FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Unstoppable Flamingos sail into semi finals, to meet Brazil

 

FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Unstoppable Flamingos sail into semi finals, to meet Brazil

 

Nigeria’s Flamingos booked their place in the semi-finals of this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals after securing a 1-0 victory over Venezuela on Sunday night, with Azeezatt Oduntan scoring a late penalty in the 89th minute.

 

The quarter-final contest had been closely fought, with Nigeria creating several opportunities but finding Venezuela goalkeeper Valeria Rebanales a huge stumbling block. The Flamingos enjoyed much of the attacking play in the first half, but Rebanales produced a couple of saves to keep the scores level.

 

Midfielder Favour Nkwocha was also cautioned as Nigeria continued to press for an opening goal. Head Coach Hakeem Busari made his first change of the evening, introducing Precious Oscar for Oluwakemi Adegbuyi as Nigeria looked to find a way through.

 

The deadlock remained unbroken until the 88th minute, when the referee initially awarded Nigeria a penalty before being invited to the VAR monitor to review the decision. Following the review, the penalty was upheld, and Oduntan stepped forward to convert from the spot with a minute left on the clock, giving Nigeria the breakthrough.

 

Top scorer Oluebube Umejiaku had won the penalty for the Flamingos, setting up Oduntan to deliver the decisive moment of the contest. The victory sends Nigeria into the semi-finals, where they will face Brazil, who secured a 2-1 win over China in their quarter-final encounter.

OSUN SWAN LAUDS STATE FA OVER SUCCESSFUL HOSTING OF CAF D LICENCE COACHING COURSE

 

OSUN SWAN LAUDS STATE FA OVER SUCCESSFUL HOSTING OF CAF D LICENCE COACHING COURSE

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter, has commended the State Football Association rfor the successful hosting and conclusion of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) CAF D Licence Coaching Course at Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ileogbo, Osun State.

We see such initiative as a significant contribution to grassroots football development and a demonstration of the Osun FA’s commitment to improving the quality of coaching and nurturing young football talents in the state.

We applaud the Chairman of the Osun FA, Mayor Sola Fanawopo, for providing the platform for 40 grassroots coaches to benefit from the intensive 60-hour training programme facilitated by CAF-certified instructors led by the NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen.

We note that investing in the capacity of grassroots coaches remains one of the most effective ways of building a sustainable football development structure, as coaches play critical roles in identifying talents, shaping young players’ careers and instilling discipline, professionalism and sportsmanship.

Hosting a course of this magnitude in Osun State would not only strengthen the technical capacity of participating coaches but also enhance the state’s contribution to the development of football in Nigeria.

We also commend the NFF, CAF, the instructors, Lanreleke Sports Academy and other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful execution of the programme.

We urge the beneficiaries to put the knowledge acquired into practice and remain committed to continuous professional development, while expressing optimism that the initiative would translate into improved coaching standards and greater opportunities for young footballers across Osun communities.

On this note we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting initiatives and partnerships that promote sports development, professionalism and the growth of football in the state.

Osun SWAN Congratulates Chairman On NUJ Best Investigative Journalist Award.

 

Osun SWAN Congratulates Chairman On NUJ Best Investigative Journalist Award.

The Osun State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) heartily congratulates its Chairman, Timothy Agbor, State Correspondent of The Point Newspaper, on his emergence as the recipient of the Best Investigative Journalist Award at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Osun State Council’s 35th Press Week.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to Comrade Agbor’s commitment to professional journalism, dedication to investigative reporting, courage in uncovering issues of public interest and unwavering pursuit of truth and accountability.

The award also reflects the values of excellence, integrity and professionalism that define his journalism career and leadership.

As Chairman of Osun SWAN, his recognition is a source of pride and inspiration to members of the association, particularly sports journalists who continue to contribute to the development of journalism and society.

We are confident that this honour will further motivate him to uphold the highest standards of journalism and continue making meaningful contributions to the profession.

Once again, we celebrate this well-deserved achievement and wish him greater accomplishments in his journalism career and service to the association.

Football Fever Grips Osogbo, Olorunda, Orolu, Irepodun As Gangaria Challenge Nears

Eight teams are ready for glory as the much-anticipated Gangaria Soccer Challenge 2026 hits Osogbo, Olorunda, Orolu and Irepodun Federal Constituency. The grassroots football fiesta, which is aimed at youth engagement, unity and unearthing the abundant football talents in the localities, will see teams drawn from across the four local governments battle for supremacy. The tournament promises not just football, but excitement, discovery and community bonding.

The championship is sponsored by Hon. (Dr.) Adewale Morufu Adebayo, popularly known as Gangaria, who is gunning for the green chamber for the second time. Described by many as a God-sent leader, Gangaria has consistently empowered both old and young through entrepreneurship, education and humanitarian gestures. Now, he is deploying sports as a potent tool for grassroots development, using the round leather game to unite the youth, promote talent and build a stronger community.

According to the organizers, eight teams have been confirmed and are ready to battle for the mouthwatering grand prize as kickoff is slated for Saturday, November 7, 2026. All participating teams have been admonished to abide strictly by the tournament's rules and regulations to ensure fair play and a hitch-free competition. The tourney will be free to participate and will feature prizes, awards and recognitions.

The eight teams drawn for the contest are 3FC New Generation Ifon, Phoenix FC Ifon,  Ilobu United, Moje United Erin Osun; Olayiwola FC, AUD All Stars, Agunbelewo Youth FC and Kosemani FC. Football lovers across the federal constituency are already in high spirits as the countdown begins.

 

Osun NUJ 2026 Press Week: Methodist Bishop, Adeleke’s aide Task Journalists On Accountability

Osun NUJ 2026 Press Week: Methodist Bishop, Adeleke’s aide Task Journalists On Accountability

Journalists have been urged to strengthen democracy and promote good governance by holding public officials accountable, reporting truthfully and maintaining professional integrity.

The call was made by the Bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Osogbo, Rt. Rev. Dr J. Olu Akinola, and the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Samuel Ojo, during the thanksgiving service marking the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council.

A statement by the Secretary, NUJ Osun Council, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju, noted that the service was held at Sir Adedokun Haastrup Local Church, Methodist Church Nigeria, Ogo-Oluwa Circuit, Osogbo.

Delivering the sermon, Akinola described journalism as a critical pillar of nation-building, urging media practitioners to remain committed to their watchdog responsibilities and ensure that government policies and activities serve the interests of the people.

He urged journalists to pay attention to developments in critical sectors, including the economy, health, security and banking, while scrutinising government policies and programmes to promote transparency and accountability.

The cleric, however, expressed concern over what he described as the abandonment of truth by some journalists in pursuit of personal interests, warning that such conduct could erode public confidence in the media.

In his remarks, Ojo, who hosted the journalists, congratulated the NUJ leadership and members on the commencement of the annual Press Week, describing the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the media’s contributions to societal development.

He charged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness and credibility, particularly in an era of rapid information dissemination through social media.

The governor’s aide cautioned against allowing political affiliations, financial inducements and personal interests to influence news reports, stressing the need for journalists to verify information, consult relevant sources and give all parties involved an opportunity to present their positions.

He further urged journalists to deploy their platforms towards promoting peace, unity, justice and sustainable development, while holding individuals and institutions accountable through constructive criticism based on facts and fairness.

He also encouraged media practitioners to embrace continuous training, research and technological advancement, adding that consistent reporting on government policies and development projects would keep residents informed about activities and initiatives in the state.

While speaking, The Osun NUJ Council Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, also called on journalists to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth, fairness and responsible journalism as the council celebrates its 2026 Press Week.