Tunde Sanni resigns as ABS coach

Coach of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, Tunde Sanni, has resigned his position at the club.


Sanni threw in the towel on Monday morning at the club's secretariat after a brief meeting with the team's director of Football, Alloy Chukwuemeka.


Both Chukwuemeka and Sanni refused to comment after the Monday morning meeting.


Recent results are not in favour of the Saraki Boys, having lost to Kebbi United 3-2 on penalties after 1-1 during regulation time in the round of 64 encounter of the Aiteo Cup in Minna, Niger state.


The Saraki Boys after made a trip to Jos to lock horns with Mighty Jets and lost 3-0 and drew 0-0 with the Jos based side in the return leg on Wednesday in Ilorin during a Bet9ja Nigeria National League (NNL), match day 10 encounter.


The club's U-15 coach, Taofeeq Babatunde has been drafted to the main team to assist the assistant coach, Suleiman Quadri, who is to be in charge until a substantive manager is appointed.

AKWA UTD HITS ABA FOR AITEO CUP ROUND OF 16 MATCHES

Mfon Patrick

Defending Champions Akwa United arrived Aba Sunday morning to begin preparations for their Round of 16 Group matches of this year's Aiteo Cup competition.

The Promise Keepers thrash Hope of Glory FC of Calabar 7-0 in the Round of 64 and knocked out Aklosendi FC of Lafia 5-2 in the Round of 32 on their way to the Round of 16.

The Champions are drawn in Group D along side Nasarawa United,  Wikki Tourists and Kogi United in the Round of 16 of the competition which starts this week.

Coach Abdu Maikaba's men have scored 12 goals in two matches and 24 players have made the trip for the three Group matches to be played at Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

The fixtures for Group D matches has not been made due to the fact that one of the teams in the Group, Kogi United were yet to arrive Aba as at Sunday evening.

The top two teams in Group A will face the top two teams in Group C while the Group winners and runners up in Group B will battle the top two sides in Group D.

Speaking on his team's readiness for the Round of 16 matches, Coach Abdu Maikaba of Akwa United said his team's target is to qualify to the next Round.

"We are here in Aba for a serious business. The teams in this Round are all good sides and we have to do the needful by qualifying to the quarter final. We believe that we are capable of going all the way. We will play three matches in one week and every match is important, so we have to focus and take it as they come.

"We did well in our last two matches scoring 12 goals and we want to continue in that same spirit. We are the defending champions so we cannot afford to let ourselves down".


GROUP A (GOMBE; PATANI STADIUM)

ENYIMBA FC

J. ATETE FC

PLATEAU UNITED

KATSINA UNITED



GROUP B (KANO; SANI ABACHA STADIUM)

RANGERS INTERNATIONAL

SUPREME COURT FC

SUNSHINE STARS

EL-KANEMI WARRIORS



GROUP C (LAGOS; AGEGE STADIUM)

KANO PILLARS

KWARA UNITED

RIVERS UNITED

ABIA WARRIORS



GROUP D (ABA; ENYIMBA INTERNATIONAL STADIUM)

AKWA UNITED

KOGI UNITED

WIKKI TOURISTS

NASARAWA UNITED

Ogunjobi congratulate Pinnick, other board members

Former Secretary General Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, has congratulated Amaju Melvin Pinnick, after he emerged victorious in the 2018 NFF Elective Congress held in Katsina State on Thursday.


Ogunjobi alongside Aminu Maigari lost to the incumbent President, who became the first Nigerian to win a back to back election in 37 years.


The Osun State FA boss, while speaking to newsmen called for every stakeholder in the football industry to rally round the new NFF board.


“My candid advice to Pinnick and his board members is to unite the aggrieved factions. Let us work towards stability of Football in Nigeria.


“Let enduring peace return to Football. Like I have always said on 'Association Football' I stand.”


Speaking further, “I want to wish the board a successful tenure termed with peace and progress in Nigerian Football. I would also like to wish other members of the Congress well in their future endeavours. On association football I stand.”

Stranded Eaglets to arrive the country on Thursday

Seyi Akanni



The newly crowned West African Football Union (WAFU) zone B Champions, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria are now scheduled to arrive the country on Thursday, reports Coded Sports.




The Eaglets and the officials of the team are scheduled to arrive the country today, (Tuesday) after their heroic and superlative performance at the just concluded qualifiers.




The informations at our disposals has it that only ten (10) out of the contingent left for Abuja today.




The airline after being told the numbers of Nigeria's contingent decided to send small aircraft to convey the eagerly waiting players and officials. The remaining players and officials reluctantly returned to their hotel, anticipating their final departure.




The contingent would therefore arrive the country on Thursday and are to proceed on break immediately.




The Manu Garba's tutored side had since picked the solitary ticket meant for the  Zone and are to represent the zone in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tanzania next year after missing the last edition

Eight teams for Agbana U-16 Unity Gold Cup tourney

The maiden edition of Agbana U-16 Unity Gold Cup competition is set to go underway in Ado-Ekiti, according to the organizer of the competition, coach Ademola Agbana.

The competition amongst other things is set to unearth the raw talents and shooting them to stardom.

According to one time Nnewi United gaffer, Oluyemi Kayode Stadium has been approved for the week long competition with free accommodation for the participating teams.

" This is an unusual competition as we would be welcoming a teeming scouts from Greece. We have abundant talents here and we are glad to provide platform for these lads to come through and showcase themselves.

" We are determined to make  Agbana Unity Cup a household annual event. Registration has since been on and would close by 25th of this month  with a token of twenty thousand naira." Former Ekiti United coach stated.

The tournament would kick start proper on 28th of September and final shall be played on 5th of October. Numerous prizes shall be won with cash prices for the overall winner, runners up and third best team

Abubakar sets sight on Aiteo trophy

Seyi Joshua 

Nigeria National League modest club side, Kogi United has edged out last year's runners up Niger Tornadoes by a lone goal in the Round of 32 clash on Sunday in Makurdi.

A second half goal from Ibrahim Enesi proved the difference as Kogi Utd  secured the 2018 Aiteo Cup group stage ticket in the game decided on Sunday at the Aper Aku Stadium.

Niger Tornadoes has joined the growing lists of Premier League clubs shockingly exiting the  competition before the group stage. Recall that the likes of MFM FC, Go Round FC, Lobi Stars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah have all crashed out of the prestigious competition.

 

Meanwhile, Technical Adviser of Tornadoes, Abara Hamza has praised the Confluence State team for the deserved victory noted that his side paid for their profligacies just as he expressed confidence that United have what it takes to go far in the competition.

An ectstatic Kogi United defender, Abubakar Danlami, who is involved in the entire ninety (90) minutes of action told Coded Sports how he felt after the game. 

" I feel elated after the duel, the result thoroughly reflects the the kind of inputs we supplied in the game. 

"Tornadoes are way too better than us on paper and am happy we proved book makers wrong with our resilience.

" We have just started in this competition, I want to play in the final and we shall take each game as if we are playing in the finals. This win shall even spur us further on our quest for Premier League actions next season. Congratulations to my coach, team mates and our teeming fans." Former FC Lokoja wing back concluded.

NYG 2018: Osun picks 7Gold, 8Silver, 7Bronze to finish 7th

 Delta emerges overall  champions for the fourth time at the just concluded National Youth Games in Ilorin after garnering 27 gold 24 silver and 16 bronze medals to beat Lagos to Second place after picking 23 gold, 15 silver and 22 bronze medals.



Bayelsa and Ogun States finished third with 11 gold, 7 silver and 16 bronze medals followed by Akwa Ibom which collected 9 gold 15 silver and 22 bronze medals.



Abia state is placed sixth after claiming, 7 gold 8 silver and 8 bronze medals while Osun finished seventh with 7 gold 8 silver and 7 bronze medals. Oyo state picked 6 gold 2 silver and 11 bronze medals while hosts Kwara collected 5 gold, 9 silver and 4 bronze medals with River state completing the top ten after claiming 5 gold, 7 silver and 14 bronze medals.



Jude Agbeyeke informed that, the games which saw thirty three States participating had the Minister of Sports Barr Solomon Dalung represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr Olusade Adesola commending the Athletes for putting up.wonderful performances.



The Governor of Kwara state  Alhaji Ahmed Abdulfatah represented by the Director of Sports Mr Tunde Kazeem assured quality performances . The vice chancellor Unilorin Prof Age Sulayman represented by the dvc prof Sylvia Malomo urged the athletes to sustain the tempo and thanked the federal government for giving the institution the opportunity to host yet another national youth games.

Eaglets edge Ghana 3-1 on penalties, qualified for 2019 U17 AFCON

Nigeria rode majestically back to the Africa U17 Cup of Nations after the Golden Eaglets defeated Ghana’s Black Starlets 3-1 on penalties (following 1-1 in regulation time) in the final of the CAF U17 WAFU B Qualifying Tournament in Niamey on Saturday.

A pulsating encounter at the Stade General Seyni Kountche saw the Starlets shoot into the lead in the 54th minute, but the Eaglets equalized minutes later when Akinkunmi Amoo finished brilliantly, sending the Nigerians in the stands into ecstasy.
                                                             
Both teams tried hard but failed to get the winner in the regulation time, and the game had to go into penalties. Samson Tijani, Muhammad Ibrahim and David Ishaya scored for Nigeria, and even though goalscorer Amoo missed, the Eaglets were winners as the Ghanaians fluffed a kick and Nigeria’s goalkeeper John Amah saved another of their kicks. There was no need for the final kicks as the Eaglets were by then, unassailable.

Victory was confirmation of Nigeria’s edge over Ghana in cadet football, with Nigeria posting five world titles to Ghana’s two, and was also somewhat sweet revenge for Ghana’s victory in the final of the maiden edition of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Mali 23 years ago.

Before the final, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick had promised the Eaglets training tours of Qatar and Jordan before their participation in the Africa U17 Cup of Nations taking place in Tanzania early next year should they emerge champions and qualify.

At the end, the organizers chose Nigeria’s Samson Tijani as Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, while the nimble –footed Olakunle Olusegun was top scorer with four goals.

The Golden Eaglets’ delegation will return to Nigeria on Sunday. 

NYG: Osun flows over Abia, Kwara in Taekwondo event

by Tajudeen Ahmad


As usual, Team Osun have emerged the overall winner of the Taekwondo event of the ongoing 4th edition of National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The team won 1 gold 2 silver at the event beyond the reach of other states who were all crawling behind the State of Omoluabi.

At the Senior Female - 62kg, Ayomide Osunkorede clinched a gold medal, dispatching Benita Ebere from Delta State in the final.

In another female senior -52kg, Okikiola AbdulHakeem narrowly lost to Uzoamaka Chidiebere in the final to win the silver medal while Lateef Adegoke also repeated the same feat at the Junior Male -55kg as he surrendered to Ayobami Akiode from Kwara State in the final.

In the Junior Male -65kg, Osun did not have any representative and the category was won by Nosa Ehrundomo of FCT, defeating Abia's Eze Emmanuel.

Abia State thus came second on the log with 1 each of gold, silver and bronze while Kwara State and FCT finished distant 3rd and 4th with a gold medal each.

Speaking with OSBC correspondent in Ilorin Tajudeen Ahmad on the development, Osun Taekwondo head coach, Edward Ikekua lauded the state government's passion for sport development which is the powerpoint of medal haul at the event on annual basis.

He also promised not to relent in training more athletes that will bring glory to the state at the forthcoming National Festival in Abuja later this year.

"I thank God, I thank the support of the Governor, Sports Council and the people of Osun. This is just a tip of the iceberg and more should be expected at the National Festival."

"We solicit for more assistance from the government and private individuals in the state in the areas of training facilities for us to do more", remarked Coach Ikekua.

Pitching tent with tougher oppositions, our delight - Okeji

Seyi Joshua 

A saying goes thus, if you want to be the best, beat the best. So is the word of one time Gateway United pacy winger Victor Okeji. 

Aftermath of United's demolition of Stationary Stores, in one of the Nigeria National League games decided in Osogbo, Okeji talked about raising the bar in order to compete and excel at the top.

"The win against Minda FC in Benin was the turning point for us because our confidence is back, and we are match fit, that moment was definitely a defining moment for us."

Recalled that goals from, team captain Hakeem Olalere 'Kebu', Hammed Rasheed and 'Omoluabi Giants' new capture, Chucks Okorie secured the needed points for the homers, swimming off the relegation zone. 

"Osun United would be a 'Hornet's nest' for our oppositions henceforth because we are not comfortable where we are right now and our opponents must be ready to fight.

"Testing our resolve against bigger teams with positive mindset would help us to achieve needed results, we have done it before and we are set out to do it again.

"Our next two games would be away from home and we know how important those games mean to us. Unlucky Stores left Osogbo more than wounded, we expect them to wholly fight back but approaching such game with positive character would brew positive outcome." The lanky winger stated. 

Okeji sounds a note of warning to their counterpart in the Aiteo Cup round of thirty two (32) Katsina United. 'Chanji Boys' qualified after walking over their opponent in the previous round, he however admits that it must be one game at a time.

"Our next game is away to Stores on Saturday and that's our focus for now. Though, Katsina United is blessed with gifted talents coupled with astute coach but when we get to the bridge, we shall cross over to determine the authentic United." He concluded.

NYG: Osun now third on medals table, latest gold won in Taekwondo

A female taekwondo athlete representing the state of Omoluabi, Ayomide Osunkoremide produced a scintillating performance to win another gold medal in the ongoing National Youth Games in Ilorin.

In a tension-soaked event which ended late night, Ayomide confidently defeated Benita Ebere from Delta State, who had earlier beaten her in the group stage.

However, a foot and hand injury suffered by Lateef Adegoke in the semi-finals prevented him from adding to the medal haul of Osun contingents as he surrendered the gold medal to his Kwara State colleague, Akiode Ayobami in the final.

In the same vein, Okwuel Godtime bagged a gold medal for the state in the male category of 50m breaststroke swimming event while in the 100m backstroke girls, Adinebo Ijeoma finished 3rd with a bronze medal.

OSBC Sports correspondent at the University of Ilorin, venue of the game, Tajudeen Ahmad reports that State of Osun occupied 3rd position on the medal table behind Bayelsa and Delta States as at the time of filing in this report.

The state has won 5 gold (3 in weightlifting, 1 each from Taekwondo and Swimming), 4 silver (3 in female weightlifting event and 1 in Taekwondo), 3 bronze (1 in each of Ayo Olopon, swimming and weightlifting.

The state contingents are also through to the quarter-finals in the Table Tennis, Boxing, Cycling, swimming, Ayo Olopon mixed double and the semi-finals of volleyball among other events.

NWPL: Osun Babes, Sunshine Queens share spoils

Osun Babes failed to make the most of their superiority as they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw at the Osogbo City Stadium on wednesday evening.



The Omoluabi Queens had the majority of the possession and chances in the wednesday afternoon's early kick-off, but failed to make their dominance count as they missed the chance to add the maximum three points to the eight points on ground.


It was a strong start from the host, but Anjor Mary's first touch let her down from six yards on a marvellous Koku Damilola's cross-field pass.


The attack kept pumping in from the Omoluabi Queens as Akinwande Habibat went on a remarkable run from midfield, shaking off several rough tackles from the Owena Mermaids midfielders until the referee finally awarded a free kick, from which Anjor Mary skimmed near the post.


Yakubu Aminat and Innocent Patricia had attempts from distance for Sunshine Queens, but failed to find the frame of the goal. In another swift attack, Lola Phillips failed to make most of a smart Imuran Rofiat slide-rule pass, firing straight at Obia Christiana in goal for the Omoluabi Queens.


Just before the halftime, Koku Damilola failed to open her goalscoring account as she received a well tailored pass from Aluba Ogba, only to lose the ball after failing to control in time.


The second half saw the Omoluabi Queens start slowly. Sunshine Queens controlling possession and creating opportunities with Yakubu Aminat and Lola Phillips taking control of play. Yakubu appeared confident and willing on the ball tormenting Iloduba Sarah and Abiodun Adedayo with her great runs from the right side.


The away side remained dangerous on the counter, as Patricia Innocent controlled a cross from the right, wisely turned to Yakubu in a better position, whose strike was superbly saved by Obia Christiana.


Bashir made a double change at the break , introducing Fajobi Yetunde and Agams Nkechi for Kemi Abiodun and Aluba Ogba, which immediately fired up  for yet another attack.


Fajobi's low cross from the right seemed ineffective enough , but Anjor reached back her heel to flick it upwards hitting the crossbar from about nine yards. It was an astonishing feat.


The game ended goalless and Osun Babes will definitely be disappointed with this result based on how the game went, but probably would have loved to have taken the three maximum points in the end.


 The Omoluabi Queens will now travel to Lafia on wednesday to face defending champion Nasarawa Amazons, while Sunshine Queens will welcome Pelican Stars in Akure.

Aiteo Cup: How Omoluabi Giants fared against Minda FC

Seyi Joshua

It's a battle of Titans between National League side Osun United and Nationwide League outfit Minda FC of Gboko, Benue State, in the round of sixty four (64) of 2018 NFF Aiteo Cup competition inside the pitch (A) of University of Benin.

Fate had it on a good note as Coach Osama was delighted to keep a date with his former side presently tutored by one time Super Eagles mercurial midfielder Duke Udi. 

'Believe and Achieve' gladiators who were dubbed FA Cup 'giants killer' started the show on a shaky note but were duly rewarded early in the game from the spot kick when United point man Hamed Rasheed was nudged heavily by Minda's keeper inside his own area. 

Despite falling behind early, Minda's lads picked up themselves, bossing the midfield and dictating the tempo with brimming confidence, spinning endlessly in the flanks and they were duly rewarded at the death of first stanza. 

United would later secured a vital win via Oginni's wicked, precise and rewarding freekick from 25yards out, thereby shooting the team to next round.

The rating proper.

 Nurudeen Lateef (5.5)

United keeper rose into limelight midway last season and since then, he has gained a requisite experience and confidence needed to excel at the top. A vociferous and reliable stopper with sharp reflexes, of a truth, he conceded a goal beyond his control. The former FC Ebiede trainee later saved few goal bound chances, stretching with a monkey dive in quick succession to keep his side in contention. He should improve on his communication with four men infront of him per time. 

Oginni Olatubosun (5)

The Shooting Stars loanee was not impressive in the first stanza, he was unsettled by ravaging and marauding winger. His swinging are weak and weren't precise. His atoned goal would be a learning curve in the future games. 

Hamidu Aliyu (5.5)

The 'Air Force' man as he's fondly called by the coach had an impressive outing. 

He was always found in attack. However, his output from crosses and decisive passes must  improve against a better opposition.

Olatunji Dare (5.5)

A one man Mopol in the midfield. He kept things simple and decent this time around. He wasn't wasteful with his volleys, an act that disgusts his fans most at times. However, he should be more efficient position wise.

Suraj Sodiq (6.0)

The stand in captain exhibited his leadership credentials with ease, foiling any threat by his opponents in the dangerous area. His first official goal since arriving from FC Ifeanyi Ubah was registered. He was later booked due to  lack of concentration.

Afolabi Olatubosun (6.0)

The former Remo Stars was so delightful to watch at the back. He was handy always without switching gears. He is partners favorite with decent marking and timely intercepts. A great and brilliant future ahead of him. 

Uche Okorie (4.5)

The latest addition to the pack. The agile striker showed some brilliant moments in his first competitive game for the club.  Though his substitution was purely tactical, he would definitely need more games to settle well and start banging.

George James (4.5)

Nicknamed 'Ballack', he was saddled with responsibility of linking midfield with attack. He was found wanting in most of his runs at the thick of action. The attitude which his trainer would later frowned at. The former Tornadoes' wiper snuffed out few possible threats also.

Victor Okeji (5)

The pacy winger had few unproductive runs with his positional drift towards the middle. He succeeded in few take ons and quickly gathers to help the man behind him. He was later rested to increase the momentum in the middle of the pack.

Rasheed Hamed (6.5)

Osun United next beast. He shrugged off flu lately to make the squad. He was so efficient in the air. He showed a great intent in influencing the match and won a penalty kick early in the first half. His bullying nature would benefits his scoring instinct. He is not afraid to pull the trigger.

Fadairo David (6)

He was excellent with his speed, consistently proving superior to his markers. He was supposed to be rewarded with a goal, save the water logged pitch that frustrates his effort after rounding up the defensive apparatus. However, he must be consistent.

Reserves

Memud Akorede (3.5)

The former Ebedei winger tasted twenty (20) minutes of action, the extremely wet pitch really affected his decent runs. He still has his eyes on goal anytime any day. 

Olalere Hakeem (4)

Kebu's introduction at the start of the second half brought stability into the midfield. His passing was top notch and had few pops at goal. He was unlucky for not providing the insurance goal after being denied at point blank in the final third. 

Damola Fakayode (4)

He tasted few minutes of action. Fakayode's presence on the pitch is commanding and must be better utilised and improved against a better opposition. He had one short on target and one short off target.

Ayo Ojo (Unused)

Mojeed Yusuf (Unused)

Athletes first, others follow - NOC Secretary

Seyi Akanni

Sports Federations in the country should as a matter of urgency prioritize the welfarism of their athletes in order to curb the menace of 'talents flight', thereby loosing numerous  talented athelets to foreign land. 

The executive secretary of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Chief Tunde Popoola made this comment today while responding to questions from members of State of Osun Sports Writers' Association of Nigeria (SWAN), at their Monthly Stakeholders Forum.

He noted that, attention should be given to athelets being the principal actors in any competitions and as such, should be given optimum considerations.

" In the NOC, we put the athletes first before anything. We want to always give them the best preparations ahead of competitions.

" We should concentrate more on the welfare of athletes than the officials. Am not saying the officials are not important. 

"It's not easy for Nigerian athletes to make it to the top and kudos must be given to few ones that have done the country proud in the past and those that are still doing it presently for their optimism.

"British government used to invest  a million pounds in each of their Olympians, if you ask me, how much do we invest in our athelets?". He quizzed.

He further charged those at the helms of affairs to ensure that adequate preparations are made for every tournament Nigeria will participate in, the 'Mayegun' of Oke Ila assured that the Nigeria Olympics Committee has been fine tuning every arrangement that will facilitate the successful outing of Nigerian athletes at the forthcoming Olympics.

He concluded by calling on the government to at all time, provide the enabling environments for the teeming athletes to excel in their chosen career, not forgetting the maintenance of the existing sports facilities across the country.

AITEO CUP: NFF Releases Rooky Play Off Fixtures.

The round of Rooky (Play-Off) fixtures of 2018 Aiteo Cup Competition matches have been released.


According to Head, Aiteo Cup Competition
(NFF), Emmanuel Adesanya, matches shall be played on Wednesday 5th September 2018 accordingly.

 AKURE CITY FC(Ondo) vs WASIU ALABELEWE FC(Osun)

Venue: SAGAMU.


RICKYMARTS FC(C/R) vs CONFINE FC ( A/ Ibom)

Venue: YENEGOA.

ALTAR KNIGHT FC(Ebonyi) vs IFEANYI UBAH FEEDER (AN)
Venue: ENUGU.


TOP WORLD FC (EKITI) vs ALL STAR OF MKO STAD.(OGUN)

Venue: OSOGBO.


AKAJIOBI FC)IMO) vs CRIME BUSTER FC(ENUGU)

Venue:  UMUAHIA.


1D. M. D FC (Borno) vs POTISKUM FC(Yobe) Venue : Yola.


MADAGALI FC (Adamawa) vs ASHANA FC( Taraba)

Venue: Gombe.


BITYOUNG FC ( KD) vs FASBIR FC(Sokoto)
Venue : B/KEBBI.


DAN MASARI FC(KEBBI) vs I.M.G. FC(Zamfara)

Venue: SOKOTO.

KOGI UTD FEEDER vs N/ TORNADOES FEEDER

Venue : ABUJA.

Akinwunmi charity U-13 football tourney is here

Seyi Joshua

Seyi Akinwunmi Foundation Charity Invitational U-13 football tournament is set to kick off today and tomorrow at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.

The Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation is a non-profit organization aimed at the educational & development of the intelligent indigent of Nigerian Child. 

The organiser of the event, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, who is the first vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation, and also chairman of Lagos State Football Association, stated that, Four pupils will get Scholarships which will be selected from each of the schools as best players.

The participating teams are LGEA Central School, Kaiama, Kwara State; Emmanuel Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State; Baptist Government Primary School, Oshogbo, Osun State; X-Planter Nursery and Primary School, Ikorodu, Lagos State; Amigo Largema Military Cantonment Primary School, Borno State, and Eko Football Future Stars, Lagos State.

“We are starting the tournament with six teams, but we hope it will become bigger. We will have scholarships for four pupils, and we will also have scholarship awards for the IDP school.

“We were involved in the screening of the Channels Kids Cup. We screened them in their schools before they came, and also did the same when they came for the Channels Kids Cup. So it is the same kids that are coming and we already know their age range,” he said.

“The championship is not just about Seyi Akinwunmi, and not also only about Lagos State. No doubt, Nigeria will be untouchable in years to come as far as football is concerned,” Akinwunmi noted. 

The exhibition game at the #SeyiAkinwunmiU13Tournament will be between Abogo Largema Military Cantonment Primary School, Borno State and EkoFootball Future Stars. 




Meanwhile, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation has opened up platforms for donations & sponsorships. Donations from well-wishers & partners will be invested back into the foundation for students sponsorship.
Acc.Name:  Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation..
Account Number:  1150033402
Bank:  Skye Bank Plc.

NPFL Title: Gold Cup Tourney congratulates Lobi Stars, Idoko

The General Coordinator of Nigeria's foremost Preseason Tournament Gold Cup, Tunde Shamsudeen has congratulated Lobi Stars Football Club on their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title success.


The Pride of Benue, who were Gold Cup champions in 2016 and runners up in 2017 were confirmed as champions of the league Thursday night after the League Management Company (LMC) and Club Owners Association agreed to end the season after Match Day 24.


"I want to express my delight that Lobi Stars been a former champion of the Gold Cup Tourney has been declared winner of the NPFL Title," said Shamsudeen.


"It goes to show how the pre-season tourney adds value to teams who take part in the tourney, irrespective of who ends up as champion.


"Joyous that the Gold Cup Tourney wrote history with the club, as under the management board led by astute football administrator par excellence, Mike Idoko, Lobi Stars broke the 19yrs no league title jinx.


"Idoko, a fine gentleman has proven to his critics and Nigerians that he's no baby when it comes to football management. His pedigree and track record with Sunshine Stars of Akure also speaks volume having managed the team as Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) as Executive Director, as the Owena Waves got to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation s Cup and Champions League respectively.


"Congratulations to the coaching staff, players and fans of the club as I want to wish them well in the next edition of the CAF Champions League."


Meanwhile, Shamsudeen hinted further that: "We're at advance level talks with the Benue State Government through Lobi Stars management as regards hosting the next Gold Cup in Makurdi, having according them the hosting right after last edition that was staged in Ilorin, Kwara State."


Recall 2016 edition runner-up Lagos based, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC and Enyimba International of Aba secure continental tickets afrer participating in the Gold Cup, which remains Nigeria's most prestigious pre-season football Tournament for clubs in the domestic league.