Second Optima Energy Gold Cup Triumph Will Be Bonus For Beyond Limits - Olumide

 

Optima Energy Gold Cup Final: Beyond Limits To Learn, Compete Against Shooting Stars- Olumide

Olumide Ajibolade says winning a back-to-back Optima Energy Gold Cup against Shooting Stars in the final will be a bonus to his Beyond Limits, as his lads are ready to to learn, compete against the best. 

Both teams clash in Saturday's finale of the 12th edition of the nation's off-season football tournament billed for the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. 

His thoughts ahead of the tantalizing clash after Beyond Limits edged FC Ebedei in the first semis on Thursday. 

"The objective is to learn and compete, Shooting Stars should give us a good game for the boys to take the lessons. We're happy. 

"I've never gone to a tournament thinking I have to win, it's never in the back of my mind, and of course people say that's a lie because we win everything. 

"Our objective is always to compete, and if we win, it's a bonus. We have to ensure the lads play well and improve, and if we win again on Saturday, it's just another trophy, and we're happy for that."

On the tough and close game against FC Ebedei, "I don't think our semi-final game was difficult just because we won with a one goal margin, however the opposition was very physical, a lot duels and intensity pressing, organization with bodies behind the ball. And off course, we expected that when we know, as no team wants us to have space behind, so we keep probing trying to find the options to play around them and eventually we get a break through. 

"By and large I think the organization from FC Ebedei was good but we were not just able to have in our one by one, may be it's preseason, so we have a lot to work on. 

"Nothing different from what we actually do, it's preseason so we would then compete and hopefully we'll be able to field a lot more players, so they can get the needed minutes as they prepare for other competitions that's ahead of us. So nothing special, just our normal approach of excellence."

Fredrick Oliseh: FC Ebedei Will Battle Beyond Limits With Same Intensity

Fredrick Oliseh: FC Ebedei Will Battle Beyond Limits With Same Intensity 

FC Ebedei General Manager and Coach Fredrick Oliseh says it is an incredible feeling breaking the 12-year jinx in the Optima Energy Gold Cup, as he assured that it will be the same intensity against Beyond Limits in Thursday's semi-final. 

Fredrick said: "It's incredible qualifying for the preseason semi-final; it's great working with a committed assistant; it all comes down to hard work, that's what it is, and never giving up and always adding up to the formula at FC Ebedei. 

"Great credit to the entire staff and the players. It's not just me as no man is an island. To our President Barrister Churchill Oliseh, who's the frontrunner and insightful in giving me this platform."

Ahead of the next clash against Beyond Limits, "The games in the group are done, and you are only as good as your next game.

"Intensity, the same as you have seen on FC Ebedei, our level will be intense, we will be on the front foot. We will obviously create chances and then capitalise on moments; that's what we are going to do."

On his team's performance against Ikorodu City whom they piped 1-0 and kept a clean sheet. 

"You didn't keep clean sheets without hardwork, it takes a lot, that's why I have to give credit to the players and coaches. We work incredibly hard on how we want to defend and what we do when we don't have the ball, and you see the results right there on the pitch."

On his lads scoring two out of the three goals they recorded in the group phase in the first half. 

"Football is a game of moments, and these moments fell to us in the first halves of the matches against Osun United and Ikorodu City, and we have taken them. 

"At FC Ebedei, we only chase excellence, and this is the position we want to be in, as we don't accept anything less and demand outright the best for ourselves in terms of performance performance. 

"To be able to do these against Osun United, Ikorodu City and Shooting Stars is a testament to our psyche and mentality at FC Ebedei."

NPFL Star, Edward Victor Makalala Becomes African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassador

 

NPFL Star, Edward  Victor Makalala Becomes African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassador

Nigeria Premier Football League star Edward Victor Makalala has been named an Ambassador by the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly. 

The Award, an Identity Card and Diplomatic Passport was presented to Edward Victor at the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly in Africa, which took place at the Army Resource Centre Abuja. 

Head of Missions/Secretariat, Ambassador Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel, in a statement addressed to the Plateau United goal poacher read. 

On behalf of the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly, Ambassador Edward Victor is an Ambassador of the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly in Africa.

As part of the privileges of his office, Ambassador Edward Victor has been assigned a special plate number from the AU Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly to aid his movement.

The number is AU Agenda 2063 AMB-57 with particulars of the vehicle as follows: Black 2022 Toyota Prado, with Chasis No: JTJB20X140039191. 

The AU Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly kindly requests Ambassador Edward Victor be accorded necessary courtesy due to his office and personality.

Sharing his delight: "It's a rare privilege to be named as an Ambassador by the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly and entrusted with the honor of representing Africa on the world stage."

ASVO FC Will Be Ambitious Against Shooting Stars- Osho

 

ASVO FC Will Be Ambitious Against Shooting Stars- Osho

Fatai Osho has assured that his Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC will give its best shots against Shooting Stars of Ibadan. 

Osho revealed his pre-match routine ahead of Thursday's Optima Energy Gold Cup semi-final against the Oluyole Warriors at the Remo Stars International Stadium, Ikenne by 3pm. 

"I'm impressed with the transition in my team, coming from an opening day defeat to a draw and a win in the final group game," he told Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament Media Channel. 

"But, we can't be ignorant of the fact that we still have a whole lot of work to do, to make the team better.  Having a contest with Shooting Stars in the semi-final will help us as a team, as the Oluyole Warriors will expose our weaknesses and strengths, and on our part, we'll be ambitious. 

"Once a team is in the semi-final of any tournament and has the chance to win it, then such a team must give its best shot. That ASVO FC will do, as we want to have another test with defending champions Beyond Limits in the final if both teams qualify. 

"We are looking forward to the Optima Energy Gold Cup final, as there's always a first time. In the last week of intense training and looking at the work rate of players in the matches we have played coming this far, I am highly encouraged. So playing in the final on Saturday will be an icing on the cake for us. 

"My assistants and I will prepare the team mentally for Shooting Stars and with a mindset that anything is quite possible."

On his team's progress in the preseason tournament, "It has been one with mixed emotions but a good one for the team, as finishing the final game against Kasam FA with a win and with 10-man, said a lot about the team. 

"In our first game against Beyond Limits, we started badly, the conditioning was not there, and we then had to work extra hard on the players, so that they could be able to compete, that's was has manifested in the team as they can now play better with the ball as a unit and execute my tactical instructions on the pitch. 

"The fitness level of my players is gradually coming up, as this is the only time we can overload them in training and still ask them to play. 

On his no-show in the dugout, " It is deliberate. It's a preseason tournament, and I want my assistants to do much of the job on the touchline while I watch calmly and jot on my notes the key things I see about my players during matches."

Osho, a former coach of Akwa United, has assured ASVO FC fans that they will see his 'Sugar Ball' when the Beninese season kicks off. 

"No doubt about it, we are going to be good in that area, my free-flowing football. Practically, we have just two weeks to work as a unit, and to have a team, where you can have players that can pass the ball to each other with their eyes closed, would need time."

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Ojo, Super Eagles Star Donates Best Goalkeeper Award

 

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Ojo, Super Eagles Star Donates Best Goalkeeper Award

A goalkeeper who displays a stellar performance during the 12 edition Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament ongoing at the Remo Stars International Stadium and FC Ebedei Stadium, will take home a special award. 

The award is being sponsored by Super Eagles and now Al Merreikh of Sudan shot stopper Ojo Olorunleke. 

Olorunleke, 28-year-old, penned a two-year contract with Al Merreikh, who told Optima Energy Gold Cup media channel why he chooses to sponsor the award. 

"A lot of credits should be given to men in between the sticks, as goalkeepers are  integral part of a team. 

"At this year's edition of the goalkeeper who keeps the most clean sheets and makes outstanding saves and displays heroics in penalty shootout will be rewarded with an award."

Meanwhile the knockout stage of the nation's prestigious preseason tournament kicks on Thursday with two mouthwatering clashes between defending champions Beyond Limits and FC Ebedei at 8am, while Shooting Stars of Ibadan will have Beninese Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC nut to crack in the second game billed for 3pm.

Grassroots Football Is Challenging In Nigeria - Football Agency Boss

 

Grassroots Football Is Challenging In Nigeria - Agency Boss

A foremost players agent and football administrator Pele John Taiwo has tasked  grassroots football managers to rejig and revitalise the system in a way that showcase the true value of football developments.

The lle-lfe based grassroots football enthusiast and Academy owner whose products are making waves in Europe advocates for right environments, more opportunities and skills development in grassroots football developments.

"Football is a big business nowadays but players don't have business mindsets as regards marketing, most of the coaches only approach the game with fixated minds on winning laurels .

"There’s a bit of a snag with  that, coaches that suppose to even know better are no more teaching basic skills and there's no way they can get the best out of these players, which sidelines the goals of youth football.

"Many of our players are good but are not marketable because of the faulty foundations, some by luck would find themselves there but lack the quality to play at the top. Necessary things must be taught at the expense of winning. Though we can't dismiss the importance of winning but lessons and ethos remain constant regardless of the outcome."

The football financier who closely monitored series of matches at the ongoing Optima Energy Preseason Tournaments in Ogun state believes the youths should be given enough chance to showcase their talents.

" I have seen big teams that are not doing enough while some are presently parading marketable youths. 

"Young players need opportunities, that's what the world of football wants. We need to know and understand what is marketable and presentable. This tourney should be seen as an avenue to instill confidence into young players. There are potentials that are ready to explode when they play with confidence and enjoy themselves," he noted

Game Against KASAM FA Is Must Win For ASVO FC -Loro Marko

 

Game against KASAM FA is must win for ASVO FC -Loro Marko

South Sudan prodigy Joseph Loro Marko says 

playing in the Beninese Premier League in the colours of Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC is a new experience for him, as he rates the football quality in West Africa as high. 

Marko, captain of South-Sudan U20 team, and just two weeks old with ASVO FC hinted further that he is aware of the toughness of the leagues in the region, having formerly played for Nationwide League One (NLO) side Ojodu City. 

The South-Sudanese who helped Fatai Osho ASVO FC to securing it's first point at the ongoing Optima Energy Gold Cup off-season tournament in Ikenne told the media. 

"Playing in the Beninese league with ASVO FC won't be complicated for me as I've played  football in Nigeria before. 

" Am adapting with the players and coaches in my new team, ASVO FC, though the football in West is quite different from that of East Africa."

Asked to give his thought ahead the make or mar game after picking a point against Ijebu United on Matchday 2.

"The last group game against KASAM FA in the Optima Energy Gold Cup is very important for us. We must get a win. 

"The win will ensure we progress to the semi-final and spur the team to doing better as the tournament progresses.

Damian Kpakpo: Osho Will Qualify ASVO For Super League, Rates Optima Energy Gold Cup High

 Damian Kpakpo: Osho Will Qualify ASVO For Super League, Rates Optima Energy Gold Cup High

Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC assistant coach Damian Kpakpo has assured Beninese fans that Fatai Osho will qualify the team to the Super League, while saying the Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament will put them in top shape going into the season. 

Speaking to journalists after ASVO FC drew 0-0 with Ijebu United in the second game of the tournament on Saturday. 

"We are all really excited to be in Nigeria for the Optima Energy Gold Cup. The platform we want to use to measure the team as we have new players in the team," said Kpakpo. 

"Our first match was a tough one against Beyond Limits as we featured old, new players and products from our academy. But it was a unique experience for us, the coaches and players are learning new things from Fatai Osho as well as some players having the opportunity to take part in a pre-season tournament outside Benin Republic. 

"Osho is a top coach in the Nigeria Premier Football League, so we have a lot to learn from him. In our second game against Ijebu United, we played better and got a draw. If our players made good use of the chances we could have won the match. 

" I can say that we are improving in our matches and everyone is certain Osho can make things work for ASVO in the new season. "

After missing out of qualifying for the Benin Championnat National playoffs (Super League) for the first time last season, Kpakpo is optimistic that ASVO FC will do better. 

"We are so willing to start again, and qualify for the playoffs. The preseason has been challenging, but I know going back to Benin for the new season, our fans will see an entirely different ASVO.

" ASVO FC have some new players from Nigeria that will add quality and experience to the team and help qualify for the Super League."

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Wasteful Osun United Fails To Punish FC Ebedei In Thriller

 

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Wasteful Osun United Fails To Punish FC Ebedei In Thriller

Osun United held FC Ebedei to a one all draw in thriller in the opening Group B fixture at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

The Oliseh Boys started the match on a positive note, continuously creating chances and, at the end, unsettled Osun United. 

It was Miracle Osakene who broke the deadlock with a powerful shot that hit the back of the net in the second minute of the first half. 

However, Osun United kept knocking on the door to score the equalizer, which they did as the Omoluabi Giants proved why they are a top Nigeria National League side.

Joseph Allen found a free space in the box in the 8th minute, after a quality team buildup to slice home his goal for 1-1.

Osun United had a chance to take the lead in the 24th minute after Qamar Qamar missed a glorious chance after failing to make the most of an assist from Naheem Odugbemi.

Both teams then produced some end-to-end football stuff going into the break, but Osun United were a bit wasteful with their half chances. 

The final 45 minutes lived up to the billing as Miracle should have found the net for his brace for FC Ebedei. 

Three minutes after the one hour mark, FC Ebedei Miracle dribble past his maker before sending in a diagonal pass to Fanen Terkula, but his final effort was deflected for a corner.

With 10 minutes to end the game, Sikiru Durotoye missed a glorious chance to put the icing on the cake for Osun United, but he watched as his effort sealed wide off an empty net. 

Both teams finally shared the spoils as the match official ended the thrilling encounter for 1-1

“Kasam’s win was a surprise for me” - Olawale

 

“Kasam’s win was a surprise for me” - Olawale 

Ibrahim Ahmed Olawale, President of new football kids on the block KASAM FC of Ilorin says the essence of the Optima Energy Gold Cup was a tool to measure his team's development, as he is not overwhelmed by the win against Ijebu United. 

Olawale told Optima Energy Gold Cup media channel of his team earned their debut win in the opening fixture on Thursday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. 

"The victory against Ijebu United in our Optima Energy Gold Cup debut, got me suprised, looking at the status of Ijebu United, them being a top side in the Nigeria National League and runners-up in last year's edition of the preseason tourney. 

"My team is new and has a mix of players who have not really had a feel of top professional football. The result is massive for the team as  our goal is to use the Optima Energy Gold Cup platform to bridge the gap in the team. 

"Going forward, it's a developmental process for KASAM FC, the game against Ijebu United has exposed to us our weakness and strength, and from there solutions will be proffered to where we're lacking."

Asked about the mission and objective of setting up the football academy. 

"The brain behind KASAM FC, is the coming of football business minds and having a blueprint of European basic football club administration, players development vis-a-vis playing top quality football. 

"As regards the business part of the game, we are much interested in it, the European market and also open to profit driven partnership that can expand the academy. This is why we have set a standard for ourselves as we know that the football market is global. 

"Every team that's taking part in the 12th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup want to win, but for KASAM FC, we are using this platform as one of the tools to measure our development. 

"However with the Ijebu United hurdle  crossed, we will be taking the matches as they come, make good use of our chances moving forward as we have more tough matches to play. 

"I also want to use this medium to commend the Optima Energy Gold Cup organisers for a job well done, the off-season tourney has shown why it's sought after by top clubs in the three divisions of Nigeria league. 

"The level of organization, standard and caliber of teams in tourney just makes it professional and a platform to shape teams and players for the new season and football market."

Optima Energy Gold Cup Name SofaScore As Technical Partner

 

Optima Energy Gold Cup Name SofaScore As Technical Partner 

The Optima Energy Gold Cup has announced SofaScore as its official technical partner for its pre-season football tournament for the next three (3) years.

Sofascore, owned and developed by Croatia based tech company SofaIT will collect and analyse match data to the millions of global users of the Sofascore app, of teams and players taking part in the 2024 edition of the nation's sought-after off-season football tournament. 

Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu are billed to host the Optima Energy Gold Cup from August 15th to 24th.

"The Optima Energy Gold Cup is thrilled to join forces with SofaScore, as they are considered among the leading statistical analysts in football, bringing to fans the most comprehensive and insightful football analysis available," said Tunde Shamsudeen, the tournament General Coordinator.

"As the off-season football tourney continues to captivate our audiences in the last 11 editions, arose the need to take it to a new level at the 12th edition in Ikenne and Sagamu 

"The partnership is set to revolutionize pre-season football in Nigeria, with infographics custom-made to fit content of our domestic football League. 

"Fans can leverage on this unique experience by downloading the SofaScore app on their mobile devices from the Google PlayStore or Apple Store to keep track of their favorite teams and players' match-by-match stats."

Made In Africa Sports, Optima Energy Gold Cup Seal Partnership

 

Made In Africa Sports, Optima Energy Gold Cup Seal Partnership

Pan-African tech-driven media firm and sports data analytics, news, and content creation specialist, Made In Africa Sports (MIAS) has sealed a partnership deal with the Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament. 

The 12th edition of the nation's premier pre-season tourney for football clubs in the three-tiers of the league kicks off at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium, Sagamu on Thursday, August 15, with the finals scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024.

Made In Africa Sports Executive Director Enitan Obadina explains the importance of the partnership in a chat with the Media Channel of the nation's most sought-after pre-season tourney. 

"The Optima Energy Gold Cup is the most consistent preseason football tournament, and we know they stand for excellence. 

"This is why the partnership is exciting for us at Made in Africa Sport as we look forward to sharing our expertise and home-grown solutions to how fans and football clubs enjoy football through data. 

"Made In Africa Sports data solutions give insight to teams and a different experience for fans who watch the game."

The tournament's General Coordinator Tunde Shamsudeen said; "We are delighted to have Made In Africa Sports as one of our partners. 

"This is not the first time we're having a sports data firm as a partner, but that of MIAS is unique, as their speciality is of essence to the clubs taking part in the pre-season tournament, as they will be using data to help players and teams perform better. 

"It's a new approach that takes the guesswork out of coaching, giving clear insights that help improve training and tactics going into the new football season."