21 OLYMPIC EAGLES FOR U23 AFCON TITLE DEFENCE IN EGYPT

Imama Amapakabo has named his final 21-man generals  that will defend the U23 Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt next month.


Nigeria, champions of the second edition of the competition in Senegal four years ago, will seek to retain their title when the third edition of the championship flags off in Cairo on 8th November.


The Olympic Eagles are in Group B and will battle Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia and South Africa in that order at the Al Salam Stadium.


Hosts Egypt head Group A that also has Ghana, Cameroon and Mali with matches to hold at the Cairo International Stadium.


Nigeria’s first match in Egypt is against Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday, 9th November.


The top three teams at the eight –nation finals will qualify to represent Africa in the Men’s Football Tournament of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.




Goalkeepers: Adamu Abubakar (Wikki Tourists); Mohammed Galadima (Nasarawa United); Kingdom Osayi (Giant Brillers)

Defenders: Olisah Ndah (Remo Stars); Samuel Atavti (Esperance FC, Tunisia); Valentine Ozornwafor (UD Almeria, Spain); Sincere Seth (Boluspor FC, Turkey); Josiah Chukwudi (Spartak Tranava, Slovakia); Anthony Izuchukwu (Nest Sotra, Norway); Bitok Stephen (FC Isloch, Belarus)


Midfielders: Sunusi Ibrahim (Nasarawa United); Aliyu Yau Adam (Spartak Jurmala, Latvia); Muyiwa Olabiran (Tambov FC, Russia); Kelechi Nwakali (FC Huesca, Spain); Ndifreke Effiong (Akwa United); Sunday Faleye (Wacker FC, Austria); Tom Dele-Bashiru (Watford FC, England); Azubuike Okechukwu (Basaksehir FC, Turkey)


Forwards: Orji Okwonkwo (Bologna FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Bright Enobakhare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)

Brazil 2019: Eaglets stun Ecuador 3-2 to reach Round of 16

Nigeria became the first team to reach the Round of 16 of the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup finals in Brazil on Tuesday night on the back of a superlative hat –trick by forward Ibrahim Sa’id. Two goals in five second half minutes turned the table against a well –organized and cohesive Ecuador in Goiania.



Sa’id put Nigeria in front after only five minutes as goalkeeper Lopez made a hash of an attempted pass to his defender. An alert Sa’id intercepted and slotted past Lopez from outside the box.



The lively and tactically –disciplined South Americans were level five minutes later, as Mejia turned Ferdinand Ikenna from just outside the box and pulled the trigger. The ball grazed the upright and then went into the net off the back of goalkeeper Daniel Jinadu.



The Eaglets had endeavour, enthusiasm and pace, but were easily checkmated by the strong and highly coordinated Ecuadorians. Two minutes to the end of the first period, substitute Akinkunmi Amoo found Sa’id in the box, but the latter could not get the decisive touch needed to pull Nigeria level before the break.



Nine minutes into the second half, Ecuador were awarded a penalty by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as Charles Etim had a slight contact with an advancing Ecuadorian attacker in a melee. Johan Mina sent Jinadu the wrong way to put the South Americans in the lead.



The Eaglets, five –time world champions, pushed, searched and frisked with determination, just as they did against Hungary in their first match before scoring three goals in six minutes in the second half to beat the Europeans 4-2 and bag the three points at stake.



Short and stray passes in the opposition’s critical zone, anxiety and wayward shooting did not help the Eaglets’ search for goals as time wore on.



However, substitutes Ibraheem Jabaar and Amoo had come close and captain Samson Tijani had fired over the bar before Sa’id drew Nigerian level in the 84th minute with a sweet, angled drive after receiving a pass from Jabaar.



Five minutes later, it was Sa’id again, blasting past Lopez from inside the box from a determined team move. Lopez got his hand to the ball but it was too hot to halt its flight into the net.



Jabaar went to the ground when he should have scored and Olakunle Olusegun shot narrowly wide in added time, but the Eaglets picked their three points for a maximum six in two matches and will await their opponents in the Round of 16, even as they travel to Brasilia for their last Group B game against Australia on Friday night.

Eaglets show class in world cup opener

Nigeria Golden Eaglets comes back from a goal to defeat Hungary in Their First game of the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil.

Hungary drew the first blood through Gyorgy Komaromi in the minutes before the 3rd Tijani Scored from the spot to leveled up for the Golden Eaglets FEW minutes later.

Hungary Took the lead again through Major Samuel in the 28 minutes the Golden Eaglets despite having more of the possessions with a scoreline of 2-1 before the break.


Manu Garba made two exchanges in the second half as Amoo comes in for Opeyemi while Jabaar aussi comes in for Ubani As They search for goals.

Purpose It Did not long before Took The Most successful team in this tournament bounce back with two goals from Ibrahim Usman and Adeniyi in the 79 and 81 minutes to put the Golden Eaglets in forehead as Tijani Scored his second and the Eaglets fourth goal from a free kick to seal the victory for the Golden Eaglets.

Osun SWAN congratulates Olayemi over appointment as Sports commissioner

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter has congratulated a former Deputy Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last governorship election, Mr. Lawal Azeez Olayemi over his appointment as the new Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the state.

The sports journalists in Osun commended Governor Gboyega Oyetola for considering Olayemi saying that the young politician merits the call for service.

Osun SWAN in a statement signed by its Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin and Secretary, Timothy Agbor in Osogbo on Thursday, expressed optimism that the appointment of Mr. Olayemi will take sports to a higher level.

The association however urged him to foster a better working relationship between his office and sports writers in the state with a view to promoting and developing sports in the state.

"We congratulate Mr. Lawal Azeez Olayemi on his appointment as the Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Osun state. We believe his headship of this ministry will usher great development to our teeming youths and sports.

“We advise the new commissioner to work with media practitioners in the state who have cognate experiences in sports. Doing this would propell sports to greater heights," the statement reads.

Osun SWAN then prayed God to grant Olayemi the wherewithal to excel in his new assignment.

Eagles slump in latest FIFA ranking

Despite putting up a five star performance against Brazil in Singapore on October 13, the Super Eagles have again dropped in the latest FIFA ranking released this morning.


The Eagles who in September were rated 34 in the world are now 35, even as Belgium retained her position at the top.


Belgium (1st, unchanged) still lead the way ahead of France (2nd, unchanged) and Brazil (3rd, unchanged), although top-ten rivals Uruguay (5th, up 1), Croatia (7th, up 1) and Argentina (9th, up 1) have at least edged closer to the summit.


The most significant rises are to be found further down the ranking, where the in-form quartet of Ukraine (22nd, up 3), Japan (28th, up 3), Turkey (32nd, up 4) and Russia (37th, up 5) are among the more notable climbers.


Jumps of ten or more places have also been made by a clutch of teams outside the top 50, namely Nicaragua (137th, up 11), Barbados (160th, up 10), South Sudan (162nd, up 11) and São Tomé and Príncipe (180th, up 10).


There is also more cause for celebration for Kosovo (114th, up 5), who can once again reflect with pride on their best ranking position to date.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 28 November 2019.


Leader Belgium (unchanged)
Moves into top 10 None
Moves out of top 10 None
Matches played in total 184
Most matches played Algeria, Morocco, Guinea, Libya, Bangladesh (4 matches each)
Biggest move by points São Tomé and Príncipe (up 29 points)
Biggest move by ranks Nicaragua, South Sudan (up 11 ranks).


Biggest drop by points Mauritius (down 29 points)
Biggest drop by ranks Mauritius (down 12 ranks)
Newly ranked teams None
Teams that are no longer ranked None
Inactive teams, not ranked Cook Islands

Prince Gas Cup kicks off with 7-goal thriller

The 2019 edition of Prince Gas Cup went up in flames as the game between defending champions, Aje United and Olu Omo FC ended 7⃣-2⃣.

It was a game of two halves as
gangling striker, Lekan Ayinde stole the weekend as he put four goals past Olu Omo FC goalkeeper at the Igando Public Field.

The defending champions opened the floodgate of goals in the 12th minute from a set-piece.
Olu Omo FC responded well scoring the equalizing goal two minutes later and made it 1-2 in the 34th.
Ayinde scored his 1st goal in the 39th minute putting the ball over an unrushing Olu Omo FC goalkeeper as the half ended in a 2-2 draw.

The second half was Ayinde's as he completed a hat-trick and added a fourth to lead the race for the top scorer's award.

In the other matches Newton G beat Glory FC 2-1, EFCC lost 2-3 to FC Baggio, Citadel FC pipped Boss Man Bet 2-1 while POSCA FC lost by a lone goal to Kedge Sports FC.

The Prince Gas Cup is a grassroot football tournament   hosted in Igando, a surburb of Lagos.

Ex-International, Bright Omokaro named Osun Utd head coach

Ex-international Bright Omokaro on Tuesday, 15th October, 2019 emerged as the coach of Osun United after the screening conducted by the management of the club for five shortlisted coaches.


Omokaro beat two ex-handlers of the Omoluabi Giants, Bayo Adesina and Sina Afolabi, as well as former Kwara United Gaffer, Tunde Sanni and Agbana Ademola of Ekiti United for the exalted hot seat of the club.


The former 3sc and Delta Force Coach led in the interview conducted by the management and replaced Samson Unuanel, whose contract expired after the end of 2019 Nigeria National League season.


Omokaro who played together with Osun United's President, Chief Ademola Adesina in Maroc '88, captained Green Eagles to win a silver medal in the tournament.


The professional career of Omokaro, who started his footballing journey from New National Bank, Benin City, spanned for over 12 years and he also starred for Bendel Insurance, Asec Mimosa, ACB, Abiola Babes before he called it quit with 3sc in 1996. He won Nigeria National Division One League with NNB as well as WAFU cup, Then CAF Cup with 3sc and made over 43 appearances for the Nigeria National team, where he featured in two African Cup of Nations.


The former technical adviser of Mighty Jets of Jos, who hails from Ovia Local Government area of Edo State, had a coaching training with Rayo Vallecano of Spain and possessed CAF C Coaching Licence.


Osun U

Aribo shines as Nigeria hold Brazil in Singapore friendly

Brazil held Nigeria 1-1 in a friendly match at the National Stadium, Singapore on Sunday. Joe Aribo made it two goals in two appearances for Super Eagles.



Early substitution for Neymar as he suffered a nasty groin in 11th minutes of play, paving way for Coutinho. His 101 cap for his country ended prematurely.



Enterprising Aribo opened scoring in 35th minutes, Osimhen's long cross from far right pick up Moses Simon inside the Brazilian dangerous area, Aribo benefited from Moses' soft thread and slammed the ball home to give Nigeria the lead going into the break.


Brazil started strong in the second half after Midfielder, Casemiro scored the leveler from a rebound in the 58th minute.


Gabriel Jesus almost made it 2-1 for the Selecao in the 57th minute but his well placed header off Coutinho’s cross was saved by Nigeria Goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho.


Things became worse for Super Eagles, when Francis Uzoho suffered an injury from a bad landing, after contesting in the air against Casemiro and he made way for Maduke Okoye, who made his debut for Nigeria.


Nigeria held off so much pressure from Brazil in the late minutes of the game to end things at 1-1.


This is Brazil’s second friendly this week after they played a 1-1 draw against Senegal at the same Stadium on Thursday. Brazil is 3rd on FIFA ranking while Nigeria is 33rd on the ranking table.


Seyi Akanni

SHUJI OSHOBE: Rivers United signs Remo Stars Tenacious Midfielder.

Rivers United have completed the signing of Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) Midfielder, Shuji Oshobe on a two-year contract.

The tenacious midfielder joined the Sky Blue Stars from the defunct Awotedo FC, Ijebu Ode in 2014 and became an integral part helping Remo Stars FC gain promotion twice into the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

"It's a privilege to have signed for such a club and I look forward to working hard towards being a contributor to their team of professional players.," he said.

"The decision to say goodbye to Remo Stars FC was hard because the club has been such a massive part of my life. I will like to thank everyone for their role in my life throughout my stay and I will cherish the moment for the rest of my life. It has been an honour and privilege wearing the jersey. While I have decided to move on, I wish the club all the best going forward." Shuji.

Fixtures for 2019 State of Osun Governor's Cup Released

The State of Osun Football Association, has released the first round fixtures of 2019 State of Osun Governor's Cup.



Fifty-two (52) club officials who registered for the competition converged at Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Football House, in Osogbo, being the venue of the draw to monitor the proceedings and pick their foes.



Speaking during the event, the Chairman Organizing and Strategic Committee of the State of Osun Football Association, Mr Salami Fatai, appealed to all participants to play by the rules guiding the competition. He noted that clubs must digests the rules of the competition distributed to participating teams. He further stated that the competition shall be on knock out basis.


The 2019 edition of Osun Governor's Cup is being sponsored by 'Sports Philanthropist', Hon. Babatunde Ayeni MHR., in which the eventual winner would smile home with the sum of two hundred thousand naira (200,000), while the runner's up would claim one hundred and fifty thousand naira (150,000).



The third and fourth best team would go home with one hundred thousand naira (100,000) and fifty thousand naira (50,000) respectively.
The sponsor would also kit all semi finalist to cap it all.

Full fixtures.

Day 1 (Osogbo Govt. High School) 20/10/2019

Ijesha Golden Stars Vs Olansile FA. 9am.

Victory Young Stars Ode Omu Vs Young Stars Ikire  10:30am

Zakariyau FC Vs Amsa FA Ife. 12Noon

Soccer Star FC Ilesa Vs Knights FC lfe. 1:30pm



Day 2 (Ife Anglican Sch. Pitch) 21/10/2019.

Ilobu FC Vs Ejigbo Utd. 9am

Elebuibon FC Vs Omec Ode Omu. 10:30am

Hon. Desmond FC Ilesa Vs Ijesa G. Warriors 12:Noon

Alasca FC Osogbo Vs Falex Super Star Ilesha. 1:30pm



Day 3 (Osogbo Govt. High School) 22/10/2019

Success FC Ilesa Vs Irepodun South Erin. 9am

Orolu FC Vs Ariwa FC Ipetumodu.10:30am

Oyintiloye FC Ibokun Vs Inisa FC. 12Noon

Golden Boys Osogbo Vs Ede Utd. 1:30pm


Day 4 (Osogbo Govt. High School) 23/10/2019

Almait FA Ede Vs Olaoluwa FC Bode Osi. 9am

Hadji Hamed FC Owode Vs Deen Babes (Senior). 10:30am


King Sport FC Osogbo Vs   Kookin FC Okuku. 12Noon

Olufi Utd Vs Favor FC Ode Omu. 1:30pm


Day 5 (ldo Osun High School) 26/10/2019.

Diamond New Era Osogbo Vs Atoba FC Osogbo. 9am

FedPoly Ede Vs Rovet Iwo. 10:30am

Telu Boys Iwo Vs Y. K Warriors Iragbiji. 12Noon

Osogbo United Vs New Star Ikirun. 1:30pm


Day 6 (ldo Osun High School) 27/10/2019.

DSKJ Obaagun Vs Radwiff Iwo. 9am

Shabab FC Iwo Vs Excel FC Osogbo. 10:30am

Comsaic FC Osogbo Vs Ede GFCC. 12Noon

Leke Hamzat FA Vs Zakariyau Feeders Ikirun. 1:30am


Day 7 (ldo Osun High School) 28/10/2019.

Awolu FC Ifon Vs Glorious Imesile. 1pm

Royal FC Ilobu Vs Deen Babes Jnr. Osogbo. 2:30pm


*Akanni Seyi*

Super Eagles player, Olamilekan Aniyikaye pens deal with Lobi Stars

Former Nigeria Professional Football League Champions have acquired the services of Nigeria Super Eagles player, Olamilekan Aniyikaye for 2019/20 league season.

Olamilekan, who has been likened to former AC Milan defender, Nesta started his playing career with Prime Fc(now Osun United) has also played for Bayelsa United and Fc Ifeanyi Ubah where he won the Federation's Cup.

His versatility as a defender earned him a call up to the Super Eagles where he represented the country at the WAFU Cup in Ghana.

While reacting after signing for Lobi Stars, the highly rated defender could not hide his joy and promised to help Lobi Stars back to the summit of Nigerian Football.

"I am so happy to have signed for Lobi Stars. They are a very big club with great vein of history in Nigerian Football. Lobi Stars are a club that have realisable ambitions and that is why I have decided to join the club and make the ambitions come to reality. Iam here to take the team back to where it belongs, the summit of Nigeria Football."

The former federation Cup winner also pledged his 100% loyalty to Lobi Stars.

"Lobi Stars is my club and I will remain a Lobi Stars player. Though, I had numerous offers from clubs in and outside Nigeria but I chose this club because I want to write history with them.

The former Ifeanyi Ubah player is a complete defender who is fond of winning duels on the ground and in the air will be hoping to bring his wealth of experience to the back line of Lobi Stars.

Having played for the Super Eagles at the WAFU Cup before, Olamilekan is hoping that signing for Lobi Stars will be the springboard for him to gain call ups to the Super Eagles again while promising to utilize his chance if called to represent Nigeria.

He is however full of optimism that his dream of securing lucrative deal and playing in Europe for big clubs will soon be realised.

Malumfashi FC appoint Shola Ibrahim Adewuyi as head coach

Former Remo Stars and Kogi United coach, Shola Ibrahim Adewuyi has been appointed as the new head coach of Malumfashi Football Club of Katsina.



The former Kada City head coach was unveiled Saturday at the club's office in Malumfashi by club's chairman, Alhaji Sirajo Umar Baba along side other management staff.



Speaking to the media after the unveiling, coach  Shola Ibrahim Adewuyi expressed delight and satisfaction with the club's structure and thanked the club's chairman for counting him worthy for the job and promised to hit the ground up and running in order to make history with the club.



"It feels so good to be here where you're well appreciated. The reception from the management, players and fans are overwhelming.



"Malumfashi FC is an ambitious club and it's the reason i accepted their offer despite receiving offers from other clubs.



" I want to sincerely thank the club's chairman, Alhaji Sirajo Umar Baba for giving me the opportunity to serve this great club and together, we can make history with the club.



"I have not been given any set target by the management, but as an ambitious coach, it's only natural to hit the ground up and running by first, replacing those players who have left for various NPFL sides and further strengthen the team with other top quality talents.



"The NNL has proposed November 1st as kickoff date which leaves us with less than a month to build a very strong and formidable team ready to contend. As someone who knows the terrain, the work begins immediately with hard work on the training ground and some friendly  matches to sharpen the team and we will be ready for the enormous task ahead," the former Niger Tornadoes chief coach concluded.

Relegation Play Off: Obia saves Osun Babes from drowning

Akanni Seyi


Osun Babes have just survived relegation scares from the playoff just concluded this afternoon after beating Kaduna Queens 4-3 on penalties after full-time ended 1-1.



Kaduna Queens asked the first question through Onah Oluchi in the early part of the duel but Obia was on hand to deal decisively with the looming threats.



Queens from the north had to curtail threats and dangerous froward play from their Osun based opponent top striker Joy Omewa, to keep the deadlock intact for the first stanza.



FIFA Goal Project Pitch (Package B) was thrown into frenzy in the 50th minutes, when Winifred Eyebhoria was brought down inside the 18 yard box and Iloduba Sarah, one of the longest serving stalwarts in yellow and brown jerseys converted from the spot.



The 'Crocodile Ladies provided the needed  response, ensuring the jubilation of Osun based side ended but prematurely. Msughter Anita capitalised on the defensive mishap by Osun Babes defensive set up, to restore the parity.


Babes goalie, Christy Obia was the hero as Omoluabi Queens claimed the bragging slot after the penalty shootout ended 4-3. The scoreline ensures that Osun Babes will remain in NWPL next season.



In his chat with Coded Sports, the assistant coach of Osun Babes, Abdul Azeez Abdul Rasaq, popularly known as Hoppers, stated that, it was a do or die affairs but credit should be given to State Government and the girls.



"First of all, congratulations to state of Osun for this win. Our fans back home supported us with everything, we are so happy for not dissapointing.


"We have promised our financier that we are going to beat the drop and we just did that. Our girls met very stiff opposition in Kaduna Queens but glory be to God for this win. It's a massive one for us because, we will go back to drawing board and jostle for super four next season." He concluded.