Balogun lnsists Home-Based Players Deserve Encouragement With The Super Eagles

Balogun lnsists Home-Based Players Deserve Encouragement With The Super Eagles.


General Manager, Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan, Rasheed Balogun has thrown his weight behind the home-based players inclusion into the Super Eagles.

The astute and experienced football administrator feels the Local League players will do well if encouraged and given the same respect as their foreign counterparts.

The former Sunshine Stars of Akure Manager told Family United by Football (FUBF) a popular sports Forum in Nigeria that all the local based players need to attain greatness with the Super Eagles is encouragement.

" I must say we have a lot of talented players in the Nigerian league who are good enough to play for Nigeria at the national level. He told FUBF.

" If given supports and encouragement would give as much as the foreign based players.

" If Stephen Keshi can give the home based players a chance and he succeeded in lifting the African Cup of Nations, I don't see any reason why the present coach shouldn't encourage the local players by giving them equal opportunity with the Super Eagles. He concluded.

Rasheed Balogun is one of the few Nigerian Football administrators who have carved a niche for themselves over the years having worked and contributed his quota to the development of the following clubs Stationary Stores, Julius Berger FC of Lagos, Sunshine Stars of Akure, Dolphins FC of Porthacourt and now Shooting Stars FC.

3SC Boss Fingers NFF In 'Shambolic' NNL Season

The General Manager of NPFL hopeful side 3SC of Ibadan Rasheed Balogun has confessed with a shattered heart, 'NFF didn't structure NLL well".

While reacting to questions posed by journalists on the ever buzzing Soccer Platform, Family United By Football FUBF the vastly experienced football administrator queried why the elite league management would force its decisions on the second tier league. 

"Since the death of NLL supremo, why should NPFL be the mouth piece of NNL?" He queried.

Balogun who has worked with Stationary Stores FC and Julius Berger FC both of Lagos insists the NNL management put in place by NFF are not competent enough to run the league.

 "lt's rather unfortunate NFF appointed the calibers of people running the league. Who is to structure the league? Is it clubsides? That's why NFF needs to put proper structure and mercenaries on ground in the NNL, if they want the league to be properly placed and probably get sponsors in due course," Ekulekule as he's fondly called told FUBF. 

The lsale Eko born administrator who has also spent time with defunct Dolphins FC fumed at the way the league was halted without due consultations which later transcends to its indefinite suspension long before the outbreak of the novel virus tagged Covid19.

" It is so disappointing  that the league was cancelled abruptly without the consultation of the major stakeholders. 

" This can only happen in country like ours. It is the right of the leadership of the Nigeria National League to carry all club owners along.

" We have spent a lot of money to prepare for the league and its unbelievable that the main actors weren't carried along when they made such decision, it's unfair." He concluded.

Talent discoveries, players developments top priority of Oyo FA- Adepoju

One time Super Eagles attacking midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has reiterated the commitments of Oyo FA under the leadership of Oba James Odeniran to make the state the 'home of football' again.



Headmaster as he's fondly called by his admirers in his active playing days was voted a board member Oyo state FA exactly a year ago at Ladalob Royal Suites, Bodija, Ibadan.



The young Adepoju as a product of grassroots started playing at a tender age, featured for CRIN FC where his dad was an employee at the time. He later starred for Femo Scorpion FC and joined 3SC when Femo was disbanded.


"We have been grooming young players of correct age for future competitions though Covid19 pandemic has halted the process but we will continue from where we stopped when football returns," Adepoju, a former junior and senior international who represented Nigeria in three FIFA World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations told Family United By Football FUBF, a renowned Soccer Platform on Saturday's evening.



The astute football administrator who is equally the Laliga Ambassador in Nigeria noted that, glorious talents are scattered in the state but the board is ready to unearth the raw talents, nurture and provide the platform for them to make a worthwhile careers in football.


"Oyo state FA is poised to take football to highest level and see to development of players and making Oyo state the home of football again.


"Though presently, a lot of daunting challenges are facing us but we shall continue to work to fulfill our mandate and I believe things shall pan out well for us," the vastly experienced journeyman who was scouted in IFA league, a grassroots tourney at a tender age told FUBF.


Mutiu Adepoju had a thrilling career, he subsequently returned to his first professional team Shooting Stars FC, as general manager and later unveiled as Laliga Ambassador in Nigeria.

Ineffective Scouting Bane Of National Teams Bungling Performance- Gafar

The president of 36-Lion FC of Lagos Alhaji Liameed Gafar has insisted that, for Nigeria to take its rightful place in the upper stratum of the world football, sentiments which has been the 'clog in the wheel' of our footballing prowess must be outrightly thrown on the scrapheap.

Nigeria is blessed with young and talented players dispersed across the states but only few make it to the top most especially the national teams. 

The Lagos born Football Entrepreneur who has shown class in recent years in the way he used to outsource for jutting talents noted that, there's a need to place merit above sentiment if the trend must be discontinued.

" The way to discontinue the anomaly is to have effective national scouting system, devoid of sentiment.

"NFF should task the states FA to keep the statistics and coordinate raw talents from schools and academy before recommending them to age grade national teams.

"The major problem we have is that talented players are often overlooked and subsequently dispensed to force  way for one-week magic players.

"Before you say football, you see those players donning the national team color already, an effective scouting system will see players graduating from divisions to state and from the state to national teams," Hajji Gafar as he's fondly called who is a member of Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) USA, told a premier Soccer Platform, Family United By Football FUBF on Friday evening.

 

Gafar Liameed has done tremendously well for grassroots and he's the first Nigerian to invest in building a Football and vocational school with two standard FIFA 'C' pitches and a mini pitch of 5*5 playing field.

Oliseh Calls For 'Timely' Legislation In Nigeria's Football For Better Future

Barrister Churchill Oliseh the president of Nationwide League One NLO side, FC Ebedei has once again called for timely and accurate 'legislative intervention' in Nigeria's football structure and space in order to secure the fortunes of the round leather game in the country.



Churchill, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University lle-lfe has worked with law firms before venturing into football business and administration.


"l foresee a brighter future for our football," he told Family United By Football FUBF, an ever buzzing Soccer Platform on Monday evening.




The reputable talents virtualizer and  astute football administrator of note is an household name in Nigeria and the brother of Azubuike Oliseh, Egutu Oliseh and Sunday Oliseh who have all written their names in the history books of soccer.



"Proper legislative framework would be the pathway to greatness of our football in the future.


"The future of Nigeria is always bright, I have an unflinching faith in the doggedness of Nigeria.


"If we are truly going to arrive at our potentials and back to where we belong, we have to get it right and l think the first thing to do is to bring to the fore, the legislation that will help us moderate, guides and develop the pathway for greatness in such a way that vitality would be restored in our quest for better future," Man pass man as he's fondly called by his numerous admirers submitted.



Churchill who believes that until we confront the shackles bedevilling our football, the status quo would remain and our football would continue to crawl has seen his team (FC Ebedei) graduated series of exceptional talents who are yearly part of UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup and the Nigeria Premiership.

Forum urge players to agitate for quality insurance and better welfare package

Forum call on players to boycott the Nigeria league come the 2020/2021 season as Joshua Daniel of the 2007 under 17 winning world cup team seeks Minister of Sports' attention.

The forum for better organized Nigeria league and professionally ran club side has called on all the players in the Nigeria national league and premier league to boycott the league come the 2020/2021 season if the authority does not call for a stakeholders meeting to look at the template sent to the minister of sport and the league board and adopt it.

The coordinator of the forum in Kaduna said that, if the authority are sincere about way forward then, this is an opportunity.

He highlighted some of the requirements as(1) insurance policy and pension for players and coaches, (2) Application of players transfer rules and proper drafting of players and coaches contract and enforcement (3) Four of the five club licensing requirements must be met before being cleared to play in the league,that is sporting requirements, Legal requirements, financial requirements and Administrative requirements (4) Preparation and submition of financial statement to appropriate authority two to three month after season ends (5) Application of financial fair play to suit the Nigeria environment.

Joshua being carried by a friend 

Also speaking was Usman Ahmadu, a player of Kada City star who also called on all players in the league to support this course, he sad they should remember there is life after football and fight for their right now. He added that there are a lot of Nigeria boys in some small countries because they are Better organized and that so many Nigeria players are in Europe doing nothing in the name of looking for players abroad

" I am calling on all the players in the league to boycott the league if the authority do not put in place these controls the forum as put together, it is for our own good, all of us can not travel abroad, so let us make our own better ".

At the forum also was Daniel Joshua who played for the 2007 under 17 world cup winning team. According to him, he has an accident while going home from the under 21 camp in 2008 ,had an accident and has not been on his feet since then.

Niger state governor took me to Germany some years back, I did operation but there was not enough money to finish the therapy, I am still bed ridden till date.


He called on the players to learn from his situation, " if I had insurance and pension scheme, my situations will not be like these. I am also  calling on them to support the forum to fight for a better organized Nigeria league by boycotting the league.

He also called on the minister of sport Mr Sunday Dare,the NNF president Mr  Pinnick  to come to his aid for him to finish his treatment abroad, he added, I have been permanently on the bed since 2008,I need help.

Sabina Chikere Describes NWFL Under Aisha Falode As Fantastic

The Senior Special Adviser on Sports to the Edo State Deputy Governor, Mrs Sabina Chikere, has described the Chairperson Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode, as fantastic and a true professional.


The experienced football administrator while speaking at a virtual interview session on foremost Sports forum, Family United by Football (FUBF) on Friday evening said the NWFL has improved tremendously under the erstwhile sports journalists.


Falode since coming on board as Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League has championed the course for a better league and since then achieved a lot and brought in some new innovations to Women's football in Nigeria and this Sabina Chikere thinks should be lauded.


"Aisha Falode has been superb and goal oriented since she came in as chairperson. Some of her innovations has helped the women's league grow in Nigeria and beyond.


"Today, the NWFL Premiership is well recognised than ever. Our players are getting better deals abroad and the partnership with the Spanish Laliga is something that is very commendable.


"Before her arrival as chairperson, we had issues of walkovers and inconsistencies in the league, the clubs are responsible for match officlas indemnities, but now, its a different case, the league body pays match officials and i think thats the way it should go.


"The rebranding of the league is massive, its something clearly out of this world, now the fans of the league can proudly associate with the three tiers of the league, the NWFL Premiership, the NWFL Championship and the NWFL Nationwide.


"The NWFL Premiership Super 4 seem to be the most glamorous and well organised football Championship in Nigeria, while the NWFL 'Champions Shield' is more than unique.


"We are proud of her and will continue to give her full supports, while hoping she would continue to do More," she concluded.

Oyeleye Wants Crown FC To Gun For Continental Ticket Soon

The Acting General Manager of Ogbomoso based Nigeria National League side Crown FC, Oyekunle Oyeleye has insisted that developing winning mentality, motivation from stakeholders would be key to future success of 'Soun Boys'. 

Kuzo as he's fondly called by his admirers succeeded Rollanson Odeh after showing commitment and professionalism. 

The young and energetic astute administrator was appointed by Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, in acting capacity and has since maintained an impressive status.

Oyeleye who had flair for writing took the bull by the horn in laying a solid foundation for the club wants his team to return to the elite division and subsequently launch themselves in continental engagements. 

"In the next five years God's willing, Crown FC will be competing for every available laurels in the land.

"Crown FC has what it takes to play in the continent. Crown will be the most sought after brand very soon. The hard work we are putting in right now will propel us in securing sponsors," Oyeleye told a flaming top Sports Platform, Family United By Football, FUBF.

The club administrator cum media practitioner lauded the efforts of Oyo State Government for restoring pride and hope of the club.

"We are enjoying virtually everything Shooting Stars have been enjoying, the welfare of players and staffer are top on the table of the amiable commissioner, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede who is a selfless, upright and energetic leader. When the governor came on board, hope and sanity has been returned to the land," he concluded.

See Reasons 3SC Head Coach Would Like To Turn Back The Hands Of Time

The head coach of Ibadan based Nigeria National League, NNL outfit 3SC has revealed how painful it was to have been preoccupied with academics and sports without no time to enjoy his youthful days. 

Agoye who hails from Akunnu Akoko, Ondo started his professional career with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, and traveled abroad to join FC Schaffhausen of Switzerland being his first point of call in Europe before moving to Rot Weiss Oberhausen of Germany.

The merchant tactician who studied at University of Ibadan at the time he put pen to paper with Oluyole Warriors told a top Sport Platform, Family United By Football (FUBF) few things he missed if he could turn back the hands of time.

"lt wasn't easy marrying education with academics successfully in my early days, immediately l left the secondary school l got a club, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing FC.

"Exactly a year l left secondary I was admitted at University of Ibadan. It was a difficult period in my 100 Level days but afterwards I was able to adapt but I admit those activities took a lot away from me. 

" l did not enjoy a bit of my youth life, my mates were able to indulge and enjoy lot of things because every day in day out its either I was in the field of play in the morning or classroom in the evening. Over the weekend, it's matchday. It was so difficult but by the grace of God l was able to pull through combining the two together and I was very happy," Eshin as he's fondly called concluded.

Webber Tasks NBBF To Give More Attention To The Domestic League

CEO Webber Engineering Nigeria Limited, a Company that specialises in the production of Basketball equipments, Engineer Opeyemi Babalola, has tasked the Nigeria Basketball Federation to give more attention to the Nigeria Premier Basketball League, so as to make it more viable and perhaps become one of the best in Africa.


The Osun State Basketball Association Boss made this known on Saturday evening while responding to questions on a top Nigeria Whatsapp Sports Group, *Family United By Football (FUBF),* insisting that more needs to be done to make the domestic league better than ever.


"In recent times, the Nigeria National Men and Women teams have done tremendously well in Africa. They have both won the African Championship and also qualified for the World Cup and now the Olympics," he told *FUBF.*


"These are huge achievements, nevertheless, one area we should be concerned about is the development of the domestic league.


"This is one crucial area that needs urgent attention. Its time we have a proper plan on how to make our league one of the best in Africa and perhaps the world. I understand this is difficult, but again, I know it is possible.


"I witnessed the league in Angola and felt we can have this too, Basketball is a huge business in Angola, Senegal and some North African Countries.


"If we can make the game lucrative and attractive, then we can get more sponsors, we won't further witness the exodus of talented players to the United State and Europe.


"The success recorded so far by the present board of the NBBF is huge at the international level, but we still have to look inwards and develop the league that produces these stars," Webber concluded.

Edeh Tips Gernot Rhor To Win 2021 AFCON

President Nigeria Women Football League side, Naija Ratels FC, Barrister Paul Edeh has thrown his weight behind Super Eagles tactician, Gernot Rhor to do better than he has done in the last three years.


The Franco-German signed a new two-year contract extension with the Nigeria Football Federation a week ago and is expected to lead Nigeria to her seventh World Cup finals and lift the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroun.


During a virtual interview session on a popular Sports Whatsapp Group, Family United By Football (FUBF), the astute football administrator said he expects Gernot Rhor to lift the 2021 AFCON in Cameroun and perhaps go past the second round stage at the World Cup.


"My expectation is the same as that of many Nigerians," he told *FUBF.*


"I expect him to do better than he did in the past, because for him to have even been considered to be at the helms of affair even after all the politics that happened before his reappointment. He should know that Nigerians expect a lot from him.


"Its only when you win that Nigerians will continue to support you, it is good that someone like Joseph Yobo has been appointed to assist him, probably he might bring his own experience to play when the games resumes.


He continued: "We have seen in the past that Nigerians love good football and will always support victorious coaches, ever since we had the kind of leadership provided by Dutchman, Clemens Westerhof, we have always struggled, but I look forward to Gernot Rhor winning the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroun and also qualifying us for the World Cup in Qatar."