Abakaliki Based Soccer Fans Salute Governor Nwifuru For Re-acquiring NNL Slot For Abakaliki FC After Relegation Stalemate

 

Abakaliki Based Soccer Fans Salute Governor Nwifuru For Re-acquiring NNL Slot For Abakaliki FC After Relegation Stalemate 

Fans of Abakaliki based Nigeria  National League side Abakaliki FC stage celebration at various joints across Abakaliki the Ebonyi state capital when information sneak in confirming the purchase of a new second tier league position for Abakaliki FC.to ensure the team return and compete at the same league stage they campaigned on last season but incidentally suffered relegation. 

Information reaching the Sports Desk indicates that the state government had acquired  the NNL slot of Osun state based club Hammola. FC to return Rice Boys who incidentally suffered a relegation last season to the National League which is the major pledge of Governor Francis Nwifuru during a reception for the team for finishing runners-up in the just concluded season in the Nigeria Football Federation President Federation Cup fiesta after losing 3-4 to Kwara United in the final in Lagos last month.

The latest arrangements is an indication of a new face of success and how government prioritise sports for the less than one year old club, commonly tagged as Giants Killers, due to their dominance during the President Federation cup campaign.

The Rice Boys eliminated mighty prestigious league teams including former two time African Champions,Enyimba International who also hold the record of top league highest winners.Nassarawa United,Kastina United and Ikorodu FC all campaigning in the Nigeria top league NPFL.on their way to the final in  the oldest NFF competition in the country.

Speaking on the development,some of the club fans, Tochukwu Ewa,John Bosco and Emeka Nwankata praise Governor Nwifuru for fulfilling his promises for the team.

They called on the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Richard Idike to take every necessary action to address any factor that can cause setback   for the team including addressing the management capacity,technical crew and signing of more fresh quality players for a successful season.

Other fans of the team,Ikenna Ikwuegbu,Alhaji Mansiru and Ebere Okoye acknowledge that the period of struggling to adapt with the league as a new commers  is over and challenge the team's management to exhibit core-professionalism in handling the team affairs for a successful campaign.

Asegba

GreenLock Football Academy Structure Designed For Success, Career Growth

 GreenLock Football Academy Structure  Designed For Success, Career Growth 

Omowunmi Blessing Awe is an elegant and intelligent leader who serves as the Head of Operations at Green Lock FC/Academy. She is dedicated to making a significant impact in a male-dominated industry.

Awe has demonstrated a strong ability to build and lead teams, enhancing the performance of both the football club and the academy.

Green Lock FA conducts its training sessions at the Navy Town Sports Centre, which boasts excellent facilities that support both training and leisure activities. The accommodation provided ensures a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for players.

The launch of the Green Lock Football Academy is scheduled for August 31st in Lagos. Awe explains that the academy’s structure is designed to foster the success and career growth of its football talents.

"Green Lock Football Academy distinguishes itself in Nigeria through its comprehensive approach to player development," she states, "emphasizing technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, mental preparation, and educational support."

On the holistic approach, GreenLock Football Academy is offering to player development, Awe explains in detail. 

"Green Lock FA provides a structured program that nurtures young talents while ensuring they excel both on and off the field. This includes personalized coaching, fitness training, mental toughness programs, soccer picnics, excursions, fun games, nutritious meals, and academic support, all aimed at promoting well-rounded development, including discipline."

In addition to technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, mental preparation, and educational support, Green Lock Football Academy also offers strategies for maximizing results through talent identification and development. 

"We continuously scout and nurture young talents, providing them with top-notch training facilities and coaching," Awe notes.

Player welfare and academic support are integral parts of Green Lock Football Academy. 

"We ensure the physical and mental well-being of players through quality medical support, nutrition planning, and mental health resources. We also offer educational programs that complement football training, ensuring players have options beyond their playing careers. For instance, every student-athlete will learn elementary French as a second language to help them adapt when they travel abroad," Awe emphasized.

It also provides competitive exposure and coaching excellence for its players alike. 

"The academy regularly participates in local and international tournaments to test players' skills against diverse competition, aiding their development and visibility. Furthermore, the academy organizes yearly tournaments in Europe for all budding student-athletes.

"GreenLock FA has invested in continuous education for coaches to keep them updated with the latest training methodologies and tactics."

Finding the right talent can be challenging, but Green Lock Football Academy has a strategic scouting network supported by robust international partnerships. 

"The academy boasts a comprehensive scouting network that extends across Nigeria, identifying promising talents in both urban and rural areas. This network is vital for discovering hidden gems and providing opportunities to players who might otherwise go unnoticed," Awe explains.

"Green Lock FA has established relationships with clubs and networks outside Nigeria, facilitating smoother transitions for top talents to reach global platforms. These partnerships expose players to different playing styles, coaching techniques, and competitive environments, enhancing their growth."

Currently, Green Lock FA partners with Antalyaspor in Turkey, FC Liria in Kosovo, and Gulf United FC in the UAE, among others, and over nine Green Lock FC players are engaged with these clubs, showcasing their talents internationally.

Regarding community engagement, Awe shares, "We have built strong relationships with local communities to create a sustainable talent pipeline and promote football at the grassroots level."

By focusing on these areas, Green Lock Football Academy effectively harnesses Nigeria's vast talent pool, producing well-rounded, skilled players ready for both local and international careers.

Skouted Youth League Kicks Off July Ending In Ibadan

 

Skouted Youth League Kicks Off July Ending In Ibadan

The iconic Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, will be the central hub for football activities when the Skouted Youth League kicks off at the end of July.

The Skouted Youth League is a scouting league for players under 19 and will feature eight teams competing in a home-and-away format.

The facilitator of the Skouted Youth League, Mr. Adekunle Marooph Ademola stated that the program provides young players with the opportunity to showcase their skills to scouts and clubs.

Ademola explained why the Skouted Youth League has chosen a home-and-away format. 

"We discovered that the best players are not always selected during a 15- or 20-minute scouting match, as various factors can affect player performance," he said.

"We believe this format is fairer because it gives both teams an equal opportunity, fostering a more competitive and engaging experience for young football talents."

He further noted, "The league will include scouts from top-tier football academies, all aiming to discover the next big football star. We expect to attract over 500 talented football players from Nigeria."

CAA U18/20: 92 Athletes To Represent Nigeria As AFN Unveils Kits

 CAA U18/20: 92 Athletes To Represent Nigeria As AFN Unveils Kits

By Etu Moses

A total of 92 athletes will represent Nigeria at the U 18/20 Confederation of African Athletics Championship holding in Abeokuta from 16th to 20th, 2025. 

This was disclosed by AFN  President, Chief Tonobok Okowa at the unveiling of the kits to be used by Nigeria at the event.

Chief Okowa used the opportunity to correct the earlier impression that 96 athletes had been named. 

According to him, the kits manufactured by Puma are the best and assured the country that the athletes will make Nigeria proud. 

“ I am here today to unveil the kits to be used by our athletes for the U 18/20 African Confederation athletics Championship. The kits have been inspected and are of good quality manufactured by Puma. I can also assure you that the athletes have been well trained and will definitely make Nigeria proud.”

Meanwhile, Delta State athlete, Chioma Nwachukwu who would be competing in the 400m event has praised the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for the kits and promised that they will make Nigeria proud. 

“ By the grace of God, we have gone through serious training and hopefully, we will make Nigeria proud. Today’s unveiling of the kits signify the commencement of hostilities even though it will start on Wednesday. Our spirit is ready and we hope to do our best”

 Pointers ports can exclusively revealed that about 35 Countries including South Africa have arrived the rock city of Abeokuta and the opening ceremony is slated for this afternoon

Tijani Babangida Named Chairman Of FRSC FC

 

Tijani Babangida Named Chairman Of FRSC FC

Akanni Seyi.

Ex-International, Tijani Babangida has been appointed as the Chairman of Nigeria Nationwide League One Division One side, FRSC FC.

According to a release from the club media department, Coach David Emmanuel led technical team and players of FRSC Football Club were thrilled and excited to the pronouncement of Nigeria ex International and UEFA Champions League winner Tijani Babangida by the Corp Marshal of FRSC as the chairman of the Club.

The statement affirmed that, both players and coaches were delighted with the development and the merit based selection which saw the Olympics Gold Medalist taken over the helms of affairs of the club.

The club is optimistic that Tijani Babangida is loaded with wealth of experience and knowledge of football business which that alone will bring a major breakthrough to help the club. Tijani Babangida is a role model in Nigeria football and his passion for football and commitment to the development of young talent will undoubtedly take FRSC Football Club to greater height. The statement added.

With the pronouncements, the legendary player cum football administrator Tijani Babangida has visited the camp base of the Club in Keffi and that alone has boosted the moral of the Coaches and players, his visit really inspired and motivate the entire team members as some of them were seeing their legend for the very first time.

Recall FRSC Football Club is a professional football club based in keffi, Nasarawa State Nigeria, the club has won so many laurels in the past and dominating the FCT football circle after clinching back to back the FCT Federation Cup, the team also was the overall champion of NLO Super 8 tournament in Lagos and in 2019 the FRSC Football Club did played in the NPFL play off after toping the Northern group of the NNL. FRSC Football Club has twice came close to promotion from NLO in the two previous seasons.

Gladiators Gear Up For Southwestern Derby: Rasheed Calls For Focus

 

Osun United's Rasheed: We're There For Each Other, On And Off Pitch

Osun United fit again winger Adam Rasheed played a crucial role in the team's vital win over Warri Wolves, executing the coach's plan to perfection. After nursing injuries for a significant part of the regular season, Rasheed was able to shake off his physical limitations and bring his A-rated performance to the pitch in Asaba. 

His contribution was instrumental in securing the win, and he earned praise from fans and coaches alike for his determination and skill on the field.

Rasheed is now focused on the upcoming match against Crown FC, a highly anticipated Southwest derby that promises to be a thrilling encounter. He is hopeful of another positive result and has called on his teammates to remain determined and focused as they prepare for the big game. Rasheed emphasized the importance of teamwork, declaring that whether on the field or off the pitch, " my teammates are there for each other," he said.

This sense of unity and camaraderie will be crucial as Osun United takes on Crown FC in a match that could determine the team's fate in the Nigeria National League Super 8 playoff.

A win against Crown FC would mean that Osun United secures the NPFL ticket, a dream that Seye Ajayi's side has been working towards. With Rasheed's talent and determination on display, The Gladiators will be looking to build on their momentum and make a strong case for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League. 

The upcoming match against Crown FC is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to make a statement in Asaba.

NFF Mourns As Nigeria Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai Dies At 61

 

NFF Mourns As Nigeria Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai Dies At 61

 

The Nigeria football firmament turned pale on Thursday evening after it was confirmed that the country’s 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup first-choice goalkeeper Peter Rufai had died in Lagos following a period of illness.

 

“This is really, really shocking,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in Abuja. “Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill.

 

“We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family.”

 

Reports said the flamboyant goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigeria senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks, before giving up the ghost at a Lagos hospital at about 6am on Thursday.

 

Former Nigeria international midfielder Waidi Akanni confirmed that the body of one of Nigeria football’s true heroes had been deposited at a Lagos hospital.

 

Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships.

 

The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions), and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at a time.

 

Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981. He also played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.