League Expansion Dispute: NWFL Championship Forum Petitions National Sports Commission

 

League Expansion Dispute: NWFL Championship Forum Petitions National Sports Commission

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) finds itself embroiled in controversy following its Annual General Assembly (AGA) held on December 17, 2024, in Abuja. The AGA, which should have marked another milestone for women’s football, has instead become a focal point of tension due to allegations of democratic violations by the NWFL Board, led by Chairperson Nkechi Obi.

At the heart of the matter is the proposed expansion of the NWFL Premiership from 16 to 20 teams, a move supported by a clear majority of the 35 delegates present. According to a petition submitted to the National Sports Commission by the NWFL Championship Forum, 22 delegates voted in favor of the expansion, and 16 backed its immediate implementation in the 2024/2025 season. Despite this, the NWFL Board allegedly overruled these decisions, opting instead for a controversial draw and delaying the implementation of the expansion.

In addition, the congress supported maintaining the NWFL Championship structure with 20 teams and no relegations for the upcoming season due to the absence of a third-tier league. These recommendations were also reportedly dismissed, prompting widespread discontent among stakeholders.

Forum Appeals for Intervention

The petition, signed by Forum Chairman Jimoh Daudu and Vice Chairman Aminu K. Shuaibu, calls on the National Sports Commission to intervene. It demands that the NWFL Board respect the AGA’s democratic outcomes, admit Osun Babes, Sunshine Queens, Royal Queens, and Pelican Stars into the Premiership, and maintain the Championship’s current structure.

“This blatant disregard for democratic decisions undermines the growth and inclusivity of women’s football,” the petition reads. “We urge the Commission to take decisive steps to rectify these irregularities for the sake of progress,” the petition reads.

Full petition below

Future Eagles: Lanreleke Academy Football Prodigy Dominating The Game

 Future Eagles: Lanreleke Academy Football Prodigy Dominating The Game

Akanni Seyi

In a place where dreams of stardom were often confined to the realm of possibility, one teenager stood out. Adeleke Fawaz, a fast rising footballer whose determination and brilliance on the field is making statement.

From an early age, Fawaz showed an unwavering passion for the sport, often practicing late into the evening.

Despite facing countless obstacles and doubts from those around him, Fawaz's love for the game fueled his perseverance. He knew talent alone would never be enough, he continued his secondary school education in the foremost co-educational institute in Osun State, Lanreleke Sports Academy, Ile-Ogbo.

Born and bread in Osogbo where he had his primary school education, his trajectory into 'Future Eagles' shows his determination to rise to stardom from local hopeful to a national prospect.

Fawaz's quality is a motivation for his peers because he excelled where others failed. His journey was not without setbacks, but his resilience only grew stronger. He used each challenge as motivation to push harder, train smarter, and never back down from a difficult situation.

His breakthrough came during Osun Principal's Cup tournament, where he showcased his extraordinary skills: his impeccable ball control, sharp decision-making, and natural ability to read the game, providing a link between defence and attack.

Everyone in the stands couldn’t ignore the 14-year old's brilliance, a born leader elevating the performances of his teammates, following quality tutelage and lifestyle from the reputable academy. His call-up to the national cadet team, is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent. 

It was a moment of triumph not just for him, but for his entire community and institute, who had watched him grow from a hopeful kid with a ball at his feet to a national prospect with a future in the sport. It is the beginning of a new chapter for himself and other teammates who are showing promising future in Morocco despite losing 0-2 to the host's U-17 yesterday.

NNL: Boyo Stays Optimistic As Osun Utd Prepares To Face Stubborn Gateway United

 NNL: Boyo Stays Optimistic As Osun Utd Prepares To Face Stubborn Gateway United

 

As Nigeria National League NNL., proceeds to Matchday Two, Osun Utd will be aiming for first victory at home against wounded opponents, Gateway United of Abeokuta, in Ile-ogbo.

The two sides having failed to pick maximum points in Matchday One would explore opportunities to scoop the maximum points. 'Imole Gladiators' failed to capitalise on opponents scalp in Lagos last week but managed to survive Bankers onslaught unscathed, as visitors suffered heartbreak at home, failing to secure maximum victory against new comer, Godswill Akpabio FC.

Lanreleke Sports Academy Ile-Ogbo, the venue of the crucial encounter will come alive as glory seekers rumble on the lush green of the co-educational institute's sports complex.

In a chat with defence trojan, Solomon Boyo, our new recruits who earned his full debut under Seye Ajayi last week shared his unwavering optimism as 'Believe And Achieve' gears up for a challenging matchup against a familiar foe. 

Despite the dominant nature of the opponents, most especially in the last four meetings, Boyo expressed confidence in his teammate's ability to rise to the occasion and turn things around.

 "We know it's going to be a tough test," he said, "but we’ve been working hard and we trust each other. I believe we have what it takes to come out on top, no panic, and no pressure either, all we want is three maximum points." His words reflect the strong bond within the team and the determination to prove themselves against high-caliber opposition.

"We’ve been focusing on fine-tuning our game plan and making sure we’re all on the same page. We’re not worried about what the other team does, we’re more focused on executing our own strategies to the best of our ability, we want to storm Owerri next week with sheer optimism but we take it game by game, starting from tomorrow," Boyo who had a remarkable performance against Osun Utd, in far away Eket last season, while donning FC ONE Rocket jerseys expressed.

©OsunUtdMedia

The Glittering Glory Of Osun FA Award 2024

 Osun FA Award: Nasarawa Utd New Bride Adegoke Qamar, Igbajo Sports Commission Shine As Osun Utd Shot Stopper Pick Best Goalkeeper

It's a glamorous atmosphere filled with excitement and colourful ambience of elegancy as dignitaries stormed the venue of Osun FA Award, anticipating reward of professionalism, teamwork, sportsmanship, growth, passion and excellence.

The 2024 Osun FA Award gala in Osogbo saw David Atolagbe of Lanreleke Academy crowned the best young player in the game last season. Igbajo Sports Commission completed a double-treble of the top prizes, as Adegoke Qamar took home the Player of the Year (male) while Robiat Taofeek of Igbajo United Ladies won Player of the Year  Feminin. 

The event being the first in the annals of the associations saw enthusiasm as it's best. Chairman of Osun State Football Associations, Mayor Sola Fanawopo in his remark stated that, best global practices were employed during the selection of the winners with upright and firm jurists who worked with available data and statistics, he further eulogised the sponsors and partners for making the day a reality.

"We celebrate the communities, players, referees, fans, and coaches that are training these talents. We celebrate the administrators as well. FA is for everybody.

"We recognise football as a powerful tool and it's the biggest enterprise in the world.

Our state is pioneering community owned football club; Igbajo Utd and Ile-Ogbo Utd too have come to stay.

"We pioneer Local Football League and also pioneer Women Football League, the first in the country. We want to be known for women football developments. Our aspiration is to produce 30% of national female players. We plead to all to support our aspirations." Fanawopo submitted.

The event which featured red-carpet appearances and performances brought together football stars, referees, soccer pundits, football writers, administrators, coaches and fans alike.

Igbajo Sports Commission had a remarkable night as Igbajo Development Association became the recipient of Hon. Lanre Ladebo Community Award. Igbajo Utd was adjudged to be the Best Team of the year. Muideen Onile of Igbajo Utd picked coach of the year, his counterpart Braimah Saheed of Igbajo Utd Ladies was voted Female Coach of the year.

Other notable winners included, Fadele Okikijesu as Hon. Adio Referee of the year, 

Sabitu Abiola of Osun Utd as Olatunji Baruwa (M.O.N) Best Goalkeeper of the year, Alh. Olayiwola Olafiranye the winner of Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Keeping Football Positive Award, Mercy Otu of Lanreleke Sports Academy, Young Player of the year (female). Joseph Atewe, Demola Atanda and Isaac Sanyaolu were the notable Sports Journalists that distinguish themselves accordingly.

Special Award and recognition also goes to H.E. Gov. Ademola Adeleke (Football Excellence Award), Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi (Football Infrastructure Development Award), erstwhile Osun FA Chairman, High Chief Rasaq Ishola Mustapha (Ademola Adeshina Lifetime Achievement Award), Engr. Lanrewaju Adeleke (Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Football Development Award).

FUBF Congratulates Oliseh And FC Ebedei on Onuachu's FIFA Award Nomination

 

Barrister Churchill Oliseh and his club, FC Ebedei one of Nigeria's premier professionally-run football academies have received commendations from Family United By Football (FUBF) following the nomination of Super Eagles forward Ebere Paul Onuachu MON for the FIFA Puskás Award, which honors the year's best goal.

Last week, FIFA released a video showcasing the goals of all the nominees for the 2024 Puskás Award, and among them was the talented player from FC Ebedei.

Onuachu's remarkable acrobatic backheel finish during a match against Konyaspor last season, which contributed to Trabzonspor's 2-1 victory in the Turkish Super Lig, has made it to the list of 11 stunning goals competing for the prestigious prize.

FUBF, a vibrant sports advocacy group on WhatsApp, expressed their accolades while highlighting Barrister Oliseh and FC Ebedei's contributions to grassroots football development in Nigeria and beyond.

FC Ebedei is notable not only for being the only football academy and team in Nigeria to have three of its graduates—Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika—selected for the Super Eagles' silver-winning squad in the recent AFCON held in Ivory Coast, but also for being the first club in sub-Saharan Africa to have a player nominated for this FIFA accolade named after the legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás, celebrated for his remarkable individual goals.

As one of Africa's most respected football teams, FC Ebedei consistently produces top-quality players and stands out as one of Nigeria's best-managed football academies.

Through FC Ebedei, Barrister Churchill Oliseh has been instrumental in the careers of five Members of the Order of the Niger (MON): Sunday Oliseh, Dosu Joseph, Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika.

Barrister Oliseh’s success stories with Nigerian players are extensive, including his pivotal roles in the careers of Super Eagles legends Dosu Joseph and Sunday Oliseh. He provided the career pathway for Sunday Oliseh when he signed him to his first football team, JAMB FC, and helped Dosu transition to Europe from Julius Berger.

Before the 1996 Atalanta Olympics, Barrister Oliseh arranged for Dosu to join the Dream Team by purchasing a flight ticket from Italy, a cost he covered, which remains unpaid to this day.