndukauba (CNS Spikers), Albertina Francis (NSCDC) and Jummai Bitrus (CNS Spikers)

Coaches: Samuel Ajayi (Head Coach) and Yohanna Tswevini (Assistant Coach)

Wabzeem Sports partners Optima Energy Gold Cup with MVP, Golden Shoe prizes

A reputable sports management firm based in Ibadan, Wabzeem has become the newest partner of the Optima Energy Gold Cup pre-season tourney ongoing in Ikenne and Apele-Sagamu, Ogun State.

Wabzeem Sports Management who joined the Optima Energy Gold Cup will be gifting the tournament Most Valuable Player and top scorer a unique plaque as an award for superb brilliance.

General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen told the nation's prestigious pre-season tourney' Media Channel: "We are delighted that Wabzeem Sports Management has identified with the Optima Energy Gold Cup brand by way of partnership.

"They will be presenting an MVP and golden shoe award to the best player after the final of the 10 days tournament.

"Let me inform that, just after Matchday 2 in the 11th edition of the tourney designed to prepare teams in the three-tier division of Nigeria's  domestic leagues, we have seen more than four players already in the hunt for both awards, following their impressive showing for their respective teams and scoring form at goal.

"An interesting thing we have lined up, is fan activation, as they will be the ones to vote the Optima Energy Gold Cup  pre-season tourney MVP at the final.

Wabzeem Sports Management, under the umbrella of Oladele Barees, are known for breeding champion for the future and represent players interest in and out the shores of Nigeria.

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Olayiwola motivates Hammola FC with 100k gesture

 

Former Osun State Football Association Presidential aspirant in the 2023 election, Alhaji Olafiranye Olayiwola  has once again extended his philanthropic gesture towards the growth of Osun football, after he dangled a sum of N100,000 naira to Hammola FC at the on going 11th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

Olayiwola, a member of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Osun State chapter was a surprised guest during one of the Matchday 2 fixture at the Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne on Sunday.

Speaking to the Media Channel of the Optima Energy Gold Cup after he made available the fund to the President of Ido-Osun based Hammola FC .

"The gesture is my little way of supporting Hammola FC and by extension supporting youth development in Osun State via the sport we all have a passion for, football.

"I want commend Odeyemi Muideen on the platform he has made avaliable for his players, saw the zeal of Hammola players, as they gave their best in their game against Ijebu-United. Not minding the result, many of the players in the team have a bright future if they keep their focus," Olayiwola said.

Despite vying for the Osun State football top job and stepping down on the day of election, Olayiwola who has not stop giving to the growth of the round leather game, has hinted on the reasons that spurs him on.

"It has been my usual habit, regardless me contesting and stepping down on the day of Osun State FA election, it motivates me when see well meaningful individuals contributing to the success of football and youth empowerment."

On where he hopes to see Osun Football in next five or 10 years, "I share same idealogy with the General Coordinator of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, Tunde Shamsudeen and a few others who want the best future for the game and for our youths to thrive.

"Presently things are changing for the good, as we now a partner that is providing branding expertise for Osun Football. This is the first of its time and we are hopeful that better things will come the way of the sport in the coming season."

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."

House of Reps member, Hon. Ekene Adams appoints veteran sports journalists as media aides

Towards ensuring quality information flow and the actualization of his mission and vision,  Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar, has appointed his Media Assistants.

Honourable Ekene Adams confirmed Tunde Shamsudeen as head of his 4-man media team in an official letter dated 9th of August, 2023.

According to him, Shamsudeen's profile, professionalism, loyalty, versatility, media network power, passion for sports made him the best choice for the job.

Shamsudeen is the General Coordinator of the most glamorous Pre-Season Football Championship (Ogunjobi Gold Cup) in Nigeria.

He is happily married to Mrs Olamide Shamsudeen and the union is blessed with a daughter. 

Shamsudeen, born and bred in Minna, Niger State capital studied Mass Communication at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and speaks English, Hausa and Yoruba fluently.

He started his journalism career with Osun Network Newspaper, worked as Media Officer of the defunct Anambra United,  Correspondent at The Sun Newspaper, SoccerStar (now Sporting Sun), Media Officer of Prime FC now Osun United. He also worked with Sportalkafrica.com, Opera News Hub, Buwanews.com, Nationalwatch.com and South West Coordinator for mycujoo.tv live streaming team.

He was the Special Adviser On General Matters and Media Aide, to former Secretary General Nigeria Football Federation NFF, late Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi and he is also an NPFL Match Commissioner.

TS, as fondly called by his admirers is a winner of several awards and he is expected to bring his vast experience to bear on his new assignment.

Making the Media Team are the trio of Niyi Busari, and Hot FM (Abuja) duo of Michael Obasi and Modupeola Oyewale.

Busari - is an award winning journalist, the Publisher and CEO of BSN Sports Concepts, one of the most celebrated Nigerian sports journalists of his generation. A"cross-over" professional, he combines the talents and abilities of a print and electronic journalist in a manner that is rare, even though his specialization is print. A graduate of Economics from the University of Abuja where he obtained his Bachelor Degree in 2015.

Obasi is an experienced Award Winning  Sports Journalist who has been on Radio talking Sports over the  last 15 years years.

He has been On Hot FM Abuja talking Sports on his Award Winning show  Hotsports.

He is currently the Anchor of the Radio Sports Show Roughkick Radio Show on Hot FM Abuja.

He is a Graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Abuja and also obtained Diploma in Mass Communication from the same University.

He has worked as Media Aide to former Plateau State Governorship Aspirant and Chairman of Giwa FC Ambassador Chris Giwa.

He is also a Media Consultant to one of the country's top football Academies Water FC.

He hails from Abia state and he is happily married with a son.

Oyewale, who hails from Osun State is a seasoned and experienced Sport Journalist on radio for over thirteen years.

She is currently the Co- Anchor of the Radio Sports Show Roughkick Radio Show on Hot FM Abuja.

Oyewale, who's also a news reporter and producer, is a Graduate of Mass Communication from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State.

She has worked as a Team Coordinator for the Under 17 women's national team, the Flamingos.

Timilehin Oluwaseun Adekunle: Nigerian teenage striker joins top Azerbaijan club from Dino SC

 

By Wale Mustapha 

Dino Sporting Club have announced the sale of their young and intelligent striker, Timilehin Oluwaseun Adekule to Azerbaijan top club, Sabah FC. 

The 18 year forward who has shown exceptional dedication and skill during his time with Dino SC has been given another opportunity to continue his football journey with FC Sabah FC of Azerbaijan.

In a statement to announce Adekunle's departure, Dino SC appreciated the organizers of the Lagos Supremacy Cup scouting tournament led by the President of 36 Lions FC Alhaji Liameed Gafar where the youngster caught the attention of top European Scout, CEM SAGAR who facilitated the deal. 

Dino SC who are playing in the Nationwide League One, NLO and the Creative Championship League, TCC league reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to always unearth and nurturing exceptional talents.

*Timilehin has been an embodiment of discipline and dedication throughout his time with the club, and we take immense pride in his achievements.

"We wish him all the best in his new chapter with FC Sabah FC and are confident that he will make us proud," the club said.