Emir Of Minna Showers Royal Blessings On Bala, As Tornadoes Coach Gets Fan Award

The Emir of Minna His Royal Highness (Dr.) Umar Farouq Bahago has assured Coach Bala Abubakar and Niger Tornadoes that traditional institutions and Minna fans will massively support the team in its quest for trophies when the new Nigeria Professional Football League kicks off in January.

Speaking when a delegation of the Ikoh Allah Boys led by amiable Coach Bala paid homage to the Paramount Ruler in his Palace during the week.

The Emir assured Bala and the team, that with the support of the palace and the good people of Niger State, Tornadoes will record successes this season. 

“It was wise of you, on behalf of the club to come to seek my royal blessings. I want to wish the team and its officials well and I'm certain that at the end of the season, Niger Tornadoes will finish among the top teams."

A delighted Coach Bala while presenting a signed replica of Tornadoes' jersey and match balls to the palace, the Emir for his kind words and assured that Tornadoes will give 200 per cent of its best and compete well this season.

"I want to use this medium to express my heartfelt appreciation to our Royal Father, the Emir of Minna for his royal blessings, as it's the best tonic we needed going into the new league season." 

Meanwhile, despite still basking in the euphoria of being crowned the 2022 Gusau/Ahlan Cup Pre-season Tourney champions in Kano, Bala said the team will not rest on its oars, as Tornadoes is still a team in progress.

"I want to choose my words carefully, Yes we are champions of the Gusau/Ahlan Cup, but that doesn't mean Tornadoes will have an easy ride when the season comes.

"Mind you it's going to be a marathon and a different ball game entirely as there are tougher NPFL teams.  Tornadoes will be ready, play no team with respect but take the matches as they come."

In a separate development, Coach Bala Abubakar has added another award to his shelf after the Niger Tornadoes Fans Club honoured him with an award for Excellence Performance. 

The award was presented to him at the club secretariat Saturday morning by top officials of the Niger Tornadoes Fans Club.

Africa Illustrious Award Honours FC Ebedei President Churchill Oliseh

 

Churchill Oliseh Bags African Lifetime Leadership Award

Organisers of the Africa Illustrious Award will on Friday(tomorrow), honour President of FC Ebedei, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, with the prestigious African Lifetime Leadership Award.

Early in his football management life Oliseh was confronted with the dwindling and failing state of Nigeria’s football that was responsible for Nigeria players’ inability to neither attain the pinnacle of world football nor sustain such where they achieve same. He has now been found worthy of the award. 

The said award is revered and conferred on individuals and organizations who have excelled in leadership, philanthropy, community development, business, academia, technology, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship across Africa.

Since 1995, Churchill Oliseh has contributed players to all trophies, medals, and laurels won by Nigeria national football teams. Including the Atlanta Olympics gold medal where he brought in Dosu Joseph, who never participated in the qualifiers. Presently, there are hardly any Nigeria Premier league teams without a graduate of his FC EBEDEI or in the recent past.

Recall FC Ebedei came into the limelight in 1998, but the actual events that led to its formation came as far back as 1993. Barrister Churchill Oliseh had ventured into players’ representation as a legal practitioner and an astute sports businessman, one of the few successful in Nigeria.

Churchill is the elder brother of former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh. Apart from Sunday, Azubuike and Eguatu were also professional footballers. So we can understand where the vast knowledge and exceptional vision came from.

His interaction with European football investors and administrators convinced him that the most powerful and influential position in the development of football was that of the club president.

The job of Churchill is straightforward; he discovers outstanding raw talents from the most remote parts of Nigeria, including the security challenged areas. Develop such a player in FC Ebedei and promote thereafter. He is the largest sole contributor to the pool of Nigerias exceptional football players.

Notable among such are the fast rising Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu (GENK), and Eagles' new invitees, Frank Onyeka(BRENTFORD), Raphael Onyedika Nwadike(BRUGGE), midfielder Ajilore Oluwafemi, David Babajide Akintola, Sylvester Igboun Izunna Uzochukwu, OBAFEMI MARTINS just to mention a few.

FC Ebedei also produced Razak Omotoyosi for the BENIN REPUBLIC national team and Sekou Jabateh OLISEH for the LIBERIA National team. Malta senior and the Spanish national youth team included. 

His recognition for the prestigious award is in line with Africa Illustrious Award vision to project and promote excellence in Africa, not as an exception, but as a consistent pattern in the modern African experience.

After due diligence; the Africa Illustrious Award team, made up of seasoned professionals, distinguished researchers, a special panel, and the public found Oliseh worthy to receive the AFRICAN LIFETIME LEADERSHIP AWARD for his contribution and development of football in Africa.

This prestigious award, first of its kind to be awarded a club President in Nigeria's football family.

#Ote4Wealth: Quarter Finalists Emerge As Hostility Continues Tomorrow

 

#Ote4Wealth: Quarter Finalists Emerge As Hostility Continues Tomorrow 

The State of land of promise, Akwa Ibom on Monday landed in Quarter final of the ongoing #Ote4wealth National Football Tournament after beating Benue 1-0 to seal the spot in the Nigeria’s capital city Abuja.

Tobi Oyewole's goal in the 14 minute of encounter sealed victory for Akwa Ibom.

Imo delivered a disciplined performance to beat Bauchi 1-0. Ebode Richard scored after an unpardonable gaffe by goalkeeper Iliya Shehu.

A goal in the closing periods of the tie from Blessed Okon was all it took to separate the two sides as FCT won 1-0 against Jigawa.

Midfielder Soso Sunday netted from the penalty spot in the 17th minute against Borno.

Kebbi stuck to their game plan all the way and comfortably frustrated Borno to win 1-0.

Goals from Aondover Agandi and Ejieh Paul was the tonic Adamawa needed destroy Rivers 2-0.

The #Ote4Wealth Football Tournament holding at the Water FC Stadium, Apo Abuja is in honour of Diamond Jubilee celebration of Nigeria’s foremost philanthropist and Business mogul, Femi Otedola Femi Otedola who clocked 60 on November 4.

Day 4 Results:

Bauchi 0-1 Imo

Benue 0-1 Akwa Ibom

FCT 1-0 Jigawa 

Kebbi 1-0 Borno 

Abia 1-0 Bayelsa

Adamawa 2-0 Rivers

#Ote4Wealth: 6 Teams To Pick Quarter Final Tickets Today

#Ote4Wealth: 6 Teams To Pick Quarter Final Tickets Today

 Six matches will go down on Match-day 4 of #Ote4Wealth National Football Tournament where six teams will pick the quarter-final tickets.

Two states that were seeded will join the six winners for Tuesday's quarter-final duels. 

The first match on Monday morning will see Bauchi taking on Imo at 9:30am while Benue lock horns with Akwa Ibom at 10:30am.

FCT will trade tackles with Jigawa for the quarterfinal ticket at 11:30am as Borno take on Kebbi State at 2pm. Other matches are: Bayelsa vs Abia at 3pm as Adamawa engage Rivers State.

Meanwhile, on Sunday on Match-day 3, Abi

 defeated Plateau 4-2 on penalties to advance to knockout stage of #Ote4Wealth Football Tournament holding in Abuja.

Playing the first match of the day on Sunday, both teams needed the lottery of penalty shootout to determine the winner after a scoreless regulation time 

In the second match, Kebbi edged Osun to progress to the next stage. 

The 3rd match of the day, a tough encounter between Rivers and Ebonyi, it ended 5-4 on penalties in favour of the former.

Akwa also relied on penalty shootout to overcome Kogi in the 4th match of the day after recording a goalless draw at full time.

Bauchi humbled star studded Kwara in the 5th match via penalties to book their passage to the next round. 

The game between Niger and FCT ended 1-1. It was the FCT that won 4-3 on penalties.

The Ote4Wealth Football Tournament holding at the Water FC Stadium, Apo Abuja is in honour of Diamond Jubilee celebration of Nigeria's foremost philanthropist and Business mogul, Femi Otedola Femi Otedola who clocked 60 on November 4. 

Day 3 Results;

Plateau 0-0 Abia (AP 2-4)

Osun 1-2 Kebbi 

Rivers 0-0 Ebonyi (AP 5-4)

Kogi 0-0 Akwa (AP (2-4)

Kwara 0-0 Bauchi (AP 1-3)

Niger 1-1 FCT (AP 3-4)

Delta 0-0 Bayelsa (AP 2-4)

Bauchi 0-0 Kano (AP 6-5)

Day 4 Fixtures

Bauchi vs Imo 9:30am

Benue vs Akwa Ibom 10:30am

 FCT vs Jigawa 11:30am

 Borno vs Kebbi 2pm

 Bayelsa vs Abia 3pm

Adamawa vs Rivers 4:30pm

Shooting Stars Claim FC Ebedei/ FC Midtjylland Year-End Invitational Tournament Title

 

Shooting Stars Claim FC Ebedei/ FC Midtjylland Year-End Invitational Tournament Title

Shooting Stars have emerged champions of the inaugural FC Ebedei/ FC Midtjylland Year-End Invitational Tournament after a 3-1 win over Cornerstone FC at the Olubadan Stadium, Oyo State.

After going into the finale of the four-team tourney which kicked off on November 18, a draw was the least the  Oluyole Warriors needed to be crowned champions, as they had a plus two goals difference ahead Cornerstone FC despite both teams levelled on 6points each.

That they did, as they went unbeaten in three matches, spicing it up with 9 points and scoring 14 goals.

Not minding Shooting Star's elite status, Cornerstone FC showed they would be stubborn to beat after they took the lead after 18 minutes of play via a strike from Adeleke Olamilekan.

Ifeanyi Ihemekule cut short Cornerstone FC's joy of going into the locker room with a one-goal advantage when he scored the equalizing goal in the added time of the first half.

Shooting Stars then showed class in the second half scoring two goals in the 63rd minute via a fantastic strike from Tosin Olawale while Joshua Akpan put the icing on the cake in the 85th minute after he steered the ball into the bottom corner with the third goal after beating his marker in the box. 

In the second final day game between 

FC Ebedei and Tradesafe FC ended in an 8-goal thriller, as the duo of Inyere James scored a hat-trick while Odekunle Musliu fired a brace to earn the Oliseh Boys their first 3 points.

After losing their first two matches each, FC Ebedei 1-4 Cornerstone FC, Shooting Stars 4-2 FC Ebedei and Shooting Stars 5-0 Tradesafe FC, Tradesafe FC 1-3 Cornerstone FC, both teams then set eyes for a third-place finish and three points at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele, Sagamu.

It was the Oliseh Boys that claimed the bragging rights going into the break with a comfortable three-goal lead with goals from Musliu and Inyere. 

With five minutes gone in the second half FC Ebedei 4-0, Tradesafe FC after a  terrific pass from Samuel Victor played in Inyere, and he did the rest by coolly clipping the ball over the goalkeeper for his second. 

Trade-safe FC seemed to have started what could have been a comeback after their striker made it 4-1 in the 69th minute and soon became 4-2 in less than three minutes 

Inyere in the 74th minute gave FC Ebedei a three-goal cushion scoring his hat-trick to make it 5-2, after he broke in, from an on-side position to hammer home in confident fashion.

In the closing minutes of the game, Tradesafe FC gave themselves a pat on the back scoring the third goal to put the scoreline at 5-3.

LOC Unveils FC Ebedei/ FC Midtjylland Year-End Invitational Tournament Fixtures

 

LOC Unveils FC Ebedei/ FC Midtjylland Year-End Invitational Tournament Fixtures 

Organisers of the maiden FC Ebedei/ FC Midtjylland Year-End Invitational Tournament billed to kick off on Friday November 18, have released fixtures for the event.

One of Africa's best professionally administered football clubs, whose products have helped Nigeria win silverware since the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, FC Ebedei, iconic football brand Shooting Stars of Ibadan, and two Nationwide League One (NLO) Tradesafe and Cornerstone FC are taking part in the four-team mini tourney.

The FC Ebedei Stadium, Apele-Sagamu and the recently refurbished Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba-Ibadan are the host venues of the five-day FC Ebedei/ FC Midtjylland Year-End Invitational Tournament.

Fixtures made available by the Local Organising Committee(LOC) of the tourney informed that Tradesafe and Shooting Stars will lock horns in the first game of MatchDay 1 at 8am, while FC Ebedei takes on Cornerstone FC at 3 pm. Both matches will be played at the FC Ebedei Stadium Apele-Sagamu.

MatchDay 2 will be observed as a rest day, as action resumes at the FC Ebedei Stadium on the 20th with a Matchday 3 clash of experience and apprentice as Shooting Stars go head-to-head with FC Ebedei at 3 pm.

It will be a clash of two NLO teams on MatchDay 4 as Cornerstone FC hosts Tradesafe FC at the FC Ebedei Stadium.

Final fixtures on MatchDay 5 will be interesting as both matches will be played simultaneously at 3pm and the two different match venues.

The FC Ebedei Stadium will host the game between FC Ebedei and Tradesafe FC while Cornerstone FC will hope to slay the Oluyole Warriors in Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The winner of the tournament will get an automatic qualification to the next edition of the Gold Cup and also take part in an invitational tournament in Europe.

Honourable Aliyu, An Astute Administrator That Has Turned Niger Tornadoes To A Brand

 

Honourable Aliyu, An Astute Administrator That Has Turned Niger Tornadoes To A Brand 

Honourable Adamu Aliyu is an astute Sports Administrator per excellence and manager of minds; whose work ethic is faultless, who knows his onions, and who is passionate about the beautiful round leather game (football), across all levels in Nigeria.

You can not talk about the achievements recorded by Niger Tornadoes within the last 10 years without a mention of Honourable Adamu Aliyu and his management team, and hold them in high esteem as he's not a 'BULLY' but a leader who carries everyone in the management along. All are geared towards achieving set targets for Niger Tornadoes.

Honourable Adamu Aliyu may have his shortcomings as a leader by his critics but the many that have worked closely with him, regard him as an administrator with the 'Magic Wand'. 

He is also the 'Mr. Fix It, as he has a record of helping Tornadoes gain promotion, by winning playoffs, qualifying them to big finals and playing in the CAF inter-club championships.

Twice appointed in 2015 and 2021 as Chairman of Tornadoes Management Committee (TMC) and Chairman of Tornadoes, the club founded in 1977, were crowned champions of the Nigeria National League, for the third time and twice with Honourable Aliyu in 2015 and 2021 in an epic final against Shooting Stars of Ibadan at the NNL Super 8 Playoffs in Enugu.

In 2017, precisely 17 years after they were crowned winners of the Challenge Cup now AITEO Cup, they played in the final and carried Nigeria's flag in the continent again.

His First Coming:

2017- As Chairman of the Tornadoes Management Committee (TMC), Hon. Adamu Aliyu worked round the clock with the State Government in ensuring that the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, reopened after two years to host NPFL matches.

Aliyu institutionalized the ‘Chairman Personal Performance Reward' to boost the morale of the team going into matches.

With the world being a Global Village and the emerging trend of social media, the club under him launched its website: www.nigertornadoesfc.com.ng, ahead of the new Nigeria Professional Football League season 2016/2017. 

The essence was to create a football social community and network for the team.

His Second Coming:

In the 2017/2018 season after being given a bigger assignment by the Niger State Government, Honourable Aliyu, made his 2nd coming to the club after it was relegated to the NNL, this led to the immediate dissolution of all the structures of the team by Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Governor of the State.

Aliyu, who headed the new management committee was tasked to work assiduously towards bringing back the team to the NPFL.

His appointment yielded instant success, as he turned the fortune of the club around within a short period. The Ikon Allah boys became a team that challenge for titles.

The club under his stewardship made headlines when it beat favourites Rivers United in the semi-final at the Agege Stadium, Lagos to qualify for the final of the AITEO Cup and secured a CAF Confederation Cup ticket.

The final against Akwa United was a thriller as the Bala Abubakar side gave it their best but lost on penalties.

Coach Abubakar Bala who is fresh from National Assignment with the Flying Eagles of Nigeria is no doubt one of the most sorts after coaches in the Nigeria League today, evidence is several clubs that are still on his neck vying for his signature, even though former Kwara United Coach had since committed his future to the Ikon Allah Boys having reached a contractual agreement with Niger Tornadoes pending official unveiling.

The Minna-born tactician is not new to the Aiteo Cup competition haven led Tornadoes to the finals in 2017 in his first attempt.

His Third Coming:

2021- Season-Niger Tornadoes chairman, Honourable Adamu Aliyu has thumbed up the personal interests shown to the club by the State Government led by His Excellency Abubakar Sani Bello which has helped to ensure they are on the cusp of a return to Nigeria Professional Football League.

That they did this in style as they won the NNL Super in Enugu to the delight of the good and football-loving people of Niger State.

After gaining promotion to the NPFL, the news of the iconic Bako Kontagora Stadium not being fit to host Premier League matches by the League Management Company (LMC), many saw as a blow below the belt.

The news didn't deter Honourable Adamu Aliyu, as he wore his thinking cap, in search of an alternative suitable ground for the team.

Ikon Allah finally settle for the Ilorin Township Stadium. When things seem not to be going well for the team, they had to sort for another alternative stadium, this saw them having some of their home matches from Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, Jos International Stadium, Jos and finally MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

This almost cost them the season, but Honourable Adamu Aliyu being the Captain of the Ship, was able to steer the ship clear of the stormy waters, despite the limited resources owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a toll on World Economy.

Credit must go to his trusted and talented Lieutenant, Coach Bala who became the first management to play 19 home matches away from home and did not relegate, as he held a firm grip on his team and made them stay off the drop zone with that emphatic win against MFM FC away from home.

Honourable Adamu Aliyu's beliefs in making things work for the club can not be overlooked, that's why former Flying Eagles and Eaglet Coach, John Obuh who was a household name during his time with Tornadoes had this to say. 

"The best thing to have happened to Niger Tornadoes was the coming of

Honourable Adamu Aliyu. 

"He is a well-respected administrator, embedded in humility who came after Ten Ten and did very well for the club. Immediately he came with his vast knowledge, experience and humility, he stabilised everything about the club.

"The results started coming, and the coaches, players and supporters were well-harmonized, same with the Niger State Sports Council as everyone was working towards the same goal and successes were recorded under his leadership.

"I had a good working relationship with him, as he never for once interfered with my MatchDay programme, as he gives me the needed environment for me to succeed.

"Am not surprised that after I left the club, Niger Tornadoes has done remarkably well under him. I want to wish him success in his challenge as he got it on merit going by his pedigree which speaks volumes."

Vice Chairman of Niger Tornadoes Musa Ibrahim Matane

"When were inaugurated as Tornadoes Management Committee(TMC), the mandate given to us by the State Government was to ensure that club get promoted to the NPFL from NNL.

"That we did as Tornadoes finished top of its group, was impressive at the NNL Super 8 PlayOff in Enugu, as it went ahead to emerge champions after claiming a promotion ticket.

"Tornadoes under the leadership of  Honourable Adamu Aliyu is not a 'One Man Show, he carried each member along to achieve the set goals for the club.

"We can achieve the mandate given to us by the Niger State Government and surpass it.

"I want to Honourable Adamu Aliyu for his prudent management of the funds from the state government, despite the world economic challenges owing to the COVID-19 virus, he and his management team were still able to run the club successfully." 

Barrister Isaac Danladi, Chairman NPFL Club Owners and Chairman Nasarawa United

"Honourable Adamu Aliyu is a good friend and personality I have known for over two decades in football administration. We have indeed come a long way, and he has been able to stabilise Niger Tornadoes over the years, employing his managerial skills to successfully manage the fortunes of the club.

"He's a frontline member of the Club Owners Association, a team player and popularly referred to as 'Mr Fix It, owing to his good crisis management skills.

"Honourable Adamu Aliyu is eloquent and possesses effective communication skills and has turned the club from 'grass to grace. Little wonder he made his second coming to the club following his reappointment after he was relieved of the post. He is dedicated, honest, straightforward and above all, has the fear of God in him.

"The government and people of Niger State should be proud and lucky to have such a personality like Honourable Adamu Aliyu at the helm of affairs of Tornadoes. I continue to wish  Honourable Adamu Aliyu the best in his endeavours and ask the state government to continue to support him in the progress of the club.

"As Chief Personal Secretary to the Niger State Governor, HIS Excellency, I believe he has been able to use his skills to the best and as a good public servant, has employed the same in the running of the day-to-day operations of Niger Tornadoes.

"Continue to do well for the state and Tornadoes, Honourable Adamu Aliyu, as I wish you well and may God in his infinite mercy continue to bless 

Yanagi A Baba 1st Vice Chairman Niger State Football Association

"I have known him since his involvement in football, Honourable Adamu Aliyu is a man of integrity. He relates with the FA on football matters concerning Niger Tornadoes.

"I have a cordial relationship with him, as interim head of the FA, I was in charge of organising and taking care of their home matches.

 

"Honourable Adamu Aliyu is also a loyal member of the Niger FA Football Congress, him being the Chairman of the Premier League club.

"He has done a fantastic job in Tornadoes and left his mark at the club as he has never at any time not related any challenges Tornadoes faced to the FA, at the end, we proffer solutions to them.

We have seen a rich club like Kano Pillars getting relegated to the NNL, while with limited funds, Honourable Adamu Aliyu made sure Tornadoes beat the drop.

"On the personal ground, I take him as an elder brother and he has also reciprocated the same gesture to me. I have so many beliefs in Honourable Adamu Aliyu; as in years to come, he will achieve a lot with Tornadoes.

Honourable Aliyu, An Astute Administrator That Has Steered The Niger Tornadoes Ship

Honourable Aliyu, An Astute Administrator That Has Made Niger Tornadoes Achieve Success 

Honourable Aliyu, An Astute Administrator That Has Turned Niger Tornadoes To A Brand 

Honourable Adamu Aliyu is an astute Sports Administrator per excellence and manager of minds; whose work ethic is faultless, who knows his onions, and who is passionate about the beautiful round leather game (football), across all levels in Nigeria.

You can not talk about the achievements recorded by Niger Tornadoes within the last 10 years without a mention of Honourable Adamu Aliyu and his management team, and hold them in high esteem as he's not a 'BULLY' but a leader who carries everyone in the management along. All are geared towards achieving set targets for Niger Tornadoes.

Honourable Adamu Aliyu may have his shortcomings as a leader by his critics but the many that have worked closely with him, regard him as an administrator with the 'Magic Wand'. 

He is also the 'Mr. Fix It, as he has a record of helping Tornadoes gain promotion, by winning playoffs, qualifying them to big finals and playing in the CAF inter-club championships.

Twice appointed in 2015 and 2021 as Chairman of Tornadoes Management Committee (TMC) and Chairman of Tornadoes, the club founded in 1977, were crowned champions of the Nigeria National League, for the third time and twice with Honourable Aliyu in 2015 and 2021 in an epic final against Shooting Stars of Ibadan at the NNL Super 8 Playoffs in Enugu.

In 2017, precisely 17 years after they were crowned winners of the Challenge Cup now AITEO Cup, they played in the final and carried Nigeria's flag in the continent again.

His First Coming:

2017- As Chairman of the Tornadoes Management Committee (TMC), Hon. Adamu Aliyu worked round the clock with the State Government in ensuring that the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna, reopened after two years to host NPFL matches.

Aliyu institutionalized the ‘Chairman Personal Performance Reward' to boost the morale of the team going into matches.

With the world being a Global Village and the emerging trend of social media, the club under him launched its website: www.nigertornadoesfc.com.ng, ahead of the new Nigeria Professional Football League season 2016/2017. 

The essence was to create a football social community and network for the team.

His Second Coming:

In the 2017/2018 season after being given a bigger assignment by the Niger State Government, Honourable Aliyu, made his 2nd coming to the club after it was relegated to the NNL, this led to the immediate dissolution of all the structures of the team by Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Governor of the State.

Aliyu, who headed the new management committee was tasked to work assiduously towards bringing back the team to the NPFL.

His appointment yielded instant success, as he turned the fortune of the club around within a short period. The Ikon Allah boys became a team that challenge for titles.

The club under his stewardship made headlines when it beat favourites Rivers United in the semi-final at the Agege Stadium, Lagos to qualify for the final of the AITEO Cup and secured a CAF Confederation Cup ticket.

The final against Akwa United was a thriller as the Bala Abubakar side gave it their best but lost on penalties.

Coach Abubakar Bala who is fresh from National Assignment with the Flying Eagles of Nigeria is no doubt one of the most sorts after coaches in the Nigeria League today, evidence is several clubs that are still on his neck vying for his signature, even though former Kwara United Coach had since committed his future to the Ikon Allah Boys having reached a contractual agreement with Niger Tornadoes pending official unveiling.

The Minna-born tactician is not new to the Aiteo Cup competition haven led Tornadoes to the finals in 2017 in his first attempt.

His Third Coming:

2021- Season-Niger Tornadoes chairman, Honourable Adamu Aliyu has thumbed up the personal interests shown to the club by the State Government led by His Excellency Abubakar Sani Bello which has helped to ensure they are on the cusp of a return to Nigeria Professional Football League.

That they did this in style as they won the NNL Super in Enugu to the delight of the good and football-loving people of Niger State.

After gaining promotion to the NPFL, the news of the iconic Bako Kontagora Stadium not being fit to host Premier League matches by the League Management Company (LMC), many saw as a blow below the belt.

The news didn't deter Honourable Adamu Aliyu, as he wore his thinking cap, in search of an alternative suitable ground for the team.

Ikon Allah finally settle for the Ilorin Township Stadium. When things seem not to be going well for the team, they had to sort for another alternative stadium, this saw them having some of their home matches from Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, Jos International Stadium, Jos and finally MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

This almost cost them the season, but Honourable Adamu Aliyu being the Captain of the Ship, was able to steer the ship clear of the stormy waters, despite the limited resources owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a toll on World Economy.

Credit must go to his trusted and talented Lieutenant, Coach Bala who became the first management to play 19 home matches away from home and did not relegate, as he held a firm grip on his team and made them stay off the drop zone with that emphatic win against MFM FC away from home.

It will further interest you to note that since the inception of Tornadoes in 1977, he did change the narratives of the club as it became a professionally administered club. 

He was the first Chairman to introduce preseason camping for the team and purchased training jerseys squad after termed it as an eyesore with the kind of kits the players were having seasons with, which for him was not good for the Niger Tornadoes brand.

Going into that season, he introduced a partnership with customized kits for the team.

Travelling long distances by road is one big headache for clubs owing to the poor state of our Federal Highways, armed robberies, accidents and fatigue, under his leadership, Tornadoes now travel two days ahead for away matches. All with the view of ensuring the player's and backroom staff's safety and of course getting results on the road.

He then in the 2007/2008 season, increased travelling and bonus from N5,000 to N10,000 as the welfare of the team is also top of his priorities for the club. 

In the 2015/2016 season, he increased travelling and bonus allowances from 10, 000 to 15,000. The following season (2016/2017) he increased the allowances again from 15,000 to 20,000 and that's what the players are enjoying to date.

It's on good record that Honourable Adamu Aliyu became the first chairman to voluntarily resign in 2008 when the league was at MatchDay 12 while the team was still topping the league and the first time Tornadoes had that luxury.

FC Linkonping Forward Want Solid Preparations For Olympic Eagles

 

FC Linkonping Forward Want Solid Preparations For Olympic Eagles

Akanni Seyi

Following the success so far recorded by Nigeria U-23 Olympic Eagles after trouncing their Tanzanian counterparts 2-0, Nigerian player based in Sweden has advocated for early preparations for Olympic Eagles and other Junior Teams.

Obviously, Nigeria did not have the best of preparations as coaches kept handing invitations to fresh legs on daily basis same way the technical crew are showing exit doors to players for below par performance and administrative reasons.

Following the busy schedules of Glass House dwellers towards the NFF Elections and post election activities, the Minister for Youths and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare had to quickly pushed the team to lbadan camp where they had few days of camping before jetting out for first leg of the qualifiying series which ended 1-1 on away soil.

Since coaches didn’t have time to invite players who fit in to their philosophy for Tanzania clash, well meaning Nigerians resulted to driving the team through monetary motivations. It is believed that surgical operations is still needed in the team even if the the team should go ahead and make it beyond the final round of qualifiers.

According to Victor Okeji, FC Linkonping of Sweden forward, fire brigade approach is synonymous to Nigeria's preparations for major events.

"Although, Dream Team VIII won 3-1 on aggregate and have set up a difficult battle with Guinea in the final round of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, yet, the result is not the true reflection of the saggy preparations the guys had, same goes with other categories.

"The authorities shouldn't slack and wait till February 2023 before calling this side together. The task ahead is enormous and quality preparations would ensure good football and fantastic results.

"The time is now for Nigeria Football Administrators to wake up and do things right proactively." The former Bayelsa and Osun Utd winger whose Swedish side have been enjoying a new lease of life in Damallsvenskan informed.

Makanjuola And Sunusi Can Lift Olympic Eagles -SK Bereven Winger Taofeeq

 

SK Beveren winger Ishmael Taofeeq has sent a heartfelt message to the Dream Team VIII ahead of their all important game against Tanzania on Saturday. 

The Olympic Eagles drew 1-1 with Tanzania in the first leg encounter at Benjamin Mpaka Stadium and will hope to zoom to next round of qualification for U23 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.

Taofeeq who has been a nightmare to defenders in the Belgian Challenger Pro League this season believes the team has what it takes to overcome their Tanzanian opponent.

The Oyo born forward made this disclosure in a chat with the Media from his base in Belgium on Friday afternoon.

"I believe the Olympic Eagles would get the job done and dusted in Ibadan," Ishmael Taofeeq said.

"There are good players in the team who are capable of ensuring that Nigerians have something to cheer on Saturday.

"The likes of Nathaniel Nwosu, Success Makanjuola and Ibrahim Sunusi are players I know very well. So the team shouldn't have problem winning the game," he added.

Lorient owned Ishmael Taofeeq has already racked up three assists for SK Beveren this season.

NIGERIA FOOTBALL : TIME TO UNBOUND

 

By Wale Ajayi

Attention Honourable Sports Minister, the time to  'ADOPT A CLUB IS NOW'!

Let me start this piece by first defining the word *'Unbound'*. It simply means not bound together,  release, separate, not fastened together, not confined, freedom and so much more.

 In this context, Unbound means freedom, proliferation, opening the space for private investors to come in and operate in an environment that is condusive, accommodating and appreciative. 

The Nigeria professional football league as it is today, is a 20-clubs league format that has 95 percent government owned clubs and just 5percent privately owned clubs.

 What this means is that government plays a huge impact in what goes on within and around the league, leaving our football at the mercy of some politicians who see football as a political tool that has to be managed by their political loyalists, who inturn know that the only way they can keep their jobs is by getting results at all costs. 

*Disadvantages of government ownership of Nigeria clubsides*

1. *Poor management*. 

     

Most times, the men appointed are political loyalists to the government in power.

 Majority of them have never played football, have no managerial skills and lack the basic ideas of running a football club so all they do, is to apply orthodox means of winning matches to satisfy their owners 

2. The win at cost Syndrome

These loyalists will want to win at all cost as that is the only way to keep their jobs.  It happens every year in the NPFL, before the start of every season, the chairman of Referees appointment committee and Chairman of the Nigeria Referees Association, pay courtesy calls to state governors on the request of the club owners and at such meetings, continental tickets are promised and delivered at the end of the season. 

3. Poor officiating

This has been the biggest bane of the NPFL. It is no longer news that club owners pay match officials large sum of monies to pick vital points especially at home. The Referees play a key role in helping to actualize the win at all cost syndrome and the reason behind this is well understood. The club owners have no idea of how to run the clubs, how to make money from the sale of players, branding and merchandising in order to meet their overall investments so they are left with just one option, which is to cheat. 

*4. Crowd Violence*

In the last few seasons, football hooliganism has been on the rise in the NPFL. The reason is that, majority of the club owners are under pressure to get results and when that doesn't come, they insight the fans against the referees which in most cases lead to serious infield and off-field crisis. 

SOLUTION

Using the Nigeria Telecommunication model

Over two decades ago, Nitel enjoyed absolute monopoly as the sole distributor of telecommunication network in Nigeria until the federal government thought it wise to allow other interested parties come forward with proposals on how to better the sector. That was how MTN, Econet and later Globacom came on board and today, the country is better off. 

       

Government realized at that time that Nitel has not lived up to expectation and are happy today with the improvement the sector has made so far. 

WAY FORWARD

The Adopt A Club initiative

Like the adopt an athlete and adopt a stadium initiative of the Sunday Dare  administration which has enjoyed widespread publicity, acceptance and endorsement, many are of the opinion that the federal government through the sports ministry can appeal to individuals, corporate bodies and other multinationals to adopt a football club from their state and sponsor the adopted club in the NPFL. 

The likes of Aliko Dangote, Baba Ijebu, Femi Otedola have shown over the years that they have deep passion for football but they are afraid to come forward and invest in the league because of the negative stories that comes out of the system. 

Multinational companies like Shell, Oando, AITEO and telecom giants like Mtn, Globacom and Etisalat can all adopt a football club, offer them full and total branding and use same to promote their social responsibility to society. 

  

 In the last two seasons, the English Premier League spent over 425M pounds on community development alone. Football in Europe is very big business and the earlier we see the need to gradually take these clubs away from government, the better it will be for our football. 

In 2003, Roman Abraham Abrahamovic bought Chelsea for just over 140m pounds and earlier this year, thesame club was sold for 4.25billion pounds out of which, 1.5b pounds will be used to build a new Stadium for the West London Club. 

That is how football business has grown and the earlier we key in as a country and a people, the better it will be for all of us.

#STARPRO22: Osun Agog As Teams Rumble To Glory

 

Osun Agog As Star-Pro Kicks Off Friday

About nine teams from three South West states and two teams from North Central have been drawn to participate in the maiden edition of Star Pro Scouting Tourney in the state of Osun.

The ambitious and energetic teams will converge this Friday at Ataoja School of Science Sports Complex in Osogbo to play for gainful selection.

According to Star-Pro Media Consultant, Akanni Seyi, the less opportunities available for avalanche of young and talented footballer gives birth to the best scouting activities in Osun State.

He further noted that the brain behind the project, Leo Sports Agency have finalised the arraignments in facilitating scouts from UK Outfit, West Bromwich Albion. They will be joined by football experts from another European countries. The Scouting program is guided by rules and all participating teams shall fully adhere.

Attention will therefore be shifted to Ataoja High School Sports Complex where teams like, Amapro SA, Laycon FC, PMWAY FC, Agbana International Academy, Soccer FC, Golden Boys, TSI FA, HMK FC, Hammola FC, Watered Plant FC and 36 Lion FC will all rumble to glory.

The three-day soccer activities will span till Sunday 30th October 2022, as arrangements are in top gear to beam the matches live to numerous viewers.

Fourth Fidelis Ilechukwu U13 Football Tourney Kicks Off November 19

 

All logistics have been put in place for a successful hosting of the Fidelis Ilechukwu U13 Football Championship 4th edition, billed to kick off November 19th, at the Abete Playing Ground, Iwaya, Yaba-Lagos.

The grassroot football tourney is a pet project of Plateau United Technical Adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu and it's centred towards catching talented players young and giving them a platform to showcase their skills.

Speaking from his base in Jos, Ilechukwu a passionate advocate of grassroot football said: "It's my own little way of giving back to football.

"The tourney is to allow football talents to be discovered by as many people as possible which is the best way to attract new players to football and give them access to the game in their community."

Tournament Coordinator, Jolayemi Kunle said: "The U13 football championship is open to all grassroot teams in Lagos. In this year's edition, we have decided to use weight as a means of curbing age-cheat.

" The weight requirement is 40kg for players and 43kg for goalkeepers. All teams must present a total of 16 players and two shot-stoppers, to make 18.

"Entries will be based on first come, first served is the target is 16 teams, but it's not automatic qualification for teams as we'll doing our own screening too."

BamiseGod were winner of the last edition after they defeated 36 Lion Iyawa on penalties.

Madiba FC Are 2022 NLO Season Champions

 Madiba FC Are 2022 NLO Season Champions

Madiba FC has been crowned champions of the 2021/22 Nationwide League One season after they pipped Malantarki Care FC by a lone goal in the Super 8 final in Lagos.

The Oshodi-based team who ended the regular season unbeaten, lived up to the hype as they went on without losing a game in the champion of champions play-off that was held at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos.

An epic final was as they took the game to FCT-based Malantarki Care and showed their superiority.

Their attacking play was rewarded with a goal in the 28th minute after Rabiu Nurudeen beat the offside flag to chip the ball beyond the reach of Edward Ameh in goal for Malantarki Care.

Malantarki could have levelled scores before heading to the break but Madiba FC had Mohammed Tijani to thank, as he showed class in goal, after he made a brilliant save to deny the boys from the FCT.

One nil it, as Madiba FC went into the dressing room with signs of relief while Malantarki Care was left to rue their poor defending.

It was a one-sided second half as the last half an hour of the game was between Madiba FC and Ameh, as he made countless saves to keep the scoreline decent for Malantarki Care FC.

Malantarki Care's search for the equalizing goal proved a little too late, despite the five minutes of added time, as Madiba FC kept their defence under locks and keys and ran away with the trophy.

NSF: Organizers Livestream Southwest Zonal Elimination On Social Media

 NSF: Organizers Livestream Southwest Zonal Elimination On Social Media

As over 800 athletes from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti State converged at the Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo; for the southwest zonal elimination of the National Sports Festival, the host has made available a platform where Nigerians can watch the four-day event live on social media.

Planning Committee for the event informed of the development as the seven ball games kicked off on Tuesday at the Lanreleke Sports Facility and Bowen University.

The ball games are football, basketball, handball, volleyball, hockey, base/softball and beach volleyball.

According to the Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd Engr. Olanrewaju Adeleke.

"We want to use the social media platforms of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase the world-class facility we have at the Lanreleke Sports Academy.

"Showing the ball games via live streaming will avail Nigerians within and outside Ileogbo; the opportunity to watch the four-day event in their comfort zones and access the performances of their athletes or teams, irrespective of the location or time as long as they have internet access.

"The three platforms are largely used by Nigerians, and the links to watch the events live are facebook.com/lsaileogbo, twitter.com/lsaileogbo and instagram.com/lanrelekesportsacademy."

Lanreleke Sports Academy is a  co-educational, fully residential and specialist Senior Secondary School, which boost a world-class sports facility and was founded in 2021.

The 21st edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) which will hold from 28 November till 10 December.

Madiba Go 6 Points As Smart City, FC Ebedei, JNR Danburam On Song

 

Madiba Go 6 Points As Smart City, FC Ebedei, JNR Danburam On Song 

Madiba FC became the first team to make it two out of two after they pummeled Police Baretta 4-0 on Matchday 2 of the Nationwide League One Super 8 at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. 

The Lagos-based team showed the Nigeria Police no mercy; after they cut the Baretta team to size, scoring three second-half goals.

It took Madiba 38 minutes to handcuff the Police team, after Abiodun Ayodele scored with a superb jabbing off a Mayowa Adeyemi's cross, as the team went into the break with the lead.

A one-sided second half it was, as the Oshodi Boys were in the driving seat, after Marcus made it 2-0 scoring an own-goal to the anguish of the Police Baretta bench.

It went from bad to worse for the security agency team 10 minutes later, as Marcus who had put the ball into his net, gifted Madiba a penalty and was shown a red card for his unsportsmanlike conduct in the box.

Aliyu Solomon made no mistake from the spot and put the game beyond Police Baretta with the third goal of the game.

On the dot of the 90th minute, Fatai Oladimeji put the icing on the cake for Madiba after he beat his marker to hammer home the fourth goal in a confident fashion.

Smart City continued from where they left it off in the one-all draw against Kun Khalifa as they edged 10-man Mailantarki Care FC 2-1.

Mailantarki Care took an early lead and went into the break after Miko Dalha found the back of the net in the 7th minute after connecting with a cool pass from Miracle Williams.

The FCT-based team were meant to finish the first half with a player short after Abdulbasit Bayo was sent off after picking a second booking for a rash challenge.

Things turned around against Mailantarki Care as Smart City were smarter scoring two goals off David Idezi and Akeem Wasiu.

FC Ebedei got its first win after going past Kun Khalifa FC 2-1. Ekpemadu Chijoke scored the fastest goal of the play-off, giving Kun Khalifa who drew against Smart City on Matchday One the lead under a minute of the thriller.

Kun Khalifa's lead only last for nine minutes after FC Ebedei's lanky striker Isa Musa Abubakar latched onto a defensive error by Khalifa's defender, to brilliantly slot home the equalizing goal.

The Oliseh Boys then doubled the lead in the 44th minute, Odekunle Musliu scoring an amazing goal.

Musliu made the best of a terrific pass from James and did the rest by chipping the ball over Kun Khalifa's goalkeeper.

Not too good for Aspire FC as they have been eliminated from the play-off, as they became the only team yet to record a point after losing by a lone goal to JNR Danburam of Katsina.

Aspire FC will rue their missed chances after they were punished in the 31st minute with Nura Tijani scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot. 

Wednesday is a rest day as action continues on Thursday with blockbuster fixtures that will determine the two teams that will make it to the play-off final.

Osun State Agog As National Sports Festival Southwest Zonal Elimination Kicks Off

 

Osun State Agog As National Sports Festival Southwest Zonal Elimination Kicks Off

The 21st National Sports Festival southwest zonal elimination kicked off at the Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo with an opening ceremony on Tuesday.

Lanreleke Sports Academy is a co-educational, fully residential and specialist Senior Secondary School, which boost of a world-class sports facility was founded in 2021.

Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd, Engr Olanrewaju Adeleke in his remarks expressed his delights.

"We are delighted that all ball games of southwest zonal qualification of the National Sports Festival (tagged Delta 2022),  will be hosted at the Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo and Bowen University.

"It will be a beehive of activities here at the Lanreleke Sports facility in the next four days, as seven ball games will be hosted here.

"I want to express my sincere thanks to the Planning Committee members for their commitment as we showcase our facility to the world.

"Here at the Lanreleke Sports Academy, we are raising talents to become future champions. 58 students were offered admission in our maiden session, this year about 65 students have gained admission and they are all on full scholarships.

"The closing ceremony is billed for Bowen University, as the two institutions have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the area of academy and sports."

In an address delivered by the Osun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Azeez Olayemi Lawal, he itemized sed the importance of the event, as he charged the umpires on fairness.

"There are a lot of benefits the event will accord the State, economic boost of Ileogbo, showcasing the facilities within the state, as well as making friends among the participants.

"The organizers and officials must maintain fairness in their judgment as this is the only panacea through which the best teams (athletes) that will do the zone proud can be identified."

Over 800 athletes from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti State will be participating in football, basketball, handball, volleyball, hockey, base/softball and beach volleyball.

The 21st edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) which was earlier scheduled to take place between 2-15 November, will now hold from 28 November till 10 December.

NLO Super8: Mailantarki, Madiba, Police Barreta Claim Wins

 

The Nationwide League One Super 8 play-off got off in a bright start as the trio of Mailantarki Care FC, Madiba FC and Police Barreta got the maximum on Matchday One fixtures decided at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos.

The encounter between Mailantarki Care FC and FC Ebedei lived up to the hype, as fans were thrilled with beautiful football artistry, as the tie produced three goals.

It was a game of two halves that saw Mailantarki Care go into the break with a two goal lead.

It took the FCT based team 26 minutes to unlock the defence of the Oliseh Boys, after Auwal Abba took advantage of a sloppy defending to slice home his team's first goal.

With three minutes to end the half, 

Abdulazeez Maiyadi fired home to double lead for Mailantarki Care, off another school boy defending.

FC Ebedei then got a lifeline in the 74th minute, after Odekunle Musliu pulled one back with a powerful header. But his effort was little too late for his team to salvage a point.

The early kickoff game between JNR Danburam and Madiba FC saw two classic saves at both ends in the second half by the goalkeepers.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the shot stoppers did their best to keep their teams in the game.

Lagos based Madiba's Adeyemi Mayowa should have got the first goal of the NLO Super 8 in the 65th minute with Solomon Aliyu providing the assist but JNR Danburam from Katsina State had goalkeeper Ibrahim Danjuma to thank, as he saved well to push the deflected shot away for a corner kick. 

Danjuma was finally beaten in the 70th minute as Madiba FC took the lead through Solomon Aliyu. 

JNR Danburam could have levelled scores in the 80th minute but Madiba's goalkeeper Mohammed Tijani produced a master class save to deny Jamilu Yusuf.

In another game played earlier, Police Barreta fought hard to secure the 3points against Aspire FC.

The Nigeria Police football team left it late to gun down wasteful Aspire FC by a lone goal after Bidemi Owuku broke the deadlock in the 89th minute.

For 10-man Smart City of Lagos, they were not clinical with their defending as they were forced to a one all draw by a determined Kun Khalifa, after giving away a penalty in the second half.

Smart City found themselves up in the 

20th minute after Jeleel Lateef found himself in the box, who after some defensive blunder fired his shoot past  Tochi Njemanze in goal for Kun Khalifa.

The Lagos team were made to pay the price of dirty defending as they were reduced by a player down in the 44th, after Ridwan Omotosho picked up his second booking for a needless challenge on Kun Khalifat attacking midfielder.

Smart City were then punished in the 72nd minute after they gave away a penalty, after a defender handled the ball in the box.

Daniel Nwaogu made no mistake from the spot, with a cool finish to bring the game level 

Action resumes on Tuesday with four matches billed for the Legacy Pitch.

National Sports Festival: Lanreleke Sports Academy, Bowen To Co-Host Zonal Qualification

 

National Sports Festival: Lanreleke Sports Academy, Bowen To Co-Host Zonal Qualification

The Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo, Osun State is set to host the zonal qualification of the National Sports Festival billed to hold in Delta State.

The co-educational, fully residential and specialist Senior Secondary School, which boost of a world-class sports facility was founded in 2021.

Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd.Engr Olanrewaju Adeleke informed of the development through a phone chat.

"We are delighted to inform you that our facility will host zonal qualification for the 21st edition of the National Sports Festival.

"Our world-class facility was given the go-ahead after it won the bid to host the event.

"The Lanreleke Sports Academy will host all ball games of the southwest zonal qualification of the National Sports Festival.

"We will be co-hosting the five-day event with Bowen University, as over 800 athletes from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti State will be participating in the team sports elimination stage, starting from October 3-7th, 2022 in Ileogbo, Osun State.

"Seven sports, all ball game games of; football, basketball, handball, volleyball, hockey, base/softball and beach volleyball are games the facility will host.

"This is a big boost for our brand and a reward for the investment made to making the sports academy what it is today.

The opening ceremony of the zonal elimination is scheduled for 3pm on Tuesday October 4, 2022. 

The 21st edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) which was earlier scheduled to take place between 2-15 November, will now hold from 28 November till 10 December.

Ibrahim Musa Gusau is new NFF President

 

Ibrahim Musa Gusau is new NFF President

 

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau was on Friday elected the new President of Nigeria Football Federation, succeeding Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick who was in the role for the past eight years.

 

Until Friday afternoon, debonair Gusau was Chairman of Chairmen of Nigeria Football, and also Chairman of the Zamfara State Football Association. He defeated Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who until Friday afternoon was the NFF’s 1st Vice President, by polling 21 votes to Akinwunmi’s 12 in the first round.

 

Akinwunmi, who is Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, announced his withdrawal just before the run-off was to take place, just as Mallam Shehu Dikko (who polled 6 votes) and Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola (1 vote). However, former international goalkeeper Peterside Idah (1 vote in round one) refused to step down and earned another 1 vote in run-off, as Gusau coasted home with 39 votes.

 

The 58 –year old Gusau is a qualified accountant and a Safety and Security Officer for the Confederation of African Football.

 

The race for the presidency, which had 11 contestants, was whittled down before the ballot as Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam withdrew few days to the poll, while Barr. Musa Amadu, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande and Mr. Adam Mukhtar Mohammed pulled out just before the vote inside the auditorium. 

 

Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, long-term Chairman of two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC, swept to the 1st Vice President position by trashing Senator Obinna Ogba (Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports Development) by 23 votes to 8.

 

Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh was unopposed for the position of Chairman of Chairmen, just as Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa had an easy ride picking a slot from the North West without any opposition.

 

Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen was elected from the North Central zone, edging incumbent Alhaji Mohammed Alkali by 22 votes to 19 in a run-off, just as incumbent Babagana Kalli and newman Timothy Henman Magaji succeeded in the North-East race.

 

Rt. Hon. Essien Udofot and Ms Aisha Falode won the two seats available from the South-South after an interesting run-off saw Essien taking 19 votes to Falode’s 13, with first-round leader Poubeni Ogun ejected with 7 votes.

 

The race for seats from the South-East zone was suspended on a technicality, but Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi made a return to the NFF Board from the South West just as Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi retained his seat. Dele-Ajayi and Majekodunmi earned 12 votes each in the run-off, with Gafar Liameed third with 7 votes and Afolabi Taiwo Olugbenga in fourth place with 4 votes.

 

The momentous event that lasted well into the night was witnessed by three officials of world football-governing body, FIFA: Gelson Fernandes, Solomon Mudege and Ahmad Mohamed Mukhtar Harraz.Mr. Felix Majani was the eye of the Confederation of African Football.

 

Alhaji Mohammed Baba Abdullahi represented the Nigeria Olympic Committee.

 

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu declared the event open.

 

Ogunjobi: Why I want To Be In NFF Executive Board

 

Ogunjobi: Why I want To Be In NFF Executive Board

Ogunjobi Ayodeji, an aspirant vying for a position into the Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), says it was time for the youths in Nigeria to be in football administration.

Ayodeji is the eldest son of late former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) now Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) talked about his plans during the Optima Energy Gold Cup tournament in Ikenne and Sagamu. 

According to him: "I've been involved in sports administration and organizing tournaments. After working with the Nigerian government at two different events and for CAF and FIFA, I did identify the issues and problems the beautiful game is facing in the country 

"I thought it was time to get the youths involved in Nigeria's football administration."

"The tenacity will definitely be different. In the brand scheme of things, the young age are the ones sent out to source for the market and get sponsorship. A lot of brands relate with the younger market, that's one side.

"Apart from breeding players football development transcend to management.

"If you can start grooming managers, that is football administrators, then you can tell the future is good. Not that you wake up when you're in your fifties and you decide that you want to be on the board."

Elections into the NFF Executive Board has been riddled with an impending court order, after Honourable Justice I.E Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja on the 15th day of September 2022, put a stop to the election pending the hearing of the substantive suit. 

But on Thursday, a Court of Appeal seating in Abuja gave the NFF the green light to hold its 78th Annual General Assembly and elections of a new Executive Committee to steer the affairs of the nation’s apex football –ruling body for the next four years,

NLO Super 8: Profiling The Champions That Will Battle For Pride In Lagos

 

NLO Super 8: Profiling The Champions That Will Battle For Pride In Lagos

 

All is in top gear for a successful hosting of the Nationwide League One (NLO) Super 8 which kicks off in Lagos from 3rd to 8th October.

A total of 8 teams secured promotion to the NNL after they finished the season top of their groups and emerged victorious in the promotion playoffs.

The playoffs, which was hosted at neutral venues, had Smart City FC (Lagos State), Madiba FC (Lagos State), FC Ebedei (Ogun State), Police Barretta FC, Kun Khalifa FC (Imo State), Aspire FC (Anambra State), Jnr Danburan (Katsina State) and Mailatarki Care FC of the Federal Capital Territory, earning promotion to the Nigerian National League(NNL).

The eight teams will at the Legacy Pitch in Surulere, Lagos will slug it out in the championship play-off to determine the overall winner for the NLO 2022 season.

With arrival date for teams fixed for Sunday October 2nd, the opening fixtures of the championship play-off are JNR Danburan versus Madiba (10am), Aspire FC versus Police Barreta (12noon), Mailatarki Care FC versus FC Ebedei (2pm) and Smart City versus Kun Khalifa FC billed  for 4pm respectively on  3rd October.

Below is the profile of the eight promoted teams:

MAILANTARKI CARE FC

Founded in 2021, the name Mailantarki Care FC was derived from the owner’s name - Hon Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki - who created the football academy from his Foundation, Mailantarki Care Foundation, in order to discover and promote young talented players to professional level locally or internationally.

 

Mailantarki Care FC is affiliated to the FCT Football Association and duly registered and participated in both the FA Cup and Division I of the Nigeria Nationwide League One, where it was promoted  in 2022 to the 2nd Tier Nigeria National League (NNL) in its first ever appearance in the NLO.

 

Nigeria’s U-17 World Cup winning coach Manu Garba OON is the club Technical Director and he guided the team to the achieve the aforementioned promotion as well as other international achievements in the 2022 Dana Cup and Norway Cup in Hjørring and Oslo respectively.

FC EBEDEI

FC Ebedei was founded in 1998 in Lagos, from where it moved to Sagamu in Ogun state. FC EBEDEI graduands regularly appear in the prestigious UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE for several European clubs as a result of the success of the club in selling players to clubs in Europe. 

From inception FC EBEDEI has consistently graduated her alumni to the very top of World football, including the five top leagues of Europe and the senior national teams of Nigeria, with notable players such as Obafemi Martins, Ayodele Makinwa, Oluwafemi Ajilore, Paul Ebere Onuachu, Frank Onyeka,  Raphael Onyedika Nwadike among others having their roots in the club. Interestingly FC EBEDEI has been champion of all tiers/divisions of the Nationwide League One.

MADIBA FOOTBALL CLUB

Madiba Football Club (often nicknamed 'The Moving Train') is a Nigerian football club based in Oshodi, Lagos state.

Founded in 2017 by Alhaja Adebisi Adeyemi Basirat, the club is primarily set up as an initiative to have a grassroots football club as a platform for recreational activity among the youth and also to serve as an avenue to discover talents and provide a pathway for such talented youth to keep away from anti-social vices and behaviour in the community.

In 2018, the continuous hard work of the club saw them finish 2nd in their first season in the Nationwide League One (NLO). In 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 season, Madiba FC also finished second in the NLO. 

In the 2021/2022 season, Madiba FC maintained an unbeaten record in fourteen league matches in their C1 group, and on August 20, 2022, after topping the table, Madiba FC secured promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after beating Beyond Limit FC from Ogun state on penalties at the NLO play-off held at the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba Ibadan.

KUN KHALIFAT FC

Kun Khalifat Football Club was founded in 2020 by Mr. Michael Chukwudi Amaefula (Chairman). The club is based in Owerri, Imo State and they play their home games at (OISA) Onwubike International Soccer Stadium Ngor-Okpala, Imo State. 

The club reached the NLO play-off in 2021 and won the AITEO Cup 2022 in Imo State, also topping their group at the end of the the Nationwide League One (NLO) 2022 season to gain Promotion to Nigeria National League (NNL). 

Kun Khalifat Football Club is a full-time football club that takes part in national competitive games to enhance the rapid and professional growth of its players and provide exposure for their players to national and international football.

POLICE BARETTA FC 

Police Baretta FC is a Nigeria Police team based in Gombe, Gombe state. The club is sponsored by the Nigeria Police Force under special dispensation of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, and serves as the police team. The chairman of the club is Garba Sule Yaro while the technical adviser is Coach Omatiga Gabriel. 

Police Baretta FC was promoted to NLO Division 1 in 2019 and topped their group in the 2022 NLO season to gain promotion to NNL 

SMART CITY FOOTBALL CLUB

Smart City Football Club is based in Lagos and is registered to train, develop and promote youth development through sports. Affiliated to Lagos state Football Association (LSFA), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Smart City FC is a club grown from the love of the game of soccer and managed by experienced staff made up of former football players and sports administrators with decades of experience, and with a dedication to developing future football players. 

Smart City FC sets out its mission to provide instructional and competitive youth football opportunities that enhance character, community and love of the game, while also integrating development of self-esteem, self-confidence, teamwork, respect for self and other, and all the inherent benefits of physical exercise into its training programme, through quality coaching, sound leadership and absolute sincerity of purpose. 

The club is solely sponsored by its President who ensures that it is able to perform many important  team-related duties to keep up with other clubs in the NLO fold

JUNIOR DANBURAM FC DAURA 

Junior Danburam FC Daura was established in 2002 by the Prince of Daura Alhaji Muhammad Daha Umar, and named after his traditional title of Danburam Daura. It is a privately owned and sponsored club

Junior Danburam FC Daura started with players between 12 and 13 years of age, competing in age grade local competitions where they won many trophies including:

1. Samba Challenge Cup in 2005.

2. Daura Local government Unity Cup in 2006.

3. Daura Emirate (Emir's Cup) 2007

4. Daura Premier League 2008.

5. Katsina state Muslims/Christians Peace & Unity Cup 

In 2009, Junior Danburam FC Daura started participating in the Katsina State Super League Competition where their outstanding performance in the tournament got them an automatic ticket to represent the State in Inter State U-17 Competition held in Kano, where they emerged the runner-up of the competition. Junior Danburam FC Daura also represented Katsina state in President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peace and Unity Cup in 2011/2012 which they won to secure the ticket to represent Nigeria in UEA Dubai for an U-20 Local competition in that country. In 2013, the club were also runner-up in the Katsina State Sure-P Competition and a year later they participated in and won the state Governor's Cup. 

Their entry into Division III of the Nationwide League One in 2016 came about because they won State Super League  and in 2017, they gained promotion to Division II of the NLO where they were till they were promoted in 2021/2022 to the NNL.

ASPIRE FC ADAZI- ANI

Aspire Football Club based in Anambra State, was born on 18th of September 2018, at a time when unemployment was rife manifesting in agitations, restiveness and insecurity and solutions that could provide a platform that would offer young people an opportunity for recognition and the expression of their talents. 

The young club, made up of 50 amateur talents assembled from different parts of the state, were given a new home and exposed to effective training where their hunger for opportunity was let loose on the football pitch. In their very first season, they went ahead to become Anambra State FA champions defeating the likes of Ifeanyi Uba FC in the tournament. This team of undaunted players further became the NLO Division II champions the same year enabling them gain promotion to NLO Division 1. 

The COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted football activities all over the globe, but right after the lifting of the lockdown, Aspire FC was on the field again topping their NLO Division I Group. Unfortunately for them, they lost at the league play-off, finishing in 2nd place and missing the opportunity for a second consecutive promotion.

 

In the 2021/2022 NLO Season, Aspire FC once again topped their NLO Division I Group and emerged successful at the playoffs, consequently gaining promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL).