Ibadan Soccer Fans React As LMC Okays Night Football At Refurbished Lekan Salami Sports Complex

 

Ibadan Soccer Fans React As LMC Okays Night Football At Refurbished Lekan Salami Sports Complex

Seyi Akanni

Scores of football fans have been tongue lashing Oyo State government for proposing the return of night kickoff for the state's premiership side, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), also known as Oluyole Warriors.

According to a letter dated February 23, 2022 which was endorsed by Salisu Abubakar, COO, LMC Ltd. and addressed to the Secretary, Oyo State Football Association,  the league organising body, said it gave its nod to the request after due considerations.

"After due considerations, the LMC hereby grants Shooting Stars approval for their home matches to be played at 7.00pm, with effect from Matchday 16 game number 158 3SC v Enugu Rangers", read the part of the letter.

As part of measures to ensure hitch free games, the management of 3SC, has fixed the sales of match tickets for each game between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

According to the new arrangement, fans who fail to buy their tickets within the stipulated time, should stay at home as all gates leading to the arena will be shut at exactly 5.30pm.

The latest arrangements didn't go down well with numerous 3SC followers. 

While one ardent follower bemused the hike in ticket prices, some condemned the idea of night kickoff citing security reasons.

"That's not a good idea, if the Gate is closed by 5:30 and match end by 9pm that is three and half hour inside the stadium, ha ... The gate should be closed immediately after the game starts instead." A fan tweeted.

According to another fan named 'Special', "They should just cancel it please.

We’ll be watching our match in day light. 

I’ve my job and I can’t abandon it for up to 4hrs because I want to watch match. 

At least I can leave home by that 5:30pm, 

I’ll go there an hour before and I’ll struggle to get the yeye ticket". He concluded.

Elmer K., opined, "Maybe' it is good if fans come out to cheer the team. The policy should be how to retain the fans and how to create viewing centres across Oyo state for others to watch who can't go to the stadium".

"Why the sudden increment in gate takings?

From 100 to 200 and to 500 again within 3 month's.

"Secondly why are they fixing our games at night at this crucial time, we play for daylight self we dey struggle to win and you are putting a fixtures with our old rival under floodlight.. It is well".

"Exactly! The major problem is the time lag between movement restrictions and match commencement is too much. A larger proportions of the fans are businessmen and you can't tie them down unproductively.

"From my deductions, non-residential fans in Ibadan are not factored in before enacting this unpopular decision. They assumed only residential fans come to Stadium. What a myopic reasoning." A long time supporter noted.

It's yet to be seen if the concerned authorities will bend to the yearning of these supporters. As it is, though the timing may not be favourable, fans will still have to adjust in order to keep supporting their football team. Lagos and Benin are two centres where night kickoff is prevalent.

Poor Attention, Facilities Bane of Grassroot Sports Development - OAU Don, Prof. Adedoyin

 

Poor Attention, Facilities Bane of Grassroot Sports Development - OAU Don, Prof. Adedoyin

A Professor of Cardiopulmonary Respiratory Physiotherapy with the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Rufus Adedoyin  has attributed challenges bedeviling grassroot sports development to poor attention and lack of facilities on the part of the government and private individuals.

Speaking on during the Stakeholders' Forum, a monthly Interview program of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter, Prof. Adedoyin said this has also led to the poor performance of Nigeria age grade teams and athletes at the intercontinental and international competitions.

According to him,the challenges in the sports sector will be far from over if we fail to go back to the grassroots where there are budding talents, saying that it is unfortunate that there are no quality programs from the government for primary schools sports again as it used to be which are platforms for identifying budding talents that can be nurtured to stardom.

He noted that there are no Physical and Health Education teachers,principal or headmaster's cup,while most schools do not have football pitch or training equipment. Without these, according to him,there is no way a country can make headway in sports development.

Prof. Adedoyin also called on government not to approve private schools that do not have sports ground and facilities as all work no play make Jack a dull boy,adding that talents in children are best discovered at tender age through participation in sporting activities with their peers. This is why all schools should be mandated to have a training ground where all pupils can engage in any game of their choice. 

"It is when pupils and students participate in competitions that they will be able to showcase their talents to the world. 

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman, Osun SWAN, Timothy Agbor who was represented by the Association's Treasurer, Seyi Akanni lauded Professor Adedoyin for his annual Peace Soccer Competition in Ile-Ife which according to him, has been a means of enhancing peaceful coexistence between people of Ile-Ife and Modakeke among other towns.

Latest Victory Delights Remo Stars GM Ekene Adams As He Jets Out For Medical Check-Up

Latest Victory Delights Remo Stars GM Ekene Adams As He Jets Out For Medical Check-Up 

Remo Stars General Manager, Ekene Adams will travel to Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) for another round of his medical check-up.

The former KADA City boss who returned to football management this season with the Sky Blues Stars after staying away for about two years, on the advice of his doctor, has concluded plans for another medical trip as he bids for full recovery.

In a chat a few days to his departure, as he also expressed his delight after Remo Stars pipped 3SC by a lone goal on MatchDay 11 at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

"I was supposed to travel back three months after I had my first surgery, but the date elapsed after our NPFL game against Rivers United.

"But due to a slight delay in the issuance of a travel visa, I then decided to be part of the games against Kano Pillars and the Southwest Derby against our rivals Shooting Stars. Am set for another trip and I should be staying in the U.A.E for about 10 or more days," said Adams.

Speaking further, "My health has improved after the first surgery I had, as I have been active in all matches Remo Stars have prosecuted this season.

"My absence won't be felt by Remo Stars as the structure is on ground, winning mentality is in the team is much active and the togetherness in the team has kept us going.

"The success achieved by the club this far is not attributed to anyone rather It's has been a collective achievement from every Remo Stars staff, so I hope to be back on or before our game against Akwa United.

"I want to use this medium to give thanks to God Almighty for seeing me through this challenge, also my appreciation goes to the President of Remo Stars, Honourable Kunle Soname.

"Soname has been a father figure to me and my family as the money he has put to foot the bills of my surgeries can not be quantified and I pray God to give him good health and long life."

Adisa Olivie The Hero As Olansile FC Claimed Fortunate Cup Back To Back

 

Olansile FC claimed the coveted trophy at the finals of Fortunate Cup played at the mainbowl of Osogbo Township Stadium after the penalty shootout.

The defending champions started the duel on flat foots as City Roller players came out smoking from the blast of the whistle. The fast and furious Rollers squad had their nose in front of them courtesy of their opener in the second minutes.

Omo Mummy Boys rallied and restored the parity just before the half time. Akande Ibrahim connected a defence splitting thread, he cuts in from byline and steered the ball beyond the reach of opponent's shot stopper from acute angle after dislodging few markers just before goal area.

The two sides had a pulsating moments greeted with brilliant initiatives but that changes nothing as center referee signalled the end of second stanza in styles. That means the champions will be decided from lotteries of penalties.

Adisa Olivie nearly sent out his team following his poor kick that was saved by Rollers' keeper. He then re-awakened his mental strength and redeemed his image by saving a fantastic spotkick that sent their fans into frenzy, City Roller ought to have scored the last kick and became the champions but woodwork denied them the glorious moments as the defending champions won the spot kick by 5-4.

The tournament which was sponsored by the CEO of Fortunate Bread, Alhaji Wasiu Adejumo had in attendance men of timber and calibres. Dr. Siji Olamiju SA Public Health to Governor Gboyega Oyetola, SA on Youths and Sports, Aremo Adelabu, SSA on Youths and Sports Mr. Vincent Akinbami, General Manager Osun State Sports Council Mr. Rotimi Dunmoye, Osun FA Secretary Mr. Amoo Abayomi. Royal fathers in attendance are Aragbiji of Iragbiji, HRM Oba Abdul Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi and Olororuwo of Ororuwo. Club Owners and football stakeholders are also in attendance.

Irebami Qudus (Olansile FC) was voted tournament's Most Valuable Player, Ganiyu Wasiu (Olansile FC) having scored 6 goals was the tournament's Highest Goal Scorer. Diamond FC kid sensation, Ridwan Kazeem was tournament's Best Keeper.