George Aluo Wants Maximum Cooperation Says No Sacred Cow In NNL

George Aluo Wants Maximum Cooperation Says No Sacred Cow In NNL

Seyi Akanni

George Aluo led board of Nigeria National League has insisted that, NNL board remain 'impartial' saying, there won't be preferential dealing with clubs in Nigeria National League, clubs that are promoting violence and unsportsmanlike conduct would be swiftly sanctioned.

Aluo, a veteran Journalist turned administrator made this remark during the closing ceremony of the workshop organized for coaches and media officers in Ikenne.

"When we were appointed back then, we knew the only way to sanitise the league is to develop human capacity, that's why we gathered coaches for sensitisation. We took it further this year by inviting clubs media managers. Everyone saw how judgement was swiftly dispensed last season without bias.

"It’s time to end the cycle of ‘we rob you, you rob us.’ The NNL board remains impartial and will not favor any club. Any grievances should be  directed to the secretariat, where it will  be addressed  promptly". Aluo remarked.

Hon. Kunle Soname also heaped praises on the NNL board saying what the board achieved, last season was unprecedented. He charged the participants to always avoid controversies and desist from actions that can put the game to disrepute.

The Pre season seminar  was handled by veteran coach, Alphonsus Dike, Former Super Eagles player and  Assitant Coach Fatai Amoo, CAF and FIFA Referee Instructor, Calistus Chukwujekwu, top Media Practioners, Tony Ubani, John Joshua-Akanji and Tobex Tobechukwu

World Judo Day: Hundreds of Students Showed Interest in Joining the Osun Judo Family

 

World Judo Day: Hundreds of Students Showed Interest in Joining the Osun Judo Family

By: Oluwaseun Omolola 

It was an eventful day at Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo as the Judo family in Osun State joined the rest of the world in celebrating the 2024 World Judo Day.

In a bid to catch them young,the Osun State Judo family visited Fakunle Comprehensive High School to celebrate and display some judo skills to the students.

While addressing the students on this year's theme 'WELLBEING', Osun State Judo Coach, Temitope Ayodele said that it's so important for all all and sundry to look after themselves.

" Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It’s a complex combination of a person’s physical, mental, emotional and social health factors. Wellbeing is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. In short, wellbeing could be described as how you feel about yourself and your life." Said coach Ayodele.

She also took timeout to thank the leadership of the Osun State Sports Council for their unalloyed and unending support, while also appreciate the wonderful support from King Timmy Okeniyi who is the Chairman of the King Timmy Judo and Sambo Foundation.

Highlight of the event was the demonstrations from the Judokas to captivate the students after which hundreds of the students showed interest in joining the Osun State Judo family.

Exercise books and other items were shared for the students to appreciate their presence.

Osun To Celebrate World Judo Day On Monday.

 Osun To Celebrate World Judo Day On Monday.

By: Oluwaseun Omolola 

King Timmy Judo and Sambo Foundation in conjunction with Osun State Sports Council will on Monday, 28th October, 2024 join the rest of the world to celebrate this year's World Judo Day.

Every year, the International Judo Federation and the judo community celebrate World Judo Day on 28th October. This day represents a lot for all the judo fans around the world as it is the birthday of the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano Shihan. For each edition a theme is chosen to illustrate the values of judo. This theme is designed to be used as a strong tool to develop the visibility of the sport within and outside of the judo family. In 2024, the theme is: WELLBEING.

While speaking with journalists in Osogbo today, Osun State Judo coach, Temitope Ayodele said that Osun Judo Association will use this year's Judo Day as an avenue to introduce the sport to students in order to get grassroot athletes.

" This year, we want to take sport to outside of the Judo family so as get more athletes to participate in Judo. Hence, we chose Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo as our venue."

" We see the need to catch them young from tender ages. *We have received great support from one of our very own, an Osun born( oyan) and UK based named King Timmy Okeniyi who is also the chairperson of the King Timmy Judo and sambo foundation,  the Osun State Sports Council and the Management of Fakunle Comprehensive High School to make the program a huge success." Concluded Coach Temitope.

Expected at the venue on Monday are the Chairman House Committee on Sports, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiola Awoyeye, The General Manager of Osun State Sports Council, Mr Rotimi Dunmoye, The Director of Sports, Coaching and Training of Osun State Sports Council, Mr Ademola Daini, The Director of Sports Organization Osun State Sports Council, Mrs Ronke Ogunbanwo, Deputy Director Coaching and Training, Mrs Joke Osho among others.

The event would take place on Monday, 28th October, 2024 at Fakunle Comprehensive High School Osogbo by 2pm.

Ololade Demands Merit-Based Approach, Warns Interlopers As Osun Utd Coaches Converse Players' Final Cut

 

Ololade Demands Merit-Based Approach, Warns Interlopers As Osun Utd Coaches Converse Players' Final Cut

In the current task of identifying, assessing, monitoring, and ultimately acquiring players for Omoluabi Giants who will represent the state in the forthcoming season, Seye Ajayi led Technical Crew have been charged to acquire sterling, phenomenal and illustrious talents, presenting a squad devoid of sentiments.

The club chairman, Gbenga Ololade noted in a chat with pressmen in Osogbo Township Stadium having realised how players recruitment has evolved significantly in both scope and complexity.

United would be looking to add the necessary shifts to achieve the desired goals in the new season starting next month, recognise players as the chief cornerstone resource.

Likewise, securing the finest talents available in an era dominated by bias and sentiments would mean coaches need to stand upright and spearhead the assemblage of optimal squad following rigorous players evaluation.

"We need to get it right from this stage, we are all working round the clock to make sure the best legs are recruited.

"It's important to fill the existing vacuum with expertise and excellence. With the free hand enjoyed by the coaches while doing their assessments, we expect a squad capable of achieving our targets of playing in the premiership.

"We have assured our principal of hitting the target and the government is keen on seeing us flying high, knowing fully well that the competition would be so tough. We appreciate the government for the timely supports rendered to us, although we have been assured of more supports and motivations. 

"I am therefore optimistic that our coaches won't listen to invaders while giving us their best. The most important thing is to get it right at this stage in order not to suffer the consequences." Ololade who's the newly pronounced management head charged.

Ogunmodede was with us spiritually in win against Nasarawa United- Coach Kamil 'Lama'

 

Ogunmodede was with us spiritually in win against Nasarawa United- Coach Kamil 'Lama'

Coach Sulaimon Kamil has insisted that Head Coach Daniel Ogunmodede was spiritually with Remo Stars in the 3-0 thrashing of Nasarawa United on Matchday Six. 

Three second half goals from Sikiru Alimi, Stanley Joseph and Ismaila Sodiq secured the maximum 3points for the Sky Blue Stars. 

A delightful Lama while giving credit to the lads, also reckoned that he didn't change the match plan despite going into halftime goalless. 

"The 3 points was a hard-fought one and a morale boost for the team. They deserve all the credit, as it was not easy scoring three second-half goals and keeping a clean sheet. 

"The lads lived up to the hype, despite Ogunmodede not on the bench but on national assignment with the Super Eagles for the botched AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya in Benghazi. 

"Ogunmodede 'IjaBall' was with us spiritually, as we only misses his physical presence."

On the three goal scoreline, " I didn't introduce anything differently, we followed his (IjaBall) match philosophy, tentatively we built on the foundation he laid."

On the two games (Abia Warriors and Nasarawa United), he has been in charge in the absence of his boss, Ogunmodede. 

"First was an away game, while the second was at home, delighted with the 6 points and for the fact that the team will build on it going forward. 

"With 12 points in the bag before the game against the Solid Miners, the plan is to garner 15 points from the next five matches. We have earned 3 points, so the chase is on for 12 points, starting with the game against Plateau United."

Lama also gave kudos to Sikiru Alimi who ended his goal drought with his first of the 2024/2025 campaign. 

"Brilliant play from Alimi, I was delighted with his performance. He kept his cool and focus, not easy going five matches without finding the back of the net, am happy he has finally opened his goal account for the new season. 

"Now that he has got his goal, Alimi will certainly keep scoring goals for the team," Lama insists.

2024 Osun Intercollegiate Games Set to Kick Off.

 

Osun Intercollegiate Games 2024: "Twenty Two Institutions To Compete In Six Sports."

The stage is set for the 2024 edition of the Osun Intercollegiate Games, scheduled to hold from November 20 to December 4, 2024, across four tertiary institution campuses in Osun State.

Organized by Ace Sports in collaboration with the Osun State Tertiary Institution Games (OSTIGA), Osun State Ministry of Education (Tertiary Institutions), Osun State Ministry of Sports, and other relevant bodies, the event aims to foster sporting relationships among tertiary institutions in Osun State, spot talents, and encourage career development.

According to Olayiwola Olafiranye, Ace Sports Team Lead and CEO of Olafiranye Sports Foundation, "The Osun Intercollegiate Games will broaden and deepen the spirit of understanding and cooperation among management, members, staff, and students of participating schools."

An aggregate of about twenty two tertiary institutions in Osun State have been activated to participate in the games, with at least one thousand five hundred student-athletes representing their respective schools in jostling for honours.

Olayiwola further assured Sports lovers across the state of an interesting competition as the game kicks off next month in four campuses across the state. 

"I am optimistic that the Osun Intercollegiate would be a huge sporting festival. "The competition will offer participating schools an opportunity to enjoy first-hand experience of a well organized Intercollegiate games in Osun State.

"The Osun Intercollegiate games will see Schools participate in six different games, namely, Football (Male and Female), Athletics (Male and Female), Table Tennis (Male and Female), Badminton (Male and Female), Chess (Male and Female), Scrabble (Male and Female) and Tug of War (Female). 

Olafiranye also promised all participating institutions that the Organization would be collaborating with security agencies to ensure safety and orderliness whenever needed. 

He therefore thanked and sent messages of appreciation to the Ministry of Education (Tertiary Institutions), Ministry of Sports, the Sports Council, OSTIGA and the various sport bodies, for their supports. 

Also speaking the Chairman of the Osun Tertiary Institution Games (OSTIGA) Council, Mr. Agboola Akinbode, noted that all things are being put in place, to ensure a very smooth and  successful competition.

He however declared that the technical committee of the Competition has already been constituted by the representatives of all participating schools and relevant sports associations, who are associated with the tourney. 

"We are indeed elated with this kind of initiative brought by Ace Sports. More importantly, we are excited with the level of interest shown so far by the institutions.

"We want to assure all schools participating that the games would be fair and unbiased, as professional umpires would be used for all the games. 

The upcoming event is expected to attract talented student-athletes from across tertiary institutions in the state, creating an atmosphere for spirited competition and camaraderie.

GreenLock FC, Gulf United Partnership Yielding Results - Funsho Peters

 

GreenLock FC, Gulf United Partnership Yielding Results - Funsho Peters

As GreenLock FC continues to strive for excellence and arguably become one of the best football academies in Nigeria in terms of bringing young players to an international level, the Abuja-based side says its partnership with Gulf United is yielding a lot of results. 

The official agreement signed in 2023 signaled a multi-year relationship that trains and further develops both clubs through information sharing, workshops, and player deals.

With the astonishing move of quintuplets Ashiru Ibrahim, Daniel Odumu, Hamed Traore, Taofiq Yekini and Opeyemi Falade to the Eagles, Funsho Clifton Peters, Executive Vice Chairman of GreenLock FC, who is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) talks more about the partnership. 

"We're very pleased with the partnership, as it aligns with GreenLock FC's long-term goals.

"It also reaffirms GreenLock FC's commitment to being the career pathway to stardom for players, as we certainly look forward to developing more programs to help professionalise the football industry in Nigeria moving forward.

“Both clubs aim to continue to share knowledge and experience, as well as build the relationship in terms of exposing our talented players to the UAE football market.

Mo Jarad - Director of Gulf United said: "The aim is to support the growth of GreenLock FC's expansion within Nigerian football into becoming the leading developer of youth talent in the region.

"There are strong synergies between Green Lock and Gulf United. At the heart of

both clubs, there is a strong sense of purpose, and hunger to provide opportunities for young players in places which they traditionally may have not been found.

"We also find strong parallels between the growth and trajectory of UAE football and Nigerian football, as well as the abundance of talent that exists there. 

"We look forward to working together in a strategic and organized way and to have a real impact along the way."

Osun FA Order A One-minute Silence To Condole The Loss Of ThankGod Paul

 

*Osun FA Order A One-minute Silence To Condole The Loss Of ThankGod Paul*

Osun  Football Association is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of   ThankGod Paul, a talented player from Feed Talents FC  and dedicated member of our football community.

As a mark of respect, we request that all football matches across the state observe a one-minute silence before kick-off this weekend.

According to the secretariat, "We invite players, officials, and supporters to join together in paying tribute to Paul's memory and extending condolences to their family, friends, and loved ones."

It's indeed a trying moments for us and the entire football community in the state. May ThankGod Paul  rest in peace."

Five GreenLock FC Prodigies Sign For UAE's Gulf United

 

Five GreenLock FC Prodigies Land Gulf United Deals

Five GreenLock FC Prodigies Sign For Gulf United

In a groundbreaking move to become the best football academy in Nigeria, five prodigies from GreenLock FC of Abuja have signed with Gulf United FC, a top team in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Ashiru Ibrahim, Daniel Odumu, Hamed Traore, Taofiq Yekini, and Opeyemi Falade have completed the move from Nigeria to join the Eagles.

This transfer not only showcases the exceptional talents of the five players but also represents a partnership between Gulf United FC and GreenLock to develop young players.

The players were hand-selected by the GreenLock FC scouting team in Nigeria.

Funsho Clifton Peters, Executive Vice Chairman of GreenLock, expressed his delight with this development.

"It's a privilege for GreenLock players to

have direct access to pathways such as the Gulf United FC. We are working hard to create a one-of-a-kind club in GreenLock which can attract regional and global attention.

"It's no secret that Nigeria has some of the best talent globally. Our aim, with the support of Gulf United, is to be able to provide the selected players at GreenLock a development roadmap to success, which allows players to unlock their maximum potential and performance on the global stage of football."