Jack & Jones officially kits FC Ebedei, and Ebedei Sports College

 

Jack & Jones officially kits FC Ebedei, and Ebedei Sports College.

International fashion brand Jack & Jones now  kits Nationwide League One (NLO) team FC Ebedei and Ebedei Sports College. 

The brand creates its own line of football-style shirts, which are available for purchase globally.

Jack & Jones also produces top range fashion outfits and footwear.  Including standalone football jerseys as part of its regular clothing line. These are often designed with football-inspired aesthetics, such as V-necks, contrast trims, and sporty fits.

President of the club and sports college, Barrister Churchill Oliseh disclosed: "This is the first of its kind in Nigeria, for a football academy that is recognized in Europe. This collaboration is likely to serve as a benchmark for similar future initiatives. Our graduates exploits around the top leagues of the world provided the initiating mileage.

"The Jack & Jones kits will be a crucial part of FC Ebedei and Ebedei Sports College's visual identity, and strengthen the emotional bond between the team and its fans.

"There are also financial benefits from merchandise sales, and to leverage the brand's image and reputation.

"However, production of the kits has commenced and will be marketed globally."

Sporting Lagos Are 2025 Gold Cup Champions After Thrilling 4-3 Penalty Shootout

 

Sporting Lagos claim 2025 Gold Cup in thrilling 4-3 shootout

Sporting Lagos won the Gold Cup. for the first time in a 4-3 penalty shootout over FC Ebedei in the final on Saturday. 

It is an extraordinary way for Sporting Lagos who were up 2-0 scoring in both halves but let the lead slip in the final quarter of the game, as FC Ebedei forced the game into the lotteries of spot kicks. 

Sporting Lagos took the lead via an unfortunate own-goal by Joseph Okuaghaare in the 8th minute, after diverting the ball into his net. 

Seven minutes later, Olanshile Lawal had the chance to square the game up, on one-on-one with Clinton Lawani in goal for Sporting Lagos, but the FC Ebedei striker was poor with his finish. 

The half ended with Sporting Lagos taking the advantage into the dressing room, with the final 45 minutes a determining factor for both teams. 

With just two minutes into the second half, Sporting Lagos found themselves ahead, with Lasisi Alabi scoring from a quick attacking break in the 47th minute. 

One minute after the hour mark, FC Ebedei got the lifeline via a strike from Miracle Osakene. 

The game proceeded to penalties, after the Oliseh Boys made it 2-2 in extra time from a goalmouth scramble. 

It was soaked tense shootout, as despite the advantage, FC Ebedei's Fanen Terkula fluffs the chance to seal it for his team, with a poor miss, leaving Sporting Lagos to take the evening, converting their last kick.

FC Ebedei sets up Sporting Lagos Gold Cup final clash

 

FC Ebedei sets up Sporting Lagos Gold Cup final clash 

The curtain will fall on the 13th edition of the Gold Cup this Saturday as FC Ebedei battles Sporting Lagos in a highly anticipated final at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu. 

FC Ebedei reached its first Gold Cup final after beating Crown FC 4-2 on the lottery of penalties, after it ended goalless at full-time. 

Just like Sporting Lagos, it's also the Oliseh Boys' first final, though theirs came after the 13th attempt. 

It will be a repeat of the Group A clash, which saw Sporting Lagos claiming the 3points afte with a 2-1 win. 

In the first semi-final, Sporting Lagos piped former champions Lobi Stars via a late strike from super substitute Shola Oladunjoiye. 

The second semi-final between Crown FC and the Oliseh Boys was as exciting as the first, though it needed spot kicks to determine the winner, after it ended goalless at full-time. 

Oliseh Boys had their inspirational and substitute goalkeeper Ojo Daniel to thank, as he was at his best form in the shootout stopping two Crown FC penalties, the 1st and third. 

Tournament leading scorer, Kennedy John was the hero of the shootout after he converted FC Ebedei's 5th kick, to seal victory at 4-2.

Gold Cup: Lobi Stars, Sporting Lagos In Clash Of Titans Semi-Final, As Crown FC Faces FC Ebedei

 

Lobi Stars Battle Sporting Lagos As Crown FC Faces FC Ebedei In Gold Cup Semi-Finals

Gold Cup: Lobi Stars, Sporting Lagos In Clash Of Titans Semi-Final, As Crown FC Faces FC Ebedei 

The Gold Cup pre-season tournament knockout stage will kick start on Thursday with the two semi-finals at the FC Ebedei Stadium at Apele-Sagamu. 

After successfully navigating a demanding group stage, showcasing quality and brand of football, Sporting Lagos, Crown FC, Lobi Stars and FC Ebedei face new challenges as the tournament enters its most decisive stage.

Sporting Lagos, Crown FC and FC Ebedei have emerged as the standout teams of the competition, recording 9points each from matches, but respectively suffered a loss each in the group stage. 

While former champions Lobi Stars, the only team with the most goals scored, 9, will hope not to get complacent going forward. 

As the 13th edition of the nation's premier pre-season showpiece takes shape with Thursday's first semi-final at 8am, Lobi Stars will battle Sporting Lagos for a spot in the final on Saturday, in what promises to be a test of tactical maturity and attacking depth.

The pairing rekindles the rivalry between the former Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) teams. The only two matches between Lobi Stars and Sporting Lagos in the 2023–24 NPFL season. Lobi Stars won the first match in November 2023, and the second match in April 2024 ended in a draw, thus giving Bala Abubakar the lead over Jeffery Buter's impressive team. 

In the second semi-final at 3pm, FC Ebedei will hope to continue with their giant-killer status, as they will have their hands full against Crown FC. 

The Oliseh Boys will be banking on the leading top scorer of the 2025 Gold Cup, Kennedy John for goals, and also hope that the strike partnership of Olanshile Lawal and Miracle Osakeni can rediscover their scoring form. 

Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator of Gold Cup shares his thoughts on the blockbuster semi-final parings. 

"Congratulations to the last teams standing and the other six, that  have exited the tourney. The 13th edition has lived up to its hype looking at the teams that have made it, this far with 17 wins and a total of 49 amazing goals scored. 

"With no room for excuses, top level of football is expected from the four teams as they have used the group matches as a learning experience. 

"Anxious fans should expect the best from the teams, while we get set to wrap up the football fiesta we started last week seamlessly."

Sporting Lagos, Crown FC, Lobi Stars, FC Ebedei through to Gold Cup semi-final

 

Sporting Lagos, Crown FC, Lobi Stars, FC Ebedei advance to Gold Cup semi-finals

Sporting Lagos, Crown FC, Lobi Stars, FC Ebedei through to Gold Cup semi-final

The stage is set for a blockbuster semi-final, as Sporting Lagos, Crown FC, Lobi Stars, and FC Ebedei have confidently secured their spots in the semi-finals of the 13th edition of the Gold Cup.

In the final Group A and B fixtures held simultaneously at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu, Sunshine Stars and Ekiti United faced elimination, falling short despite their desperate need for a favourable outcome to continue in the tournament.

In Group A, GreenLock FC struck early, taking the lead in the 7th minute with Aminu Abdullah’s impressive half-volley that left Abdulgani Ishola helpless in goal for FC Ebedei. However, Oliseh Boys rallied back, snatching a 2-1 victory with two expertly taken second-half penalties by tournament top scorer Kennedy John, who rightfully earned the Player of the Match award.

Sunshine Stars, who were in a prime position to qualify ahead of FC Ebedei, had their hopes dashed in a hard-fought match against Abakaliki FC. 

They took the lead with a goal from Chuks Adoha in the 48th minute, but saw their advantage slip away just 11 minutes later when Jude Aleke struck a stunning free kick to equalize, sending both teams out of the tournament, as they respectively finished on 7pts and 4pts each. 

Sporting Lagos and FC Ebedei progressed from Group A on 9points each, but the former, an NNL team, tops the group on head-to-head, having defeated the Oliseh Boys 2-1..

In Group B, Lobi Stars dominated Seamoriow FC with a commanding 5-1 victory, finishing second on 7points and plus 6 goals difference. The top-of-the-table clash between 7points Ekiti United and 6points Crown FC proved to be an unmissable encounter. 

A crucial substitution by Coach Deji Ayeni for Crown FC saw Fabode Olaitan beat his marker and delivered a decisive shot into the top left corner for the winning goal in the 84th minute.

Crown FC finished the group top with 9points, followed by Lobi Stars (7points +6), Ekiti United (7points +2). 

With Wednesday reserved as a rest day, anticipation builds as semi-final action is set to resume on Thursday, promising intense competition among the four qualifying teams.

2025 Gold Cup: Sunshine Stars throw Group A with win over Sporting Lagos

 

2025 Gold Cup: Sunshine Stars throw Group A with win over Sporting Lagos

- Ekiti United Stuns Lobi Stars

- Odeyemi leads scoring chart with 3 Goals

MatchDay 5 of the Gold Cup saw an exciting turn of events as Sunshine Stars secured a 2-0 victory over a formidable Sporting Lagos at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu, claiming the South-West bragging rights.

In a surprising twist, Lobi Stars recorded their first defeat against Ekiti United, setting the stage for an intriguing finale on MatchDay 6.

Both fixtures began with a goalless first half, but Sunshine Stars quickly took control after the break. Gabriel Adepoju opened the scoring with a stunning finish in the 48th minute, followed by Kingsley Ogunmola, who extended their lead to 2-0 in the 53rd minute, marking their second win after an opening day loss to FC Ebedei.

Lobi Stars, on the other hand, will regret their missed opportunities, conceding a goal in the 56th minute due to an unfortunate own goal by Akile Monday. They must now defeat Seamoriow FC and score more goals to have a chance at advancing to the semifinal.

Ebenezer Odeyemi established himself as the leading scorer with three goals after helping Crown FC secure a resounding 5-2 victory over Stormers SC. This thrilling match featured two penalties, one for each team, and included a brace from Oyedeji Samuel, along with goals from Osas Kelvin and Onyeka Nwaiwu.

Meanwhile, FC Ebedei bounced back from their 1-2 loss to Sporting Lagos by narrowly defeating Abakaliki FC. A 62nd-minute penalty, expertly converted by Kennedy John, was sufficient for the Oliseh Boys to claim their second win. In the 80th minute, Miracle Osakene nearly added to the tally with a clever chip over the goalkeeper, only to be denied by the woodwork, leaving FC Ebedei grateful for their single-goal victory.

De Rice Boys left the pitch disappointed after failing to convert their chances throughout the match.

Gold Cup Tourney: Lobi Stars Humble Crown FC 3-0, Abakaliki, Stomers SC On Song

 

2025 Gold Cup: Lobi Stars Humble Crown FC 3-0

. Abakaliki FC Records Debut Win

. Stormers SC Storm Past Seamoriowo FC 

Former champions Lobi Stars have announced their intent to dominate the 13th edition of the Gold Cup after decisively defeating Crown FC 3-0.

Crown FC, who had begun the tournament with a promising 2-0 victory over Seamoriowo FC in MatchDay 1, faced a harsh reality in this match.

The highly anticipated star game of MatchDay 2 lived up to expectations at the FC Ebedei Stadium. 

Coach Bala's Lobi Stars showcased their superiority by earning a penalty in the 38th minute when a Crown FC defender handled the ball in the box. Kumaga Suur confidently converted the penalty to put Lobi Stars ahead.

The first half concluded with a goal from Azeez Tijani, who doubled the lead right before the break.

In the second half, Crown FC attempted to make a comeback but were ultimately outclassed by the former champions. As the match neared its end, Emmanuel Ofem delivered a powerful shot that sealed the victory for Lobi Stars.

In other matches, Abakaliki FC recorded their first goal and win of the Gold Cup pre-season tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against GreenLock FC. A stunning 20-yard volley from Chisom Ominyi in the 13th minute was enough to secure the three points for De Rice Boys.

Meanwhile, in another Group B match, Stormers SC improved their performance after a goalless draw against Ekiti United, beating Seamoriowo FC 3-1. The joint top scorer of the tournament, Shomoye Olamilekan, scored twice, with teammate Orshi Peter contributing another goal. Seamoriowo FC managed to find the net through a penalty by Nurudeen Kalil.

Alive And Kicking Nigeria: Osun State To Host Pioneering Ball Manufacturing Plant

 

Alive And Kicking Nigeria: Osun State To Host Pioneering Ball Manufacturing Plant

_Osun State Attracts Multi-Million Naira Sports Investment with Alive And Kicking Nigeria_

Alive And Kicking Nigeria, a pioneering ball manufacturing plant, has landed in Osun State, marking a significant milestone in the country's sports industry. The brain behind this project, Bob Olukoya PhD., revealed that the multi-million naira facility will produce a wide range of balls, including handballs, volleyballs, rugby balls, tennis balls, footballs, American footballs, and basketballs.

According to Dr. Olukoya, a UK trained Sports Administrator, the Osun State government has allocated a one-hectare land to the company at the Living Spring Free Trade Zone Ede. The necessary paperwork is being finalized, and production is set to commence without delay. This development is a testament to the state's investor-friendly policies, which have attracted Alive And Kicking Nigeria to Osun State.

The decision to partner with Osun State was not taken lightly. Over six states were considered, but Osun State's proactive approach and commitment to economic development made it the ideal choice. "We must produce what we consume," Dr. Olukoya emphasized, highlighting the government's policy. "That's what our company has brought to Osun State, and we believe our balls will satisfy the local market and beyond."

The impact of this project cannot be overstated. Nigeria currently spends $4 million annually importing balls from China and the Niger Republic, while the West African coast spends a staggering $14 million. Alive And Kicking Nigeria aims to bridge this gap by providing high-quality balls that meet FIFA/CAF standards. "We must show that we have the capacity to produce what we need and love our country and continent," Dr. Olukoya stressed.

The plant, which is currently operational in Kenya, is set to bring its expertise and technology to Nigeria. The company has highlighted key strategies to reach and satisfy the local market, including producing balls with different sizes and cutting-edge technology. "Our balls are tough, affordable, and durable on both green and brown surfaces," Dr. Olukoya boasted.

To test the quality of their products, Alive And Kicking Nigeria will be giving the first set of balls to clubs for free. This initiative will not only promote the company's products but also contribute to the development of sports in the state. "We believe in consuming what we produce," Dr. Olukoya reiterated. "The market is there; we just need to tap into it."

As the plant prepares to commence production, Dr. Olukoya emphasized the need for a producing economy rather than a consuming one. "When we start production, the raw materials needed to produce balls, such as rubber and leather, will experience a surge in demand," he noted. "This will have a positive impact on the economy and create new opportunities for our people." With Alive And Kicking Nigeria, Osun State is poised to become a hub for sports manufacturing in the country.

U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles To Battle Argentina After 1-1 Draw With Colombia

 

Seven-time African champions Nigeria put up an impressive performance against Colombia in the early hours of Monday to reach the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile.

 

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made big saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the scoreline pristine in Talca, but the Flying Eagles were the more adventurous side as they hit the upright on a number of occasions, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi and Suleman Sani in full flow for large swatches of the encounter.

 

Colombia went ahead in the 51st when Kener Gonzalez swept the ball in off an assist by Neyser Villareal, but the Flying Eagles were undaunted and launched onslaught after onslaught against the South Americans at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca.

 

Defender Odinaka Okoro was denied by the goalkeeper as he headed the ball from a pull-out by Maigana in the 76th minute.

 

However, the two-time silver medallists got their breakthrough with four minutes left in regulation time, when captain Daniel Bameyi sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot after a shot by Maigana was handled in the box.

 

Nigeria came close to earning the winner in the 89th minute, but Arierhi’s shot was blocked in the box.

 

The draw sets up Nigeria against Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday, in what is a repeat of the quarter-final pairing of the last championship hosted by Argentina, which Nigeria won 2-0 in San Juan.

 

Colombia will confront another African side, South Africa, while Norway will take on Paraguay in the Round of 16.