Ilechukwu thanks Gov. Ihedioha as Heartland gets new coaster bus

Heartland FC of Owerri Head Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has assured the Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha
that the team can win a silverware or a continental ticket.

Camara gave the assurance as he poured encomiums on HIS Excellency after the Naze Millionaires took delivery of a brand new Totota Coaster bus from the state government.

 "Am delighted as this gesture is a massive boost for the team as Governor Ihedioha has kept to his promise, that welfare of the players, coaches and other staffers is top priority.

"The many hours lost on long trips, risk and fatigue as experienced by players owing to the bad road network in the country is one reason why  teams can't pick points on the road.


"As the Head Coach what more can I ask for than a better welfare for my players as they are the key actors.

"With this gesture, its now a huge task on the team to reciprocate by winning games and cap the season with a continental ticket.

"It is possible with the right ingredients, players commitment on and off the pitch as they must be proffessional, above all our fans supports as they are the 12th man."

Speaking further, 'I want to also use this medium to thank the General Manager,  Chief Chukwudi Ifeanyi, Chairman of Heartland Board, Barrister Charles  Ezekwem JP and his members,  my assistants and players for been professional since I arrived the club.

"They have been co-operative, gave me free hand to work and chip in advice where necessary with the ultimate goal to achieve the best for the club.

"My assistants and players have been wonderful as we all work together as a unit as we want to meet up with the target set by the management, which is winning silverware or continental ticket.

Recall at the weekend, NaijaMade a sports programme on SuperSports informed that the 2019/20 Nigeria Professional Football League season is expected to kick off on 20th October and end May 31st 2020.

Deji Ayeni Depart Cynosure FC by mutual consent

Coach Deji Ayeni have parted company with Cynosure Football Club of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State by mutual consent.

In a statement signed and released by the Club's Secretary Mayuku Charles,


"Coach Deji Ayeni has agreed terms with Ekiti United where he will become the new Technical Adviser of the Ekiti based team.


"He departs by mutual consent and has the backing of our Chairman, Management and the entire Cynosure FC family.


"During Ayeni's one year time at the club, we won our first Ebonyi State FA Cup title and reached Round 16 of the 2019 AITEO Cup. The highest rank reached in our Clubs history. He also earned for Club the tag "Giant Killers" after he led us to a decent showing at the Ogunjobi Gold Cup and the Governor Okowa preseason tournament held just recently in Asaba.


We wish Deji Ayeni every success in his future career." The statement concluded.



Following the departure of Deji Ayeni, Jossy Popoola will act in interim capacity as head coach.

Hackers at work, Nigeria's sports minister latest victim

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare has become the latest victim of cyber crime.

 According to a press release from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Face Book account of the minister has been hacked.

The statement further revealed that the mischievous scammers are already perpetuating crime with it and soliciting for contracts.


The statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of press & Public Relations, Mrs. AB Lere-Adams partly reads:


“Information available to Management and the Honourable Minister, confirms that fraudsters have hacked into his face book account impersonating the Minister and soliciting for contracts from the Federal Government, this is totally false and misleading.


“For the records, the Ministry and indeed the Honourable Minister wish to notify the general public to carefully verify all information emanating from the Minister’s social media platforms, as these hackers are out to smear the image of Mr Sunday Dare, the Ministry and in effect the Federal Government of Nigeria.


“The general public is kindly advised to be well guided please.”

Ogunjobi Gold Cup get Kwara Varsity Rotaract Club award

Its another feather to the cap for the organizers of Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament as it will receive a meritorious award barely a week after Niger Tornadoes emerged champions of the tourney's 7th edition at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.


The Rotaract Club of Kwara State University will this weekend (Saturday September 14, 2019) decorate the General Coordinator of the Nigeria's First Pre-Season Tourney, Tunde Shamsudeen for his innovation organizing the prestigious pre-season tourney for domestic football teams in Nigeria over the years.


According to the President of the Association, Taiwo Ayodele, said they considered the tourney going by its track records.


"The Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney which  concluded it's 7th edition is one tourney that is consistently managed by Shamsudeen and his team.


"When you look at the status of teams that participate in it yearly shows its importance, as the tourney is best platform were teams prepare for the upcoming football season.


"The Ogunjobi Gold Cup is also another avenue for our domestic players who are seeking new deals to express themselves to both clubs and managers.


"Its an award truly deserving to Shamsudeen, as the Ogunjobi Gold Cup have impacted in the lives of our youths and the development of the game of football which unifies us all as Nigerians."


Shamsudeen expressed his delight as he thanked the Kwasu Rotaract Club for yet another laudable award.


The award ceremony will come up inside the Kwasu Main Auditorium by 10am.

New Katsina Utd forward says he wants to continue scoring

Katsina United FC new signing Gambo Muhammmed has said that his primary ambition is to score plenty goals for 'The Changi Boys' in the forthcoming 2019/2020 NPFL season


Gambo Muhammed signed a two-year contract for Katsina United Wednesday after he failed to renew his contract with Kano Pillars at the end of last season


The veteran who has scored a lot of goals in the colour of Kano Pillars during his 13-years stint told Club Media that his ambition is to score plenty goals for his new club


"I wouldn't want to mention a particular number of goals I will score for the season because everything comes from God, but my ambition is to score plenty goals for Katsina United just like the way I scored plenty goals for Pillars. He said


The CHAN Eagles player went further to thank the fans for the warm welcome reception given to him on his arrival to Muhammadu Dikko Stadium


"I must say a very big thank you to the fans here, I so much like the reception given to me  when I arrived at the stadium. They were all clapping and chanting my name.


"I can see they love me so much here and I will do my best not to disappoint them." He concluded.


Gambo is expected to feature for Katsina United in their first preseason friendly bid for Friday evening against Funtua Sharks.

FIFA Statutes: Nigeria has no single football club - Onigbinde

Seyi Akanni

Ex Super Eagles Coach, Adegboye Onigbinde has hinted that, going by world football ruling body's regulations, Nigeria has no single football club. 

The Modakeke high chief who was speaking on how to return sanity to Nigeria's football space shortly after he was inaugurated as the head of Technical Committee of state of Osun Football Association revealed several cankerworms that have eaten deep into the system thereby causing a cancerous growth to the system.

He highlighted the importance of 'community football' as the only means of sustaining Nigeria football clubs.

"Going by FIFA regulations, Nigeria does not have a single football club. There's an article of FIFA status which says, the governing board of any football club must be democratically elected. 

"When did we elect boards of Shooting Stars, Rangers, Kano Pillars and the rest of them? So there's a big task ahead of us. 

"Another article says, any football governing boards must be capable of handling its affairs without any single interference from the third party. When you take money from the government, are they members of the board? People believe it's not possible, but I strongly believe it's possible.

"When I joined 3SC the seventh time, after much persuasions from late Chief Lam. Adesina, I asked the club supporters, who are you? They said, we are supporters club, I told them no! You are cheating yourselves. You are the real owner of the club." He submitted.

The Modakeke born high chief who scouted ex Super Eagles goal keeper Vincent Enyeama in a game between Julius Berger and Enyimba in Abeokuta and finally handed him his world cup debut believes it will take a strong fan base for clubs to be returned to supporters.

"Mechanisms were set up that ensured categories of identified supporters were registered and graduated from being an ordinary card carrying supporters to full supporters from there, we took it further to classic and premium membership, with different and appreciable subscription fees. 

"I tell you if we are sincere enough, we can make these things works without resting too much on the government. I therefore task our administrators to be up and doing, subscribing to ideas that will take our football out of the comatoes" He concluded.

Osun Half Marathon: 20,000 athletes to hit Osogbo November 23rd.

Seyi Akanni

In a bid to mark and honor the 365 days of Gov. Gboyega Oyetola in office, a Lagos based firm,  Zenith Business Suits, in partnership with Osun State Government have finalized arrangements to stage a marathon event tagged; 'Osun Heritage International Half Marathon'.

The general coordinator of the half marathon race, Aderemi Akinwale made this known during the press conference and logo unveiling ceremony of the marathon event in state secretariat Abere, Osogbo.

He informed that, the marathon is scheduled to hold with 20,000 participants expectedly, both locally and internationally.

“Participants will run a total of 21.5km race through Osogbo major roads, starting from the state secretariat roundabout in Abere and terminating the race at Freedom Park, Old Garage Area in Osogbo.

"8,000 dollars would be given to each winner of the male and female marathon categories holding in Osogbo on November 23, 2019.

“One million naira would be given to the first male and female in the national price category while the first male and female indigenes of Osun who makes it to the finish line, would be rewarded with N750,000." He explained.

Earlier in his address, the Supervisor in charge of Ministry of Social Protection, Sports and Special Needs, Com. Biyi Odunlade said the marathon programme would commemorate the first year anniversary of Mr. governor because sport is important to living and governance.

“Whether as independent entity or organisation, we all need sports to survive.

" The governor has never neglected sports while the marathon was to praise and appreciate him and to also sensitize the general public on the importance of physical exercise.

“We are preaching to the people that ‘don’t die young’, it’s not always about looking for money, take time to walk or run around your house to keep yourself and health safe.

“We are organising this marathon to let people have a sound mind in a sound body,” he said.

According to the organizers, security, live camera coverage, ambulances and mobile hospital care arrangements had already been made for the event and that hopefully, they intend to sustain the marathon and make it an annual event.

To give room for easy participation, registration fee for the marathon goes for one thousand naira, (N1,000). Registration forms had been made available across the Local Government Areas in the state and all tertiary institutions in Osun.

Osun Contingents storm Ilorin for the 2019 National Youth Games

The state of Osun delegation has stormed Ilorin, Kwara State to participate in the 2019 National Youth Games.

The 5th edition of the National Youth Games commences today at the Mainbowl of University of Ilorin, Kwara State Sports Complex with over 6000 athletes expected across the nooks and crannies of the federation.

This is the 4th time the state will take part in the event, whose maiden edition was staged in Abuja, FCT in 2013.

The best appearance of the state of Omoluabi was last year when the contingents finished 7th with 8 gold 8 silver and 7 bronze medals.

This was an improvement over 2017 performance when Osun finished outside 10th position.

Speaking on the readiness of Osun athletes for this year's events, the General manager of State of Osun Sports Council, Mrs Lola Oluokun assured the state government and the entire Osun sports lovers that the state athletes will strive hard to beat their previous record in the tournament.

Mrs Oluokun, who spoke through the Director of Coaching and Training, Mr Ademola Daini said "we appreciate Governor Gboyega Oyetola for, against all odds, approving the proposal of the sports council to feature in this year's games."

"Although we don't have enough resources and personnel to compete in all games, we will do our best not to be just a participating state", concluded Mr. Daini.

The Director also lauded the supervisor for Sports, Social Protection and Special Needs, Comrade Biyi Odunlade for his continuous support, unwavering encouragement and prompt attempt to facilitate the government's approval of logistics needed for the state to participate in the event.

Osun athletes will take part in about 19 out of the 35 games approved by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Oyetola seeks development of sports in Osun through NYSC

In his commitment to the development of youth and sports in the state, the son of the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Femi Oyetola has partnered with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Osun State Directorate during the ongoing orientation course for the new corps members in the state.

Fulfilling his promise, Mr. Femi Oyetola supported the inter platoon football competitions organised by Osun NYSC on Thursday at the scheme permanent site in Ede, where he presented Gold medals to the winners and also donated cash gifts to the first, second and third positions in football and Volleyball competition including the best footballer, volleyball player and best keeper.

Earlier in the final football match, platoon eight slugged it out with platoon four where both teams played a goalless draw in the first half of the match until the middle of the second half when platoon eight maneuvered their opponent and scored the only goal at the match which gave them the needed victory.

In his remarks, Mr. Kayode Dagiloke, who represented Femi Oyetola at the event described the competition as an awesome event, he commended both teams for putting in their best.

He said Femi Oyetola decided to partner with Osun NYSC in order to encourage sporting activities among the corp members and being a lover of sport too, he had no choice than to honour the NYSC invitation.

In his goodwill message, the Osun NYSC coordinator, Mr. Adegoke Adewale commended Femi Oyetola, he said he was impressed by his kind gesture and used the opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians especially those in the State of Osun to emulate him.

In his words, he said, “We really appreciate our brother, Femi Oyetola, who has done this, we expect other well-meaning Nigerians especially people in the State of Osun to emulate what our brother has done, he concluded.

Credit: Osun.life

Tornadoes are 2019 Ogunjobi Gold Cup champions

Niger Tornadoes are champions of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney after they defeated last year winners Sunshine Stars 2-1 at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.


It was a game of two halves as the Ikoh Allah Boys came from behind to hand the Owena Whales the blues in the second stanza of the game as last edition top scorer, Segun Alebiosu stole the evening after he bagged a brace.


Waheed Adebayo puts Sunshine Stars ahead at the quarter hour mark, making the most of Tornadoes defensive mix-up in the box.


Tornadoes then got the lifeline in the 56th minutes Segun Alebiosu jabs home the equalizing goal from a low corner kick.


Inspiring Alebiosu then put the icing on the cake for the Ikon Allah Boys as he completed his brace via header off a set piece in the 72nd minute.

We will win – Anthony Rasheed optimistic ahead of The Angels' clash with Kolding IF

Fremad Amager FC Commanding Centre-back, Anthony Rasheed is optimistic that the team will triumph over Kolding IF when they face off at the Autocentral Park later today (Sunday).

"We know the importance of today's game and we have decided to do everything possible within the laws of the game to get maximum victory when we play Kolding."

Anthony Rasheed who features for Fremad Amager of Denmark, is ready to ensure that his team continues to dominate their opponent.

"With the records I have seen before joining 'The Angels', we have met four times and have never lose against them, I am sure we will continue to maintain the record by the grace of God."

"They are ahead of us on the table with twelve points and we hope to keep pushing going forward, we want to fight to title this season and I hope we get our desired result against them."

New dawn for 3SC - Sports Commissioner

Tijani W.

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Youths and Sports, have mapped out plans to ensure Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) regain its lost glory.

This was disclosed by the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Engineer Seun Fakorede.

According to the Commissioner, who featured on a Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) sports programme, Sports  Update on Friday afternoon, steps were been taken to bring back the lost glory of the Ibadan soccer lords.

"It is foolishness, permit to use that word, to do the same thing over and over, repeatedly using the same method and expecting a different result.

"One of the things we actually did, was to evaluate everything that had been done in the past years, to see if there is a reason why these guys have been consistent in their failure to get to the next level..

"There must be factors responsible for that. These factors we have been able to fish out, we have been able to tackle and we have been able to give necessary light and attention to.

"I am proud to tell you that we have taken adequate steps to make sure that we tackle these issues", said Fakorede.

He assured that motivation for the Oluyole Warriors was very paramount, saying such becomes necessary in order to get the best from the players.

" Everything boils down to motivation for these guys. If they are not well motivated, compensated  or adequately rewarded, there is a limit to how they can fight but the plans that we have mapped out, through the influence of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, are adequate to motivate these guys", added the Commissioner.

Sunshine Stars don't scare us, says Bala

Abubakar Bala says his Niger Tornadoes squad has all it takes to win the Ogunjobi Gold Cup on Saturday as Sunshine Stars don't scare his team.


The Ikon Allah got to the final of the seventh edition after they trounce Remo Stars 3-1 on Thursday.


"I expect a tough game from them as they are defending champions and would want to win the title again.


"But we have one thing that has kept us going as we are improving from game to games. Mind you, this is not Akure as Ilorin is a neutral ground, we'll definitely give a good account of ourselves once we get a fair officiating.


"We have achieved part of what we came to do at the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney as we have known the quality of players that make up the new look Tornadoes.


"Qualifying to the final with almost same set of players that lost the 2018 edition in Akure to Sunshine Stars is a plus to my team, as it has boosted their psyche going into the new season."

Dogo upbeat ahead of tight Gold Cup Tourney final

Coach Kabir Dogo is optimistic that Sunshine Stars will beat Niger Tornadoes in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney final.


The 7th edition of the nation's prestigious pre-season tourney comes to its climax today (Saturday) at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, with 3pm as kick off time.


Speaking after the Owena Whales emerged victorious against Kwara Utd via a 4-2 penalties after their semi-final tie ended 1-1.


"Let me be modest, all the team that has come this far in the tourney can win the final. Tornadoes or Coach Abubakar Bala are not new to me, as I feel we are up against Kwara United again.


"For me I saw one or two loop holes in Tornadoes during their semis against Remo Stars, so be rest assured that we'll profit from it on the final."


On his team's readiness as they have only managed less than five goals in the tourney.


"I don't have a perfect team but I have players that can make the difference as what has kept us going is the continuity in the team.


"I want to thank my employer's for thinking in line with the technical crew and for approving we be part of the tourney despite some financial constraints.


"We promise to make our fans back in Akure proud making a history today  (Saturday)."

"2019 Ogunjobi Gold Cup, One of my best Outing" Sunday Williams

Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) flamboyant winger, Sunday Williams has described the ongoing Ogunjobi Gold Cup Preseason one of the best outing so far.

Sunday Williams represented the Sky Blue Stars throughout the five games played at the Kwara State Sports Complex, he featured against Alabelewe FC, Jossy United FC, Cynosure FC, Sunshine Stars FC and Kwara United FC, he was massive and exceptional.

In a chat with RSSC Media, he said the tournament made it a massive turnaround for him before he had the full opportunity to express myself on the field of play against bigger teams like Sunshine Stars and Kwara United.

"This tournament (Ogunjobi Gold Cup) has been the best for me so far in terms of performance, I had the opportunity of playing in all five games without getting substituted and I feel it is helping me develop my game better"

"Let me appreciate the organisers of the tournament because it was an avenue for me to keep showcasing my given talent to the world and to give me more confidence that the future is brighter." Sunday Williams.

Sunshine Stars battle Tornadoes in Ogunjobi Gold Cup final

Defending champions, Sunshine Stars will battle Niger Tornadoes in the finals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup after they beat Kwara United 4-2 on penalties in the second semi-final decided at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin on Thursday night.


The game which ended 1-1 in regulation time saw the best of goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke during the shoot out, as Sunshine Stars became the first defending champion to make a back-to-back final.


Owena Whales had Ojo to thank as he turned villian to hero stopping two Kwara United penalties while his teammates converted four of their's.


Sunshine Stars took the lead early in the 8th minute after Alimi Jamiu poked home from point blank after a scramble and shaky defensive mishap from the Harmony Boys.


In the 43rd minute, Thomas Adesina equalized for the Harmony Warriors after he forced Sunshine defenders to commit blunders leaving unrushing Olorunleke to commit an howler leaving the former Nasarawa forward to tap into an empty net.


It was a cagey affair in the second half as both team will rue their misses as no goal was recorded.


Tornadoes had earlier in the evening picked the final ticket after they defeated Remo Stars 3-1 with Afeez Nasiru bagging a brace from two sublime goals scored from two free kicks.


The final will be held on Saturday at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin with 3pm as kick off time.

Ogunjobi Gold Cup: Olaniyonu brimming in confidence ahead of Tornadoes tie

Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) Decisive Centre-back, Nokeeb Olaniyonu has indicated that the semifinal game against Niger Tornadoes Football Club on Thursday, 5th of September, 2019 won't be different from the games they have played since the beginning of the ongoing Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tournament in Ilorin.

The Sky Blue Stars qualified for one of the semifinal spot despite losing to Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Sunshine Stars Football Club in the last game of the group stage.

Daniel Ogunmodede tutored side earned seven points after playing a 0-0 draw with Alabelewe FC, defeated Jossy United FC and Cynosure FC 1-0 respectively before failing to win against the Akure Gunners.

Speaking with RSSC Media, Olaniyonu said that his side had always been the better since the commencement of the competition at the Kwara State Sports Complex in Ilorin.

"Our game against Niger Tornadoes is just a normal game just like the ones we have played since the beginning of the competition and nothing has changed, our Coach (Daniel Ogunmodede) has said that the game isn't a do or die affair, we should also remember to represent the team well and play for ourselves as a young lads."

"We have been the better side so far in this tournament, we have been paying attention to the instructions of our coaches and we are just hoping things will work out for us so as to be victorious tomorrow and also push to win the cup with God on our side."

Olatunji wishes Olympic Eagles good outings

Seyi Joshua


Ahead of AFCON U-23 qualifiers against Sudan in Omdurman, Nigeria U-23 invitee Dare Olatunji, has insisted that the Dream Team is posed for good outing away from home.



The team comprising 18 players and 12 officials, arrived Khartoum International airport aboard an Ethiopian Airline at 12:00am Nigerian time.



Coach Imama Amapakabo and his assistants have been taking the team through rigorous training sessions for several weeks at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.



The team that comprises home base and their foreign counterparts would be ready for the  return leg which is billed for the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Tuesday next week.



About seventeen 17 invited players are still training in Abuja and would form part of the build up for the second leg. In his chat with Coded Sports, the Enyimba International midfielder, Dare Olatunji said that, uphill tasks await the Olympic Eagles.



"It took us serious work to have qualified from last round. It's not an easy task playing in that region always.



"Everyone is aware of what is at stake, we have worked on some noticeable flaws that nearly cost us the ticket from last round, l therefore advise my teammates to be focused and play according to instructions. With God on our side, Nigeria will make the cut. " Osun Pogba as he's fondly called concluded.

Buhari Tips Ogunjobi Gold Cup to go global

Major sponsor of the ongoing Ogunjobi Gold Cup Preseason Tournament, distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF) has made claim his feeling that the competition will go global in the nearest future.


Recall that the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tournament was renamed early this year to immortalise the late Nigeria great football icon, Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, whose contributions to the growth of the round leather game can never be forgotten over the years.


Speaking with the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Media, Senator Buhari AbdulFatai says the competition is used as a unifying factor to bring the Nation together regardless of the race, tribe, religion and also an avenue to create jobs and foster love among the teams involved in the competition.


"I am quite excited with the level of acceptability of the tournament and I must applaud the tourney's General Coordinator, Mr. Tunde Shamsudeen and his crew for the improvement each year and the standard of the competition.


"The competition which is opened to teams in the three tiers of our domestic leagues, Nigeria Professional League (NPFL), National League (NNL) and also the Nationwide League One (NLO) have been an avenue to discover new players and also a means to prepare them for their various competitions ahead.


"I honestly won't be surprised seeing clubs from neighbouring countries coming to participate in this tournament because of the standard that has been set as yardstick to other tournaments around.


"It's also interesting to note that the semifinals of the tournament will be played under floodlights and I think it has come to stay and we hope it will be a good inclusion to the competition. I hope to continue supporting the Ogunjobi Gold Cup for the betterment of the teams and the citizenry."


The country's First Pre-Season Tournament is sponsored by distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF), and its proudly supported by Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee Member; Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, foremost betting company, Bet9ja, Nigeria leading sportswear firm, ‘Owu’, Newbell Global Investment, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sportspro, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Play Sportswear, Phamatex Industries, Bovina View Hotel, Centre Ball Sports Ltd, Haggai Sports, Lagos State Sports Commission and Nigeria Football Supporters Club.

Ogunjobi Gold Cup Preseason: Bala lauds organizers

Niger Tornadoes Technical Adviser, Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed has described the ongoing Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament as one of the best in Nigeria.

He stated this at the Ilorin Township Stadium shortly after his team routed Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministry MFM Lagos to advance to the last four of the 7th edition of the annual soccer tournament.

Abubakar Bala said the tournament has provided an ample opportunity for his Technical Crew to test the already recruited players and also establish the teams way of play.

In his own words Coach Bala said "It is an opportunity for us to assess the players individually and how they can fit into the new system collectively. Most of them have improved tremendously and adapting to new playing mates, environment and system of play".

The National Under 20 assistant Coach opined that with more of such competitions the team is going to blend together very well before the commencement of the new season.

Commending the Organizers of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney for the wonderful initiative, Coach Bala said the tournament brings together teams from NPFL, NNL and other lower leagues to enable them compete favorably so as to identify their weaknesses and make necessary adjustments to stabilize the team.

He however pleaded with the management of Niger Tornadoes to allow the team partake in at least one more pre-season competition to enable him assemble a formidable team that will aide their mission of returning to the elite division.

Meanwhile, Ogunjobi Gold Cup Semi finals pairing slated for
Thursday, 5th of September, 2019 is as follows:

Niger Tornadoes vs RemoStarsSC - 5pm

Kwara United FC vs SunshineFC Akure - 7pm.