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).

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Akpan, Anakwe Jostle For Golden Boot Award

 

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Akpan, Anakwe Lead Race For Golden Boot Award

Shooting Stars attacking midfielder Joshua Akpan and his rival in Remo Stars Samuel Anakwe are leading in the race to grab the top scorers award of the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

Akpan and Anakwe both have four (4) quality goals each after they bagged a hat trick and a goal respectively.

Akpan was first to hit three goals in the Oluyole Warrior's 4-1 thrashing of Beyond Limits on Matchday One at the FC Ebedei Stadium.

The midfielder got two goals from two free-kicks and added another via penalty. He was also the unsung hero against FC Ebedei.

Anakwe on his part scored three of his goals from open play in the 4-2 flogging of their Ogun State derby rivals, Gateway United and one in the win against Hammola FC.

On their tail are Shooting Stars Samuel Ayankinde and Remo Stars Captain Fantastic' Nduka Junior, as they are two goals each.

Meanwhile, the Taiwo Ogunjobi Foundation will gift cash rewards and plaques to the top scorer and Most Valuable Player(MVP) of the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, one of the sons of former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) late Taiwo Ogunjobi in the statement said: "We are proud to be part of the tourney as it has set the standard for other preseason tournaments in Nigeria.

"It's our delight that the tourney which has a meaningful mark of our father is in its 10th edition.

"On our part, and in memory of our father, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi 'Skippo', the Taiwo Ogunjobi Foundation will reward the top scorer and Most Valuable Player(MVP) of this year's Optima Energy Gold Cup with cash sums and plaques."

Optima Energy GoldCup: Omoluabi Advocates For Youth Exposures, Lauds Organisers

 

Optima Energy GoldCup: Omoluabi Advocates For Youth Exposures, Lauds Organisers 

The Chairman of Nigeria Nationwide League One outfit Offa FC, Comrade Azeez Olarewaju 'Omoluabi' has called on Club Owners to redefine futures for talented sensations within their folds by exposing them to phenomena and activities that will help stimulate and shape their careers.

He stated this while entertaining questions from Journalists at the ongoing Nigeria's First Preseason Tournament tagged, Optima Energy GoldCup in lkenne. 

The astute football administrator cum business tycoon whose side (Offa  FC) narrowly missed out on promotion to Nigeria's second tier league (Nigeria National League) during promotion play-off in Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, wants clubs to intensify their efforts in bringing youths from grassroots to limelight by constantly exposing them to opportunities and giving them platforms to excel.

"Numerous talented players are scattered across the country, it is disheartening to see our apex clubsides recycling old war horses within their ranks.

"No proper scouting activities that will unearth the hidden ones and that's why Nigeria is depending on foreign imports at the national levels.

"When you see what Hon. Kunle Soname is doing with Remo Stars, you won't hesitate to give him hundred percent mark because of his nose and passion in raising young guns from the scratch. Most of the clubs needed ready made players to sign, they didn't think about the grassroots. I saw Remo Stars looking for grassroots players to use in Premier League. This they have been doing successfully.

"I therefore call on our managers of talents and trainers to look inward and sharpen the careers of our youths." Omoluabi stated.

While giving kudos to organisers of the ongoing Optima Energy GoldCup which enters its Tenth Edition, the Kwara born administrator said, good officiating, classical infrastructures, improved playing quality has been the hallmark of the soccer fiesta.

_Seyi Akanni_

HMK FC Growing In Leaps And Bound - Adesiyan

 HMK FC Growing In Leaps And Bound - Adesiyan

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Licensed Football intermediary and CEO of LEO Sports Agency, Isaac Opeyemi  Adeshiyan says HMK Football Club and Academy has the quality to thrive as a business as it's equipped to train football talents that are bound in Osun State and indeed Nigeria.

HMK Football Club and Academy are a Nationwide League One (NLO) side and client of LEO Sports Agency.

Adeshiyan who was in Ikenne and Sagamu, host venues of the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, told the media about their pet project.

"HMK Football Club is in the third division of the Nigerian domestic league, we are poised to empower the youths in Osun State and its environs and make the dreams of talented players come through by marketing them to the leagues in Africa and Europe.

 "We are a business-oriented football side and professionally run as we provide the basic and modern training programmes for our players.

"Football as we all know is capital intensive, the management of HMK has done its research on the football business in Nigeria and understands the short and long-term challenges. Given this, we are focused, and ready in our capacity on investing more into this project to achieve our set targets. 

"We started the academy in 2019, and the project has a 10-year plan. We have used more than three years and progressing day after day. 

"HMK Football Club and Academy started from the NLO Division 3 and is now in Division 1, certainly in the coming years, the project will get to the top.

"Going forward, we did learn one or two lessons in our debut season in the NLO Division 1, we hope to improve on these shortcomings going into the new football season.

"Three years down the line, we are still networking with the top clubs in and outside Nigeria,  as we try to market the good talents. We hope shortly, the club will record success with our players moving to some of the top leagues in the world."

Akpan Credits Hat-Trick To Ogunbote, Teammates

 

Akpan Credits Hat-Trick To Ogunbote, Teammates

Shooting Stars hat-trick hero against Beyond Limits, Akpan Joshua has given credit to Gbengba Ogunbote and his teammates following his goal scoring form on Matchday One of the Optima Energy Gold Cup which kicked off on Thursday in Ikenne and Sagamu.

It took Akpan 13 minutes to score three goals after Beyond Limits Ebenezer Akinsanmiro had scored the first goal of the tourney with a cool finish in the 30th minute.

Akpan scored from two free kicks in the 52nd and 60th minute and put the icing on the cake with a finish from the penalty spot in the 63rd to hand Beyond Limits their biggest loss in the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

"Ogunbote was furious with us at halftime as we were a goal down, he told us about the few mistakes we made and going forward, he said we should keep pressing as Beyond Limits players would make theirs half, Akpan said.

"At the end that happened as we scored from open play, got two free kicks, and a penalty. 

"I want to thank him for giving me the chance for proving myself and my teammates for the support, as we try to understand ourselves on the pitch better."

The former Abia Comets midfielder who is trying to seal his place in the Oluyole Warriors ahead the NPFL season, says he hopes to score more goals and help the club to win the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

"With the support of everyone, I hope to keep scoring, win the Optima Energy Gold Cup and be in shape for the upcoming season."

After securing the 3points, Shooting Stars will be up against Gombe United in their second Group B game on Saturday at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

Lagos To Host Nationwide League One Super 8 Tourney On October 3

The much anticipated Nationwide League One (NLO) will kick off in the sports city of Lagos, Surulere, from 3rd to 8th October.

Secretariat of the nation's third-tier domestic league announced via its media department that the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium in Surulere will host the six days.

Eight teams of 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, will slug it out in the championship play-off to determine the overall winner for the NLO 2022 season.

The league body has also informed the team that it has made provision to accommodate a 25-man contingent, (made up of 20 players and five Officials) of each team.

The arrival date for all teams is fixed for Sunday, October 2nd while the kickoff date is 3rd October.

Opening fixtures of the championship play-off are Mailatarki Care FC versus FC Ebedei and Smart City versus Kun Khalifa FC billed for 2 and 4 pm respectively.

 

Meanwhile, the final is fixed for October 8th   at the Legacy Pitch.

NFF Elections: Afolabi Olugbenga, Spry And Active Mobiliser With Uncommon Master Plan

 

NFF Elections: Afolabi Olugbenga, Spry And Active Mobiliser With Uncommon Master Plan

As Nigeria Football Federations elections draw nearer, the waves of names and changes have been hitting the airwaves but the youthful Afolabi Olugbenga whose hat is already in the ring has stick out like a sore thumb.

Armed to the tooth, Afolabi, is an astute football administrator and a silent achiever who'd seen it all in football circle, has been involved in organising, preserving and upholding the integrity of the game most especially in the apex league of the land. 

The Osun born technocrat who is aiming to become an executive board member (South West) has received blessings from creme de la crème of Nigeria's football towards September 30th election. He's out to improve football from grassroots and he believes the perfect time is now. 

"I see this call as an opportunity and I feel the time has come for me to pursue and maximize the opportunity that is more aligned with my aspiration. 

"My mission is to strictly develop grassroots football as it's also in alignment with top contenders for the apex seat. 

"Therefore, it is not too early to contribute my quota to the development of football up there. I have the capacity to do things differently and get the desired results as per grassroots football development. 

"Topmost priority must be placed on grassroots football development. This is where all players should start. It is the heart and soul of players development. Nigeria as a country is endowed with amazing football talents. 

"We ought to priotize proper grassroots football development, this guarantees a continuous success at all levels of football. In this modern day football, talent is not enough, it must be properly nutured and managed towards maximum potential. 

"I believe and urge the congressmen to vote for competence, passion, trust, vibrance and loyalty." He concluded.

Watered Plant HMK 6 Aside Competition Gets Kick Off Date

 

Watered Plant HMK 6 Aside Competition Gets Kick Off Date.

The organisers of the prestigious 6 Aside Football Competition tagged; (Watered Plant HMK) in the state of Osun have picked Monday, 19th September 2022 as kick off date of the tourney.

The tourney in its second edition would see young and talented players jostle for a place in an already established platform to further showcase their talents.

As stated by the facilitator of the huge soccer fiesta, Leo Sports Agency, the tourney will be an avenue to pick the outstanding players and further set them on the path of unquenchable glory by supporting and giving them the well established platform to excel.

Adopting Futsal Model, it is expected that the participating teams should pay close attention to terms and rules of the game.

Sixteen teams will slug it out from group stage while over 20 teams are match ready in free age category.

Fixtures for Monday, 19th September, 2022. 

Kolawole FC Vs Golden Boys 2pm

Sharp Striker Vs J. Golden Boys 3pm

Golden Boys Vs PMWAY (1) 4pm

Stars FC Vs Timehin Y.S 5pm

...Full fixtures later.

Group A

Kolawole FC

Golden Boys

Sharp Striker

J. Golden Boys

Group B

Awolu FC

J. Fly KKD

City Jet

Elite FC

Group C

New Crown FC

Fortunate FC

HRS FC

PMWAY (2)

Group D

TSO FC

Ham Zainab

God's Grace

PMWAY 

FREE AGE 

Group A

Golden Boys

PMWAY (1)

Stars FC

Timehin Y.S

Group B

Kolawole FC

Future Boys

Oke Baale FC

Group C

Friends Champion 

Soccer FC

Iludun FC

Group D

Suprise FC

Selected Stars

TSO FC

Group E

Achievement FC

Surad Academy

UN Tigers

Rising FC

Group F

Fly KKD

PMWAY (2)

36 Lion

Excel FC

Odegbami, Adepoju Endorse Lanre Leke Sports Academy As Over 200 Students Attend Screening Exercise

 

Odegbami, Adepoju Says Future Bright For Lanreleke Sports Academy, As Over 200 Students Attend Screening Exercise

Nigeria football legends, Segun Odegbami and Mutiu Adepoju have tipped a bright future for Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo, Osun State.

The a co-educational, fully residential and specialist Senior Secondary School was founded founded in 2021.

Its second edition screening exercise to admit students into academy,  kicked off on Wednesday, with students from Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, and Delta State taking part in it.

Mutiu Adepoju while giving his general assessment on the project said: "It's fantastic; overwhelmed with what I have seen here, from the structure, facilities and environment, it is top notch. I have to thank Engineer Lanre Adeleke for what he's doing to humanity with this project. 

"This is a laudable one and I think we should be grateful for having this kind of edifice here in Osun State. 

The 'Head Master' who had a session with the students, said further: "Am quite satisfied as we have seen different set of talents as more than 200 students enrolled for the programme.

" Sadly, we can't pick all of them but we will do our part by picking the best. 41 students will be picked for the different sports.

"The future is bright for Lanreleke Sports Academy (LSA), as am yet to see one sports academy in Nigeria that has the kind of facilities they have.

"For it's students, they should work hard as the sky is their limit. They have the best platform to excel while combining  academics and sports together."

Green Eagles now Super Eagles legend, 

Segun ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami who also was at the screening held at Lanreleke Sports Stadium, Ileogbo, said.

"It's a world of a difference here as the structures and facilities are well established, as it's one of the best sports academy in the country. Once the vision and mission  remains the same, I foresee a bright future for the academy.

"The turnover has been massive as over a 100 have come on their own to join those we have invited from the five states, just to tryout by showcasing their talents.

" This is a reflection of the results been achieved by the academy. 

"Yes we can unearth the next football or sports star from the academy, once the right strategy and coaching are been used."

The Osun Youth and Sports representative, Special Assistant (OYES) to Osun State Governor, Adeola Olayiwola couldn't hide his delight too, as he did say, "The academy is a site to behold, delighted at the level of progress and the number of talents that have enrolled for the screening programme with a view of, gaining admission into the sports academy."

It's pioneer set of students, made up of 40, (30 boys, 10 girls), all enjoyed a full scholarship, as academic work began in October 2021.

The students aged 14-years, have the minimum educational qualification of the Junior Secondary School Certificate(Junior WAEC) or have obtained their first and second term JSS 3 results, alongside possessing special abilities to do sports, excelling in at least one of football, basketball, athletics and tennis.

Odegbami, Adepoju Endorse Lanre Leke Sports Academy As Over 200 Students Attend Screening Exercise

 

Odegbami, Adepoju Thumb Lanre Leke As Over 200 Students Attend Screening Exercise

Nigeria football legends, Segun Odegbami and Mutiu Adepoju have tipped a bright future for Lanreleke Sports Academy in Ileogbo, Osun State.

The a co-educational, fully residential and specialist Senior Secondary School was founded founded in 2021.

Its second edition screening exercise to admit students into academy,  kicked off on Wednesday, with students from Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, and Delta State taking part in it.

Mutiu Adepoju while giving his general assessment on the project said: "It's fantastic; overwhelmed with what I have seen here, from the structure, facilities and environment, it is top notch. I have to thank Engineer Lanre Adeleke for what he's doing to humanity with this project. 

"This is a laudable one and I think we should be grateful for having this kind of edifice here in Osun State. 

The 'Head Master' who had a session with the students, said further: "Am quite satisfied as we have seen different set of talents as more than 200 students enrolled for the programme.

" Sadly, we can't pick all of them but we will do our part by picking the best. 41 students will be picked for the different sports.

"The future is bright for Lanreleke Sports Academy (LSA), as am yet to see one sports academy in Nigeria that has the kind of facilities they have.

"For it's students, they should work hard as the sky is their limit. They have the best platform to excel while combining  academics and sports together."

Green Eagles now Super Eagles legend, 

Segun ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami who also was at the screening held at Lanreleke Sports Stadium, Ileogbo, said.

"It's a world of a difference here as the structures and facilities are well established, as it's one of the best sports academy in the country. Once the vision and mission  remains the same, I foresee a bright future for the academy.

"The turnover has been massive as over a 100 have come on their own to join those we have invited from the five states, just to tryout by showcasing their talents.

" This is a reflection of the results been achieved by the academy. 

"Yes we can unearth the next football or sports star from the academy, once the right strategy and coaching are been used."

The Osun Youth and Sports representative, Special Assistant (OYES) to Osun State Governor, Adeola Olayiwola couldn't hide his delight too, as he did say, "The academy is a site to behold, delighted at the level of progress and the number of talents that have enrolled for the screening programme with a view of, gaining admission into the sports academy."

It's pioneer set of students, made up of 40, (30 boys, 10 girls), all enjoyed a full scholarship, as academic work began in October 2021.

The students aged 14-years, have the minimum educational qualification of the Junior Secondary School Certificate(Junior WAEC) or have obtained their first and second term JSS 3 results, alongside possessing special abilities to do sports, excelling in at least one of football, basketball, athletics and tennis.

NFF Elections: Ekiti FA Throws weight Behind Seyi Akinwunmi Presidency

The Ekiti State Football Association has declared its total support for Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi in his bid to become the next President of the Nigeria Football Federation.

The NFF polls are scheduled to be held on September 30th in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State.

Bayo Olanlege, the egg-head of the Ekiti State FA made their position known on Tuesday via a virtual meeting with some football friends and selected sports journalists, saying it was better to come out straight than promise others what he will not do.

“Without taking anything away from the so many great individuals in the race for the country's apex football body leadership, one of the reasons why we have pitched tents with 1st Vice President of NFF Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi is because he has the pedigree, competence, and of course the most qualified. 

"When we talk about the most qualified, it has absolutely nothing to do with which part of the country the person is from, it has to do with what the person has to offer"

“We are completely convinced that of all the good men that have come out to contest for this position, the best person right now for all of us is Akinwunmi.

“So many wonderful men that I love so much that I want to keep a very good relationship with after September 30th are contesting for this position but I will not want to sit and be lying to them wasting their time talking to me and trying to convince me."

Olanlege further highlighted Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi’s contribution to the growth of football in the country, his grassroots development programs, his contribution to women’s football and above all, his passion for Nigerian football.

"Akinwunmi has some principles, values and characters that give him an edge over others and the Ekiti State FA is aware that there are a large number of NFF Board membership aspirants who share these traits as his, they are the ones we would be backing in the election so that a formidable NFF EXCO could evolve"

Ekiti Based NLO Outfit Gets New President

 

Ekiti Based NLO Outfit Gets New President

Ekiti based Nationwide League One side, Agbana Wonderful Football Academy has announced the name of the new president to further pilot the affairs of the club.

While declaring the official announcement to news men in Ado-Ekiti, the Chief Executive Officer of the club, Ademola Agbana Crown informed that, the latest appointment is hinged on merit and the administrative accumen of the appointee.

He noted that, Otunba Adubiaro Gbenga who's a US based business tycoon was an ardent follower of the club activities. He further described the philanthropist as an unassuming and highly resourceful individual with passion for soccer growth.

"Today, we are glad to inform the public that our club will be having a new president henceforth.

"In line with global best practices, Otunba Adubiaro Gbenga steps in and his expertise will further shoots the image of the club and bring balance to the club administratively.

"Integrity personified individual who's always thrilled with grassroots activities will resume the role immediately. We congratulate him and looking forward to a seamless working relationship with him." Agbana, who's one time head coach of Nnewi United concluded.

Meanwhile, Otunba Adubiaro a native of Ado-Ekiti who also played soccer in his childhood days is welcomed back into his soccer constituency. 

Optima Energy Gold Cup Kicks Off September 22 In Ikenne, Sagamu

 

Optima Energy Gold Cup Kicks Off September 22 In Ikenne, Sagamu

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that Remo Stars will begin its title defence, as the 10th edition of the nation's prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues kicks off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator of the tourney told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media: "We want to use this medium to thank the over 30 different clubs, which cuts across the three tiers of our league that have taken part in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup (now Optima Energy Gold Cup).

" The tournament inception in 2012, has proven to be the best platform for teams to prepare themselves extensively against tough teams, to know their strengths, drawbacks and proffer solutions to them before going into the season.

"Also the Optima Energy Gold Cup over the years has been part of some club's success stories from former NPFL champions Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes, FC Ebedei and now Remo Stars.

"It's on record that one or two teams that participate in the yearly tourney either end up winning the NPFL title,  qualify for the CAF inter-club tournament or gain promotion. 

"As we set the ball rolling for this year's edition, it promises to be an exciting one for the 10 teams that will be looking forward to taking part and indeed fans.

"All necessary arrangement and logistics has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free tourney as there will be much fanfare and activation.

"The tourney will be co-hosted respectively at the Remo Stars Stadium and FC Ebedei Stadium in Ikenne and Sagamu.

"Official correspondence (invitation letters) has been sent to intending clubs in the three tiers of our domestic leagues, Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO).

"Ten (10) teams are to participate in the 10-day soccer fiesta that will begin on Thursday, September 22 and climax on Independence Day, October 1, 2022.

"Teams will be grouped into two groups of A and B with five (5) teams each, and are expected to play four (4) group matches with two (2) teams with the highest number of points qualifying for the semi-finals.