House Committee on Sports Chairman To Parley Stakeholders On Thursday In Abuja

 

House Committee on Sports Chairman To Parley Stakeholders On Thursday In Abuja

Hails Super Falcons On Women's World Cup R16 Qualification

Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar will on Thursday August 3rd in Abuja, hold a session with critical stakeholders to pave a way for Nigerian sports.

Honourable Ekene, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State made this known a few days after he was named Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th House of Representatives by Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.

The accomplished sports administrator, ex-KADA Stars Chief will meet officials of the Nigeria Football Federation, Presidents of all the 36 Sports Federations, the Nigerian  Olympic Committee, Premier League Club Owners, Nationwide League and other League Boards,  Referees, Ex Internationals, Players Union, The National Institute for Sports, Former Sports Ministers, Coaches, Lottery  Board, EFCC, ICPC and members of Corporate Nigeria in a parley billed for the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja.

Also expected at the event are the Nigerian Olympians Association, the Nigeria Police Force, Medical Practioners, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Nigerian School Sports Federation amongst others.

Honourable Ekene assured that the meeting will set the tone for a robust and renewed policy direction for Nigerian Sports as well as to seek areas of mutual benefits in the best interest of Nigerian youths. 

Meanwhile, the former General Manager of Remo Stars and professional player has congratulated the gallant Super Falcons, who on Monday qualified for the Round of 16, as they kept  the tempo to become the only unbeaten African team at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Nigeria's national women's team who stunned co-host Australia 3-2 in their second game, played out a draw against Irealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, to seal their passage to the knockout stage.

Honourable Ekene, described the Super Falcons as a beacon of hope for not only Nigeria, but the African continent, as he commended the Onome Ebi captained team for its impressive performances, as he urged them not to rest on its oars until they surpass their quarter-final record in the women's Mundial or secure the ultimate prize.

We Were Never Distracted Going Into The World Cup - Super Falcons Media Officer

 

Media officer of Nigeria’s senior football women’s team Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu has said the team was never disturbed by criticisms coming from various quarters in the Nigerian football community.

Randy Waldrum’s open criticism of his employers – Nigeria Football Federation, regarding several issues, including Super Falcons World Cup team selection, unpaid bonuses, and the absence of his assistant, had left Nigerians with little or no belief in the nine time African Champions.

The Falcons however left the controversies behind them with a spirited draw against Olympics Champion, Canada and a 3-2 victory over co-host Australia on Thursday.

Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu, while featuring on BCOS flagship Sports Show, Saturday Breakfast Sports Show, responded to a question from the programme's anchor Boluwaji Ogunmola, on how the team reacted to the negative comments about their chances prior to the World Cup.

She says: “It never disturbed us as we knew we had a team that had quality. We knew what happened at the last WAFCON in Morocco was a one-off and we knew what we had to do (in the World Cup) was to have determination and focus.”

The Media Officer further added that the addition of a performance/fitness coach in Kyle Quigley has added value to the team because the fitness and endurance level of the girls have increased saying Head Coach Randy Waldrum and the girls will certainly finish off their good job in their next game.

She however dispelled fears that some key members of the squad might miss Monday’s game against Republic of Ireland due to injury.

Midfielder, Halimat Ayinde limped off the pitch with what looked like an ankle problem in the second half against Australia.

Defender Michelle Alozie also sustained what appeared to be a knock in the game, while Osinachi Ohale also sustained an injury.

Tobe-chukwu, assured that the players are recovering well and will be fit for the match against the Republic of Ireland.

“The team doctor is in position to analyse the status of players in terms of fitness. We are not in the position to announce that a player is ruled out of the tournament like we did for Asisat (Oshoala) at the last WAFCON in Morocco. But I can assure you that the players are recovering well.”

She appreciated the support of the Nigerian contingent in Brisbane and those back home saying the girls will continue to handle each game as it comes.

The Super Falcons will, in their last group game, take on Ireland at the Lang Park, Brisbane on Monday.

The Nigerian team need just a point from the game to secure a place in the Round of 16.

Behold The New Chairman House Committee On Sports Hon. Ekene Adams

 

Speaker Names Honourable Ekene Adams Chairman House Committee on Sports

Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State has been named Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th House of Representatives. 

The House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, named the committees and their chairmen on Thursday.

A delighted Honourable Ekene Adams said on Thursday, "Good evening all, I am using this medium to appreciate God Almighty and also thank you all for your prayers and best wishes. I have been appointed as the Chairman House Committee on Sports. To my boss, President of Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne, Honourable Kunle Soname and everyone I remain loyal."

Adams, is no new face in Nigeria sports as his pedigree  is football management speaks volumes. Born in 1985, Adams is a Nigerian entrepreneur, politician,  an astute sports administrator and former professional footballer.

A few years ago, Ekene established KADA City FC, a Nigerian football club based in Kaduna, to enhance development of football within Kaduna. He was regarded as the youngest football club owner in Nigeria.

KADA City was created to promote development of football within Kaduna state. They had their official unveiling ceremony in February 2018. KADA City won the 2018 Nigeria National League promotion playoff over Bendel Insurance F.C. and made their Nigeria Premier League debut in 2019.

The sports administrator would later join Remo Stars as General Manager in 2021. During his time with the Sky Blue Stars, Honourable Ekene Adams propelled the club in gaining promotion back to the NPFL and after one season in the top flight, Remo Stars earned a CAF Confederation Cup ticket after finishing 3rd on the log behind Rivers United and Plateau United.

Good Synergy With Media Can Attract Sponsorship To NLO- Agara

 

Good Synergy With Media Can Attract Sponsorship To NLO- Agara

Former Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Silas Agara has stressed the need for the Nationwide League One to have a good synergy with the media, as it bids to getting brands attention by way of sponsorships. 

Agara, who leads the newly constituted Board of the nation's third-tier domestic football league in his first official interaction with NLO Media Channel talked about his Board's plans.

"Its an opportunity to serve, I’m always available when my services is needed. This is a call to duty, provide leadership to our teeming youths, with Board Members cut across the six geo-political zones. We met once as a board, immediately after the inauguration and set agendas for ourselves. 

"We hope to meet in the next few days to review the entire structure of the Nationwide League One. We are quite aware of the challenges on ground, they’re surmountable. Luckily, we have persons that are knowledgeable in the league, who are proprietors of some of the clubs and are members of the board. With their worth of experience and that of the two State Football Association (State FA) Chairmen on the Board, it's certain we can make a headway.

"This a league that has over 300 clubs, a platform where you have young Nigerians with the age bracket of 14 to 19-years-old, plying their trade and looking for opportunities to get exposed. The challenges are there, however too early to make public our plans as we have just been inaugurated but I can assure you that there is going to be a change of direction."

"We want to have a good synergy with the media, as that’s the best way we can showcase the NLO. We can do this by getting the right reportage and off course brands that will sponsor the league. Without the right media coverage of NLO activities to a global audience, sponsorship won’t come.

"We need the media to reach out to these top brands, and off course intending sponsors have to rely on the good reportage of the league and not negative ones, for them to make critical decisions. If we don't have that understanding with the media, we can't fly our kite regarding sponsorship. We also need to woo the media and bring our plans to the league on the table for them to see and help us reach out to Nigerians.

"The need to getting our officiating right is also another key area we want to look into. Once we have officiating in the league professionally done, with match officials well catered for and not left at the mercies of clubs, footing the bills, this will bring some level of sanity to the league.

"We’re also looking at the home and away match format, and the different ones for the league, to see how we can reduce the burden for the clubs, as many are not making profits yet. At the moment, I will plead with Nigerians to give the new NLO Board a few time, with the assurance that in the next week's, we should be able to take proper stock of what is on ground, know the reforms to introduce and above all get the right sponsors for the league.

I'm delighted with what I have seen on ground, the Chief Operating Officer (Olushola Ogunnowo) has done well for the league and now he has got a Board that will support him."

On plans for next season's NLO Youth League: "We are monitoring events at this edition and surely will proffer solutions to the loopholes from what we have seen from the maiden edition. The Board, really has no much time as our tenure is for two years, however, since we have been given the marching order by the NFF, our job is to address issues and improve on what's on ground."

Olagunju Damola: A Passionate Sports Enthusiast And Philanthropist Per Excellent

 

Olagunju Damola: A Passionate Sports Enthusiast And Philanthropist Per Excellent 

Philanthropy comes in many forms, and it doesn't always require immense wealth to make a significant impact. Olagunju Damola, also known as Richway, is a shining example of a young philanthropist and businessman who is dedicated to giving back to his community and making a difference in the world of football. Hailing from Ede, Osun State, Damola has been actively involved in supporting football initiatives in his hometown, and he has grand plans to expand his contributions to the entire state of Osun.

As the owner of Richway Music in Ede, Damola is deeply committed to his community and actively engages in various charitable events to support football. One notable aspect of his involvement is sponsoring football competitions in Ede and local football clubs. He has previously sponsored a team named Athletico Madrid in Ede, and he has even initiated the process of establishing his very own football club called RICHWAY BOYZ Football Club of EDE. This endeavor is already underway, showcasing Damola's dedication to fostering local talent and providing opportunities for aspiring footballers in his community.

It's worth noting that the adoption of the name "Athletico Madrid" for the team Damola sponsored was part of a larger competition organized to promote supporters' clubs of various teams worldwide. The competition, known as the Ede Football Fans Competition, saw supporters of different clubs like Enyimba FC, Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC, and Remo Stars FC coming together. Damola's sponsorship of this competition highlights his commitment to uniting football enthusiasts and supporting the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.

In a recent interview, Damola expressed his pride in supporting the Osun State Football Association and his willingness to contribute to various events that the association requires sponsorship for. He understands the importance of investing in football infrastructure and development initiatives, particularly during these challenging times.

Looking ahead, Damola aims to be directly involved with football governing bodies in Osun State and Nigeria as a whole, driven by his unwavering love and passion for the game. His ambition extends beyond sponsorship and includes becoming a key figure in football administration in Ede, Osun State, and Nigeria at large. By actively engaging with football at different levels, Damola seeks to leave a lasting legacy and create positive change within the sport he holds dear.

In line with his vision, Damola has taken the initiative to organize and sponsor the RICHWAY U-14 Classic Tourney, a tournament exclusively powered by him. This event will provide young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their skills and passion for the game, further nurturing their growth and potential. Additionally, he plans to sponsor RICHWAY BOYZ FC EDE in the upcoming 17th Free Age Unique Egalitarian Soccer Championship, scheduled for the second week of August 2023.

Olagunju Damola Richway exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and the transformative power of sports. Through his dedication to football and his community, he is making a positive impact on the lives of aspiring footballers in Ede and Osun State. His unwavering support and determination to contribute to the football landscape serve as an inspiration to others, reminding us all of the difference we can make when we combine passion, philanthropy, and a love for the beautiful game.

Anointing And Confidence My Takeaways From MFM - Rangers Boss Ilechukwu

 

Anointing And Confidence My Takeaways From MFM - Rangers Boss Ilechukwu

Pioneer gaffer of defunct MFM FC of Lagos Fidelis Ilechukwu has recounted in nostalgia how he tapped virtues that kept him going on the job from his lifetime mentor and spiritual father.

A wave of nostalgia fell over the 'Working One' whose carrier progression is huge and blossom at every point in time as he admitted of starting from nothing to something.

Ilechukwu, a hard-working gaffer renowned for turning raw talents to finished products served Olukoya Boys for 13 years before finally opting for a new challenge told top Football Forum, Family United By Football how founder of Mountain Of Fire And Miracle Ministry made his confidence to grow on the job.

"Yes, I will give it to Dr. Olukoya for believing in me, he is the best thing in the world to have ever happened to me. I call him an Oracle of God, a man of truth, his job is to bring something out of nothing.

"I remember one time I went to him and told him we need to bring big players at MFM FC, he told me you as a coach, where did you start?, We snatched you from no where, your job should be working so hard and make those that's nothing to become something, that they will never forget in their lives.

"Daddy gives me a lot of confidence, he gave me that chance and made me understand that even with grassroots players, MFM won't sink and won't complain about results, that confidence is what built me, Olukoya is the best ever, he prays for me always." Informed Ilechukwu widely regarded as 'The Working One'.

The former Plateau United tactician who is recently unveiled by Rangers lnternational, is however optimistic of taking his new side to promise land in the coming season owing to growing expectations and how hungry Rangers are.

"I am not under pressure to deliver, I am in a system I understand, I am even happy because of their ambitions. It is easier for you to win something if you have a management that is hungry for success, at this stage, I think a reluctant management won't help my image, I am happy at how ambitious Rangers are, the point is, Rangers is hungry, llechukwu is hungry, I know we will do our best and recruit rightly." The former Heartland boss stated.

How Benedict Akwuegbu Was Discovered At 16 By Coach Sebastian Brodericks

 

How Benedict Akwuegbu Was Discovered At 16 By Coach Sebastian Brodericks

Born in Jos, Plateau state on the 3rd of November 1974, young Benedict Akwuegbu attended Fatimah Primary School, before going furthering his education at the prestigious St. Murumba's College, Jos.

At St. Murumba's College, the young and talented Ben was active in sports and soon joined the School Football team at the age of 15, while still in form two. 

A fortunate stroke of serendipity, however shone on young Benedict Akwuegbu, when the then National U-17 Football Head Coach, Sebastian Brodericks was on the stand, when St. Murumba's College played against Airfoce Military School, a game 16 year old Benedict Akwuegbu shone like  million star.

Brodericks had won the first ever FIFA U-17 World Cup for Nigeria in 1985 and thought it was time to discover more talents for the 1989 edition. 

Akwuegbu was selected to the U-17 World Cup Final squad in 1989 hosted by Scotland.

However, he never had the chance to play as sitting on the bench in all four matches without substitution. Nigeria was beaten by eventual winner Saudi Arabia at the quarter-final stage, but it was indeed a great experience for the 16 year old, who went on to play for the Flying Eagles,  Under-23 teams and the Super Eagles. 

"It was a great experience for me. I was very young and was lucky to be part of the National team. Playing wasn't so important for me then, but the exposure I got, made me a better player. it really shaped me for better things ahead."

In 2000, his success in Austria made him joining the Africa Cup of Nations tournament which he played his first international game against Tunisia. With his progress in the team he was involved in the 2002 World Cup Qualifier and scoring two goals in the process, His performance made him selected to the 2002 World Cup Final squad. He played the only World Cup game against England.

Akwuegbu, 49, had an illustrious career that spanned through RC Lens, France (1991-92), KSC eedracht Aalst, Belgium (1992-93), Harelbek, Belgium (1994-96), Waregem, Belgium (1996-97), Tienen, Belgium (1997-98), Grazer AK, Austria (1998-2002), Sheyang Ginde, China(loan 2002), Grazer AK , Austria (2002-2004), FC Karnten, Austria (2004), St Gallen, Switzerland (2004-2005), Wacker Innsbruck, Austria (2005-2006), Siegen, Germany (2006) and Tianjin Teda, China (loan 2006).

The former Heartland of Owerri Assistant General Manager also had career spells at Panserraikos, Greece (2006-2007), Qingdao Jonoon, China (2007), Beijing Hongdeng, China (2008) and Basingstoke Town, England (2009-2010) before calling time on his career.

Akwuegbu scored eight times for the Super Eagles in 30 appearances.

Former Super Eagles Striker Benedict Akwuegbu Believes Super Eagles Can Win AFCON 2024

Former Super Eagles forward, Benedict Akwuegbu is confident the present crop of Super Eagles have all it takes to win the 2024 Africa Cup Of Nations, coming up in Ivory Coast next year. 

Akwuegbu made this known on Sunday, during a live interview session on a digital Sports Platform, Family United By Football (FUBF), where he was featured as a special guest. 

The Super Eagles qualified for next year's tournament, after defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 in Monrovia, two weeks ago, courtesy of a brace by Victor Osimhen and a late strike from Leceister City forward Kelechi Iheanacho. 

The former RC Lens of France Forward said the team has an array of talents capable of winning the biggest African Football Cup tournament for the fourth time.

“I am absolutely confident because of the talent, God-given skills, and history of Nigerian football," Akwuegbu said. 

"With players like Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho and others, we have a great chance of creating something big in Ivory Coast. If the tactics and build up is right, we can go all the way to be Champions again." He concluded. 

Akwuegbu, had an illustrious career that spanned through RC Lens, France (1991-92), KSC eedracht Aalst, Belgium (1992-93), Harelbek, Belgium (1994-96), Waregem, Belgium (1996-97), Tienen, Belgium (1997-98), Grazer AK, Austria (1998-2002), Sheyang Ginde, China(loan 2002), Grazer AK , Austria (2002-2004), FC Karnten, Austria (2004), St Gallen, Switzerland (2004-2005), Wacker Innsbruck, Austria (2005-2006), Siegen, Germany (2006) and Tianjin Teda, China (loan 2006).

The former Heartland of Owerri Assistant General Manager also had career spells at Panserraikos, Greece (2006-2007), Qingdao Jonoon, China (2007), Beijing Hongdeng, China (2008) and Basingstoke Town, England (2009-2010) before calling time on his career.

Akwuegbu scored eight times for the Super Eagles in 30 appearances.