Nigeria first to reach AFCON 2019 Round of 16

Nigeria became the first country to make it to the knockout rounds of the ongoing 32nd Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt on Wednesday evening, as Kenneth Omeruo’s well –placed header from a Moses Simon’s corner kick earned all three points against Guinea at the Alexandria Stadium.

A below –par first half gave way to a lively second half, during which Odion Ighalo, who earned all the three points for Nigeria after coming on as a substitute against Burundi on Saturday, could have scored if the Guinean defenders had not checkmated Ahmed Musa’s pass from a swift counter-attack, and Alex Iwobi forced a smart one –handed save from Guinea’s goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone from a snap shot.

The result means that for the first time since the AFCON finals (also staged in Egypt), Nigeria won their two matches of the finals.

At the beginning, the Syli Nationale were more business-like, working three shots on target including one that rattled Daniel Akpeyi, before Moses Simon fired wide over the bar when he freed himself from the right.

Coach Gernot Rohr rested captain Mikel Obi and William Ekong, with Chukwueze also benched for Simon and Ighalo starting in place of Paul Onuachu. Yet, the Super Eagles did not look intensely creative in the first half hour and it was largely the organization of Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem and Ola Aina at the back that ensured a barren scoreline at the interval.

Iwobi had movement and endeavour but gave the ball away severally, and Ighalo must have punched himself after side-netting with Musa waiting eagerly to raze the net from close range in the 32nd minute. Earlier, Ighalo had, with a poor first touch, fumbled a good pass from Musa after the latter’s run down the left, and Iwobi also wasted another excellent pass by the pacy deputy captain.

The Super Eagles need only a draw from their last match of the group phase against Madagascar on Sunday to finish top of the group and remain in Alexandria for their Round of 16 fixture.

Ajiroba Ooni wins Osun FA Chairmanship election

Otunba Rasaq Isola Mustapha has emerged winner of the State of Osun Football Association Elective Congress decided Monday June 17, 2019.


The Ajiroba Ooni of Ile-Ife polled 28 out the 37 votes cast while the acting Chairman Prince Ademola Bamidele scored 8 votes, with one vote voided.


In his acceptance speech he noted; "I thank God for my victory, the State of Osun Governor, Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, the supervisor for Sports in the State, Comrade Biyi Odunlade and all the congress members who voted for me.


"I pledged to focus on youth development programmes. We ask for support as we start a new tenure, during which we aim to work on our vision of building a sustainable football culture for our dear state. We owe our dear state a lot, and we are committed to working hard to give back so much to it.


"We intend to bring everyone under one umbrella for the purpose of a united front in the pursuit of the greater good for Osun Football."


However, Honourable Sulaimon Adio, was elected unopposed as the Vice-Chairman, while members elected are Mr. Sola Fayoyiwa, Mr. Tunde Salami, Engineer Kehinde Aina, Prince Dauda Abimbola, and Elder Adewunmi Adelowo.

Osun SWAN congratulates newly elected chairman of Osun FA

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Osun state Chapter has congratulated Chief Rasaq Mustapha over his victory at the chairmanship election of the Osun State Football Association on Monday.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Chairman of Osun SWAN, Mr. Adeyemi Aboderin and the Secretary, Mr. Timothy Agbor and made available to journalists on Monday charged Mustapha to ensure full implementation of his mission statements.

The statement also commended Prince Ademola Bamidele for his desire to reposition the State’s Football Association.

Sports writers in Osun however charged Mustapha to work with all stakeholders in the Football association in the state in order to bring about rapid developments and sense of belonging.

Just like Mustapha and Bamidele promised to work together notwithstanding the outcome of the election during the debate organised by SWAN at the weekend, the statement urged the new chairman to extend hands of fellowship to Bamidele and other stakeholders in the state.

"We, the Sports Writers in Osun congratulate Chief Rasaq Mustapha on his emergence as the chairman of Osun State Football Association.

"Just like you promised stakeholders during the chairmanship debate, we urge you to reposition round leather game in Osun.

" SWAN, Osun state chapter congratulates you and wish you success and all round development in Osun FA in your tenure. "

Chief Mustapha, the chairman and sole financier of Ajiroba Football Club, succeeded late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi.

Mustapha polled 28 and defeated his co-contestant, Prince Ademola Bamidele who had 8 votes. Bamidele had acted as the chairman after Ogunjobi’s demise.

At the commencement of the election on Monday at NUT hall, 37 delegates had been accredited for voting. At the end of the election, a void vote was witnessed.

Zenith/NFF U13/U15 Tournament: Osun lads in cloud nine

Seyi Akanni

The representatives from the state of Osun at the just concluded youth development program tagged 'NFF Zenith Bank Future Eagles' are relishing positive moments from the tourney, reports Coded Sports.

The tournament which is sponsored by Zenith Bank was designed by Nigeria Football Federations, is aimed at developing talented future stars who have the potentials to dominate Super Eagles in the nearest future.

Recall that, State of Osun FA boys claimed the bragging rights from the zonal competition in brilliant fashion as they won both U-13 and U-15 categories.

The tournament which further escalated into an inter zone competition between all the zones of the Federal Republic of Nigeria saw the South West lads emerged the overall winner in U13 category while their senior in U-15 came third at the nest of Champions, Uyo.

In U-13 contests, Oyedeji Segun and Adekanbi Jeremiah from the state of Osun were on song as South West defeated North East by two unreplied goals while Adekunle Toyeeb opened his goal account when North West was pummelled by three goals to nothing by 'red hot' South West kids. 

Both Komolafe Samson and Ayodeji Ismail registered two goals each in U-15 category, as the South West group emerged third best. From the twenty two (22) goals scored by South West lads in the two categories (U-13/U-15), at the just concluded tourney, state of Osun FA lads accounted for seven (7).

While Speaking with our correspondent, Abdul Azeez Abdul Rasaq who is piloting the affairs of Osun FA lads lauds the organisers and the talented future stars from the state for doing the unthinkable.

In his words, " Kudos must be given to NFF and the tournament sponsor, Zenith Bank, for providing platforms to catch them young.

" Kids have shown without mincing words that if the structure and the system is stable and formidable, they can deliver at any level.

"Despite the short notice and crunchy fixtures, we were still able to conquer at this level, therefore, these boys deserve commendations and motivations.

"The beauty of tournament like this is that the progress of the lads would be monitored thereby reducing age fraud which is prevalent in football industry today." Hoppers, a CAF C license holder who at the same time assistant coach of Osun based female club side, Osun Babes FC concluded.

The tournament produced a lot of revelations that will do the country proud if monitored properly and well nurtured.

Ajiroba Plans Big For Osun Football

As the days to the much awaited State of Osun Football Association Elective Congress draw nearer, one of the front runners for the plum chairmanship post, Otunba Rasaq Isola Mustapha (RIM), has hit the grounds running and making strong mission statements.


The Ajiroba Ooni of Ile-Ife disclosed his plans to take the State of Osun football to next level and higher heights with several laudable programmes that includes encouraging and empowering grassroots football coaches through seminars, workshops and also supporting them to obtain necessary certification.


According to the sole financier of Nationwide League One side, Ajiroba Ooni FC, the major priorities of his board would be the development of grassroots football and with several competitions aimed at the U13, U15 and U17 boys and girls.


”We shall give priority to development of grassroots football by creating opportunities for the young kids to learn, compete and develop their talents.


”We shall create the State of Osun Youth League for U15 boys as we believe the best time to impact the youths as far as technical, tactical and physical aspects of football is this age,” RIM stated.


The UK trained lawyer, further disclosed that; ”We shall work with the government of Gboyega Oyetola to help it achieve success in the area of Social Investment using football and sports in general as a major tool.


“We shall also use the public- private partnership concept to drive our programmes,” he enthused confidently.


RIM who presented his election manifesto to journalists on Tuesday said he has all the motivation, experience, ideas and energy needed to take the Osun F.A to a well desired position.


He said; "I am ready, let's go for it together. Join me in creating a wonderful legacy in the next four years as your Chairman. I promise never to let Osun Football down," He said.

In a word, as Chairman of Osun State F.A, I will work tirelessly for football development in all the below mentioned areas;


(A) *Engaging The Stakeholders In Decision Making Process*

An open door policy to the Chairman's Office shall be the norm to allow stakeholders easier access.

Decisions shall be taken as a group and we shall be transparent in all we do, as football fans in the state will also have the opportunity to give advises when needed.

They need not bang the door to see their own F.A Chairman on very serious matters.
I shall be available always, this I promise.


(B) *Getting Full Sponsorship For The State F.a Cup*

My global corporate experience with links and networks to many major global companies all over the world especially the U.K is an advantage to ensure that more and high quality sponsors are negotiated into our game to bolster our coffers.

The State F.A Cup and State F.A League which has been without sponsorship for many years will get full sponsorship in my first two years in charge as Chairman of the Osun F.A.


(C) *Development Of Grassroot Football All Across The State*

We shall give priority to the development of grassroot football by creating opportunities for young kids to learn, compete and develop their talents.

We shall also for the first time create the State of Osun Youth League for U15 Boys and Girls as we believe the best time to impact the youths positively. Also several competitions will be put in place for the U13 and U17 Boys and Girls. 

(D) *Initiating A Cost Reduction Programme Inclusive Of Development Expenditure For Grassroots Coaches In The State*

We shall as a matter fact support our grassroot coaches to achieve their dreams of becoming certified coaches.

We shall hold seminars and other laudable programmes that includes encouraging and empowering grassroots football coaches through seminars, workshops and also supporting them to obtain necessary cerfication by paying partly for their Coaching courses at the National Institute for Sports.

Ajiroba with the likes of  H. R. M. Oba Ogunwusi (Ooni of Ife, late Chief Ogunjobi and Chief Ademola Adesina

I also plan to use my connections abroad to partner with the English FA on capacity building for our players and coaches in the State of Osun.

(E) *Empowerment And Development Of Women Football In The State*

No serious-minded football development programme can ever be complete without paying attention to one of the biggest untapped markets in the game:
women’s participation in football.

Attracting more women into the beautiful game, both as participants, spectators,
more executive members and so on, can only enhance the growth of the sport.

We shall also introduce the women's Pricinpal Cup to our Secondary Schools and encourage more women team to play in the State F.A Cup so we can have more participants at the Federation Cup.

(F) *Re-introduction Of The Principal's Cup To Secondary Schools In The State*

The re-introduction of the Principal's Cup will be one of the most important policies as chairman. Harnessing the talents of footballers in the state from the Secondary School level is very key to me as a person.

The Principal's Cup in Osun has produced a lot of great footballers including the present President of Osun United FC Ademola Adeshina and many others. 

We shall be working with SUBEB and other relevant bodies to see the Principal's Cup come back to life.


(G) *Massive Supports For Teams Representing The State At The Aiteo Cup*

For some years now teams representing the state at the AITEO Cup have not been receiving the necessary supports needed to help them do well at the national level.

We plan to give them adequate supports financially and logistically to enhance them do very well at the AITEO CUP.

(H) *Giving Scholarships To Indigent And Talented Footballers Every Year*

Football and Education go hand in hand. A good combination of both talents and academics can help any footballer attain a great height.

As a lawyer and educationist trained in the U.K, I know how important education can help an individual in sports.

I promise to give out scholarships to talented young footballers whose parents can't afford to pay for their school fees.

I know how far this can help the kids achieve their dreams and also help them in their career even after football.