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.