WNFF Assures On Speedy Completion Of Ogunjobi Football House- Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 1st Vice President  Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has assured that the Ogunjobi Football House will be completed soon.

The project which started in 2018 was among the football houses built by the Amaju Malvin Pinnick led NFF Board.

Akinwunmi, the Lagos State Football Association boss and other Southwest State Football Associations chairmen of Otunba Sunday  Dele-Ajayi (Ondo), Bayo Olanlege (Ekiti), Gani Majekodunmi (Ogun), James Adeniran (Oyo) and Alhaji Mustapha Abulrasaq (Osun) came under the agies of the Western Nigeria Football Forum (WNFF) to host the maiden Taiwo Ogunjobi Memorial Under-15 Tournament.

Speaking during the award night of WNFF/Taiwo Ogunjobi U-15 Tourney in Osogbo last weekend, Akinwunmi said: “Apart from honouring Taiwo Ogunjobi, we will also help the host Football Association, Osun, complete the Ogunjobi Football House.

“We have raised some money from among ourselves, but we are also looking for help to complete the Ogunjobi Football house project which houses the Osun FA.

 “We hope that next year, we will take the project to another state, which will benefit from the programme until all the states have their own football houses.”

Meanwhile NPFL/La Liga U15 champions Remo Stars were crowned winners of the Ogunjobi Memorial Under-15 Tourney after they pipped Osun State counterparts 1-0 to lift the title.

It's Continental Ticket Or Nothing, Sunshine Chief To Agoye

 It's Continental Ticket Or Nothing, Sunshine Chief To Agoye

Akanni Seyi

As Sunshine Stars FC unveiled Olumide Edith Agoye as its Head Coach, the management of the Akure based NPFL side have set target for the Ondo state born former 3SC handler.

Having survived another turbulent season evident by frequent reshuffle of the technical personnels coupled with its prevalent internal wranglings, the club is set for new dawn under the new handler.

Agoye who until his new appointment was with Oluyole Warriors of lbadan. He served as assistant coach to Fatai Amoo and was promoted to the position of head coach years later. He promoted 3SC back to the top flight league in 2020/2021 league season and had to survive a slip by a whisker in his first season in Nigeria Professional Football League.

The merchant tactician will try to enjoy new lease of life in Akure by stamping his philosophy on-time. Just like Ibadan fans, supporters of 'Akure Gunners' are willowy fused for failures, he must have been used to how to deal with raging fans on the pitch by the way, but Sunshine Stars would like to play a continental football next term after many years of missing out in continental showpiece.

It remains to be seen if hierarchy at Owena Whales are ready to dust their cheque book and do quality transactions in the current transfer window with the bulk of their players awaiting juicy offers elsewhere but according to the Commssioner for Youth and Sports Development in Ondo State, Hon. Dele Ologun, the club must return to continent after 10 years.

_"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Governor; my visionary leader, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and the Management Committee headed by our amiable Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for a job well done in repositioning the Agency and Sunshine Stars. Also I thank all stakeholders who always lend their support and wealth of experience to move Sunshine Stars forward._

_"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Sunshine Stars' history with the unveiling of Edith Agoye as our new Head Coach. Myself, the GM, Prince Tunde Ogunja and the leadership of the team settled for Agoye among the shortlisted coaches with the conviction that he can succeed here, if all stakeholders give him an unflinching support. That we are trusting everyone of us to deliver on!_

_"Agoye is one of us as an indigene of Ondo State. So, as it is a call to duty for him, it is also a homecoming for our man. The coaching job of Sunshine Stars comes with huge responsibilities and as a management we have our set-goals for the coming season which is a top three finish, however I want to reiterate that it is with unity of purpose that our expectations can be met. So let us unite around Agoye and his coaching crew for the actualization of our common dreams for Sunshine Stars." Ologun concluded.

Agoye 46, will be assisted by ex junior international, Akin Olowookere, Akure City's young handler, Banjo Adepoju and Stephen Folorunsho, the Goalkeeper Trainer.

Ogunjobi U15 Memorial Cup: Remo Stars Set-Up Oyo Clash, As Lagos Battle Osun State

 Ogunjobi U15 Memorial Cup: Remo Stars Set-Up Oyo Clash, As Lagos Battle Osun State

After the qualification of Team Osun; Team Oyo, Team Lagos and NPFL/LaLiga champions Remo Stars to the semi-finals on Friday, organizers of the Ogunjobi U15 Memorial Cup have released the last four pairings.

With both Oyo U15 and Osun U15 sealing their semi-final spot on Thursday, the onus was on Remo Stars and Lagos U15 team to get at least a point from their Matchday 3 fixtures, having recorded 4points and 3points respectively after the conclusion of Matchday 2 fixtures.

That they did at the Sports Complex Ataoja School Of Science in Osogbo, as Remo Stars and Osun U15 played out a 1-1 draw to go second in Group B with 5pionts while Osun maintained the top spot with 7points after two wins and a draw.

With Oyo U15 already leaders of Group A with 6points from two matches, Lagos and Ekiti had to slug it out in the final Group A game for who joins Oyo in the semis.

The soak tensed game between both teams lived up to the hype as it ended 1-1, thus saw the Eko Boys qualifying on superior goal difference ahead their counterparts Ekiti Bees as both teams were levelled on 4points.

It's a tough semi-final pairings as high flying Oyo State who were handed a reality check after they lost their last group game by a lone goal to Kwara U15 team, will sqaure up against NPFL/LaLiga champions Remo Stars for a spot in the final while Osun U15 team will hope to contain the fire power of Lagos U15 team who scored five goals in the group stage.

Meanwhil, a total of 18 goals were scored in the group phase of the Ogunjobi U15 Memorial Cup as all teams recorded at least a point.

*MatchDay 3 Results 👇* 

Osun State 1-1 Remo Stars 

Ekiti State 1-1 Lagos State

Oyo State 0-1 Kwara State

Ogun State 0-1 Ondo State

SEMI FINAL PAIRINGS

Team Oyo vs Remo Stars - 3pm

Team Osun vs Team Lagos - 4pm 

#OgunjobiMemorialCup22

Osun Agog As Over 180 Kids Kick Off Taiwo Ogunjobi Memorial Cup

 Osun Agog As Over 180 Kids Kick Off Taiwo Ogunjobi Memorial Cup

 

The State of Osun will bubble with the best of football artistry as the debut edition of Western Nigeria Football Forum/Ogunjobi Memorial U-15 Football Tournament kicks off from 16th -21st August in Osogbo.

In an official statement signed by the Co-Chairmen for the event, Otunba Dele Ajayi and Otunba Tade Azeez, informed that over 180 kids drawn across Nigeria and are players of the eight teams will slug it out for individual honours and the most prized trophy.

NPFL/La Liga Football Tournament champions Remo Stars FC (U-15), Katsina United FC (U15), who were 2nd runners-up, alongside U15 teams of the Football Associations of the South West States are to thrill fans in the week long soccer fiesta.

The teams and officials are to camp at the Ede, Orientation Camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare and nine others have been listed for an Award of Excellence by the organizers of the tourney.

The Honourable Minister, Hon. Kunle Soname; the Chairman of KC Gamings Limited and President of Remo Stars FC, Ikenne Remo, Chief Adebutu Kessington, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, Chief Segun Odegbami, His Excellency Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, Mr Yemi Idowu, former member House of Representatives, Honourable Ayo Omidiran, Princess Bola Jegede and Dr Rafiu Ladipo are recipients for the awards, for their selfless service to the development of the beautiful game in the South West.

There Is Profit In Football Beyond Medals And Trophies" - Barr. Churchill Oliseh

 

There Is Profit In Football Beyond Medals And Trophies" - Barr. Churchill Oliseh

The President, Ebedei Football Club, Barrister Churchill Oliseh has affirmed that football club owners and managers should learn the business part of the game as their primary focus rather than just winning trophies alone. 

This was part of the discussion when the Ekiti State FA Chairman, Mr. Bayo Olanlege led some private club owners and managers within the Ekiti football ecosystem on a working visit to the FC Ebedei Stadium, Shagamu, Ogun state. 

The astute football business guru stressed that if administered the right way, there is money to be made in football, hence, club owners and managers must always work towards making profit all the time and not just be in the business for charity.

"Football is not charity, clubs owners need to make proper preparations and seek knowledge"

"The results you get are not by accident, they are by concerted efforts and that is why you must think beyond just winning medals and trophies, money making must be part of your plans as you run your football club at any level"

Oliseh further noted that learning should be a continuous process if anyone will make headway in football business as the game keeps evolving each day. 

"To make profit from your investments in football, you need to seek right definition of the game by capacity building and networking with the right persons" 

"The definition of football varies, however what you think of football does not matter, but what the market says should be your ideal".

Aiteo Cup: Ayeni Hails 'Fantastic' Amadi ln 3-0 Thumping Of Remo Stars

 

Aiteo Cup: Ayeni Hails 'Fantastic' Amadi ln 3-0 Thumping Of Remo Stars

Akwa United head coach Deji Ayeni has hailed his team's synergy after their 3-0 Aiteo Cup round of 32 win over Remo Stars in Enugu on Wednesday evening.

Samuel Amadi's hat trick condemned Remo Stars to defeat and confirmed Akwa United's place in the last 16, and Ayeni was quick to commend the team's teamwork in his post match reaction.

"Every player in my team has the quality to be in the first team...When your time hasn't come to play, it doesn't mean you are relegated to be in the second team. I don't believe in a second team. I believe that everybody has the opportunity to play. And inside this team, I can tell you authoritatively there are some players that have not been playing regularly in the team that came in and justified their inclusion in the team.

"The guy that scored the three goals (Samuel Amadi) is on and off in the team, and other players that I brought in too. 

"So I think it's a very good synergy of understanding of the players. When one is out, one comes in to deliver."

Ayeni also expressed excitement over the team's goal return that has seen the Promise Keepers score six goals in two games in the Aiteo Cup: three against Essien Ayi in the round of 64, and three against Remo Stars in the round of 32.

"You can see the quality of goals they scored today and the other day, it's as a result of teamwork and being clinical in front of goal."

A disappointing ninth-placed finish saw Akwa United lose out on a continental spot, but the gaffer feels there is a chance through the Aiteo Cup.

"We want to go back to continent, and we believe that having lost it in the league, we can make it up in the Aiteo Cup".

Akwa United will face Kogi United on Sunday at the UNEC Stadium, Enugu in the round of 16.

Ogunjobi Memorial Cup: MOC/LOC Delegation Inspect Facilities

 Ogunjobi Memorial Cup: MOC/LOC Delegation Inspect Facilities

The Main Organising Committee and Local Organising Committee of the maiden Ogunjobi Memorial Cup on Wednesday embarked on an inspection tour of facilities earmarked for the tourney which comes up this month.

A high-powered delegation led by Ondo State FA boss, Otunba Dele Ajayi arrived Osogbo, the capital of Osun State and immediately visited designated hotels, proposed match venues and medical facilities.

Speaking to reporters after the one day inspection tour, the Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Otunba Dele Ajayi is optimistic of a memorable tourney poised to live up to its billing.

"We have got an idea of the progress level of the tournament after going round to check on the available facilities. 

"What we have seen at these facilities were exact things the LOC provided the MOC in their reports. 

"So, we have taken key decisions as regards accomodations, feeding and match centres. The LOC has done a good job and we are going to have a befitting championship. 

"Football fans in the Southwest should expect the best because the states will present their best U-15 teams for the competition. Camping is ongoing and you know our zone leads by example."

The former Chairman of NFF Finance Committee took time to eulogized the legacies of the immediate past Chairman of Osun FA, late Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi whose good works still speaks volume till date.

"We have seriously missed late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi who was the leader of Western Nigeria Football Forum until the time when he transited to life beyond. That's the reason we are immortalising him with this tournament.

" Late Ogunjobi did very well, he played the game and administered it as former General Secretary of Nigeria Football Association (NFA) now NFF. He was a distinguished leader and a caring father. May his soul continue to rest in peace." Ajayi noted.

The inspection team was led by Otunba Dele Ajayi, host State FA Chairman Otunba Rasaq lshola Mustapha (RIM), a member of Main Organising Committee who's equally the Ekiti FA Chairman, Mr. Bayo Olanlege and members of Local Organising Committee.

The football tournament and award ceremony, according to Main Organizing Committee will hold from 16th August to 21st with the awards holding in the evening of the final.

Flying Eagles Star Muhammed Beji Tipped For Success

 

 Flying Eagles Star Muhammed Beji Tipped For Success

Coach of Mavlon FC of Otukpo Kayode Jabala says despite the defeat to Flight FC, that the 2-1 scoreline was not the true reflection of the game as Ibrahim Muhammed Beji was a tormentor and could have earned a point for the team

Scens from the Nationwide League One (NLO) between both teams last weekend showed that Nigeria can unearth talents in the grassroots via the platform provided by the nation's third-tier league.

Muhammed was able to prove how vital he is through his superb work rate for the team, to the amusement of fans that saw the game. 

With his deft touches, ball dribbles and fire power, he was a torn of flesh to Flight FC defence line, as it simply showed why he a player for the future. Reason why he played a pivotal role in the Flying Eagles success at the WAFU B U 20 tournament in May after Nigeria emerged as champions.

“We are not happy with the result, my team gave its best in the game, but football can be cruel sometimes when the result goes the other way and not as planned,” said Jabala in his post-match comments.

“A point from the game should have been the tonic my players needed going forward, and Ibrahim Mohammed, who just joined the squad did put up a Man of the Match (MOTM) performance. 

“He has settled down very quickly with his new teammates and played well with my tactical formation for the game.

“Mavlon FC will continue to give room for young players to come and develop themselves. That is the main focus of the club and we strongly believe that Mohammed is here to further develop his game."

Mohammed who bagged three goals for Nigeria at was acquired from Maikunkele Football Academy of Minna, Muhammed started his football career from Tempo Academy in Minna too.

The Flying Eagles star is a doubt a rear talent with his abilities. At the WAFU B U 20 tournament in Niger, the lanky striker caught the attention of some European and North African scouts, but nothing juicy was offered to lure the player away from Mavlon FC.

Club Owners Association No Longer Exists, They Are lllegal -NWFL

 

The Secretariat of the Nigeria Women Football League, from it's base at the NFF Glass, Abuja, Monday declared the NWFL Club Owners Association an illegal body, as it is not a statutory recognised body by the Statutes governing the game.

The Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Women Football League,Modupe Shabi, in a signed letter to the clubs, disclosed that, the Club Owners was earlier accepted as a valuable link between the NWFL Secretariat and the clubs.

The letter continued:  "I am directed by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League in response to the letter dated 22nd July 2022, purportedly from the Club Owners Association of the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, Informed the NWFL Secretariat of election into offices of it's Executive Council. In the light of the possible abuses of the relationship, the NWFL wishes to inform all the clubs.

"While the Club Owners Association is not a statutorily recognised body, by the Statutes governing the game, it was a valuable link between the NWFL and the clubs.

"In the light of the possible abuses of the relationship, the NWFL wishes to inform the clubs of the cessation of any dealings with the Club Owners Association with immediate effect.

"The NWFL Secretariat will henceforth deal with the clubs directly. Please ignore any correspondence from any individuals, group or body claiming to act on behalf of the clubs in your dealings with the NWFL.

"This position has become neccesary following developments that could be inimical to sustaining the gains of the women's game."