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Saturday, 11 April 2026

NUJ Seeks Stronger Collaboration With DSS Ahead Of Osun Governorship Election

 



NUJ Seeks Stronger Collaboration With DSS Ahead Of Osun Governorship Election




The executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, have paid a courtesy visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state, with a view to strengthening collaboration on security and responsible journalism.


This was disclosed in a statement by the Secretary, NUJ Osun Council, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju.


Speaking during the visit, the Osun State Director of the DSS, Victor Edet, expressed appreciation to the NUJ leadership for deeming it fit to engage with the command. 


He described the media as a critical component in shaping society, noting its influence on public perception and national stability.


The DSS Director urged the NUJ to intensify efforts in sanitizing the profession by curbing the activities of fake journalists. 


Edet emphasized that the proliferation of fake news and sensational reportage poses serious threats to national security.


He further called on the union to organize capacity-building trainings for its members to ensure accurate and responsible reporting, particularly as the Osun State governorship election draws near. 


According to him, media practitioners must ensure their reportage reflects a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to the nation.


Earlier in his remarks, the NUJ Chairman in Osun State, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, said the visit was aimed at fostering a stronger working relationship between the union and the DSS.


He noted that such collaboration is necessary to enhance security across the state, while also creating a framework for addressing challenges journalists may encounter in the course of their duties, especially during the election period.

'Winner Takes All' As Ejigbo City Face Ijesa Golden Warriors In Federation Cup Qualifier

 




'Winner Takes All' As Ejigbo City Face Ijesa Golden Warriors In Federation Cup Qualifier

A historic clash is on the horizon as Ejigbo City FC takes on the legendary Ijesa Golden Warriors in a high-stakes qualifying match for the 2026 President Federation Cup. At stake is a coveted slot in the national draw of Nigeria’s most prestigious and oldest knockout football competition.
The Match Details
Fixture: Ejigbo City (Ejigbo) vs. Ijesa Golden Warriors (Ilesa)
Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Oduduwa College Ground, Ile-Ife
The Narrative: "Old School vs. New School"

Ejigbo City FC: The Rising Force
In only their second year of existence, Ejigbo City FC is standing on the threshold of history. The "Bullish Boys" from Ejigbo have quickly gained a reputation for their motivation and physical style of play. For them, this isn't just a game—it’s an opportunity to announce their arrival on the national stage and secure a place among the elite of Nigerian football.

Ijesa Golden Warriors: The Grassroots Giants
Standing in their way is the oldest running grassroots club in Osun State. The Warriors are the definition of "Old School" resilience. Currently preparing for the NLO Division 1 (Third Division League), the Ilesa-based side is arguably the most match-fit team in the region, maintaining a rigorous schedule of at least four friendly matches every month.
Key Analysis
Venue Advantage: The Warriors are no strangers to the Oduduwa College ground. Their frequent visits to this historic pitch could provide a comfort level that the younger Ejigbo side will need to overcome.
Tactical Contrast: Expect a "Titanic battle" between the seasoned experience of the Warriors and the youthful hunger of Ejigbo City. While the Warriors rely on their established chemistry and tactical discipline, Ejigbo City will look to use their "bullish" momentum to disrupt the veteran side.
The Stakes: This is a "Winner Takes All" scenario. With only two slots available for the national draw, there is zero margin for error.
The Verdict
Will the experience of the Ijesa Golden Warriors prevail, or will the ambition of Ejigbo City FC write a new chapter in Osun State football? One thing is certain: fans at Oduduwa College are in for a masterclass in grassroots passion.


Saturday, 4 April 2026

2026 NLO Season Kicks Off In Makurdi




 2026 NLO Season Kicks Off In Makurdi 


The wait is over for the Nationwide League One fans, as all eyes will be on a fast start when the season-opening match kicks off on Friday April 10, 2026.


The clash between Benue-based teams Flight FC and NYSC FC at the McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi highlights NLO's stance of taking matches to remote fans, with a view to them catching a glimpse of their local boys dazzle with their raw football skills. 


Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Operating Officer of Africa's largest grassroot league shares his optimism. 


“The football excitement is nearing a fever pitch, as the curtain rises for the new season opening game at the McCarthy Stadium. 


"The Secretariat started the new season campaign with the rollout of the groupings, numbering 46, and an expansion of NLO activities to all states and the FCT. Next is the full fixtures that will be out in the new week. 


“As you have observed, the NLO is in line with the trend, with the relaunch of its new website as part of a wider digital transformation designed to deliver a personalised and engaging experience for clubs and fans.  


"Supporting us with this ongoing transformation, the NLO entered into a partnership with Zkyte Technology. The move reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation.


"However we look forward to continuing to evolve the Nationwide League One in the years to come to meet the ever-changing needs.“

Friday, 20 March 2026

Osun’s Invisible Tax: How Neglecting Infrastructure is Killing Grassroots Football

 


There is a quiet injustice unfolding in Osun State, one that doesn’t make headlines, yet is draining dreams, stunting talent, and punishing ambition. It is not a policy written in law, nor is it debated in the House. Yet, every grassroots football club in Osun is paying it.

Call it what it is: an infrastructure tax.

It is a brutal, unnecessary levy imposed not by legislation, but by government neglect.


The Paradox of Passion

Osun is not lacking in football. With over 450 grassroots clubs and more than 20 independent leagues, the state is a sleeping giant of talent production. The energy is there; the raw ability is undeniable. What is missing is the most basic requirement of the modern game: functional infrastructure.

The recently unveiled Osun FA White Paper lays the crisis bare:

Decaying Stadiums: Dilapidated structures that pose safety risks.

Abandoned Pitches: Dirt lots masquerading as professional grounds.

Systemic Neglect: A complete absence of modern equipment, lighting, and development pathways for referees and female athletes.


*The Breaking Point: 17 Clubs, 0 Pitches*

The consequences are no longer theoretical. For the 2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) season, 17 clubs from Osun have registered to compete. Yet, astonishingly, there are not two standard, state-owned pitches available to host their matches.

Last season, 15 clubs were forced to converge on a single private venue: the Lanreleke Sports Complex. Teams bled scarce resources traveling the treacherous Osogbo–Iwo road just to fulfill fixtures. For many, logistics costs now outweigh operational budgets. This is no longer a competition; it is a battle for survival.

The looming embarrassment is clear: Osun clubs may soon be forced to "host" home matches in neighboring states. This strips teams of home advantage, alienates local supporters, and drains an already fragile local economy.


The Roadmap to Recovery

Football is no longer just a pastime, it is a social stabilizer and a multi-billion naira economy. When you neglect pitches, you abandon people. To fix this, we need policy, not platitudes:

The Adopt-One-Pitch Initiative: Every Local Government must upgrade at least one pitch into a functional center within two years. This isn't ambitious; it is basic governance.

Legislative Action: Lawmakers must stop treating sports as "charity." Constituency projects should prioritize stadium upgrades and youth sports hubs over one-off donations.

Institutional Synergy: Universities and polytechnics must integrate their facilities into the state’s talent pipeline.

Private Sector Incentives: The government must move beyond "polite invitations" and create structured tax incentives for businesses that invest in sports infrastructure.


The Final Whistle

Ultimately, the responsibility rests with the Osun State Government. We do not have a lack of ideas; we have a lack of priority.

Osun can continue down this path, exporting its matches, exhausting its clubs, and suffocating its youth, or it can act decisively to reclaim its identity. The choice is simple: Stop taxing dreams through neglect and start building the future through infrastructure. History will not remember the excuses. It will remember that a state rich in talent chose to let its football die on broken pitches.

Monday, 9 March 2026

NWFL Premiership: Osun Babes Determined to Make Amends - Naimot

 


 


NWFL Premiership: Osun Babes Determined to Make Amends - Naimot


By: Oluwaseun Omolola 


As the second round of the NWFL Premiership 2025/2026 begins on Wednesday, Osun Babes defender,  Naimot Kazeem has reiterated the team's readiness to turn things around.


Naimot,  who was crowned the NWFL Premiership week 5 best player said that the first half of the season didn't go as planned as the team only won two games out of nine but is confident of a change in fortune in the second round.


" When we started the season last year, we were full of hopes and aspirations but the first half of the season didn't give us the results we desired as we are 7th on the log with 9 points.  We managed to win two matches, drew three and lost four games in nine matches played. "


" Our preparations during the mid-season break is top notch and we are fully ready to kick start the second half of the season against Dannaz Ladies with victory. "


" We know Dannaz Ladies are a good side, we lost narrowly to them in the first match of the season in Lagos. We want to take back our pound of flesh when they come calling on Wednesday."


" We would give our all and keep fighting to amass every available point to maintain our status in the NWFL Premiership." Said Naimot. 


The scorer of the goal of the season contender against Confluence Queens FC concluded by raining encomium of praise on the Technical Crew led by Coach Bankole Olowookere for a wonderful job so far this season.


Osun Babes FC play host to Dannaz Ladies FC on Wednesday,  11th March, 2026 at Lanre Leke Sports Complex,  Ile-Ogbo by 4pm.